A recent family trip to the Amazon inspired Mathieu Mirano to reference the color and movement of the rainforest for his spring collection. The outcome was a bold, intricate and high-energy eveningwear collection that screamed for attention — not unexpected from a designer who has dressed Lady Gaga.
The gowns, each a labor of love as Mirano manipulates the fabric entirely by hand, have elements typically found in couture — a level of design to which Mirano says he aspires. Ombré velvet was spiraled around the body, twisted and seamed together to striking effect. He also worked this technique on ombré chiffon dresses, while hand-sewn sequin gowns featured a fringed hem. Mirano also showed his hand with a series of versatile separates: tops and skirts that give the illusion of a gown but can be worn apart in three different ways.
