Douglas Hannant Fall/Winter 2013

Douglas Hannant has penned as the designer to the ladies who lunch. And though that may still be true, with his 2013 fall/winter collection Hannant expanded beyond that moniker to a more youthful demographic or that lady who lunches who wants a bit more edge.

With Hannant, elegance and sophistication are always dominant points of view, even if Great Gatsby frocks and East Hampton soirees seem to be a point of interest, as it was in his spring 2012 collection. However, in this outing Hannant is expanding his customer’s palette to looks beyond chic, elegant dresses to pieces that incorporate hard and soft and detailing that speaks to that customer who willing to take a risk.

Hannant’s black leather pea coat over black crepe pleated trouser speaks to that customer who is ready to up the ante, so to speak, and mix sophistication with fashion-forward edge. Although there was a lot of sheath dress silhouettes in the collection, Hannant added little flourishes and detailing that elevated this collection beyond beautiful sheaths.  A simple sheath dressed with a gathered neckline and ruffled peplum is an example of those special little touches that makes this collection so special.

Hannant smartly added a plus-size model to his lineup, demonstrating that many of the garments in this collection will look great on women whose dimensions are more rounded. And Hannant’s choice of the silver matte ruched jersey dress with beaded bib neckline was ideal for a model with curves. Other standout looks in this collection was Hannant’s ultramarine sequin gown with polka dot lace neckline and the silver/black lurex and silk draped gown.

—William S. Gooch