For those coveting the constructed look – with a twist – consider Victor de Souza’s faux sleeves, fur elements, flawless fabrics and finery. Yes, the man behind so many of Manhattan’s made to order gowns, is launching a new line, online. To toast the occasion, Jean Shafiroff threw a soiree at Madame Paulette.
“We’ve been talking for years about doing an event here,” de Souza told us of the first time Madame Paulette, THE dry cleaner for tout social Manhattan, has showcased a fashion line. “They have so many of my gowns here in storage, that we are already working together.
“This collection combines a lot of ethnic elements from all over the world, but in a very subtle way,” said de Souza. “I was inspired by the square shapes from Africa, the headwear from Morocco, the brocades from Spain, and the drop sleeves of a Chinese worker. But, I do not research. I stay with the images in my mind. Otherwise your collection can end up looking like someone else’s. This is my own take on a world-wide ethnic.”
Was a little bit of “We Are the World” an inspiration? “So many of the problems in this world come from segregating each other,” noted de Souza. “Diversity is more human. That’s what I wanted to express.”
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The collection has a global feel. (Photo: Owen Hoffmann/PatrickMcMullan.com) |
This fall line online is a big step for de Souza, who launched a headwear line last year. “I wanted to make it very luxurious, very structured,” noted the designer. “The materials are very expensive and I added fur.”
The collection features statement pieces that don’t enter the room before you do. Pieces to own forever.
For more information, visit www.victordesouzany.com.
