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Inside Opening Ceremony’s Fantastical Chocolate Factory

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Though the boutique has sat at its Howard Street spot for a decade now, Opening Ceremony as a fashion brand is still relatively new, which is a good thing. Free from the pomp and circumstance of other more established brands, OC approached Fashion Week in the way that non-jaded fashion folks should — with pure imagination.
At its show last night, chocolate sauce dripped down the walls, and candy-bar party favors contained a golden ticket (except these winners — including Susie Bubble! — receive an Intel x OC smart bracelet in addition to a visit to Humberto and Carol's chocolate factory). Indeed, the show played into the fantastical whimsy that defines fashion shows. And, let's be honest: During what other occasion is reality so suspended, wittiness so lauded, and unabashed childlike glee so tangible? And, then, we're expected to act more like Veruca Salt than Charlie? Thanks, but no thanks — and pass us another Gobstopper!
With 105 looks (yep, that's a level matched only by Karl Lagerfeld), the men's and women's collection focused on what Opening Ceremony does best: kooky, mix-and-matchable separates. And, forget your standard idea of the word basics. For OC, the pieces every woman needs to own include peplums, graphic sweatshirts, cropped cigarette trousers, bright-hued coats, and sporty dresses that show off plenty of leg. The Dutch Wax-style hand patterns and fingerprint swirls are sure to be as big as Kenzo prints, and the lovely (and practical) boots and bags are a beautiful take on '80s women's work wear. Sure, there weren't any purple-velvet topcoats or brown hats, but this collection was an imaginative take on basics that was just as sweet as intended.
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