Dennis Basso Fall 2011

Luxury, elegance, glamour, sophistication — and the antithesis of minimalism — were the hallmarks of Dennis Basso’s Fall/Winter 2011/12 show in Lincoln Center on February 15th. Dennis Basso is a furrier, yes – and his collection featured sable, fox, mink, lynx, broadtail and chinchilla in luxe multi-pelt looks that only an unfaltering eye and deft hand could combine with such certainty. These are not your grandmother’s furs. Oh no. Exquisite detailing such as drawstring cuffs and waists gave many of the coats a modern, nipped in and flattering silhouette. Huge hoods and wide collars meant to protect from the ravages of winter also served to beautifully frame the face. But the show was not all about fur. Basso’s apparel – glorious hand knit and woven cashmere dresses that moved and flounced down the runway; a pencil skirt topped with a knit vest of ruffles and cinched at the waist; elegant, skinny-silhouette pant suits and swoon-worthy evening dresses – made those in attendance wish spring would never come. Yes, Basso knows fur. He knows the way it moves; he knows the way it flatters. But, he also knows fabric and uses it in much the same way he uses fur – to create elegance, movement and a sense of luxury that women want.

Spotted in the star-studded crowd were Kelly Rutherford, Hoda Kotb and Johnny Weir.