Although winter is just beginning to end, last week marked New York’s fashion week for the 2011/2012 fall/winter. Over one hundred designers showed their collections and let’s just say; there is a lot to look forward to. Many designers displayed unique takes on classic items, while others stayed true to what they do best. All in all it was a spectacular display of talent that left us longing to plan our fall/winter wardrobes even despite the fact that we are on the verge of spring!
Here are a few of the collections that stood out:
Proenza Schouler
This season, Proenza Schouler blew us away with their incredible eye-catching collection that screamed “cool.” The collection could be simply summed up as contemporary Navajo with the fantastic geometric tribal prints and colors. Designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez explained how they drew from the West with a trip to Santa Fe that inspired the development of the collection. Native American blankets were the main source of inspiration. McCollough and Hernandez took the Navajo print to the computer where it was blown up and pixilated to create their very own print. These dynamic tribal prints in jewel tone colors of yellow, orange, red, and turquoise set against darker shades of brown and black were seen on slouchy pants, fringe skirts, chunky knits, and dresses. Not only did this collection play with print, but also texture with velvet and fringe. Another element of texture was created with the geometric eyelets that danced along the surface of tops and dresses. Truly an innovative collection that will have us all yearning for tribal pieces in our fall/winter wear!
Michael Kors
With this collection, Michael Kors marked his 30th anniversary. What did he do with this collection to celebrate his 30th year in the business, exactly what Kors does best; great American sportswear. The collection displayed stunning pieces that incorporated impeccable tailoring and luxurious draping. Relaxed glamour was the main theme, kept sleek with long and lean lines. We saw elements from a variety of decades such as the decadence of the 70’s, the athleticism of the 80’s, and the simplicity of the 90’s. Pieces included cashmere tunics, slink silk jersey bodysuits, flannel suits, fox fur coats, and stunning crystal embellished dresses. The palette consisted of blacks, nudes, camels, plum, mauve, and reds. Kors is making next fall and winter comfortable and warm and of course, as sexy as ever!
Alexander Wang
Young designer, Alexander Wang knows exactly what women want to wear when it comes to feeling cool and edgy. This season certainly presented the sexy, tough, cool girl attitude Wang is known for but this time with a bit of luxury thrown into the mix. With this collection, Wang explained how they played around with a hint of poking fun at decadence and luxury with interesting takes on traditional pieces. For example, the bomber jacket-turned-poncho, boyfriend blazer-turned-fur coat, and the tuxedo jacket with puffer sleeves. An obvious joke on the current fur craze was evident with the mink-wrapped sunglasses and fur covered heels. The humor was may have been there, but it all worked together magnificently. The neutral palette of mostly black carried the street-smart message, but the added luxurious factor created the tough-luxe vibe. This was certainly a strong collection that will make for a tough but chic look next fall and winter.
Marc Jacobs
A definite creative genius, Marc Jacobs pushes the boundaries of fashion each season and this one was no exception. Polka-dots ran wild over the entire collection of seemingly modest pencil skirts and high necklines done using a strict palette of dark green, navy, burgundy, white, and black. On closer inspection, the lean sophistication of this silhouette was amped up in a somewhat naughty way using hints of rubber, lace, and latex. This play on textures gave this strict and severe collection sex appeal. The rubber and latex stride-altering pencil skirts made to resemble sequins appeared almost as if they were sprayed on. They gave off a provocative vibe, yet combined with the restrictive high necklines of the tops, it all worked together to produce a stimulating look that only Marc could create. This unique collection may take some adjusting to, but it will certainly make for an interesting fall and winter.
For more coverage of the collections shown at New York fashion week, visit:
http://www.style.com/