Cindy Monteiro may only be 27, but you wouldn’t know it from her 2018 Spring/Summer runway show. Monteiro made her New York Fashion Week debut Friday afternoon at The Gallery at the Dream Downtown.
The collection took inspiration from Monteiro’s Cape Verde roots and merged the tropics with true innovation. Models walked the runway barefoot while gowns trailed behind them adding an organic feel to the show.
Designs started as neutral bases — whites, tans, and blacks — with bright pops of colors and extravagant geometric shaping. Monteiro wasn’t shy in her designs that included dresses, jumpsuits, and separates.
Several designs featured shoulder pads while many others employed cut-outs, ties, bows, and peplums.
But it was Monteiro’s attention to detail that prove she’s one to watch. A closer look revealed embroidered leaves and flowers while other pieces were adorned with sea shells, gold, and sugarcane. And still others featured hand painting by Monteiro herself.
When it came to material, it was clear Monteiro was going au naturel — a word you’d also use to describe the hair and makeup. Designs were made of linen and raffia — soft cottons that were anything but synthetic.
Standouts included a white and tan jumpsuit with embroidered middle and cutout neckline, a white linen gown with silk gold sides, and a white flirty frock with oversized bow sleeves and textured ribbing.