Calvin Klein's Pre-Fall 2008 preview Tuesday was far from the standard run-of-the-mill presentation. First off, there was the news that Camilla Nickerson has replaced six-year company veteran Karl Templer as stylist for Francisco Costa's women's shows (her first show is February). But what's more, Calvin Klein today also unveiled the new face of its Collection campaign succeeding Russian beauty Natalia Vodianova: Toni Garrn. The 16-year-old German model, pictured here, was photographed for the spring Calvin Klein Collection campaign, which debuts in March books.
While her foray into the industry is still relatively new, the young 5'8 beauty already has a few accomplishments under her belt: she opened and closed the Spring 2008 Calvin Klein show in September, which she walked exclusively, and will do the same in Costa's Fall 2008 show next month. The Calvin Klein Collection campaign is also Garrn's first-ever portfolio.
As for the clothes? Well let's just say that Garrn is in good company.
Costa delivered a terrific lineup of 20 looks that oozed luxury but put an emphasis on urban sportswear practicality. "It's very sporty, all about the mix-and-match pieces," he said. "When I designed this, I stopped and thought about the business [of fashion], and the clothes have to be straightforward and fit." The results were a classic collection of clean-cut pieces that held their modern edge without going into the next frontier--think cashmere bouclé, cashmere jersey bonded with silk jersey, and cashmere moleskin. Knits played an integral role in Costa's collection, with tailored pantsuit looks reminiscent of Katharine Hepburn (the pleats were a carry over from spring). Offsetting that was a dramatic shearling bolero with open back paired with skinny trousers tucked into flat boots--"an après-ski feel," according to Costa. There were even a few charming school girl pieces in a graphic checkered print inspired by an Amish blanket Costa acquired on a trip abroad. Accessories were minimal, but a suede-embossed silver box clutch and over-the-knee boots were standouts.
Among Costa's offerings for evening were a trio of bright hues--azalea, citronelle, and teal--that were presented in color block form such as a long, dramatic skirt that ever-so-lightly skimmed the floor. A double face wool stretch dress, also cast in bright tones, set the right tone for fall. "I wanted the colors to feel man-made, versus how organic the tones of the rest of the collection were," Costa said. "There is a techie feel, a 'future' feel to it."
Fashion week daily
