continued

   This was such a skilful presen­tation that sometimes one almost had to conduct further research to fully figure out what was made from chocolate and what was real cloth. She really is that talented. She uses a variety of fabrics, including silks, wools and embroidered pieces in a rich, vibrant pallet of colours (plum purples, metallic fuchsia, bright green, silver and chocolate brown) to reflect the energetic personalities of these women. With the collection featuring wrap-around pantsuits, sculptured skirts, striped cat suits, hooded vests and dresses of layered transparent fabrics and tulle.
   Macy Gray was represented by a draping devoire mini-dress layered over a huge, sculptural duchess satin skirt and topped off with a soft-tailored silk–velvet jacket with embroidery along the collar. Björk was a combination of a stretched lace top embroidered with sequins, voluminous tulle and hand-painted organza and a sculptured chocolate skirt. Sarah McLachlan was honoured, so to speak, with a layered mohair organza and Thai silk dress with metallic silk embroidery. It was subtle, rich and as complex as the singer herself. Special attention must be paid to the spectacular organic jewellery that accessorized her designs. I adored them all.
   Kimberley Newport of New York-based Pink Tartan enjoys the challenge of making beautiful clothes that ‘women want and can relate to.’ She, much like Donna Karan in her early career after leaving Anne Klein, designs equally for herself and her customers. ‘I take the simple approach [that] if it fits me and makes me feel good then I know my customer will love it, too.’
   She loves pink for what it re­presents: femininity, elegance and classic style. Tartan is the internal company code word used for anything chic, ‘whether it be a colour, combination of colours, a detail,’ and altogether the elements come together to describe a line of clothing that is very much inspired by vintage couture, good looks, good tailoring and an obsession with details.
   The fall 2004 collection was chock full of pieces I myself wish she would likewise design for men. This includes beautifully tailored coats, crisp white shirts with elongated cuffs, smartly cut pants that really define the legs and so much more. Again, although this was a women’s wear collection, her attention to detail and the execution of her vision made me want to wear some of the outerwear pieces such as the preppy red ¾ length just the same – in a much larger size, of course.

CONTINUED

TOP: Kimberley Newport of Pink Tartan and her models. FAR RIGHT: Franke by Kendra Francis. RIGHT AND REMAINING PHOTOGRAPHS: Eryn Reid.

‘I take the simple approach [that] if it fits me and makes me feel good, then I know my customer will love it, too’