NYFW Runway Report: Erica Davies' Gypsy Glam Rocker Chic!

The Development by Erica Davies fall/winter '08 collection did not stringently follow one theme - instead, designer Erica Davies allowed her multiple sources of inspiration to blend and overlap-resulting in an AMAZING collection that can best be described as €˜laid-back Bohemian babe meets street-wise tough-chick and encounters a mysterious girl from a foreign country.' Erica was inspired by Marlene Dietrich in the 1947 film, Golden Earrings where she played a Hungarian Gypsy named Lydia, and drew upon ethnic and gypsy inspirations which she updated and reconfigured to create urban motifs. Rather than letting the sources of inspiration override her unique vision, Erica kept the the Bohemian and ethnic references restrained and subdued - a few floaty chiffon numbers, some ikat prints, touches of fringe here and there- for an innovative, culturally-conscious collection that did not compromise contemporary sensibility.

The beautiful interplay of shapes and fabrics created sensual, loose, free-flowing silhouettes that while hints of rich colors like wine hues and teals, and artistic prints in romantic graphic paisley and sun bursts of flowers enlivened the dark palette, infusing the sexy and edgy looks with a sweet and playful side. This collection was all about the details; handcrafted elements such as precise beading, pleating, tucking, and folding contrasted with beautifully layered modern and structured shapes. Flirty shapes and fabrics such as silk-crepe and silk-chiffon were accented with stylized embroidery, metal detailing, granite stones, tassels, and features- all of which upped the glamour-quotient while roughening the looks up a bit- resulting in one exquisitely crafted, thoroughly unique, seductively sexy collection with the elusive ability to incite waves €˜I need to have this in my closet right now!€™

Stylehive Scorecard:
Color Palette: Black, Hunter Green, Mocha, Silver, Cream, Gray
Cuts/Styles: Embroidered tops, Wide-leg trousers, Skinny Pants, Layered Cami€™s, Delicate Layers,
Trend Alert: Knee-highs, Peep-Toe Studded T-Strap Shoes