Cynthia Steffe: lovely fusion of romantic, military

Sometimes strong designer labels falter for one reason or another, whether there’s a new creative talent calling the shots or the brand fails to remain relevant or true to its clientele.

Cynthia Steffe

It’s always good to see them rebound, returning better than ever. That’s what appears to be happening at Cynthia Steffe with Shaun Kearney at the helm as the latest creative director.

Kearney brought significant experience and skill to the table when he too charge first for the spring 2009 collection, having designed womenswear for Donna Karan, Kenneth Cole, and Max Mara.

Christian Siriano

The fall-winter collection Kearney sent out yesterday managed to fuse the best of both. He fused the comfort and fit of Karan, the young urban flair of Cole, and the easy sophistication of Max Mara, a synthesis that was lovely and fresh.

The collection exuded a vivacious exuberance, a joie de vie sorely missing from a season rife with neutrals as dreary as Ohio in January. For clothes to be desired, fit and function are not enough for many women. They want the life and energy that color brings, and Cynthia Steffe is serving it up for fall.

One of the trends emerging in fall womenswear is the juxtaposition of hard and soft, tough and tender. Kearney’s take was a seamless fusion of military and romance that provided structure without rigidity and polish without formality. There were cropped jackets and short pleated skirts, cardigans and slouchy sweaters, shrunken suits and pretty dresses layered over white t-shirts.

Kearney chose dark neutrals — black, navy and gray, which are favorites among designers for fall. He also introduced two gorgeous prints that complemented the palette.

Michael Angel

The collection will have strong hanger appeal at retail. For shoppers who aren’t sure what to wear with what, take a hint from the runway show. Wear the chic chocolate and ivory tweed cape with the ivory georgette ruffle blouse and moleskin pocket skirt, for example, or the black pleated wool skirt with the beautiful faded floral print cotton silk trench coat with satin and leather insets.