Norisol Ferrari Spring/Summer 2013

“If you’ve got it, flaunt it,” says Mama Rose in the iconic musical Gypsy. There was a lot of flaunting on the runway during Norisol Ferrari spring/summer 2013 runway show, and flaunting in a good way by seasoned models that still have it, and know just how to flaunt it.

Using models who have decades of experiences is nothing new. Michael Bastian continues to use supermodel Tyson Beckford. Naomi Campbell made a surprise catwalk strut in Zac Posen’s spring/summer 2013 show. And a couple of seasons ago Carmen Dell’ Orefice, Pat Cleveland, Roshumba, Carole Alt, Irina Pantaeva, Frederique Van der Wal, and Nikki Taylor  participated in Adrienne Vittadini’s  presentation at Lincoln Center.

Norisol Ferrari continued the mtrend this season of mixing in well-seasoned models with fresher faces. Though the younger models did a commendable job, Carmen Dell’Orefice, Alva Chinn, Carole Alt, and Karen Bjornson stole the show.

But this collection was about more than iconic supermodels. In this outing, Ferrari conjured up the curvaceous silhouettes of silver screen sirens Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe, and Rita Moreno.  Ferrari’s choice of looks for this collection ranged from palazzo pants to tight pencil skirts to fitted bodices that flared out to flowing skirts with embroidered embellishments.

Though Ferrari attempted to capture old Hollywood glamour in this collection, Ferrari managed most times to keep her point of view fresh and current. However, there were a few garments that bordered on kitsch. And unlike other collections this season, Ferrari chose to stay with a neutral palette.

Still, it was a joy to see Carmen Dell’Orefice, Alva Chinn, Karen Bjornson and Carole Alt working the runway, bringing back memories of when runway presentations evoked mood, charm and sometimes frothy frivolity.

—William S. Gooch