Online - May 15, 2009

From Russia with Love

Novoa Dresses Debut

Mass quantities of vodka and seven-foot blondes may be what most people associate with Russia.

Phillip Novoa sees past such stereotypes. Get a glimpse of his debut collection of dresses, inspired by the sophisticated sense of style he noticed while living in St. Petersburg.

Crafted from cotton bamboo, gauze, jersey, and silk in neutral colors, the frocks are produced in Manhattan, with Novoa tacking pieces himself to ensure they hang just right, giving each one a subtle sexiness.

Our number one pick is Elaine, a blush cotton knee-length number with a deep V in the front and an open back trimmed in black silk. Natalia, a gray jersey form-fitting silhouette with a drapey back, is a close second. There’s a style that’s flattering on just about every body type.

Which is our kind of communist manifesto.

Available online at novoanyc.com.