Debauched Debutantes Tear Up House of Holland for Fall 2014 (Runway Review)

The Scene: After the debutante ball. Crystal chandeliers on the floor, sequins, well, everywhere. Don’t think you can do a red and hot pink sequin stripe with a green metallic pencil skirt? Then you can’t sit with us. If sequin shifts are all you dream of, you’re secured a spot.

The Inspiration: The theme of the collection was “Debauched Debutantes.” There were looks for the “harlots” to go out in and then the insensible concoctions they end up in when everyone trades clothes at daddy’s penthouse suite after the after-party.

The Look: It would be easy to be a fashion victim in these clothes — unless you have the attitude to really kill it. There were adorable party ensembles ranging from the expected (a token LBD) to the unexpected (a hot pink, below-the-knee A-line skirt with matching midriff-baring top, both in taffeta). A similar outfit in a dove gray with a quilted top followed that would suit the more reserved. Despite the general explosion of color and shine, there were a lot of high necks as well as high three-point collars, so this wasn’t an exposed collection. There were neons and odd combinations typified by ripped, cuffed jeans with ruffles peeking out the tears, pompom strappy shoes, a gauzy orange see-through empire-waist dress with long sleeves and a high collar, a pink and purple scarf along with a turquoise bag, all in one outfit. Basically, there were a lot of items you’d take on as statement pieces rather than copying the whole look.

The Accessories: Bags ranged from polka dot train cases to a prim blue doctor bag to furry orange clutches. Pointed-toe strappy stilettos were adorned with pompoms.

The Beauty: MAC Cosmetics’ Lucia Pica described the look as “1980s/1990s Tatler girls.” 

The Casting: Sam Rollinson headlined the show with Lily Allen and Kelly Osbourne in the front row.

The Takeaway: If you can’t get fully onboard with an 80s look, this may not be the collection for you.

All images: IMAXtree