The New Look by Colleen Quen

San Francisco native and French-trained couturier Colleen Quen turned her sartorial prowess on ready-to-wear for her most recent collection. Quen introduced daywear with sculpted silhouettes and bold architectural lines characteristic of the couture creations for which she is most known. The New Look was unveiled at the Bay Area Arthritis Auxiliary fashion show and fundraiser at the Westin St. Francis Hotel on Union Square, San Francisco.

Taking inspiration from everyday life in urban centers around the globe, Quen turned her intuitively feminine and modern eye toward the demands of the professional woman. Through exceptionally precise tailoring, timeless design and carefully chosen fabrics, Quen demonstrated her mastery of understanding that not only does a woman’s wardrobe need to keep up with her, but it should also set her apart.

The collection consisted of sharp, versatile pieces in a neutral palette of camel gabardines and light grey wools. Quen’s signature handcrafting was evident in each garment, from the ruffle-collared silk organza blouses to ankle grazing maxi coats and precisely cropped pants.  The looks effortlessly transition from day to evening, and the light and wearable fabrics work well for travel.

The New Look by Colleen Quen, introduced at the Bay Area Arthritis Auxiliary Fashion Show on October 7, 2010:

Grey wool blouse with ruffle accessory and flirty skirt

Abigail Baker (left) and Marybeth La Motte (right) wearing dresses by Colleen Quen, with Colleen Quen (center)

Camel stretch gabardine, “Paris,” cafe dress

Bay Area Arthritis Auxiliary Honorary Fashion Show Chairs Patricia Sprincin (left) and Sallie Huntting (right) with event chair Victoria Yeager Sawyer

Colleen Quen’s wool cashmere, “Prague,” dress

Fashion show guests Dianne Yancey and Sharon Seto

Camel stretch gabardine, “Monte Carlo,” shirtdress

Thomas Kretz, Bilques Smith, Elise Friedman, Victoria Yeager Sawyer

Camel stretch gabardine, “Chicago,” jacket with butterfly ruffle accessory and pencil skirt

Catherine Marcus and Anne Dautun Laury

Elisabeth Thieriot, Bay Area Arthritis Auxiliary President Cynthia Schreuder, Marilyn Cabak

Colleen Quen designs

Photos by Drew Altizer Photography

About Colleen Quen: A native of San Francisco, designer Colleen Quen counts the city’s architecture and pride, its history, hills and shapes, among her inspirations. Quen is a French-trained couturier whose designs have drawn attention in both the art and fashion worlds.

In 2010, a San Francisco Museum of Modern Art advertising campaign featured 10 iconic artworks from SFMOMA’s collection alongside 10 distinguished creative individuals. The campaign included Quen beside the painting Femme au Chapeau (Woman with a Hat) (1905), by Henri Matisse. Since 1999, dancers with Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet have worn Quen’s creations onstage.