"I think it's every designers dream to just make it on the New York fashion week calendar," designer Odile Benjamin said. "It's been 10 year of hard work and we feel this is kind of our coming out party."
Odile and Douglas Benjamin are busy getting ready to unveil 36 pieces from their new collection, inspired by fashions from the late 60's and early 70's.
"You're going to see a bit of brocades and golds coming through but also very rich prints that are reminiscent of Czarist Russia," Odile said.
They are by no means newcomers to the fashion world. Their long journey has taken them down runways in Asia and to shows in Europe. They knew what worked in those markets, but Odile says preparing for their grand entrance in this country, the goal was to create pieces that were aesthetically pleasing and made sense to women here.
"They are looking for a wardrobe that is pretty special yet functional," Odile said.
Thursday afternoon, models draped in their creations will fill the Raoul showroom in Midtown, which is the only place the pair feels they really could take things to the next level.
"It gives the brand legitimacy and it puts the message that we are here for the long haul, we are here to stay," Odile said.
More information online at www.raoul.com.
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