The inspiration for Bibhu Mohapatra’s Fall 2016 Collection was the mysteriousness of The Empress Dowager Cixi. She was known as the Empress who controlled China’s throne for nearly half a century, and her personal sense of fashion that went hand in hand with her appreciation of power. The Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2016 runway collection celebrates this woman, her authority, poise and confidence. The collection included a modern version of a cheongsam dress, at times in a printed day dress worn over floral lace top and styled with a leather cummerbund. Dragonflies were shown throughout embroidered in gowns and accented in dresses, and appearing on leather belts and harnesses, revealing the seductive and powerful side of her. Highlights include a day dress in red with dragonflies worn over a black lace top styled with a dragonfly leather t-harness and tights. Also, a teal fox vest with sheared mink worn over a teal crepe dress with labyrinth embroidery and leather t-harness.

Photo: FashionGPS