Cheryl Shops

Where & When: Tuesday, February 16 from 5-6 p.m., Metropolitan Pavilion
Runway Recap: In an industry that's constantly in search of the next big thing, sometimes you you end up pursuing proverbial fashion dead ends, and sometimes you happen upon a magical moment. I was really excited to be invited to Christian Cota's presentation; having won the Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award last year, he's definitely one of the more buzzed-about designers of this season. Thankfully, that buzz is well-deserved: Cota's Cubism-inspired collection was a dazzling mixture of bronzed metallics, hand-painted geometric patterns, and interesting textures. The most compelling aspect of Cota's designs, however, is that they managed to look both softly draped and severely tailored at the same time; one could tell that he approached his collection with an intellectual understanding of construction, and not only were his clothes visually interesting, they were incredibly flattering on the body too. It may not take much to earn buzz, but Cota has proven that he deserves it.
Standout Look: This was the very first look I photographed; obviously I was drawn straight to it: The coat is python with ponte-knit inserts, the top is decorated with hand-painted stripes, and the silk faille skirt has box pleats, which have been turning up left and right this season. What makes these pieces work so well together is the mix of textures and the subtle harmony in motif and color.
Bonus Points: The designer himself was circulating around the presentation, talking about the collection and posing for photographs. Those two actions collided when none other than Anna Wintour showed up, and he explained his inspiration. (In case you're having trouble visualizing this, I'll include a photo.)
Where to Buy: See store listings here or shop online.