Juan Carlos Obando showed his Fall 2011 collection in a dark, downtown space that was as ethereal as the clothing he designed. Models, their hair slicked back so as not to detract from the beautiful lines of Obando’s designs, paraded in a circle, stopping at strategically placed spotlights in order for onlookers to get a better view of the collection. The entire effect was mesmerizing as were the dresses – columns of seafoam green, white, pink and black – simply yet beautifully adorned with ruffles or draping at the bodice culminated in fishtail hems or trailing trains. Geometric leather appliques traversed the waists and hips of many of the crisply tailored separates and provided an interesting edginess to the clean lines. But it was the evening dresses – classic yet modern, beautifully cut and tailored – that had this reporter swooning.
