Remember the name Charles Harbison. The New York-based designer, who hails from North Carolina, proved himself as one to watch Saturday night when he presented his fall/winter 2014-15 Harbison collection at Milk Studios. With a provenance that includes stints at Michael Kors and Billy Reid, the burgeoning designer showed a collection that fused menswear riffs with a punchy orange and raspberry, and a tamer camel and chocolate.
His inspiration? The love affair between John Smith and Pocahontas. Although the correlation wasn’t that obvious, Harbison’s outerwear, which incorporated elegant fur collars and sleeves with masculine tailoring, was especially impressive, as were the color-blocked blazers. The full skirts, especially the one in silk duchesse with a graphic print, and the culottes were especially sophisticated. Overall the collection was in line with former New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn’s essay on the rise of practical dressing. It all looked extremely comfortable, yet beautiful and strong at the same time. If the designer keeps up the good work, the brand Harbison is sure to have staying power.
Harbison fall/winter 2014-15
