Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig’s work is always stunning from a technical standpoint and this season, while no different, couldn’t help but feel a bit stale. Inspired by 17th century equestrian portraits, many of the silhouettes felt redundant from seasons past. Sure there is always much to love in a princess gown or a corset style dress and, like the bandage dress, the satin and tulle layered and carefully draped ones Marchesa are known for will always have a presence on the red carpet, but Fall 2013 lacked the heart-pounding excitement one has come to expect from the design duo.
That’s not to say all had a been there, done that feel; Mao collars, gold-leaf embroidery, sheer balloon sleeves and embroidered red satin gave an Asian twist to the designer’s cocktail wear and there was a truly stunning off-the-shoulder, silvery ivory embroidered long-sleeve gown with tulle overlay that’s destined for the red carpet.
