Multi by Bree
THE SOPHOMORE COLLECTION from Barbara
Harris’s Multi by Bree line was a vast improvement on her first.
In the time between the two market weeks, Ms Harris has used her
time wisely to fine-tune her creative sense and otherwise tighten
up what was an operation that did leave a catch-as-catch-can, unfocused
first impression. This collection was far more cohesive; the presentation
at the Bryant Park Hotel was a far superior effort and for the most
part, she had home-run hits out of the ball park than the stream
of ground balls she served up last September. She opened her show
with business wear, starting with a beautifully fitted navy wool
(light pinstripe) jacket with shirred collar and cuffs paired with
a pencil skirt, and we were off to the races.
She followed that up with a black wool pinstripe
jacket and skirt suit that was artfully embellished with pleated
trim on the neckline, collar and sleeves, an Alexis Carrington Colby-worthy
white silk accordion sleeve blouse, and a red suede and leather
jacket with a discreet scalloped collar. Ms Harris, of course, has
had a long history being a successful businesswoman, so she knows
what’s appropriate for dressing for the office and gave these pieces
an extra oomph with the scalloped collars, etc. In the casual–sport
section of the show, she was not as successful at defining her vision,
but she did found some ingenious ways to incorporate denim into
her designs. For evening, she was back on firmer ground, especially
with her statuesque black halter top cashmere knee-length dress
with cut-out shoulders. Other pieces that were a ‘cut above the
rest’ include her black satin separate top and skirt with vertical
side lace inserts, her bright blue satin spaghetti strap dress and
cape with feather trim accents, and her wine coloured satin spaghetti-strap
ankle length dress with black-and-white ruffles. There’s really
no need to talk about the pieces in the collections that, well,
didn’t work because I am sure she’s busy working right now on fixing
those errors as not to repeat the same mistakes in her spring 2005
presentation.
The biggest surprise from Ms Harris’s fall 2004
show was the introduction of her men’s collection. Here, in this
instance, she was batting nearly a 1,000; and if she decides to
really work at it, she has a very bright future in the menswear
market. I just loved her men’s grey wool cashmere jacket with suede
collar and pocket trim accents, her camel wool cashmere suit was
paired with a wine silk shirt with discreet embroidered leaf print
detailing and her full length burgundy leather trench coat was one
of the best pieces in the collection (for men). For evening, her
navy tuxedo jacket has satin trim on the collar, pocket and sleeves,
and is a modern twist on a classic design. The only piece here I
felt should have been left back at the studio was her "Miami
Vice" double-breasted jacket. But that’s a small quibble when
faced with otherwise strong work.
CONTINUED
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For the most part, Barbara
Harris had home-run hits out of the ball park
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