Monique Lhuillier Spring 2014

For spring/summer 2014 Monique Lhuillier looked to a floral motif and the delicate balance between layering and textures seen through the rich color prism of coral, fuchsia, poppy red, persimmon, soft rose gold, nude and cream. Using a floral theme is not new to Lhuillier. For spring 2011 Lhuillier was inspired by florals found in the Garden of Eden expressed in a stunning collection that juxtaposed an inchoate sensuality against a resplendent glamour.

Unlike spring 2011, this collection was a bit more commercial and expanded Lhuillier’s consumer base beyond red-carpet gowns and that woman who wants to make a dramatic statement. Though the silhouettes were more simple and demure in this outing, Lhuillier did incorporate flowing trains, some innovative lace illusion embellishments and very modern bandeau tops married with voluminous ball skirts.

Lhuillier has proven for several seasons now that she is more than just a red-carpet eveningwear designer.  Every season she highlights restrained but elegant daywear in her collections. Still, audiences may yearn for Lhuillier’s head-turning gowns for spring 2014.

And though this collection was an interesting departure for Lhuillier, at times the collection didn’t go beyond pretty. If there was one next in this collection it was Lhuillier ingenious combination of sexy bandeau tops paired with high waisted voluminous ball skirts that did not reveal the belly button. This look is Lhuillier’s new interpretation of traditional evening that will attract a more youthful consumer.

Standouts in this collection was Lhuillier’s pink/white petal cloquè slim pant with pink/white petal cloquè bandeau, coral crepe hi-low evening tunic with ombrè embedded collar with poppy crepe palazzo pants, and the persimmon silk gazar bandeau with floral brushstroke printed silk gazar draped ball skirt.

—William S. Gooch