The St. Regis Hotel brings to mind images of opulence and old-money luxury. Stepping inside its gilded, marble lobby is stepping back in time to the heyday of the Astors and the Vanderbilts.

Here, tucked away from the chaos of fashion week, Anya Caliendo presented her Spring/Summer 2015 collection in the Dior Suite. Stunningly whimsical handmade hats were nestled like jewels throughout the suite. Each piece exuded the romance of past lovers and a hint of close-kept secrets.

Some, like a headpiece of wine red feathers cascading around the right side of the mannequins face, enchanted the viewer immediately. Candy-colored, knit beanies looked like typical wool hats from afar, but upon closer inspection, they were weaved from shredded georgette and distressed hand colored silk yarn.

Three of the four standout pieces perched atop the heads of heavily made-up models. The hats themselves were so magnificent and outrageous that they required a capsule collection of garments. A beaded coral bowler hat adorned with a large blue and white ombré flower and leaves was paired with a double-faced cashmere jacket in coral and a silk charmeuse pencil skirt in the same color.  A blue floral print chapeau spiraled stiffly around the neighboring model’s head in a gravity-defying act. The airy, foil-cut French netted fabric wrapped around the hat and added the perfect touch of movement.

Lounging, languidly on a plush couch sat a model in a metallic pink bias cut gown, her face obscured by the massive central piece of the “Ghost Gardens” collection. A branch of golden metal protruded laterally from the hat while leaves in various hues of pink and gold grew from the stem. Light captivatingly danced with each slight adjustment or turn of the head.

On the way out, Caliendo, a short woman with a kind face and a severe bun, offered her guests delicious rose and raspberry flavored macaroons. When asked to comment on her collection, she declined.

“I let my hats speak for themselves,” said Caliendo.

Caliendo succeeded in creating a collection fit for a party in a fantasy garden. The majority of her pieces were outrageously beautiful and detailed but more suited as a collectable than an addition to one’s wardrobe. However, the beanies and headbands are suited for everyday wear. Over all her collection is more wearable than past seasons. Caliendo’s hats are not just masterpieces to put on display but wearable works of art.

Email Jordan Sitinas at [email protected].