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story by Chloe Bensahel
photos by Florence Montmare
web editor Rachel Reneé
Walking into the Rachel Antonoff presentation was walking into a fantasy. Models stood in front of black wildlife cutouts, while others were on a small boat, perhaps arriving from a faraway land where all things cute reside. Peter pan collars and hearts were amongst the imports, while checkered embroidery dazzled the stage.
Silhouettes ranged from woolen pencil skirts to airy day dresses, tied together by pastel-colored prints, which looked to nature for inspiration. Antonoff stayed true to her classic baby-doll look, adding quirky details like a purse-pocket to a red mini skirt. The models were even passing around a furry black cat to let you know the comfort of home is not far behind in the face of the collection’s otherworldly quality.
Comfort was definitely on Antonoff’s mind as the collection included something for everyone. Some dresses stayed true to the designer’s favored A-line cut, while others roamed into more tailored territories, such as one black dress with raglan embroidered sleeves. Though the Antonoff girl grew up a bit this season, she didn’t loose her quirk. Even the most tailored of coats revealed a stylized red print lining, while more conservative pleats were matched with heart-pocketed short shorts.
Rachel Antonoff’s Fall 2012 collection is a reminder that fashion is best when first and foremost fun. It is a vessel by which one can embark on journeys to other places, dream up other fantasies, resist a bit in a world where one is easily weighed down by the influx of information. The collection celebrated individuality, allowing access to this other world via a variety of vessels, where each may find her heart’s desire and sail away.
