Gerlan Jeans Spring/Summer 2011 Collection
Will Smith’s rap song ‘Summertime’ was the little diddy I kept singing in my head after leaving the show for Gerlan Jeans Spring/Summer 2011 (S/S ’11) collection at the Hudson Hotel on Monday September 12. I even envisioned the album cover as the colors of Easter infused with Gerlan’s logo print took over many of the pieces. Though there were no bunnies in sight, there were patterns of flamingos and leopard prints made from lips instead of spots. These were just a few of the fun and quirky twists that Gerlan Marcel is known for in her design aesthetic and was evident throughout this collection.
The S/S ’11 collection brought me back to simpler times of the late 80s early 90s, when people didn’t take fashion so seriously; when fashion was really about self expression and having fun. Gerlan has captured the essence of those times and each piece gave me a feeling of warmth. Her print work is as much a part of her design as the actual tailoring of the clothes. All the prints that are showcase on each garment are made by her own “hand drawn illustrations or ruff sketch” as stated in her campaign to raise money for this collection that we were all lucky to witness. The color theme of pastel pinks, greens & lavender blended well on each piece of denim, t-shirt, or two piece cotton ensembles whether it was for the man or the woman. The color theme crossed sexes without undermining the wearer’s sexuality. It exuded strength & confidence on both sides. Gerlan also seemed to be her own publicist, as many of her pieces reminded us who we were watching, as her name or initials adorned earring & garments alike. She said this loud, as shown by the exclamation earrings, and proud as shown by the grand finale piece of a black & white swimsuit (as pictured above) supported by a huge collar & train which seemed to be a crowd pleaser.
Gerlan debuted her first collection in the February 2009 and is growing at speeds beyond her wildest dreams. Since her line is self-funded, she started a genius online fundraiser program where she would award sponsors w/ pieces from her line and autographed copies of her SS ’11 lookbook. She had a goal of $17,500 and managed to exceed it a month before her collection debuted. With that kind of tenacity & ambition, I have no doubt that she will be even bigger and better in seasons to come.
- By Lisan J. Simpson
