Profile

Malandrino designs for real women: Flattering bias cuts and woven knits emphasize curves; loose skirts with handkerchief hems elongate the legs; shirred or knotted tops show off the bust. Famous for playing with contrasting textures, the designer skillfully combines chiffon with heavy wool, or adds a swatch of heavy, embroidered fabric to a loose cotton top. There are handbags and shoes, too—soft sacs with appliquéd leather flowers, beaded espadrilles in summer, and round-toe boots with suede cut-outs or side buttons in the colder months. — Diane Mehta