CASSIN New York
Fall/Winter 2006
Line Review

The Fall /Winter 2006 collection from Cassin is inspired by the colors of nature, concentrating on the craft of making fine clothes with modem versatility. Coats that reverse from rainwear to fur protect from the elements, while embracing them, in this season's palette of Earth, Wind, Water and Fire hues. Classic sleeves are modem and fresh with ruched details, bloused long sleeved furs, and a three-tiered blouson mink sleeve. From the meticulously detailed fleece braided toggles of the Sherry Cassin collection, to the pewter tipped resin buttons that adorn the season's most glamorous coats, the line has a comprehensive element of stylistic excellence

As rustic as the autumn season always is, this year's furs are wilder, and are shown in their most beautiful, natural hues. Vests are shown in raccoon, fox, and Persian lamb, while versatile rex and muskrat trim and tailor the season's most adaptable pieces. A coat in gold foil Napa leather reverses to sheared mink in a shearling-type treatment of the fur. Mink pave adds a rich texture to the collection, and lace-cut leather creates necessary feminine volume to contrast smooth, skin finished reversible shearlings and Italian goat suede. An orylog reversible cape expands its traditional use with the ultimate versatility. Fur-trimmed baby alpaca and cashmere are the hallmark ready-to-wear of the season in hip-grazing and longer, belted shapes. Likewise, fur-trimmed sweaters flatteringly drape, and stole clutches can be belted for a sexy figure-shaping look.

The base earth colors are represented by moss, walnut, brownstone, pollen, and seaweed, while ocean green, blue opal and ink are the essential water-inspired hues. The fire group shows feminine colors from the heart in red, wisteria and a warm cameo. Wind, the invisible element, is rendered in pumice and black matte/shine combinations.

The Sherry Cassin line is a mini-collection geared to the customer 18-40 with a body conscious attitude and a fun, feminine mind. Focusing on items that have a sweet, casual but strong look, the collection offers vests, jackets, and coats in curly lamb and dyed fox. Cozy fur lined fleece cotton sweatshirts come in vest and long sleeved versions, while muskrat is used for new concepts of fur-trimmed denim in silhouettes, such as a belted trench, a long sleeved cropped jacket, and a longer cut vest.

Cassin creates the ultimate feminine rainwear collection with animal print, Italian damask, silk taffeta, and silk broadcloth. These pieces are lightweight but sturdy, with beautiful shapes that make them not just a necessary protector from the elements, but a central outfit component. The introduction of reversible matte duchess satin and rabbit combinations are fresh in a belted trench, a city coat. and a cocoon funnel neck coat. The pumice color, a believable winter white, makes for a smart and timeless fashion statement within the reversible rainwear group.

Cassin's evening collection has always represented glamour and fantasy with pretty, cosmetic colors in mink, fox, rex, marabou, ostrich, and the most intricate of beading. The influence is part 1930's and part 1960's, with icy accents of diamonds and platinum, and tiny cardigans and draped shoulder covers that complete an outfit.