New York Fashion Week Fall ’06: Chaiken
San Francisco–based Chaiken had function on the brain. The line’s design duo, Julie Chaiken and Jeff Mahshie, turned out the wearable separates that abounded in the collection—notably a steely gray wrap-around blazer, tailored pants, a black swing coat and a velvet tuxedo-inspired pantsuit. Clean lines and spare color palettes of tan, blood red, gray and black kept the collection looking edgy for urban nightlife and sophisticated enough for the office. The only embellishment came from black sequins on black fabrics and the occasional touch of lace on a collar. A series of scoop neck dresses added demure city sex appeal. —Erin Barajas
