The best trend out of Spring 2017 so far, Byron Lars flaunted most prominently. Several fashion designers have shown models beyond the typical "runway model" shape and proportion to reflect the diversity of their customer better. Lars referred to his new season, both ready-to-buy fall 2016 and spring 2017 as "inclusive" sizing.
His fans demanded his beautiful work to fit a larger range of customers. He took it to heart and researched what the plus sized market was doing wrong that so much full-figured were frustrated. I am happy to say I worked on this collection with Byron. From experience, I knew that most brands that even bother to produce clothing are larger sizes are simply sizing up. Lars spent months casting full-figured models, working with fashion fans, patternmakers and clothing construction to offer customers of ALL sizes the same impeccable fit and finish he is known for.
To be honest, some of the beautifully gathered and shaped dresses looked better on models of larger sizes and curves than models of the smaller size range. That shows what good design can do for a figure. Others flattered the athletic runner's body, as was demonstrated by Olympic medalist Kristi Castlin.
The clothes themselves, his famous sheath dresses are the standout. If you take the time to look closely at each dress, you will find an amazing amount of detail. There might be laser cut chiffon layered on top of print or mesh. There could be jewels, wood or metal embroidery around the neck. Brocade could be pieces with lace in body framing seams. You could be wrapped in impossibly twisted vegan suede so soft you want to sleep in it.
The front row wasn't so much about celebrities as it was a reunion of longtime fashion colleagues. I loved seeing legendary icon Fern Mallis, designer Tracy Reese, and Byron Lars getting silly after hugging it out on the red carpet.
Congratulations Byron Lars on both Fall 2016 (grab it before it sells out) and the Spring 2017 collection. Inclusive sizing in fashion is what we all need.
All photos by Mariana Leung
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