Maison: Fun, Flirty and Sophisticated for Spring 2011
Designer Wendy Wong pushes the sartorial envelope via classic spring silhouettes with a twist (and perhaps a drape and pleat or two). Maison also has some tricks up its sleeve with surprising side jersey cowls, digital prints and pulls of chiffon. Sophisticated and feminine, Maison is a must know and must have for any style maker with an eye for crowd pleasers.
And what does Wong insist upon? Creamy and dreamy fabrics that she scours the world for. “When I see a fabric I just know: you’re the one. I touch a fabric and I can automatically see the garments. I feel it then I build a piece around it.” As her designs grow organically from a choice fabric, trust in a perfect marriage of feel and fit.
While there’s much in the collection that’s worth praising, a few stand out pieces include:
Vienna: An effortless number with a profound digital silk print that resonates of abstract watercolors. Look closely to see cranes in the print that emerge as if from a reflecting pool. The ruffles along the top add movement to the fluid print and the elastically cinched waist gently brings the figure into focus. Suggested retail price: $187
Venice: This piece nods to Wong’s talent for twisting, draping and pleating. The dress is made of silk and asserts the right amount of frills without the fuss. The fabric drapes from the waist to opposite shoulder, and then falls to embrace the bottom half curves in a most graceful way. Indeed a delectable sartorial treat. Suggested retail price: $242
Sway: Sweet and pretty, this piece is noteworthy for day and spot on for night. The silhouette is flattering and curve celebrating and the chiffon one shoulder draping adds interesting movement and sophisticated detail. The ladylike sentiment of the dress resonates with anyone with an appreciation for vintage. Suggested retail price: $242
Mist: Shorts with paper bag waist. The fit is expertly tailored and the fabric is full without being bulky. The high waist begs for a tucked in shirt and the length is just right. These shorts are a strong basic on the way towards a knock out ensemble. Suggested retail price: $143