By Annie Georgia Greenberg for Refinery 29



Although Catherine Holstein's models wore dark, grim makeup and pouty expressions, friends and fans of the designer greeted the fall/winter 2009 collection with nothing but praise (present company included!), reveling in the designer's mastered fusion of feminine and masculine silhouettes. The palette mixed deep plum, heather gray, sharp black, plaid, and a streak of leopard throughout some impecably pleated trousers, striking oversized coats, and sublime little mini dresses. Aside from the collection's gothic elegance, we'll certainly look forward to the Italian and French fabrics at recession-friendly prices.

Catherine Holstein on Refinery 29