Beach bum at its very best, the collection boasted an impressive variety of island-inspired pieces. Exotic colors and tropical prints were the common threads of the carefree collection. There were beautiful, vibrant bustiers, bandeaus, bathing suits and board shorts; free-flowing day dresses and gorgeous, intricately appliqued gowns. Color- blocked magenta and poppy dresses were particularly pretty. Floral headpieces and bracelets brought unexpected intrigue to the looks.
As is her signature, the collection featured an array of colorful original prints, including the Aloha (a vibrant, geometric abstract print in Stone & Sky), Medicine Wheel (inspired by different herbs and flowers of healing remedies and living off the earth) in White & Navy,Desert (a colorful interpretation of the quilting print) in Black & Ivory, Palms, Shields in Mint & Coral, Patchwork (Blue & White), andStripe as well as solid colors including Red, Sherbert, Magenta, Vanilla, Kelly Green, Navy & Black. Hoffman also created fun novelty pieces for this collection such a beaded Aloha top and beaded Safari shirt, complete with palm tree, pineapple and a toucan.
To balance out the vibrant prints, Hoffman created a selection of earthier pieces with the “Corded” grouping, which opened the show, including a cropped bustier and a tank maxi dress with metallic accents. This continued with a subtle Applique grouping, inspired by original Hawaiian quilting, shown in beautiful neutrals and navy & mint combinations. Another new addition, the color-blocking group continues the evolution of the brand beyond its unique prints, including silk chiffon red & fuschia floaty dresses, as well as trousers and shirts. Dresses often feature peek-a-boo cut outs at the waist, showing a hint of skin, and the bright printed blazers are sure to be a sought after item in retail stores come Spring.
The show featured real floral hair pieces and leaf bracelets by Taylor Patterson from Foxfodder Farms, hair by Thomas Duncan for Sebastian Professional, make up and nails by Charlotte Willer and Honey for Maybelline, shoes by Aperlai and music by Ben Brunnemer, as well as live Ukelele players (wearing Mara Hoffman Spring 2013 dresses).
The front row at the show was packed with celebrity fans including Lil Kim, Holland Roden (Actress, Teen Wolf, wearing a printed top from the current Fall collection), India De Beaufort (Actress, Jane by Design, wearing a cream colored crochet dress from the Spring collection), Julie Henderson (Sports Illustrated model, wearing a red silk dress from the Fall collection), Eric West, Irina Pantaeva(wearing a black chiffon dress from the Fall collection), Rumi Neely (Blogger), Bryanboy (Blogger), Cory Kennedy (wearing a sweater from the Resort collection), Charlotte Ross (Actress, wearing a dress from the Resort Swim collection), Kenza Fourati (Sports Illustrated model, wearing a dress from the Fall collection), Jessica White (model) and more.
Just like an island getaway, the show was over much too soon, and we were quickly forced back to reality; left to daydream of sand, sun and Mara Hoffman’s vivacious vacation wear.
Pictures continue next page.
