New York Fashion Week: Juan Carlos Obando

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I’m late in writing about Los Angeles designer Juan Carlos Obando’s spring 2012 collection. But at least now I can also gush about what was among the top five fashion moments at the Emmys on Sept. 18 -- Obando’s cream ruffle-front halter gown with a dramatic train, worn by Aubrey Plaza.

I emailed the designer, who balances work on his collection with a freelance career in advertising, to congratulate him. He was still in New York selling his spring collection but said that it had been ‘a very special night.’

I can imagine.

A lot in his spring presentation seemed to be designed for special nights, which is a good thing, since more and more, Obando is landing in the celebrity dressing spotlight. (Freida Pinto wore a draped green Obando dress to the premiere of ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ in July.)

Set against an enormous backdrop of fresh flowers, each one handpicked by Obando (because that’s the kind of attention to detail he believes in) the collection was full of sensual, sublimely draped and knotted silk dresses in vivid shades of violet, aqua and grass green.

My favorite look was a shocking pink blouse with long sleeves and a deep-V neck, over a matching skirt with asymmetrical hem. As an alternative to a girlie dress, black satin pants and a boxy satin jacket trimmed in cabochon stones were also quite nice. And a draped and knotted navy blue stripe skirt, paired with a long sleeve shirt with contrasting stripes was a high-glamour take on spring’s perennial nautical trend.

It’s great to see Obando having so much momentum. I can’t wait to see more.

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Top photo: Aubrey Plaza at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards. Credit: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

Bottom photos: Looks from the Juan Carlos Obando spring 2012 runway collection shown during New York Fashion Week. Credit: Cindy Ord / Getty Images