She's A Little Bit Country, And A Little Bit...

(The Bowery Hotel)
by Christina Tung
At first glance, I was overwhelmed by the rich, bold colors in this collection - eggplant, navy, teal, rust, fuschia, olive. Am I in the right season? Is this really spring? Designer Geren Lockhart's signature silks lend themselves to warm weather, but the overall styling - dark smoky eyes, socks with thick strappy sandals are what got me thinking I was in pre-Fall.
Per usual, her simplest pieces were divine - solid silks with minimal black trims and perfectly placed necklines and "backlines." Her pleats and pintucks are best when used sparingly. As her seams become more labored, she loses her effortless chic appeal and the pieces get a bit clumsy and contrived.
I was puzzled by her choice of Laura Ashley-esque prints, a patriotic red plaid and a blue floral print more fitting on a piece of china. It seemed a bit out of place when juxtaposed with her modern solid hues.
Lockhart's choice of ornamentation, brass rivets, which she used as a sturdy gladiator-esque sequin in various looks, was much better suited for her aesthetic.
I suppose the girl she envisions is just a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll ... and a little bit hippie-chick.
The variety should prove successful in the retail realm as there is, as they say, something for everyone. For the most part, flattering, easy and modern.