Nashville, TN based bridal designer Tess Mann is sowing new seeds, this time in the audience of her weddings, rather than on aisle where she has proven herself to be a formidable force. Her fashion impact is no less dynamic in her newly launched ready to wear collection & we have no doubt her efforts will be any less heralded in this new space than they already are in the bridal market where she established her name.
Under the name Tess Mann Atelier, the design house took to the runways of New York Fashion Week as part of the Global Fashion Collective suite of shows that has been gaining serious traction in recent seasons, with NYFW being the franchise’s latest conquest. The collection, entitled the “Sophisticate Collection” made quite an impression on the 100’s in attendance. As debuts go, this one held nothing back leaving her audience cheering her final walk & with an appreciative bow.
The collection as chock full of evening wear, resort looks, and gender-neutral options that were characterised by softly flowing fabrics & unique architectural embellishments. Such details as subtle beading on a bride, borders that were hand applied stitch by stitch, & hand hewn fabric treatments that proved a true testament to Mann’s commitment to applying the same level of craftsmanship & innovation that are her trademark in her bridal efforts.
The true story on the runway, however, was the designer’s playful approach to color. Not a single piece was Black or Gray from head to toe, which has become de rigeur of late on the runways of New York, which leaves one to conclude that we live life in grayscale. Tess Mann’s world is one of bright sherbet tones, pumped up event further with a deeply saturated jewel tone Ruby, Fuchsia, or Amethyst. Mann’s only foray into the traditional “fashion” Black was a show-stopping fit & flare dress that she bordered in Red & Gold hand done floral borders around the hemline, neckline, & waist to take it from fashion blah to fashion fabulous.
If Tess Mann continues to work in such bold strokes, her label is one that will prove a seasonal highlight of the fashion week season. Her post event line notes perhaps summed up the collection as well as anything we write ever could: “Tess Mann’s latest work is more than just fashion—it’s a poetic celebration of style and self-expression.”
-Vivian Kelly ( @TheFashionHistorian )
Follow Tess Mann Atelier on Instagram @TessMannAtelier
Images by Arun Nevader
