Four designers, four interpretations of black
To those who say black is back, many will argue that it never left.
To launch Rexona Black, the label tapped four young female designers to present collections with black as the central theme. Designed with today’s active female in mind, each designer tackled one aspect of the working woman’s life: what she wears to the club, from work to dinner and nights out with the girls. All while garbed in bold black.
The event highlighted Rexona Black’s specially formulated finish, which doesn’t leave white marks on black garments. Says Rexona brand manager Anne Remulla, “Launching the product through these talented designers perfectly emphasizes that black will always be in and white stains are out.”
STAR caught up with the four designers to talk concept and influences.
Camille Co
What was the concept of your collection?
I’d like to call it bold because the cutouts and sheer panels are dangerously sexy. Bold because the mix of vibrant tribal prints, bold stripes and metal zippers forms a strong combination. And finally, bold because this collection is for women who are unafraid and proud to have all eyes on her.
Who did you have in mind while designing it?
I was assigned to do club wear, so my muse for this collection is a young and modern woman who knows how to have fun. She’s bold and confident in her own skin and she’s not afraid to show it, which makes her the sexiest woman in the club.
Current influences/inspirations?
Tribal or ethnic prints.
What’s your favorite LBD?
It would have to be the Courtney dress I designed for my line Coexist. It’s a long-sleeved mini-dress with a conservative neckline in front and sexy low-cut drape at the back.
What does the color black mean to you?
Black is universal. It’s a staple and it’s here to stay.
Michi Calica
What was the concept of your collection?
The concept of my collection was derived from “gadgets and mothers.” What do they have in common? They are both incredible multi-taskers. A mobile phone is also a camera … so many other things. Why mothers? Working mothers do everything! So if you scrutinize my pieces in this mini collection, you can wear them two or more ways. Now, that’s what I call a multi-tasking dress, and bang for your buck!
Who did you have in mind while designing it?
I am dressing a clever and stylishly practical woman. Who wouldn’t want a dress that can look two or more different ways?
Current influences/inspirations?
The weather, travels, general mood for the day— but most of all, the women who wear my clothes. It’s always about the women who wear my clothes.
What’s your favorite LBD?
Princess Diana’s daring black dress that turned her into a fashion icon — it was what she wore upon her formal engagement to Prince Charles. This was designed by David and Elizabeth Emmanuel. This dress was later on sold at a London auction for $275,000.
What does the color black mean to you?
Black is mysterious, provocative and understated. Black is a perfect canvas to create a multitude of things. Black is also an eternal fashion color.
Charina Sarte
What was the concept of your collection?
The pieces I showed are part of my holiday 2011 collection called Eastern Promises. It was inspired from my first-ever trip to Shanghai.
Who did you have in mind while designing it?
As always, I had my Charina Sarte woman in mind. Chic and glamorous.
Current influences/inspirations?
My recent collections have all been inspired by travel. I have another collection inspired by my Ibiza trip.
What’s your favorite LBD?
My favorite LBD is this black chiffon dress with ruffles I made. I love it so much I have it in several colors.
What does the color black mean to you?
Stylish, sexy, elegant and powerful.
Czarina Villa
What was the concept of your collection?
I was asked to make a “fun and sporty” collection so I decided to work with cotton and jersey with hints of mesh/tulle. Flat piping and strips were key details to make for a more interesting, textured look. It was a mini collection of short dresses with see-through panels and a jumpsuit you can wear from day to night, with sneakers or heels.
Who did you have in mind while designing it?
I thought about summer city girls from the Bronx.
Current influences/inspirations?
Tons. Influence comes from anything and everything. It is a mood, a feeling, a vibe that suddenly gets to you.
What’s your favorite LBD?
It’s more like an LBJ (Little Black Jacket). Currently obsessed with Gian Romano black leather jackets. I think LBDs are fantastic, but I’ve worn my favorite satin LBD (a piece I made in 2005) one too many times that I’ve already overused the “classic” excuse.
What does the color black mean to you?
A bottomless pit of emotions. It’s powerful yet melancholic. It is perhaps the most bipolar shade in the color wheel.
