Click for more looks from Christine Alcalay Spring/Summer 2014.

A playlist as diverse as Kanye West, Disclosure, and Gavin Degraw was the first clue to the eccentricity and mix-and-matching of Christine Alcalay’s spring/summer 2014 presentation, which was located (quite appropriately) above a fabric store at Projective Space on Allen Street.

The models, cheekbones bronzed, dazzled in Alcalay’s collection of silk chiffon blouses, tasteful maxi dresses, and baggy trousers. Some innovative looks introduced silk chiffon skirts draped over shorts. And there were capes: gorgeous, luxurious, and beautiful capes. The designer and her team juxtaposed soft flowing fabrics and romantic laces with the classic crispness of pleated skirts, modifying ladylike pieces to have an edge. The faux-hawks sported by the models gave a clue to this design aesthetic.

Alcalay’s collection featured two subtle florals, one in black and white and the other in color. As for solids, a simple “sulfur yellow” and discreet “powder blue” were heavily showcased. The blue, which borderlines light periwinkle, directly complemented the pale yellow while an intense fuchsia and vibrant green stood out boldly amongst the more muted pastels.

Alcalay’s vision of a woman is “a diamond in the rough” who “wears whatever” and is “not to be messed with.” The designer described the collection as “powerful,” but with a gentle twist.  After all, who says feminine can’t be assertive? Alcalay’s spring collection is certainly both.

Julianne Ciccone is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].