Cynthia Cheng Mintz

On a runway with winter-like branches at the back, models strutted Monique Lhullier‘s Fall/Winter 2011 collection.  Featuring a palette of blacks, off-whites and reds, the collection consisted of many pieces that Monique herself described as one that shows off a woman’s confidence.  From feathery tops and skirts to flowing sheer and leg baring gowns as well as more simple jackets and pencil skirts, this collection was definitely “fierce” yet sophisticated at the same time. 

It is interesting that the collection is being presented on Valentine’s Day as red seemed to be a theme for the season.  The colour made an appearance in both daywear wear as well as evening pieces.   Silhouettes for the season are feminine and shapely – belts  were seen in almost every piece in the collection, and on the natural waist, giving off a more hourglass figure.  Perhaps one of the most interesting pieces in the collection was a furry red dress belted at the waist that looked like it was made out of Elmo from Sesame Street.  This definitely will need a very confident woman to wear. Can definitely see this on someone like Sarah Jessica Parker or Lady Gaga.  Furry detail can be seen in other pieces of the collection as well.

Pieces that are more “regular woman” friendly include a gorgeous red blouse with long flowing sleeves (paired with skinny black ankle pants) for daywear and in the evening gown category, a gorgeous olive-coloured halter which shows off ones shoulders.  Another evening favourite is a long sleeved asymmetrical piece, short in front, with floor-length train at the back.  Other than the red furry number, there weren’t really pieces that could fall into the “dislike” category except that some of the cocktail dresses were a little bit on the plain side.