Calvin Klein: Seductive and a dress in a cage (for real)

Calvin Klein was Fashion Week’s closer on Thursday afternoon, as Francisco Costa presented one of his edgiest collections to date. The primarily black and white show opened with a black matte satin dress that revealed a highly structured conical bustier, not nearly as extreme as that famously pointed Madonna number, but a look that made you sit up and take notice.

The clothes appeared somewhat armor-like in parts, with thick, geometric structuring such as bands that sat off the shoulder on one dress. In many looks, however, there was a suggestive femininity – bare and exposed necklines or sheer fabrics that showed the dress or legs underneath. Costa gave a glimpse inside fabrics by contrasting seams, or double vents that rippled when the clothes moved. A frame of silver metal drew the eye to the bustier of several dresses.

That “wow” moment in the show came when a dress that featured what looked like a spun black sugar cage around it hit the runway. Comprised of black bands, the “cage” sat atop a body-conscious dress. It was captivating. 

The whole show had a dark, sexy, slightly subversive vibe, and in notes, Costa called it “seductive.” Fashion and beauty expert Mary Alice Stephenson summed up the power of the collection: “These are the kind of clothes that say, ‘Look at me. I’m serious.’” And trust us, people will look. Seriously.