Staging Thakoon Panichgul's S/S 2013 collection at the new DIA space in Chelsea was a striking departure from the rows of gold cannage chairs and gilded ceilings of the Plaza's salons. Last season's sexy black and neon red printed pieces may have worked well with these stark white walls, while this collection's bird cage pattern, laser cut butterflies, coral wallpaper and orchid embroidery could have been lifted from the storied hotel's decor.
Here, Panichgul went for warmer, romantic looks like a hummingbird embroidered yellow duchesse jacket paired with a black pleated skirt and a dress with the same colorful creatures flitting about a black and white foliage print. It was a little confusing when graphic collages of poplin and blossom embroidered organza popped up, the same goes for leather trimmed rose patterned denim and impossible to ignore saucer sized clear paillettes. The best look was rocked by Cara Delevingne, a white lace dress covered in an apron jumper that was somehow modern, yet also demure.
