NYFW: Rafael Cennamo SS 2012

Up-and-coming designer Rafael Cennamo’s first real throw at New York Fashion Week was a hit!  Mr. Cennamo, who has been designing his eponymous line for years, showed for his first time at Lincoln Center yesterday.

“It feels like I am now really part of fashion, you know,” Mr. Cennamo said during his presentation. “I feel super excited. I took my time, and I am very happy.”

The 22-dress collection was simply stunning. Taking inspiration from collectable dolls, the hair and makeup on his models really pushed the idea. The dresses were surprisingly distinctive, organized in clusters around the room by both style and color, very organized, I must say!  White, lilac, and black were heavily use, the palette, if seemingly flat, was redeemed by detailing of lace, beads, and feathers.

The mood was relatively light in The Box. Servers passed champagne, each with a single raspberry at the bottom. Whitney Port, of MTV’s The City, enjoyed the showing. “It’s gorgeous, so pretty,” she said.  And hey, we couldn’t agree more!

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