The first riff of Coolio’s classic hit “Gangsta’s Paradise” set the right tone for Rabih Kayrouz’s spring runway. The designer was channeling the street with clothes for “uptown girls” who like to play with danger and flirt with “gangsters in polka dots and flowers.”
The collection had a toughness to it — these looks were not for the faint-of-heart. Even the bold rose print used throughout, including on the white shift dress that opened the show, effectively captured the vibe. These flowers had thorns.
The “Mean Streets” attitude extended to the menswear-inspired looks, a strong point in the lineup. The combination of a simple shell top and slouchy pinstripe pants with fabric flaps across the front read urban warrior, but with an eye for city chic.