“Tropical Couture” is how Angel Sanchez referenced his spring collection. “After years of minimal architectural looks, I’m going back to my Latin roots in a very clear way,” Venezuelan-born Sanchez said backstage. At times it worked beautifully — the gazar racer-back dress with hand-cut flowers was airy and romantic — but there was the occasional misstep, such as an oddly cut jumpsuit with leather-flower appliqués on the illusion sleeve.
Sanchez played with Fifties couture shapes, draping and intricate details on his cocktail dresses and gowns. A vibrant palette of fuchsia, citrus-green and orange was cleansed with black-and-white styles. Flowers adorned dresses, from hand-cut leather versions to Plexiglas and laser-cut embellishments. Sanchez also worked an oversize hibiscus print on a voluminous strapless gown. The colorful lineup was a bit dizzying at times, but the craftsmanship was evident throughout the bold collection.
