Jenny Packham S/S 2013

By: Devin Cole
Images by: Rebekah Schott

Jenny Packham’s spring 2013 collection was inspired by Vegas in the 1960s. As the program stated, “A hedonist paradise for a post war generation, Vegas was the Entertainment Capital of the World and The Rat Pack reigned”. Her designs were dripping with all of the opulence from that era and were the embodiment of Old Hollywood Glamour. The show opened with tiny blue lights glittering off the mirrored walls at the beginning of the runway, prepping us for the ravishment that was about to ensue.

Even the jaded crowd at Fashion Week was rapt as dress after dress laden with beads and sequins slinked down the runway to the music of Sean Canning. The effect was compounded by the dazzling silver Louboutin pumps that the models balanced atop. Packham offered a variety of styles from minis to floor length with modest trains, with cap sleeves, long sleeves, and sleeveless, each more smoldering than the last.

The collection was artfully crafted in silk chiffon, charmeuse, and organza coming in pale blue, eucalyptus green, lilac, orange, and canary yellow. I was also enamored with the checkered patterned fabric that she used which was created with sequins. From a distance it looked like an ordinary but from my seat in the front row I could see the tiny details. In each box, sequins in contrasting colors were used to give the impression of brooches. It reminded me of a contemporary take on the classic Chanel aesthetic.

Jenny Packham’s name has become synonymous with elegant party clothes and her spring 2013 collection has served to solidify this reputation.