Generra

“I was inspired by that Avedon picture of the Warhol Factory,” said Generra designer Tony Melillo. “It’s a mix of interesting kids and it’s not 100 percent models.” Well, it worked for Melillo, who hit the mark in his second collection for his label. The designer toed the groovy line, but never crossed it into the retro abyss that has sometimes tripped up the best of them. His presentation featured an interesting cast of kids milling around on a seamless white set. They were done up in slim skirts and slouchy, but lean, pants in cotton velvet topped with layers of knits and the occasional coat – all in various rich colors: super-deep purple, teal, turquoise, red.

It’s so often said, but it really was all in the mix: a purple turtleneck under a black silk V-neck top that’s finished off with a teal cardigan. And it worked like a charm. While many of the boys and girls looked like perfectly hip Sixties school kids, Melillo added fresh touches to keep it modern, such as a darling black sequined cardigan with three-quarter sleeves or a thin knit bolero in red, perfect for adding a little personality.

Among the nouveau Warholites were rock princes Alexandra and Theodora Richards and Annabelle Dexter-Jones, and publishing heiress Lydia Hearst-Shaw. “They’re cool. I would totally wear them,” said Alexandra Richards. “They’re really comfortable and stylish,” chimed in sister Theodora. Hearst-Shaw, whose wide-eyed demeanor projects an Edie-like fragility, felt the same. “It’s always nice when people want the clothes”, said the designed with the satisfied air of a job well done. Melillo will get another chance at Generra’s Spring shop-in-shop at Henri Bendel Feb. 18.