Ladies, hold on to your hats: You re in for a wild ride with Farah Angsana s latest Fall collection. Backstage before the show, the jet-setting designer explained that she makes clothes for women like herself and the particular circle of young-money socialites she flies with—"someone who loves to travel to places like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and Dubai," as she put it. The first model out set the show s over-the-top tone: a heavily bejeweled strapless gown with a stiff gazar cutaway skirt meant to evoke a blossoming flower.
There were a few cocktail numbers that succeeded in their relative restraint—an ivory wool crepe dress with structured cap sleeves, notched V-neck, and a hint of a peplum, for example. But more often than not, more is more for Angsana s customer, who isn t afraid to appear more expensive than everyone else in the room (and with these statement makers ringing in at around 3,000 euros a pop, she might be). The pièce de résistance was her finale: a completely sheer, strapless tulle column embellished with a few strategically placed shimmering peacock feathers that the designer likened to a dragon s scales. Showing everything down to the model s nude Calvin Klein thong, it elicited quite a few oohs, aahs, and gasps. If it leaves you wondering who actually goes for this glitz, it s worth noting that Angsana reports that business is up. Modesty could be overrated.
