For spring 2013, Monique Lhuillier showcased a series of red carpet-ready gowns — everything from bright blue lace and golden-hued tulle to glitzy silver beads (some just a hint, others all-over) and dizzying digital prints. Of the 45 looks sent down the runway, 20 were floor-grazing gowns that would work well for any TV actress on the hunt for an Emmys dress. The looks weren’t necessarily new — lace, prints and peplums all carry over from fall — but very beautiful and sure to get noticed by Hollywood’s stylists.
The L.A.-based designer drew inspiration from “water and ocean life,” which translated into bird and fish scale prints, blueish green hues (reminiscent of the waves in Malibu) and an occasional mermaid silhouette. There was a strong emphasis on fluidity and movement — a trend that appeared at Prabal Gurung with flowy ruffled chiffon and at Christian Siriano with liquid-like draped ivory and blush pink silk. Lhuillier also used spring 2013 to debut her new shoe collection with super strappy lace-up sandals and peep-toe high heels in black, blue and gold.
There weren’t any of Lhuillier’s regular celebrity fans sitting on the front row (Lily Collins, Ginnifer Goodwin and Emmy Rossum all love the designer), but House M.D. actress Odette Annable was sitting next to power stylist Cristina Ehrlich (she dresses best drama actress Emmy nominee Julianna Margulies). Reality star/stylist Brad Goreski, whose clients include Jessica Alba and Rashida Jones, was also there with his camera crew and TV producer boyfriend Gary Janetti in tow.
