SOPHISTICATION
Sophistication is a striking collection rooted in the colorful and fully defined
shapes of 80s fashion. Bold hues partnered with distinct angles and fabric
draping create chic pieces meant to elevate the wearer’s confidence and
comfort in knowing they are presenting themselves at their very best. Each
piece is meant to serve as a quality foundation item successfully taking the
fashionable owner through their busy daytime schedule to their after-hours
engagements. The collection is inspired by Sophia’s upbringing which was influenced by 1980s culture including movies, music, popular culture, and the
rise of the supermodel. Sophistication is a reflection of these influences;
whether through music, fabric, or makeup. This collection beckons those
longing to live life in big, bright style to step up and embrace an aesthetic that
can take them from day to night!
The Campbell
Inspired by power dressing of the 1980s, The Campbell is a two piece skirt suit which relies on large shoulder pads and a defined waist to emphasize the wearer's figure. The monochromatic look in a striking shade of purple silk satin has an invisible zipper. The jacket cuffs and front feature vintage Swarovski crystal and pearl buttons. I intended this design to be a go=to day to night staple ensemble for a busy woman's wardrobe.
Sketches & Process
The Crawford
The Crawford is an all-black suit jacket and blue skirt combination which make a crisp backdrop for the intended pop of color and texture from the royal blue organza blouse. The suit was inspired by the bold, yet feminine motifs of a woman's early 1980s suit jacket while the dynamic blouse was inspired by the pussycat bow blouse Lady Diana Spencer wore for her engagement portraits in 1981. I wanted the structure of a tailored wool suit jacket to be a contrast with the feminine shaping of the skirt and the blouse's tulle details. The large vintage jeweled Swarovski buttons add color and dimension to the all-black jacket.
Sketches & Process
The Evangelista
My design inspiration for The Evangelista is very near and dear to me. I looked to my mother whose signature wardrobe staple is an oxford shirt. I wanted to bring drama and volume to a classic oxford shirt in a fun pink - adding a contrast with a bold red for the pencil skirt. The underskirt has a kick-pleat in the back as well well ask pockets on each side. The combination makes a strong statement of confident femininity.
Sketches & Process
The Porizkova
Yves Saint Laurent's definitive bow dress from his Fall/Winter Haute Couture Collection was the major inspiration for The Porizkova. I wanted to combine two decadent decade-defining fabrics: black velvet and satin - in this case, a bold, vibrant royal blue. The structured, lined off the shoulder dress combined with ornately sized and draped bow help achieve the desired delicate, feminine look.
Sketches & Process
The Turlington
The Turlington takes the Little Black Dress concept and runs with it. I wanted a dress that captures movement and is both fun and elegant to wear. The strapless dress is fully boned on the inside, giving it definition and shape. The skirt is full and uses plenty of flowing fabric for movement. The separate jacket is a vibrant red featuring giant puff sleeves with a Bolero silhouette. I wanted a lot of drama and volume with the jacket to balance out the multiple layers of the skirt of the dress. The two pieces make a statement paired together but the dress can be worn without the jacket and the jacket can easily add style to other outfits from dress pants to jeans.
Sketches & Process
The Macpherson
When designing this collection, I knew The Macpherson would be my final show stopping piece. I had a vision of bold elegance and a train that would flow behind the model. To achieve the dramatic look, the satin dress was designed with a fitted top and bodice which trails to a cascade of satin with 20 yards of layered black and pink soft tulle. The strapless dress is fully boned on the inside and includes a matching double-sided/two-tones taffeta wrap. The dress is meant to make a statement with its bold yet sophisticated silhouette.
