The Young Guns - GILLES MENDEL FOR J. MENDEL:
For his second formal runway show held in conjunction with Fashion Week here at the Bryant Park Tents, this popular third generation furrier cited "the effortless cool of Jean Moreau and the grace of Ginger Rogers" as inspiration for a collection that was all about "luxurious nonchalance". He certainly made a convincing case for wearing fur year round - and for showing a fur collection for the spring season. How? Well, he managed to find the thinnest pelts imaginable, used them as reversibles, or sparingly- as trim for a collar or a short sleeved top, concentrated on some great ready to wear, and beautiful evening wear. Oh- and it didn't hurt that one of his most loyal customers- the lovely Dr. Lisa Airan, a New York dermatologist, showed up on a warm late summer day, sitting front row and center- wearing a J. Mendel tiny fox shrug. Gilles favors tiny, cropped jackets and boleros, and the subtle use of sequins, crystals, and antique mirrors as embellishments.

One of his best items was the belted tan canvas coat trimmed with mirrors, which featured a tiny marshmallow Barguzine sable collar, and he focused on raw edged, thin, beautifully tailored, smart white tweeds, delicious pale suedes (many trimmed with mirrors or antique crystal trims), cream floral printed chiffon blouses and dresses. Piaget charm bracelets, Christian Louboutin for J. Mendel blush suede ankle strap shoes with a gold or silver chain, accessorized every outfit.