The serene environment of the Hudson Mercantile venue shifted to an awe-inspiring atmosphere when guests traveled to the sixth floor to view for the first time, Hanley Mellon’s Fall/Winter 2015 Collection. With fog steaming from the foreground, guests were able to appreciate the head to toe designs and collaborations.

The collection included wearable couture items for the everyday woman. Deep emerald, red, and gold dresses paired with velvet belts dominated. As did the outerwear adorned with glittering patterns. The collection as a whole accented duality of confidence and femininity.

A black sequin turtleneck paired with a mid-length pleated beige/black sheer skirt and red velvet belt stole the show. This look reflects an updated version of the typically all black work attire in the business and fashion community today. With the addition of gold sequins and pop of color, Hanley Mellon shows that one doesn’t need to sacrifice style for business. This high fashion yet wearable look exemplified the trendy functionality as well as the bold femininity of Mellon’s collection.

Another standout aspect to the collection was the creative decision for all 23 models to wear minimal makeup and identical Manolo Blahnik black stilettos. These accessory choices were a deliberate notion to emphasize the collection as one designed for “the woman on the go.”

When asked about her choices regarding the accessories, Designer and Creative Director Nicole Hanley Mellon stated that, “Obviously for presentations or shows, we always have to add the drama. But I’m always like, ‘I want her to look like normal!’” You can be sure that every individual walked out of Hudson Mercantile with an overwhelming need to own this idea of “normal”.

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