By Shannon Hallenbeck (Shallenbeck)
Following a bicycle and buggy cab ride (which I do not recommend in the winter, or hardly think worth the twenty-five dollars for four blocks—lesson learned!), I arrived at the Exit Art building on 475 10th Avenue for the Elise Overland show. Chris had informed me beforehand that it would be best to find a spot nearest the end and at the right of the runway so that I might gain a better view for taking pictures of the models as they turned to strut backstage again. Taking her advice, I found myself not only at a preferable angle to the runway, but right across from Kelly Osbourne and Heidi Klum!
As the show started, I was instantly drawn to the fiery red evening dresses and black leather jackets coming down the runway. Her show consisted of corset-style dresses, dresses with a metallic sheen, cropped jackets with and without fur, and jackets with sewn-in belts issued forth. (There is a certain degree of practicality in jackets featuring sewn-in belts. While jackets with loose belts can look particularly chic, the last thing a busy woman on the go wants to do is buckle-down and have to hold on to her otherwise loose belt.
The inspiration was open heart surgery (see above graphic) – as one of Elise's friends gave her a DVD of a procedure for her viewing pleasure. Not sure if we would have made the jump from there to such lovely and wearable clothes, but glad she did!
