Trends this year had us wondering if next spring/summer was shaping up to be a generally dreary affair of serious colors and restrained silhouettes. Fortunately, Cesar Galindo’s latest CZAR collection has saved us the worry and it’s quite clear: winter won’t last an extra six months. CZAR, Cesar Galindo’s secondary line founded in 2011, is an unabashedly bright, glittery, feel-good celebration of spring and summer. A wholly sun-filled affair, pieces here have a distinctly Latin and African feel.
With a playful air to the entire collection, most pieces wouldn’t be out of place at a beachside party, but also not entirely off limits for a Manhattan rooftop or Miami club. A sense of restrained extravagance is particularly strong on a pair of brightly colored sleeveless dresses ending just above the knee. Shimmering brilliantly, these dresses have a dynamic, nearly hypnotizing energy to them, with hundreds of fish-scale sequins dancing in the light, in conjunction with the movement of the wearer. Similarly a colorful, saturated mosaic pattern print covers a dress and jumpsuit with contrasting black accents. A chiffon kimono-like piece uses tropical green colors and white for a delightfully bohemian feel.
Of course, this sheer joy doesn’t quite bubble over, as a few pieces restore balance. A strapless, pink snakeskin crop top is paired with a sea foam tweed skirt. A peach colored tweed sundress adds a sobering dose of minimalism to the collection. A silver metallic crop top and high-waisted skirt as well as a metallic dress with mild embellishments give this part of the collection a sixties “jet set” attitude. A moody hooded piece with a vertically influenced pattern gives a sense of cozy worldliness. Additionally, there is a fascinating white textured dress with a contained ruffle, and a pair of color-block dresses of yellow and navy blue, with contrast stitching and asymmetrical ruffles. Even more paired down, a set of pale yellow and sea-foam green color block dresses have a drape like quality and an unusually thick material, as well as a statement piece of jewelry to finish the look.
African art clearly defined the style behind the jewelry. A mix of statement gems and stones with thick necklaces come close to the neckline. Often incorporating a polished stone or even contemporary acetate, some looks forgo the jewelry all together, allowing for a completely carefree attitude. It is worth noting throughout the entire collection, there was natural face make up, snakeskin open toed heels and hairstyles that were simple, tight ponytails dipped in gold. Available Spring 2015. http://www.czarnyc.com
-Benjamin Schmidt
