Zac Posen has always proven to be a risk taker when it comes to fashion design, which has garnered him abundant applause and a devoted following.
Last week, the flamboyant designer exalted himself to the status of maestro - producing one of the most fanciful and engaging collections of New York Fashion Week.
While most fashion houses were erring on the side of caution by sticking to practical, approachable creations, Posen embraced flounce and pomp in what could only be described as a larger-than-life concerto.
Five Steinway grand pianos positioned in the middle of the runway had the VIP crowd (which boasted the most star-studded front row of the week) whispering excitedly about the performance that was yet to come.
When the lights dimmed, the pianists 5 Browns (classical music's first family of piano virtuosos) began to play in perfect tandem - not only with each other, but also with the extravagant garments that floated down the catwalk. We couldn't help but notice songstress Alicia Keys' awed expression - torn between the impressive keyboard skills and the visual fantasy unfolding before her.
And we could understand her dilemma, for even though the melody was a seductive support act, the clothes were still the main event. Revelling in luxurious splendour, Posen's symphony struck the right chord with a blend of silk jackets, lace blouses with high Victorian collars and mohair-sequined cardigans all accessorised with fussy bows and jewelled belts.
The evening's opus was the designer's red carpet gowns, which emphasised both the shoulder and the waist with asymmetric cuts and draped organza.
Flame hair model Coca Rocha's appearance in a ruffled shirt skirt and boucle jacket, drew a catcall from the photographer's pit: "Now that's a real woman!" The audience laughed, as did an appreciative Rocha and it aptly summed up Posen's gift for extraordinary compositions. Bravo!
