Charlotte Ronson’s Poker Face

Lady Gaga’s War on Pants didn’t quite fit at the L.A.M.B. and Risto Bimblioski shows. But at Charlotte Ronson’s Spring 2010 presentation on Friday afternoon, the henley leotards, crisscrossed bratops, harem short shorts fit right into the collection, the exuberant style of which paid tribute to 80s dancing queen culture. Ronson’s aerobically-minded apparel possesses the sort of simple, versatile comfort adored by downtown girls on the go, so her balletic jersey creations weren’t much of a stretch during a season in which streamlined athleticism is shaping up to be a key design motif. Ronson’s jersey is graceful and fluid and ready for movement–lots of it. References to Flashdance popped up throughout the 35-look collection, most literally in the off-the-shoulder lace-up sweatshirts and headbands that trailed from the model’s lithe bodies. While not quite legwarmers, translucent, ruched silk leggings–layered under kicky silk crepe skirts and dresses–carried the spirit of Jennifer Beals,  as was the look guest modeled by Ronson’s little sister, Annabelle Dexter-Jones. In a shimmery bratop worn under a black jersey tee, black short shorts, and leather spiked heels, Dexter-Jones beamed as she pranced down the runway, thrilling the front row.

As usual, Ronson’s family affair also included twin sister Sam Ronson, who tended to the DJ booths. Matching the 80’s theme, she spun hits from neo-snythpoppers Little Boots and La Roux. The clothes, too, came into the present with the collection’s final, edgier looks. The most charmingly incongruous element of Ronson’s collection were the “druidess” hoods–done in diaphanous, black and white  jersey–showcased in the last third of the show. They felt less “She Works Hard For Her Money” and more “Poker Face.” This is Lady Gaga’s year, after all.