story by Lisa Radano
photos by Aeric Meredith-Goujon
Perched on platforms covered in bright green (albeit plastic) grass, giggling models lobbed badminton birdies back and forth over the heads of the busy photographers and reporters at Lauren Moffatt’s Spring 2013 presentation, set in her bright and perky Little Italy shop at 379 Broome Street. The feeling of the collection was European Riviera, circa 1930’s.
A-line skirts in cottons and silk, skimmed the body and ended just below the knee. Crochet rompers and charming cotton shorts suits showed more leg. A standout duo of primary color striped frocks, one a silk dress topped by a blazer embellished with schoolgirl insignia, the other a silk skirt and matching knit t-shirt were particularly strong.
A variety of the designer’s usual flirty dresses with embellished bodices came in both bright and muted colors. There were also ’30s inspired swimsuits, from a skimpy bikini to a more modest two-piece, all the way to a full-on maillot. The girls all wore bracelets beaded to look like flags that wave from the yachts they would surely be invited to board. Moffatt’s own breezy appearance belied her growing baby bump. She spoke about her love of classic vintage looks and color blocking “I can’t get away from them!” and sighed when asked about the baby on the way. “That’s my next big project….”
