Bilancioni RTW Fall 2009

With all the talk of bailout plans, Rebecca Moses decided to get in on the game. And so she’s developed a Fashion Stimulus Package for her fall collection at Bilancioni. “My girls who clamor for glamour have to keep fashion alive,” said Moses. “I’m an eternal optimist.” She created five story lines, each a showcase of her ever-so-bullish girl in these trying times. One, for instance, traded in her taxis and car service for the metro, which explains the eclectic and slightly bohemian edge to the lineup of shearling coats (including a terrific thin emerald version), animal-print gilets and paillette-embellished tank dresses. Others included the coupon-clipper (bat-wing turtleneck and flannel trousers) and the DIY laundry girl (white shirting).

Key to it all, of course, is some seriously chic sweater dressing; Moses has a deft hand with chunky cable weights (cashmere bustier; pullover with marabou sleeves) and paper-thin designs alike. In keeping with the F.S.P. mentality, she focused on more layered looks as well as versatility in her garments, as seen in the puffer coat worn seven different ways. Then there’s the waist emphasis with wide obi sashes. “If we have to tighten our belts,” Moses quipped, “what better way to do it than this?”