September 5, 2007

Kati Stern’s spring 2008 show for Venexiana was a stunning collection of glamor, elegance, and old world charm. The runway brought together playful French sailor girls complete with barely-there sheer berets, 40s housewives in flowing, body-conscious halter dresses, and War-era nightclub singers in dreamy gowns. This may sound a bit like playing dress-up, but Stern avoided costume dressing by not taking herself too seriously: she incorporated whimsical details such as oversized white and navy buttons, giant pockets, swooping sailor collars, and suspender-like straps into her designs. Stern’s evening dresses, which closed the show, garnered rounds of applause, and even those in the typically stern-faced first row couldn’t contain their smiles. A blush and silver lace dress with a train drew considerable cheers, as did a navy gown with crystal waist and chiffon numbers with satin straps. Stern’s modern yet classic update of coquettish glam earned her a standing ovation from more than few.