The world has always looked to downtown New York for a sense of street style. The problem is, downtown chic has mostly relocated away from Manhattan, making “downtown” more of a vibe than a geography. That hasn’t stopped an occasional rocker infused collection from slipping through the prevailing, commercial filters. In the best sense of that tradition, Anna Larson’s Erro collection is both understated, urban and actually based in downtown Manhattan. Erro, Latin for “wander” or “stray,” debuted for S/S ’10 a predominately black collection inspired by the reflective properties of sunlight and moonlight.

After studying economics in Sweden and traveling around Europe, Larson ended up in New York, earning an associate degree at Parsons. Following an internship at Giuseppe Zanotti’s showroom, she debuted her own showroom for a group of Swedish designers. A year later, she launched Erro, using the title to refer to a curious mind and willingness for exploration.

Larson turned to noted atelier Nicolas Caito to develop technical patterns and incorporate complex, leather treatments. Explaining the attraction, he says, “I really enjoy Anna’s aesthetic and the way she tries to push her designs through interesting fabrications and patterns. It is always exciting to work with someone who challenges and respects a certain level of craftsmanship and technical skill.”

He continues, “Anna is incredibly detail-oriented and pays close attention to the fit, the fabric and the way each piece is finished. Even though this was her first collection, it was evident she had the talent and maturity of a much more seasoned designer.”

Meanwhile, former Eventide designer Christian Stroble further enhances the laid-back look as a stylist and consultant. But the collection is truly Larson’s color story and textures. It includes leatherwork for summer, fashionable draping, lightweight, hand dyed knits, corset inspired underpinnings and washed silk. After a hotly buzzed and blogged presentation, select boutiques like H.Lorenzo and Black Parrot quickly snapped up some key pieces.

The palette of blacks, grays, charcoals, leather and white pops comes from moonlighting rippling on water, twilight shades, sun slating through a window’s blinds and a shifting, gray sky. But it’s not a depressed perspective, staying fresh with ultra-cool drapes done with a restrained hand. The result is ready to wear separates that mix and match around Larson’s vision of shadow and light.

– Michael Cohen