I can’t remember the last time I was this bowled over by a resort collection. Gilles Mendel, the master creator of all things couture-like at J.Mendel, unveiled his Resort 2011 confections on not a blank-faced model or boring mannequin, but New York City Ballet dancers–for whom he has designed their costumes for the June 5 gala performance of “Call Me Ben.” But while the ballet may tell the story of gangster Bugsy Malone, there’s nothing Forties or notorious in sight. Instead, Mendel focused on the lightness and “ballet feeling” experience of the dancers, incorporating similar design principles. The results were taking J.Mendel’s already-heavenly cocktail dresses and gowns–mostly cut from tulle, mousseline and organza–and kicking them up a notch or three. Think glam ballerina. And can we talk about the shoes? The Casadei for J.Mendel footwear collection–beribboned and encased in pleated silk mousseline–is, pun intended, tutu sweet!
