Alexander Berardi S/S ’10 New York Fashion Week
By Nick Palacios, Fashion Stylist

Do not be confused; the fact that House of Berardi has yet to become a common household name does not extinguish the exquisite talent and high potential of New York’s Upper East Side couturier.  Alexander Berardi, who studied briefly at Parsons, is showing for his second time during New York’s Fashion Week. The evening was attended by young and old, gathered in the Altman Building in the historic flatiron district. 

Berardi outlined his inspiration and direction for Spring 2010 as a collection that is a, “…slight retro throwback to summer vacations in Martha’s Vineyard.”  The youthful designer showed 24 looks created with all-natural fabrics, resonating a light, airy, and delicate affect.  Crinkle chiffon blouses, piped button down dresses, and satin shorts effused a confident uptown girl who fancies an escape to the coast after a week of urban dwelling. Structured blazers adorned with contrasting piping and loose draping around the waist of trousers, showed Berardi’s true understanding of the dynamics between a strong silhouette and playful movement; a look he executed with ease.  

After a handful of pure white descended upon the catwalk, I held my breath hoping and praying for color.  Was he going for Elie Saab, in her Fall 09 Couture collection in all white?  But finally – navy, peach, and more! Berardi warmed things up with an orange pleated teardrop minidress and a hand-darted peach silk-knit sweater. 

When asked which of his pieces were “must have” the designer mused, “…the baby boy blazer, or maybe after tonight the sequined cardigan; it’s my favorite piece - it’s like armor.”  With jewels, sparkle, and sequins being a trend we will see transition from fall to spring, Berardi will find much success with these fresh and statement pieces.  

For the wallet conscious girl needing to make wardrobe staple investments, Berardi knows his customers are looking for “A more grounded point of view”.  “It might be glamorous but not an outward glamorous.” Instead with a focus on fine textures and pleating, Alexander Berardi is establishing a presence as a house with sustainable design and gorgeous clothes.