Underneath the barrage of shearling lined jackets (welcomed whole-heartedly for sure) that is fall/winter 2010 one finds another trend that was, in essence, the latter’s exact opposite: blatant femininity. Models marched down runways in fitted waists and circle skirts while showing off lace ankle socks peeping out of towering heels.  Trends like these conjure up notions of Grace Kelly, Stepford Wives, and times when femininity was certainly celebrated.

Following these ideas off the beaten path of well-known designers I found Ronit Genik, Israeli- born, Brooklyn-bred and Chelsea-based women’s wear designer. Looking at the fall/winter 2010 collection for her line, Reverie, the classic woman is not obviously present, but because of the rich fabrics like velvet and silk as well as the flirty cuts of the garments her sultry presence is undeniable. Rather than the Grace Kellys of this season, Ronit Genik’s collection represents the doe-eyed starlet on the verge of fame; she is seconds away from exploding onto the silver screen and becoming something grand. She is not someone seen in every major role, yet her appearances peak our interest and make us desperate to see more.

Although the collection is filled with short dresses and legging-like pants there is a rich and luxurious quality. This is in part because of fabrics used, which create the air of opulence. Genik used textured wools, chunky knits, laser cut leather, metal embellishments, velvets and silk charmeuse.

It makes sense that this collection brings to mind starlets and eras past, because the designer admits her favorite style eras include the 1920s for its elegance and the 1940s for its femininity. Despite the strong story I see from this collection Genik says her inspiration was no such narrative. She explains, “The collection was inspired by original prints I created on silks and textures and building great silhouettes and novelty around it… The prints were inspired by images from space and I built the collection around that.”

Ronit Genik has worked for many fashion companies large and small, but the journey to her own line, Reverie, was one that began practically from birth. Growing up she would watch and admire her mother who, “always loved fashion, and would always wear great outfits and jewelry.” While some little girls may have been preoccupied with cartoons and nursery rhymes, Genik was busy reading fashion magazines. Her creativity pushed her to an early start of sewing dresses for her dolls and making purses for herself in elementary school. And so she says, “When it came time to pick a career, fashion was a natural choice.”  With fashion becoming, in the minds of many a dirty word, I asked this designer what fashion means to her: “Fashion is freedom, it’s expressing individuality, it’s visual communication with the outside world to show our personality and creativity. Whether it’s color, prints, textures or accessories it can change how you feel that day and even shape your mood and actions.”

Her philosophy, which perfectly encapsulates the essence of fashion is,  “Be bold.” Whether you just have one thing that sets you apart or makes you feel good, push yourself to dress in a way to keep things interesting.” For Reverie Genik is keeping things interesting by using lots of texture and unique fabrics and mixing these with colors and patterns in unexpected ways. Genik takes the idea of keeping things interesting and adds three character traits she strives to include in all of her clothes: wearable, modern, and feminine. The end product is thought-provoking ready-to-wear garments, something different. “My goal is to create clothes that I want to wear and that others love too. Clothes that are unique but timeless and that you can mix with other things in your wardrobe. I want women to feel like that they are wearing something you can’t buy or find anywhere else. That they are wearing something special which makes them feel different and individual.”

Genik looks to the sidewalks of the city for inspiration; street fashion is her main source. Luckily in New York City the sidewalk can often act as a catwalk.  She looks also to art museums and her experiences traveling. Within the world of fashion she is influenced by designers who encourage doing what she hopes to encourage others to do, “think outside the box.”

For those aspiring to work in fashion Ronit has some words of wisdom that come from personal experience, “It can be a tough and challenging industry to get in to, the industry always picks its favorites making it tough for the others, but if your persistent you’ll get there.”

And to everyone else who knows the sometimes struggle of everyday dress, “the most important thing is to make the effort. I’m always happy that I did.”

Ronit herself shops in small boutiques and buys mostly independent designers. Her collections are available at these retailers.