7 PM The Promenade ⿢ GOTTEX
There comes a time during fashion week when one simply has to release oneself from worrying about the best new shoe, who the most important new model is or whether or not it is OK to still be showing an empire waist, and that time is exactly when the Gottex show starts. This is your golden opportunity to sit back, relax and simply enjoy the Vegasness of it all. Yes, Gottex may be the label of swimsuit your mom wore, but unless your mom was a showgirl, we're pretty sure she never wore any suits like these. We don't know how much of this "beachwear" will ever have a life beyond this runway, but who cares? We humans are programmed from birth to be attracted to pretty, shiny things, and creative director Gideon Oberson easily satisfies this inclination by doubling up on glamorous inspiration, and tripling up on beads and embroidery and throwing in an extra helping of camp. This season, it's the Bond Girl goes to Carnivale. Even the more subdued suits have deftly executed draping, cut-outs and other couture details that remind us that Mom wore Gottex because she knew their suits would fit and keep everything where it was supposed to be. Practicality is not much of an issue at this show, however, where the crowd cheers when a model lifts her arms so the pareo she's holding will float behind her, and applauds louder as the swimsuits get progressively outrageous and theatrical. Here at Gottex, looks are completed with little headdresses and coordinating arm gauntlets with flyaway chiffon panels. The audience is treated to production with a capital P and old school "modeling". Skeletal waifs obviously need not apply. Why does this show work? Because they pull it off with confidence, skill, a refreshing lack of irony and the sheer nerve to use headdresses. Headdresses! They leave an audience smiling.
CELEBRITIES: That famous beach babe Dr. Ruth Westheimer.
MUSIC: Pop remixes with a dash of Brazil
SWAG: Impressive. A large patent and mesh beach bag containing Redken shampoo & conditioner.