Anna Sui
by Marilyn Kirschner | photographed by Yannis Vlamos

This season, Anna was inspired by "two commercial illustrators from the Sixties, Walter and Naiad Einsel. I love the graphics, the use of 'blotting technique' line quality and inspiration from folk art Americana." But regardless of her outside influences, it is her intuition that always guides her and the resulting effect is that her collections are consistently expressive, whimsical, colorful, and feminine. And they are always a wonderful pile on of dizzyingly layered accessories. This time was no exception as she mixed winter sports gear and skiwear with a myriad of dresses, furs, and hand knits. Black was the neutral base and perfect for the kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, plus brash metallics that were used. There were parka coats and anoraks, knitted cardigans, ski jumpsuits, chunky cable knit sweaters, smock dresses, conversation prints, florals, patchwork furs (courtesy Adrienne Landau), crochet pieces (courtesy James Coviello), metallic chiffons and brocades, feather (ostrich) trims, and brocades. The clothes were short except for one long dress and legs were covered in cozy heathered gray wool tights; low heeled mod inspired shoes and boots were the order of the day. Vintage inspired long gold tones chains and pendants accessorized every outfit but the real 'star' was the hat. Heads were encased in knitted hats (some with large paillettes), fur hoods, and oversized fur hats. Just like show attendees this past week.