The intensely mannered vocals of Dez Mona, the band that performed during Veronique Branquinho's show, were ultimately a blessing. However grating, they added a level of interest that the muted walk-by lacked. No one could ever accuse Branquinho of not sticking to her guns. She's partial to a monochrome palette, where everything, even the tie, matches -not just a single tone carried through an outfit, but also pinstripe with pinstripe, and Prince of Wales suit with Prince of Wales tunic top. That was one way the collection turned the classic into the unconventional, always a goal with this designer. Elaborating on that notion, instead of using real fur, she printed fur on a puffer, as well as a huge nylon tee, which she layered over a suit. But as far as fashion shows go, Branquinho may simply be too subtle for her own good. This particular outing was downbeat to the point of deadening, with only the fingernails-on-blackboard hiccuping of Dez Mona's singer to keep one's senses sharp.
