by Pauline Ma
German designer Marcel Ostertag brought the rain to Skylight Clarkson Square with his Fall/Winter 2016 show, with a collection that played off of the themes of transparency, mixed fabrics, and of course, was inspired by rain.
As the designer says, his wearers should walk through the autumn and winter season “sexy yet dressed at the same time.” Throughout the collection, pieces often blended juxtaposing construction and transparency without revealing too much skin – like high-quality fake furs draped over a sheer blouse or plastic material (reminiscent of the sheen of a traditional raincoat) stitched with fabric to form a floor-length skirt.
Standout details included the appearance of rose-gold covered clasps adorning the arms of various coats, the graphic print of raindrops on cozy sweaters, and playful inclusion of high-shine metallic silver to contrast the softer rose and pale blue tones. Let’s not forget also the shimmering strands of beads that decorated both jackets and full pant legs in ode to rainfall.
The soundtrack to the show, which was created by the designer’s brother, Johann Ostertag, began the show with the sounds of pouring rain… a calming yet dramatic effect. The printed lookbooks placed on each seat of The Gallery were among the nicest we have seen in printed takeaways prepared by designers this season, filled with inspiring quotes and powerful images that helped to further tell the “Rain” story.
We are excited to see the designer’s return next season. Special thanks to the Seventh House PR team!