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New York Fashion Week: Michael Costello Review

Kathy Zerbib |
September 9, 2014 | 8:13 p.m. PDT

Senior Entertainment Editor

These looks are only a few of the exquisite gowns shown as part of Michael Costello's Spring 2015 show (Twitter/@Princess_Paiger).
These looks are only a few of the exquisite gowns shown as part of Michael Costello's Spring 2015 show (Twitter/@Princess_Paiger).
Michael Costello and his polished Spring 2015 collection - complete with his classic sexy silhouettes - rocked his New York Fashion Week debut runway show on Tuesday evening.

After a fashionably late start (About 28 grueling minutes heightened by anticipation), Costello's show was underway.

Glowing white circles against a black backdrop, reminiscent of a starry night, served as the runway's background. Upbeat techno music pulsated as the first model took the runway.

The first look was a show-stopper from the beginning. In typical Michael Costello fashion, his designs were all dresses. The first featured a soft mint color with pink flower print. From the start, Costello opted for a plunging neckline, hip-hugging silhouette and a knee-high slit. His designs are very distinct.

His feminine, form-fitting gowns are his signature and he knows it. Costello creates statement pieces and plays with exaggerated shoulders, lace, sheer fabrics, plunging necklines, flashy colors and the occasional sparkle.

This collection, though not narrowly cohesive, is composed of groups of gowns that all share similar characteristics and lead into one another. It isn't the color or the design that ties these looks together… It's that we know these are Costello's strengths. Together, they make up his unmistakeable aesthetic… And we love it.

In the first "group," the handful of opening gowns had the same soft mint color. A couple had the pink floral print, while the next few were a little bit more revealing. 

Literally, the dresses were half sheer, with the same impeccable draping Costello is known for. Little white undies spared the models of a major reveal, but the designer knew what he was doing when the spectators got a good view of buns when the models walked past. Still, the designs were still tasteful and he executed these looks in a way that wouldn't scream "raunchy." This is fashion in its purest form. 

READ MORE: New York Fashion Week: BCBGMAXAZRIA Review

Next up is a "group" of cream-colored, ivory designs. Some short, some long. Some sheer, some solid. Here, we noticed Costello's exaggerated shoulders technique and the collection continues its cohesion. The hip-hugging looks all boasted sex appeal, but the mermaid design gave some of his looks in particular the wow factor.

The collection took a hard left with the next "group" of looks. Costello's next gowns looked like they were made of a shiny, snakeskin-like or leather material. Many of these looks also had a knee-high slit, with a gold belt as an accessory. 

The only other notable accessory in the entire Spring 2015 collection was a matching gold head piece. Costello kept the makeup bold, but simple. His models' hair was pulled back, almost mullet-like, and kept straight. Shoes were basic black or gold heels. The underwhelming styling really helped the designs show on their own, especially complex ones like the snakeskin-textured fabric.

The collection transitioned back and forth into the mermaid gown with the belt accessory. Some styles featured a cape as outerwear, which slightly took appeal off the actual gown.

Next up was a "group" of dark blue hues. Costello brought out familiar, mermaid-style gowns with exaggerated shoulders and plunging necklines. We've seen these looks in his older designs. Still, the gowns were a major upgrade from any older versions we remember from him before. Costello is truly displaying his progression as a fashion designer.

The dark blue set of dresses are sleek and red carpet-ready. Costello is flexing his strength in soft draping. Should you expect at least two of these designs on the red carpet? Yes. You absolutely should.

Michael Costello and his sheer gowns are a hit (Twitter/@SwaeggOut).
Michael Costello and his sheer gowns are a hit (Twitter/@SwaeggOut).
The collection pushed on to feature sheer, lace dresses. Costello welcomes us back to the nudity in his designs and we are instantly reminded of Beyonce at the 2014 Grammys. The next few looks blend dark with nude, varying in dress length.

Costello then ditches the sheer and introduces a "group" of black gowns. Yes, these are meant for the red carpet and are perfection. Keep an eye out for them at the next couple of awards shows! The dark-colored gowns blends into a free-for-all of more shiny evening wear. These styles seem randomly thrown together, but are tied by their exquisiteness.

The runway ends with a final piece: a long-sleeved, shiny gown with a thigh-high side slit. A cute number to finish off with, of course, but not quite a show-stopper choice. Still, Costello is congratulated for finishing strong.

As he comes out and says his "Thank You"s to the crowd, Costello looks ecstatic. He pulls out his son, sitting near the front of the stage, and plants a big kiss on his cheek. His son seems mildly embarrassed, but we're loving it. 

READ MORE: New York Fashion Week: Lela Rose Review

Costello's Spring 2015 collection is a hit. His show went without noticeable error. In the words of Tim Gunn, Costello did not suffer from a "Make it work" disaster and he should be immensely proud.

Costello's career began long before this runway, even before season eight of "Project Runway." Since opening his first boutique store in Palm Springs at the tender age of 15, Costello has taken his brand to the forefronts of the fashion industry.

Nowadays, Costello designs custom looks for huge names like Beyonce, Celine Dion, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Skylar Diggins, Draya Michele and Lady Gaga. 

He also recently started a menswear line, which features ready-to-wear suits for evening occasions. 

Find more of Costello's elaborate designs here

Replay his Spring 2015 runway show here

Reach Senior Entertainment Editor Kathy Zerbib here. Follow her on Twitter here.



 

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