Camilla Staerk's spring/summer collection was inspired by the Danish author, Karen Blixen ("Out of Africa", "Seven Gothic Tales")."I wanted to conjure the spirit of the woman I find in those pages: sensual, adventurous, frank," she told us. As always, the materials were a mix of hard and soft: buttery calfskin leather, canvas, jersey, and expensive lace—all in various neutral shades, with black playing the lead as usual (we don't ever recall seeing Camilla in anything other than black, all black, from head to toe). Camilla Staerk is known for creating a dark, romantic mood at each of her shows, and this Sunday she definitely didn't disappoint. A stormy soundtrack was the perfect compliment to a collection of moody bohemian and African-inspired looks, including gauze head wraps and maxi-skirts.The silhouette was generally slim, with plenty of strapless bustier dresses, leather cigarette pants, second-skin leather tanks—volume came in the form of some billowing jersey dresses and a couple of structured, over-sized jackets. Staerk's devoted fanclub was out in full force on the sidelines—editors, stylists, and musicians like PJ Harvey and the Raveonette's Sune Rose Wagner all showed up. Of course, her good friend Victor Glemaud was also in attendance. Kate Lampear, editor of Elle, was fully enamored of the collection, saying "I adored it. I'm desperado to get my hands on those leather separates." Indeed, gasp-worthy looks included a strapless dress in woven black leather and a belted kimono jacket in black leather and canvas. Perhaps a little heavy for spring, but never for Camilla. Chatting with us backstage about her busy schedule, which included not only orchestrating a runway show but setting up her first boutique. "It's exciting to open the store…I feel like I haven't taken it in yet," she said. "It's something I've been dreaming of—to be able to show your work how you want to represent it is great." When asked if she had been enjoying the Fashion Week festivities, she confessed, "I've been working up until this very moment." A sure sign that hard work definitely pays off.
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
