After almost 50 shows of jaw-dropping gowns and stunning models, New York Spring 2012 Fashion Week concludes. Delirious in belief that it’s actually over, we’ll take a minute to look back on some of the most notable collections on the runways. And the superlatives are…
The Rising Star: Katie Ermilio
The young designer is definitely making her way to the top, one gorgeous dress at a time. Ermilio debuted her modern, classic, and feminine fall collection that made us hold our mouths closed to keep our jaws from dropping. The collection included simple yet sophisticated pieces for the modern Grace Kelly. Aside from the beautiful gowns and cute dresses of perfect length, the collection included fabulous knitwear and precious polka-dotted tights. Ermilio’s definitely a designer to look out for—especially on the red carpets.
Most Bizarre Collection: Jeremy Scott
Jeremy Scott, commonly known for his quirky collections, debuted yet another funky collection that had us practically in a time machine. The collection, featuring prints, accessories, and icons of our childhood, had us nostalgically recall more 90s characters and pop culture than we ought to. If you remember Lisa Frank stickers and AIM emoticons, than you already have a good sense of the wacky designer’s collection. Still, there were pieces in the collection that could possibly make their way into our wardrobes, like basic corseted crop tops and high-waisted mini skirts.
Best WTF Moment: Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs put on yet another crazy and eccentric show that everyone looks forward to each season. Complete with cartoony hats and wonderful designs, Jacobs delivered—and he delivered well. Why WTF, you ask? Well, those hats! It’s hard to focus on the rest of the number when you’re distracted by outlandish, fluffy hats that seem to dwarf the models. We only wondered how Jacobs’ models made it down the runways practically blindfolded. Nevertheless, under those large hats were more directional and actually wearable clothes that featured multiple playful combinations of greens, lavender, gray and black and great embellishments.
Best OMG Moment: The Blonds
Predictably entertaining, The Blonds’ show upped its crazy factor just a tad bit more. Featuring menswear for the first time, the male models were too covered up for our liking, but totally Blonds. The women’s options included teensy and bejeweled leotards. But for a usually over-the-top and eccentric designer, the collection’s offerings were a bit more grounded; and we’re using “bit” in a very loose manner. Each model strutted their number complete with a motorcycle helmet and a blond ponytail, a sight worthy of the letters O-M-G escaping from our mouths.
Most Wanted Collection: Derek Lam
If we happen to go bankrupt by the end of the year, we blame it on Derek Lam. While looking through the photos, we couldn’t help but want—ahem, need—each item the designer featured in his fall collection. Gold oxfords? Need. Warm and fuzzy trench coats? Need. Leather dresses? Need. And those beautiful boxy leather handbags? We’ll take two. And though the show seemed complicated with the models walking strategically in formations, the collection proved to be as fuss-less as ever.
Most Kick-A** Collection: Jason Wu
If there’s anything that Jason Wu has taught us, it’s that girls can seriously kick some butt—but then again, we already knew that. The designer is at a name-recognition high point with his recent design collaboration with Target, but he stil hasn’t veered away from what he does best. His collection was phenomenal, with strong use of red, burgundy, black, gold, military green, and fur accents. The models, wearing sleek, high ponytails, delivered the collection like no other. The show itself included a giant red door, meant to look straight out of the Forbidden City. In a finale that made Anna Wintour take her sunglasses off, Wu’s models marched out in rows of threes, looking like a model army ready to take over the world.
Most Wearable Collection: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Jacobs’ collection for his contemporary line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, definitely proved to be a little less toned down than his ready-to-wear collection, but the clothes are definitely still wearable. Each number looked comfortable, relaxed, and effortless. Blazers and dresses in fun prints made their way down the runway completed with pleated knee-length skirts and heavy combat-like boots. The somber palette made way for a lively inclusion of shiny lame dresses and other pieces in a bold red that popped out like no other.
Collection That Taught Us A Lesson: Lauren Moffat
Lauren Moffat’s collection was relaxed, unpretentious, and adorable. From the perfect venue at The Old School to the staging of the presentation to the clothes themselves, everything was an example of Moffat’s keen attention to detail. The fun show included models clad in Moffat’s vision of the modern (and a bit mischievous) schoolgirl and the setting made it almost believable (with the exception of the 6-foot-tall models). The collection reminded us of numbers that Blair Waldorf might have worn back in her Constance Billard School for Girls days.
Most Beautiful Collection: Marchesa
It just doesn’t get more glamorous than Marchesa. With the Plaza as its backdrop and A-listers like Olivia Palermo and Stay Keibler in attendance, the show of gorgeous and dramatic gowns practically had us drooling. Voluminous ball gowns in red, white and gold, and white, feathered numbers were featured in the collection and had us envisioning them worn by our favorite celebrities on the red carpet.
Most Spectacular Show: Moncler
The puffers and pants were typical of Moncler’s collection, but the way in which they were presented at Central Park’s Wollman Rink was definitely not. Debuting his collection with an after-sunset skate routine, the designer left all in attendance in awe as the models, who are professional skaters from the Ice Theatre of New York, slid on the ice in the designer’s tri-colored coats and jackets.