NYFW: J.MENDEL FALL 2011 Show

Inspiration of this Fall collection was the father of Gilles Mendel, a collector of aboriginal art, and it was, of all things, the tribal body art of the indigenous Australians. The clothes themselves alternated between structured, tailored pieces, and then the flowing gowns.

The amazing tailored jackets and coats, many mixed withfur bodies and contrast sleeves, were unquestionably luxe, but with their exaggerated shoulders and hard-edged, slightly eighties glamour, felt a bit out of step with the moment. More on-the-money was a series of flowing gowns with the thought of red carpet written all over.