Fashion & Beauty

Milly by Michelle Smith

The Who: Stylists June Ambrose and Lauren Rae Levy sat front row by Chelsea Leyland, Alicia Quarles and Julie Macklowe. Jason Kidd’s wife, Porschla Kidd, was there too.

The What: The opposite of understated, Michelle Smith’s collection challenged NYC’s all-black-all-the-time status quo with hologram leather skirts and metallic blouses. Teal, cobalt and fluo pink were the boldest colors on the runway, and were balanced with quieter looks in charcoal and silver. More relaxed than Smith’s typical silhouettes, pieces were feminine with a bit of a boyish edge.

The Highlight: Smith’s stud-embossed leather was one of the coolest fabrics we’ve seen all season.

The Takeaway: If wearing blindingly-bright hologram leather is wrong, we don’t want to be right. Ever.

PLUS: Backstage With Michelle Smith

For over a decade women have gushed over Michelle Smith’s designs, welcoming her bright prints and feminine silhouettes with copious amounts of fashion fanfare. Her Milly label is a hit among girly girls, though women who take their wardrobe with a hint of edge laud it as well. Smith’s fall collection was a mix of bright colors, slouchy separates and offbeat textures, which she told us all about before her show.

New York Post: What inspired this collection?

Michelle Smith: I called my collection Illumination. I was inspired by the beauty of the city landscape at night. You’ll see a lot of really interesting hologram effects in the leathers and some shimmery fabrics, but it’s toned down with some chunky wools and knit fabrics.

NYP: Are there any other fabrics or silhouettes that you’re excited about?

Smith: You’ll see a mixture of textures and technological finishes. You’ll also see some new proportions. I love a more relaxed look this season that’s a little slouchy. the sweaters are lose and some of the skirt lengths are dropping.

NYP: What is it about New York that influences your work?

Smith: I think there’s a unique energy and power to New York City. I lived in Paris for three years and I studied design there and after that time I really missed the energy of New York. I was drawn back here to launch my collection. It’s a city like no other. When you travel away and then you’re flying back into JFK, you always get pumped up and feel that excitement.

NYP: Do you enjoy the Fashion Week grind?

Smith: I’m working so hard on my collection that I don’t really take part in the madness! I just try to get home to give my babies a kiss, fall asleep, and then wake up and do it all over again.