As creative director of Theia, Don O’Neill is always busy with weddings. But he’s been especially engaged of late, on more than one level. Not only has he just launched a bridesmaid line for his brand Theia, he also happens to be getting married himself — this summer, to his partner Pascal. But, business before pleasure. For spring 2017, O’Neill stated pre-show that he was inspired by an underwater photograph by Rafal Makiela, particularly the futuristic white light in the image. The result: an otherworldly, Space Age collection, a sort of ode to David Bowie in “The Man Who Fell to Earth.”
It’s always nice to see a designer step out of his comfort zone and run with a theme, but some of the dresses were a bit too literal with the motif and probably too out there for Theia’s bridal customer. Cases in point: a gown with a lacy floral ruff encircling the head like a halo; several see-through, beaded galaxy-themed dresses and a sheer, molded crystal corset which only Judy Jetson could pull off.
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Happily, some silhouettes came back down to earth, in a beautiful, intricate way. Key looks included a lace and beaded bomber jacket paired with a sheer lace skirt; a hand-embroidered, mirrored sequin high-low gown, and a silk and vinyl tunic with crystal 3-D flowers over fluid trousers.