While upon stepping into the Box at the Lincoln Center the eye is immediately drawn to the long evening gowns, there were a variety of intriguing cocktail dresses, jackets, and even a brocade harem pant also on offer. Binetti clearly ventured into exciting, new territory, creating something like the wardrobe of a goddess. There was no shortage of delicate and luxurious fabrics like lace, silk, chiffon serving as the basis for dresses accented with beaded, sequined and hand embroidered details. And these opulent accents didn’t stop at the clothing either. Even the high heeled shoes were encrusted with jewels and bold necklaces composed of German silver and gemstones.
There’s really no questioning that Binetti’s woman will have to be ready to own the room when she walks in to carry these designs. But for all its lavishness and opulence, Binetti seems to have successfully managed to restrain his aesthetic enough to stave off venturing into over-the-top or “costumey” territory—though he certainly seems to have been interested in towing the line without ever actually crossing it.
