A visionary on the pulse of fashion, Ports 1961 Creative Director Tia Cibani marries symmetry and harmony into a collection of 50 looks for spring 2010 inspired by the ephemeral beauty of nature. ESSENCE.com ventured into Cibani’s design world to give you inside access of what it takes to get a collection ready from concept to showtime. Get ready to rip the runway with Part 1 of our Legendary Style in the Making series.
As told to Qianna Smith
Cibani, who is known as style champion for the modern woman, makes a few final touches to her design at the Ports 1961 showroom located in Chelsea, New York. Before the show each model is fitted to ensure every look sent down the runway is tailor-made for the body.
The hottest models in the industry vie for the opportunity to walk in a Ports 1961 show. If you’re on the board you’ve made it.
To ensure the movement of each garment flows in the most captivating way on the runway the models do a walk-through so the Ports 1961 styling team along with Cibani can make adjustments and alterations.
For the spring/summer 2010 collection the Ports 1961 brand collaborated with FINSK shoe designer Julia Lundsten, who is known for her exotic hardwood heels and organic architecture.
Eco-chic accessories dominated the cleverly crafted Ports 1961 collection. We loved the unexpected use of bamboo as seen here being transformed into a wide belt that is simplistically stylish.
With a precise vision for spring 2010, Cibani directs the show’s hair team from the Avenda Advanced Academy New York on the style she feels best complements the collection. “The hair needs to look soft with gentle volume.”
“The vision of Ports was really clearly defined when it was rebranded in New York, and Tia really makes it clear that The Ports girl is international, she is global,” says Ports 1961 stylist Tu Ly, pictured here.
“This season there is a slight reference in the direction of Japan, but it’s not literal,” shares Cibani.
“I went through a big yoga phase and I’ve been doing it on and off for years. I picked it up again as I was beginning this collection and you can see the designs are very organic and there is a harmony to it,” says Cibani, who developed part of the collection while in Japan.
“You’ll see a reference of a kimono sleeve, but it feels very modern. This collection is not conventional−think 1930’s couture meets a Japan inspiration with a twist.”
“I think every season we go on a different journey, but the nice thing about it is that the Ports girl evolves, but she never loses touch with her aesthetic,” confirms Ly.
Model Cici wears a cloud and dawn organza blazer, oasis draped skirt, stingray and vinyl belt, paired with a Dew peep-toe pump.
Entering a gossamer world of light and color, model Svieta dons the Oasis organza dress with the Dew Geta sandal.
This collection experiments with bias cuts on stiffer fabrics, allowing volume to surround and drape the body. Model Yulia wears the cherry tropical wool dress, buff vachetta clutch and Dew peep-toe pump.
Model Anastasua sports the talc marble print satin dress accented with the Dew suede peep-toe pump.
“It’s all about the eye this season. I wanted to create a dramatic eye with an intense red hue. It’s futuristic, but functional. The skin needs to look fresh with a nice shimmer, nude shine on the lips and no blush,” says Isabelle Lepage, Ports 1961 Hair & Makeup Director, who teamed up with MAC Cosmetics Pro Team on the runway.
