Maybe we’re slightly obsessed, but Joseph Altuzarra’s collection of black, sharp-shouldered jackets, leather pencil-skirted dresses, and louche furs reminded the Cut of Carine Roitfeld. (Also: Cruella de Vil.) “[Carine] is always someone who inspires me,” said the designer just before his after-party at the Gramercy Park Hotel. “It’s very French-meets-New York. It’s an amalgamation of a lot of women that I know. It’s Vanessa [Traina]. It’s Melanie [Huynh]. I like to tap into the powerful and strong aspect of those women.”
Meanwhile Traina — who styled Altuzarra’s show — was chatting up Derek Blasberg about the collection. “I love the mittens!” he said. “But I prefer them as very avant-garde boxing gloves. It’s a strong woman that can pull off those black-and-white fur mittens.” Traina admitted she would wear them with everything. “You’re not afraid of a big mitten,” Blasberg agreed. “She’s done it before.” Since both Alexander Wang and Altuzarra showed furry hand-wear, the Cut wondered which would win in fur-mitten boxing match. Traina wasn’t having it. “It’s a draw!” she exclaimed. “They’re friends.”
But Miroslava Duma, however pint-sized and freshly outfitted, was primed for furry fisticuffs. “Russian fashion pack? Russian mafia? I am part of it,” she said. “Russian consumers adore fur.” So, Altuzarra versus Wang? “Altuzarra,” she said. “Because I liked them more.” Ding, ding! Round one: Altuzarra.
