uan Carlos Obando's NewYork Fashion Week presentation was a carousel of dream-like visions moving slowly in and out of Chelsea's Eyebeam space. Not literally visions - but with flowing frocks, gilded hair, and the backdrop of a foggy concrete room peppered with soft lights, they could easily be mistaken for such. As each girl made her slow, drifting movement around the room, a soundtrack played that was more sound effect than music. It was Joseph LoDuca's haunting score to The Brotherhood of the Wolf, though it seemed to belie the classic beauty of Obando's draping pieces. The story behind Obando's Fall 2011 collection is actually based on rock concerts and the Victorian era: an odd mix of influences that swirled together to create a collection of elegant gowns interspersed with gothic Victorian details and KISS-inspired lightning bolt motifs in foiled leather. These inspirations came through in the most understated of ways, leaving Obando's expertise in construction and form to be the collection's highlight.
