Raul Peñaranda Spring 2011 : Uptown meets Williamsburg

Though one might consider it an unfathomable oxymoron, Uptown met Williamsburg at Raul Peñaranda’s Spring 2011 show at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.

Starting with sparkle, metallic, short shorts and pops of color, models strutted with a slight 1 stop from Manhattan on the L-train attitude. The looks transitioned into gala appropriate attire with an edge. A block color cut-out gown brought Narcisco Rodriguez meets Marc by Marc Jacobs to mind.

As the show concluded, one thing is certain Raul Peñaranda is adored. Unlike the usual mad dash to the exit, the audience, which included Grammy award-winning songwriter Mary Brown and pop sensation Alexandra Amor, gave an unprecedented standing ovation. Rounds of applause echoed as Raul sent out the models for a second last walk down the runway.

“Watching every piece from my collection come to life as the models stepped onto the runway was a unique out-of-body experience,” Raul said after the show. “It was a moment of pure happiness when I came out with all the models at the end, kissed both of my parents and felt the love and support of my partner who has been with me throughout this entire journey of making my dream and vision reality.”