When one enters a Dennis Basso show, you are taken to a different place than the rest of New York Fashion Week. Dennis Basso has become one of the last, if not the last, designers to be in charge of their own house that remains focused on the American jet set. America was once chock full of design houses that catered to this audience – Bill Blass, Arnold Scaasi, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and finally… Dennis Basso. All the others are now either under the creative direction of someone different, or, in the case of the first two, no longer in business. Mr. Basso doesn’t attend his shows… he holds fashion court. Not “court” in terms of lawyers & witnesses, but rather “court” as in mingling with wealthy patrons who regard lunch as a verb & summer as an activity. These women don’t think of fashion week as a week to see what all the designers are showing. These women come to see what Dennis has made for them this season. It’s a crystal ball of what their closets will contain in a few short months.
Truth be told, a Dennis Basso show begins on the street in front of the venue. As I walked down East 63rd Street between Fifth Avenue & Madison Avenue, the line of Maybach went the entire length of the block. In the 80’s it would have been stretch limos, last year, it would have been Black Escalades, but now, it’s the Black Maybach that these women, Dennis’ customers, use to get around town. As I neared the front steps of the striking townhouse, now the Italian Citizens’ Society of New York, the photographers’ flashes were lighting up the facade as every well heeled patron of Mr. Basso emerged from their luxury sedan. Then, up the stairs we went, where the door team wasn’t checking people in, bur rather greeting each attendee, mostly on a first name basis… “Joanne! Welcome. Dennis is just in side” as I stepped up. “Scott, welcome.” Mr. Basso knows how it’s to be done & he does it just so.
The clothing, (which is why we come, right?) was a collection of stunningly cut ensembles from day dresses, to evening dresses, to dressy pant ensembles, to fur coats (yes, the Dennis Basso lady still wear fur…) were all immaculately presented on models of the most glamorous cast imaginable, & were each fit as if the clothing was custom fit for each lady. Truth be told, these garments were made specifically for each model & meticulously fit… again, Dennis Basso still knows how to do “it”… the “it” here being “fashion”.
These are clothes to be seen in & they will each be seen on legions of Dennis’ ladies in the coming season. I have no doubt that verbal orders were placed on site, as Mr. Basso had assistants in waiting in every room to catch every comment made by the ladies in attendance & overseeing the entire scene is Mr. Basso himself, air kissing & hand shaking & conversing with every guest that mattered.
Dennis Basso truly is a rare gem in the world of modern fashion. He knows how to foster a clientele & knows how to design to their liking. While other designers cater to the press, the influencer of the moment, & a celebrity or two, Mr. Basso’s audience is easily 80% clients who actually buy his collection, 15% press (seated in row 3 & back), & 5% celebrities. Notice… no influencers made his list. As I said, Dennis Basso knows how to do fashion right. Bravo Mr. Basso!
-R. Scott French
Follow Dennis Basso: @dennisbassonyc
Visit Designer Website: www.dennisbasso.com
