Catherine Malandrino

The French Institute Alliance Française presents: Fashion Talks with Pamela Golbin featuring designer, Catherine Malandrino

This Spring, the French Institute Alliance Française (fi:af) bridges French haute couture and New York style as it presents three “Fashion Talks” with top female designers. Moderated by Pamela Golbin, author and Curator-in-Chief of Twentieth-Century and Contemporary Fashion at the Musee de la Mode et du Textile in Paris, the talks aim to explore the designers’ backgrounds, creative process, and their path to success. The series features talks with three amazing designers – Donna Karan, Catherine Malandrino, and Diane von Furstenberg.

On Friday, March 20th, I had the pleasure of attending the Fashion Talk with Catherine Malandrino (DVF recap coming soon). Although she is a ten-year veteran, Catherine’s star is still rising and I feel has not yet hit its zenith. She is an impeccable designer who embodies her work and her passion through her lifestyle, a characteristic that she shares with the woman she designs for.

Growing up in the French Alps, Catherine saw the world differently than the fashion scene saw it at that time. Choosing her sisters over dolls, she practiced her future profession. After having studied fashion and graduating with honors, Catherine cut her teeth at the houses of Dorothée Bis, Louis Féraud, and Emanuel Ungaro where she perfected her detailing and fit. It was Catherine’s journey stateside to New York City however, that led her to express her vision of blending couture elements into sportswear for fast paced life of the woman she wanted to design for. With this vision, she embodies both Paris and New York - blending the beautiful and the romantic with the urban and eccentric to create “Chic in the Street” fashion.

Catherine has always thought of her brand as a Fashion House or “Maison” rather than simply a sportswear brand. She bridges the gap between the atelier and the factory as she moves the core principles of couture into real life, making her clothing available to women who would normally not have access to such fine details and fit. Catherine discussed how she continually thinks of her collection as a wardrobe; with each new collection that she presents, she builds upon that wardrobe. In line with Planet Style Concierge’s philosophy, Catherine emphasized that clothing is the ultimate vehicle through which one speaks to the world about themselves.

Looking stunning in a black dress constructed of floral embroidered patches with jet black hair and matching black patent leather pumps, Catherine shared how she fell in love with her husband in NYC, and how thankful she is for the celebrity clientele that have worn her clothing - most notably Madonna, one of the first to embrace her critically acclaimed Flag collection, Halle Berry, and Julia Roberts. Citing Mary J. Blige as a close friend, Catherine credits her music as the inspiration behind her 2001 “Hallelujah” show, which was presented at the famous Apollo theatre.

When asked if she would ever design for men, Catherine responded yes, noting that she cannot think about how to dress a woman without thinking about the man that accompanies her. This would be a natural progression for her, if she can find the time. Her definition of “Catherine Malandrino” was “spontaneity, femininity, determination, vision, strength, and love;” all characteristics that I feel are expressed in her clothing.

Overall the event was quite good. I enjoyed Catherine’s comments and hearing about her background and inspiration; all of which delivered in a soothing French accent. My only criticism would be that the moderator felt a bit staged and rehearsed. I would have much preferred it to feel conversational, rather than leading from one talking point to another.

Catherine’s clothes have always struck a cord with me form the moment I first stepped into her boutique in the Meat Packing District. They are feminine, beautiful, and soft, while at the same time being assertive and confident. They feature excellent detailing and the fit is very flattering. Kudos Catherine, keep up the good work and we look forward to what you will bring us in the next six months for Spring 2010!

Brian Ciabotti – for Planet Style Concierge