Just in time for Valentine’s Day or, perhaps, maybe a more anti-Valentine’s Day, Frederick Anderson presented his Fall Winter Collection at the Paradise Club at the Times Square Edition Hotel, evoking romance through the sexy environment donned with red velvet curtains and moody murals, his opening act with a special guest performance by opera singer Grammy Winner J’Nai Bridges and, of course, his clothes.
Anderson has consistently been drawing inspiration by exploring African cultural impact on other regions, this collection in particular focusing on the Moorish influence in Spain. In 19th century Spain, romance was evoked in all forms including art and music and I think both were served in this collection. It felt very Spanish Soap Opera and this collection similarly evoking the range of emotions in those tv series. The collection was phases of deep reds, his famous sheer lacy numbers, some sexy sequins pieces, into motifs of Spanish Tile Scarf prints which he calls “a romance print”, to finally a sprinkling of casual everyday knit pieces
I felt the femininity in the garments and the duality yet coexisting nature of love and lust, and how sometimes love can be a little dark and mysterious too. As I mentioned, while expressive or romantic, I also felt that the collection brought a little goth vibe and an anti-love and Valentines Day mood, especially when noticing the accessories and bold makeup. I think there was a story being told, and while that story doesn’t run the same line, I think it does involve the same woman. The only wish I would have is a soundtrack to better complement it. It is kind of confusing to be so enwrapped in a romantic, passionate telenovela with a Brittany Spears and Missy Elliot in the background.
