New York based ready-to-wear designer Mara Hoffman presented her Fall/Winter 2010 collection the day after the big northeast blizzard during New York Fashion Week, on Thursday, February 11^th.  The presentation was at Openhouse Gallery, a chic downtown space located in SoHo.

This season Hoffman opted to show her collection in this presentation setting, away from the tents of Bryant Park, adding in artistic elements such as an original film, a collage like dream setting following witches as they fall into “Hysterical Levitation”, starring Isabelle McNally, and is styled by Masha Orlov. There will also be a musical performance by Living Sacrifice-www.allforthemountain.com.   Said Hoffman, “Being a fan of performing and visual arts, this was the perfect format to display the collection.” She added that the was “mystical and cosmic with ceremonial elements incorporated to full immerse the audience and allow one to really connect with the collection.”

The Mara Hoffman Fall/Winter 2010 collection is futuristic, chic with strong feminine direction.  This translates into a variety of unique silhouettes, abstract prints, and detailed designs with a range of dark and soft colors.

Dresses and separates were shown with mixed print and solid combos, ruching details and different textures combined together within a single garment, as well as solid metallic gunmetal jackets. The collection also features bold prints in darker tones with pops of colors such as red, greens, blues and purple. Washed silks, printed chiffons, silk jersey mixed with suede and velvet chiffon burnout bring are updated with color and pattern to add futuristic flair.

My favorite pieces are the dresses.  The fabrics and prints are very luxurious and I love the way the cuts and drapes flatter the figure.  Overall, the cuts and fabrics are so very feminine but styled in prints and colors that feel modern, fresh, and completely unlike any other.

Mara Hoffman’s designs have gained recognition among celebrities such as Katy Perry, Halle Berry, Megan Fox, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore, Lauren Conrad, Eva Longoria Parker, Whitney Port and Ginnifer Goodwin. Mara Hoffman is currently available through top retailers worldwide and online at www.shopbop.com.