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Creatures Of The Wind Finally Debuts Wearable Runway

Gigi Gastevich |
February 6, 2014 | 4:22 p.m. PST

Staff Reporter

Creatures of the Wind. (Twitter @NOWFASHION)
Creatures of the Wind. (Twitter @NOWFASHION)
Creatures of the Wind had a solid hit today with their Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear collection, which debuted at the Lincoln Center Pavilion as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. 

The label, which was co-founded by Chris Peters and Shane Gabier in 2008, is well-known for its quirky, experimental style. While the designers are well-received in the fashion industry and indie scene alike, they have struggled through their early years, trying hard to produce collections that are commercially viable. 

Today’s show has proven that Peters and Gabier have refined their aesthetic. The clothes are wearable and will surely sell in stores, yet they retain the eccentric vibe that has made Creatures of the Wind successful thus far. 

Elegant silhouettes in muted colors dominated the runway. (Twitter @jimshi809)
Elegant silhouettes in muted colors dominated the runway. (Twitter @jimshi809)
Women’s Wear Daily reports that the designers were inspired by “ideas of transcendence and monastic clothing.” Though this certainly sounds strange, Peters and Gabier managed to interpret this elevated concept in a relatable way. The looks were relatively minimalist, emphasizing cut, pattern, and material, instead of adopting the “more is more” attitude many of Peters and Gabier’s peers emphasized in their Pre-Fall collections.

There were definite Asian influences in the kimono-like wrap dresses and overcoats, but even these were simplified and reimagined in muted, somber colors and textured fabrics. The collection also carried a subtle 1940’s sentimentality in belted dress and skirt ensembles, as well as through gorgeous, wide-lapelled coats. 

The second half of the show took a more feminine turn with the introduction of softer, less structured dresses, sweaters, and maxi skirts. Even the menswear-inspired coats and narrow pants were softly tailored. The last several looks, rendered in sweet pastels and easy neutrals, were extremely sellable: fans of the label will flock to the empire-waist velvet dresses and homespun, chunky sweaters when they reach stores.

(Pinterest @Gigi Gastevich)
(Pinterest @Gigi Gastevich)
As the New York Times blog reported, the hair and makeup from today’s show is already causing quite a stir. The models sported dewy, natural complexions with a splash of aqua blue across their lower lashlines, a move which makeup artist James Boehmer says was a “lighting effect more than anything else.” Like the collection itself, the blue was unexpected and edgy, yet surprisingly wearable—an easy, eye-brightening iteration of the growing blue trend seen on this year’s runways. Similarly, the “wood nymphy braids” crossing the models' foreheads were a smart take on the ubiquitous braid trend that ate fashion ages ago.

This refined collection was a smart step for Peters and Gabier as they continue to expand their business. Hopefully they will continue to move in this wearable, more commercial direction without losing the creativity that makes their pieces so special.

See the entire collection here and below.

Gigi Gastevich is a staff writer and fashion-designer wannabe. Say hi to her here.




 

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