story by Kerry Kong
photos by Freda Henry
Being away from New York Fashion Week for about 15 years, Byron Lars, a designer with two decades of experience, came back and showed what a real experience fashion should be in his fall 2011 presentation. Walking into the show, we could hear tribal drum playing in the background and, bang, the whole jungle was right in front of us! Inspired by his trip to a Native American Museum, Lars wanted to take us to a “Native Americana” journey this season. He described this collection as “clothes that feel connected to the earth,” and they included a silver glaze cocoon coat, a black and ivory tangled reed mesh twist neck sheath, and a bark faux shearling coat.
Using native American signature materials feather and [faux] fur, his whole collection was very consistent to the theme. Lars pulled off a charcoal tweed sheath dress with button back fishtail detail that was sexy, classy, and beautiful all-in-one. Another breathtaking piece was an ivory tribal lace powder puff bustier dress, chic and elegant but fun to wear. All of the pieces were well-constructed and well-tailored. Complimented by the tribal native American paint makeup and braided ponytails, his looks were sophisticated and graceful with a touch for nature.
