"ROMANTICALLY STAR CROSSED"

Interview & Words Arielle Chambers

Amidst the top of the High Line Hotel, MORGANE LE FAY’S fall/winter 2016 collection debuted in a dramatic form.  Continuing a theme of fantasy persisting through the seasons, designer Liliana Casabal pushed romantic ideals in these series of looks, by creating a variation of silhouettes mirroring times of Romeo and Juliet. The defined bell flare-out of some dresses is to be noted-very original, very well executed. Blacks and whites, pops of red and daring plaids paraded the cathedral runway, fulfilling her intentions.  We had a chance to speak with Casabal before the show. Here are her sentiments toward the newest collection:

AC: Can you describe the aesthetic of your line?

MLF: It’s very romantic and inspired by Romeo and Juliet, a very delicate selection.

I know romanticism is something that you brought up last season?

My collections are always, romantic. (Laughs)

How does this differentiate?

Well this is a little more dramatic. As you know Romeo and Juliet were dramatic, I think there’s a lot of passion involved with this collection.

Okay how do you tend to portray that in your clothes?

Well the supple red is an important selection that follows through with the passion, which is a focal point. For this season I feel this collection is very hopeful, much hopeful than any other. Also another important part of the inspiration, when searching for it, was based on artwork by this collaborative group in Greece named ‘Beetroot’. They did a beautiful piece and it was in an exhibition a few years ago at MoMa. It featured Romeo and Juliet reunited. What they did for the entire play of Romeo and Juliet on one poster, they connect the complete text of the play to form a star-shaped web between the name of Romeo and Juliet, and somehow they we’re finally reunited. Overall they made it the most beautiful idea.

I know this might be a stretch, is that where you inspired to create the shape of your dresses or better yet could you tell me a bit about this red piece?

This is an undergarment that I designed many years ago, maybe about 30 years, and when we were working on the collection we ran into it, then I put it into that dress and I absolutely love the atelier effect. The floating effect and dramatic shape enhances the hip of the dress. That’s why we included it within the collection. In addition it adds an element of passion and extreme romance.

One last thing, I know you mentioned this before, but I would like to know. What would you like your audience to get from your collection?

I want them to get happy!