In the gown game, many designers set their sights on a particular niche client, for whom they design. Whether it's the 20 year old ingenue, a grande dame of the theater, or even a pop-star at her first Grammy awards, the designer has a very narrow niche client whom they picture wearing their gowns on the red carpet. And while this may be good for sales and marketing, to the onlooker it often feels limiting, as if the designer can "only do one thing"; and it leaves the onlooker wondering if the designer will ever do anything surprising, or even interesting.

But there's no danger of that happening with Michael Costello. The designer, who may best be known nationally as a finalist on iconic reality TV fashion show Project Runway, turned out surprise after surprise for his Spring 2016 collection that included gowns fit for everyone from Helen Mirren to Nikki Minaj. This variety was both inspired and refreshing, and felt ultimately both extremely inclusive and luxurious.

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