Carlos Miele provided exactly the show I was hoping to see during Fashion Week.  The clothes were absolutely beautiful in their sophistication and graceful femininity.  While also incorporating several of the seasons trends such as belted waists and gold/mustard dresses, there was also true innovation seen in a stunning dark blue pleated silk shantung coat, which was one of the rare pieces of the season to combine seasonal sensibility with cutting-edge style. 

Miele’s background in architecture was evident in the structure and design of the collection.  Dresses that were flowing at the bottom had fitted bodices and there was no lack of belted waists on dresses, coats, and high-waisted skirts.  At the same time, it was clear that he understood the intimacies of a woman’s body; the dresses revealed just enough to be sexy without overtly so.  A pinstripe black wool jacket with black ostrich leather belt conveyed a powerful and modern look for today’s woman in a way that was understated and fresh. 

There were even some pleasant surprises like big, hand-knitted sweaters that Carrie from Sex and the City would love for brunch with the girls.  The relatively more muted palette was actually a welcome change from strangely unseasonable florals and bright colors. 

Drew Fiedler