KaufmanFranco’s Interplanetary Collection Is All Over the Galactic Map

KaufmanFranco FW10

I’m still kind of shell-shocked over yesterday’s fashion show by KaufmanFranco at the annual “Flair for Care” event that Neiman Marcus produced for the Nathan Adelson Hospice.  I’m gonna talk all about the people and faces and prizes and raffle and food and zhu-zhy aspects of the affair, in a later post – but today I’m still so flummoxed by the fashions that I am going to break one of my cardinal rules about only saying nice pretty things, and be a little bit real, for a minute.

KaufmanFranco FW10

The English have an expression, “Gobsmacked” – and that’s what I was feeling after viewing KaufmanFranco’s runway show for FW 2010.  There were a few pieces in the opening that were wearable (although all the belted numbers reminded me of an Akris collection from 2007) – some black stretch-leather-front riding pants here, a velvet shearling eclipse-front micro pod jacket there.  There was also a cool redux of the same looks, substituting ivory for black with the outerwear, then indigo.  The collection carried-on in this way for the first couple dozen looks.  There was a dress here and a gown there (including a black version of the lovely beaded off-the-shoulder teal number worn by KaufmanFranco-muse Taylor Swift at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

KaufmanFranco FW10

Then it veered sharply into red carpet.  Not cocktail or evening, mind you – but definitely red carpet.  And not just red carpet, but heavy, chunky, crystal-embedded, Flash Gordon-inspired gowns.  Unlike the super-constructed garments made by couturier Thierry Mugler, however, these were not structured, so the crystals and beading weighed-down on the models (more than a few of whom couldn’t lift their feet, were reduced to shuffling a few inches at a time, and nearly toppled-over). 

Best (worst?) of all, whoever merchandised this show (especially the shoes) was clearly high on more than life.  When the models weren’t shod in chunky black shoes under diaphanous gowns (so light and airy they were held-up with what I'll call "capellini-straps"), they were wearing clear plastic platform heels, straight outta the Frederick’s of Hollywood catalogue.  I ask you – who is this curious woman who is buying a gown that ranges from $3,000-$10,000, then strapping on a pair of $35 stripper shoes?

KaufmanFranco FW10

Lest you think I’m a complete bitch (and there's certainly an argument to be made, there; I assure you), there were some pieces I thought were inspired and even editorially worthy of note.  To be specific, I’m referring to those pieces from the capsule that reminded me of that old Schoolhouse Rock number about Interplanet Janet (you know – that galaxy girl…).  These were flow-y, with cosmic swirls of color and beading that reminded me of the Aurora Borealis.  They were a little bit disco and a little bit Samantha Jones (to give a timely Sex and the City 2 shout-out).

KaufmanFranco FW10

Finally, Ken Kaufman and Isaac Franco are simply lovely guys.  Talented, friendly, and sweet to boot…  I love a good fantasy (Hello?  Flesh Gordon?  Anyone?), but clothes have to be wearable or there’s just no point (especially if you don’t have accessories and fragrances and licensed collections to hawk with your over-the-top lines).  Seriously, how is this woman expected to get to the red carpet if she can’t slide into the back of the limousine without shredding the seat and/or her body into ribbons (not to mention the dress, itself)?  And forget about sitting in her seat.  Heaven forbid she wins an award!  How’s she going to get-up out of her seat, and get on stage, without falling on her face? 

Oh well.  I guess we should all have such problems.