Two looks that I fell in love with at Bibhu Mohapatra’s Fall 2015 NYFW show were the color blocked look on the left and show closing, black & white caped gown…stunning!
Bibhu Mohapatra, who I have interviewed and caught his shows for a couple of seasons here at Fashion Houston, has always impressed me for two reasons…one is his kind, gentle yet enthusiastic approach to his collections but also, his amazing talent at pulling together very cohesive yet diverse enough looks based on a common theme.
This season’s collection offered many of the sophisticated looks that I adore from this former, J. Mendel lead designer, who on his own has made quite a name for himself. This collection was special, to the designer and for any of us that heard the story behind the collection. As Bibhu told the story to Style.com editor, Lauren Sherman, this collection had been planned to be quite different….lots of florals, but unfortunately in early December Bibhu was called back to India for the death of his beloved father. He returned to NYC to complete his collection in a much more somber mood. He took his previous designs that were graphically and simply themed, removed the flowers and gave the collection a more serious, somber tone. As he was quoted as saying, “same woman, more serious.”
The collection then became about expressing loss. The color palette was predominantly black & white, the mourning color of India and accompanied by colors that made Bibhu think of home….indigo, tumeric yellow, and clay red. It was such a beautiful tribute by the designer. The collection highlighted great day dresses and beautiful long, evening gowns. Many felt that the emotion that he expressed in his collection made it stronger than ever.
His Spring collection which we viewed last November should be arriving in store now at Elizabeth Anthony and select Neiman Marcus. So many beautiful looks, particularly in evening gowns that never made it to be show on Fashion Houston runways.
Bibhu, who hinted with fur at Fashion Houston last November, officially introduces his collaboration with Blackglama, the 40 yr. old mink specialists/manufacturers. His collection shows beautiful craftsmanship in not your basic dark, heavy fur coat way. Very creatively used in patterns as shown in the first two images at the lead above and as below with insets of fabric, leather, etc.
What Becomes a Legend Most…..Bibhu Mohapatra!!?!!
…….and the very kind, talented Bibhu bows to his cheering audience at Fall 2015 New York Fashion Week
photos courtesy of Style.com