Joaquin Trias, of Spanish descent, showed his Fall/Winter 2010 collection for the second time at the Tents on the final day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park.  

Trias, whose goal is to be the next Balenciaga, presented his collection, Vertical Strength -- a convergence of rustic and natural.  The collection communicates a message of nobility and eternity. This season's palette consisted of modern shades.  

Using technology, Trias has developed new dark tones but taking hues of red,blue and ocre and pushing them to black, called 'faux noir' by the designer.  The 'fauxblanc' comprised of lichen and lilac shades, give luminosity and balances the collection.  It was nice to see a lighter color palette in some of the looks.  Not only were the colors pretty but they compliment the dark hues nicely.  It was almost refreshing.

Trias played with wool and silk failles to give texture and pleats to give dimension.  Again, using technology, Trias balanced natural fabrics with high-technological textiles including Lycra and Gommato.  Besides being visually pleasing, they offer flexibility and breath-ability. 

The silhouettes seen down the runway were tubular and voluminous.  I enjoyed the sheer tops and the hand-knit ombre tights that had little key holes down the back of the leg.  High-waisted skirts and dresses were cinched with thin green leather belts that were tied into a knot in the front. The focus of the collection is elegance and timelessness, so I see this collection being worn by an uptown sophisticated woman, who is going to lunch with the girls, shopping or work.

Photographs by Darryl Reece