Cheryl Shops

Where & When: Monday, September 14th at 11 a.m., Metropolitan Pavilion
Runway Recap: In the glamorously frozen-in-time world of Malan Breton, polished ladies wear lace sheath dresses, taffeta skirts, and organza blouses, and now, with Breton's introduction of menswear, their male counterparts have joined the retro party in a parade of metallic silk three-piece suits. The collection was inspired by the ballet--at various points in the show, a pantless male and tutu-ed female dancer broke out into pirouettes and arabesques, to the applause of the audience--but except for a tulle-overlay dress at the end, the ballerina influence was barely discernible. Much more successful were the men's suits, sharp and well cut, that came down the runway in both bright, bold colors and groovy metallics. Breton is a natural at the neo-debonair aesthetic; perhaps because of his unique persona, menswear makes even more sense than his womenswear ever has--he's selling his own lifestyle, and it's a fabulous one.
Standout Look: It will take a bold man to wear this bright red three-piece suit, but this look was so unique and magnetic, it's a wonder why more men don't own one in this color. (I also enjoyed the slightly metallic electric blue sport coat behind it.)
Bonus Points: There were gimmicks galore in this show--a live orchestra provided the music, Alex from the Real Housewives of New York sat front row, and Ben & Holly from the first season of Make Me A Supermodel walked in the show, not to mention the runway ballet--but the packed audience ate it all up, giving Breton an enthusiastic response during his bow.
Where to Buy: Visit MalanBreton.com for more information.

Malan Breton Spring 2009
When & Where: Thursday, September 11th at 9 a.m., the Salon, Bryant Park
Runway Recap: I know I say this every season, but I am still kind of shocked that, of all the talented Project Runway alumni, Malan Breton is the only one still (still!) showing in Bryant Park. There is a pattern to a Malan Breton show: He was inspired by a classic movie (in this case, Star, starring Julie Andrews); he sends well-coiffed, made-up models down the runway to torch songs in somewhat extravagant but well-constructed garments; he does a full lap down the runway himself, with a model on each arm. It's a formula, yes, but one that he keeps refining and perfecting each season; in other words, Malan does what he does best, and he continues to do it even better as each season passes.
Standout Look: This is a strapless lace wide-leg jumpsuit. (Say that ten times fast.) The fact that Malan can, in the immortal words of Tim Gunn, make it work this well is a testament to his skill.
Bonus Points: No Silver Fox spotting, but The Real Housewives of New York was representing for Bravo with Alex and Simon Van Kempen in the front row. Also from the world of reality: Sara from Cycle 6 of America's Next Top Model!
Where to Buy: Email Malan.

Malan Breton Fall 2008
Where & When: Wednesday, February 6th at 9 a.m. in the Salon, Bryant Park
Runway Recap: A Malan Breton show is usually an exercise in ruffles, feathers, fur, velvet, and beading, so the streamlined, simple look of his fall collection looked almost minimalist in comparison. Breton was inspired by Catherine Deneuve in her early career (think Belle du Jour and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, which happens to be one of my favorite movies), and considering Deneuve is a fashion icon, this was no easy feat. There were some sharply tailored jackets and coats, and while his sheath dresses were chic and well-made, there were far too many of them.
Standout Look: The groovy cropped patent leather jacket captured the mod '60s inspiration perfectly, while this wide-leg trouser had an innovative design with side panels that tied across the back for a languid, lean look.
Bonus Points: It was a Project Runway reunion in the front row, with Angela Keslar, Diana Eng, Katherine Gerdes, and Emmett McCarthy all representing.
Where to Buy: The Malan Breton website