Prabal Gurung S/S 2013 – Bird of Paradise

Prabal Gurung is one of the New York based designers that I always look forward to seeing at New York Fashion week. His ultra feminine designs are always a feast for the eyes, and I found much to savour from his new collection, not least the sumptuous use of colour and frill details.

There were many style motifs running through the collection. Floaty cape effects were one which I thought were very successful, in the sheerest of chiffon fabrics, these additions to tops and dresses looked great and totally wearable. I especially loved this effect when added to a swirl effect shift dress.

The use of red and white was another motif that I thought was just stunning. Sleek, elegant silk mixed with bright red cigarette pants were just a fabulous look that called to mind independent icons like Bianca Jagger and Lauren Hutton. But there were dresses too, floaty digital printed designs with the lightest of Spanish ruffles.

There are elements of layering too, something I think is less successful. I adore this powder blue/grey chiffon dress, but would love to see it without trousers underneath.

And, of course, there were dresses. Beautiful gowns with ruffles and frills, feathers and brocade. A feast of fabrics, colours and textures, bringing to mind exquisite birds of paradise. I can’t wait to see these gowns on the red carpet, am hoping to see Prabal fan Sarah Jessica Parker in the white sparkle dress, would love to see Dakota Fanning rocking the red strapless gown, and just imagine Emma Stone in the dove grey dress – sheer perfection.