Grace and beauty is what Gilles Mendel wanted to convey for fall. Staged at Ladurée’s lovely SoHo location — definitely a homage to the designer’s Parisian roots — the presentation transported guests to an extremely feminine atmosphere. Classic and modern, romantic and cool, the collection played with a juxtaposition of contrasting elements. The beautifully crafted gowns, ranging from plissé ballerina dresses to ruffled column styles embellished with sequins, as well as classy Old Hollywood-inspired floor-length designs, were worn with a range of fur coats with a trendy, slightly rock ‘n’ roll feel. These included a sleek, easy-to-wear sartorial nutria coat, as well as a covetable patchwork hooded parka crafted from different fox furs. Mendel’s luxurious fall approach definitely offered beautiful red-carpet gowns, but also offered plenty of options for an hyper-elevated take on cocktail and daywear look.