Robert Geller Spring 2012: Nothing But Net

You have to hand it to Robert Geller. While a lot of designers take their spring-summer inspiration from rote muses (Beach! Barbecues!), Geller's outing was a much needed dark star amid what is turning out to be a prism of color. He stuck to his grey and black guns. "I'm a romantic," Geller said backstage after his Saturday show. "The darkness is part of romance for me. It's not pessimistic. Spring can be just as moody as fall."

The soundtrack (a welcome change from the poppy wonderment of other shows) was composed of tracks by eighties gothy-post-punk group The Chameleons. It perfectly suited the sedate and chic clothes. Wide-brimmed hats offset finely tailored trenches, buttoned-to the collar chambray shirts, sleeveless over-sized hoodies, and don't forget the net. Mesh was everywhere, composing t-shirts, tank tops, even scarves. "Netting allows me to put another layer on," Geller said, and added, "I'm so sick of wearing pink pants and a t-shirt in the summer!" Hear, hear.

--WILLIAM VAN METER

All photos courtesy of Sarah Olin