by David Pedroza, Editor in ChiefChadwick Bell has gone from strength to strength each season, evolving in his design and craft to cater to a clientele that is most discreet and demanding. Bell presented his Fall 2011 collection in February, showing clothes for the well kept woman with a strong desire to look powerful, yet charming and feminine. The collection was shown at a lower Manhattan Art gallery with a video presentation and photographs of each look. The clothes hung on chrome racks, revealing the workmanship and virtues of each garment. Bell's presentation was like an intimate viewing at a Parisian Haute Couture salon; more rarefied and exclusive than a runway presentation at Lincoln Center. Although, the house creates ready-to-wear collections, the quality is more comparable to Haute Couture, with refined tailoring, beautiful finishes, and men's wear fabrics that are rich and luxurious (Bell's workmanship is comparable with that of James Galanos and Philipe Venet). Glen Plaids paired with moss greens, Black gazars, Warm Camels, and deep Navy's graced the surfaces of these modern tailor jackets, coats and dresses. One dress was attributed to Cristobal Balenciaga, cut in a superb manner in a rich wool silk fabric, the perfect little black dress. There was no lack of bias in the collection, which is a strong technique at Chadwick Bell, along with soft white blouses to be worn under an impeccably tailored jacket or a Olive green, patent, leather coat (a personal favorite of mine). These are beautiful clothes, and easy to pack and travel. Chadwick Bell has won the loyalty of his fans; he may not be a house-hold name, yet, but his growing clientele of the worlds best dressed women keep on coming for more.
Photos Courtesy of Chadwick Bell