One’s heart has to go out to Hannah MacGibbon who has been the focus of much chatter as of late, alongside Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent, pertaining to rumors that her contract would not be renewed as Chloe’s creative director after presenting her Fall 2011 collection for Chloe. It can be said, however, that if this were to be her last season with Chloe, MacGibbon will leave having shown quite a bold collection. Snakeskin coat anyone?
In fact, in a surprising move, snakeskin and trompe l’oeil snakeskin prints made their way onto almost everything this season: sweaters, shirt dress, coats, and wide-leg trousers, to name a few. The skin inspiration aside, the collection was also notably high on its 70s inspiration, something MacGibbon has done very well these past few seasons. The ease of the 70s-inspired silhouettes gave plenty of appeal to the more streamlined, neutral-toned pieces the designer presented, including her two-toned trousers, oversized loose turtleneck sweaters, and color blocked skirts.
MacGibbon should be commended for going out on a limb and trying something new, but if her Fall 2011 showed us anything, it’s that she’s at her best when she sticks to 70s-inspired sportswear and light chiffon dresses – and that means no snakeskin patchwork or two-toned leather tracksuits.
Photos: Vincenzo Grillo, IMAXtree.
