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story by Chloe Bensahel
photos by Ned and Aya Rosen
web editor Rachel Reneé
Christian Cota’s Fall 2012 collection proved that, though Cota’s strength lies in his prints, he is first and foremost a sculptor. Upon viewing his collection, one is quick to see that he designs with the woman’s every angle in mind; the front, the back, and even that ever-so-slightly three quarter view that only she can detect when she looks in the mirror. Cota’s clothes wrap around the woman’s body not just to clothe it, but rather to hug and brush it so that she may walk out into the world as an empowered individual.
The designer looked to his Mexican roots for this season’s collection. Dense and tactile were the first of many words to come to mind while viewing the show. Impressions of weavings so rich they could’ve been the very fabrics they were inspired by filled the wooden pedestals, placed in the center of The Standard Hotel’s fully wooden room. Teal and terracotta tones made multiple appearances, including one fur and leather jacquard poncho whose luxury was worthy of a European couture house.
Cota, this season, stayed true to his codes of asymmetry, both from side to side and from front to back. Asymmetrical necklines and hemlines, such as that of the desert plaid print embroidered skirt, gave Cota’s traditional prints a modern twist. Other details carried out from previous collections included an open weave sweater, and couture details like hand-finished seams. Desire filled the room, as all were wide-eyed for his feminine yet cutting-edge designs. Cota has elevated himself to the status of “couturier,” as this collection’s craft and excellence were flagrant. When garments demand events to be worn to, one knows that luxury has been attained. Cota has certainly, here, created a collection that demands events that match its one-of-a-kind quality.
