Although they aren't exactly suitable for your next Nutcracker performance, the clothes have a delicate, graceful quality befitting a prima ballerina. Though he leaned more towards timeless than trendy, Mendel updated classic cocktail dresses with au courant accessories. Chunky necklaces, luxe fur chubbies, and cropped bouclé jackets offset the softness of airy drapery and pastel hues. Despite the mid-thigh length of most pieces, the collection was not overtly sexy; swagged jersey skimmed rather than hugged a la Hervé Léger. Yet despite the focus on floaty fabrics, it was a tight fitting, backless number that stood out from its more voluminous counterparts. The sweet ballerina frocks may be pretty, but it's when she sheds her tutu that Mendel's true talent emerges.