Now, I’m not usually one to mix fashion and religion, but thank the good Lord in heaven a much needed jolt of life has been injected into the fashion world, which has been on life support since the economy tanked in 2008. Just as we wondered whether the industry had lost its will to live, the collections presented at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week this season were thoughtful, earthy, inventive, and above all FUN. While some designers continued to let the 70’s motif run its course, others took a major departure from Spring’s collective nod to the disco era. Many new trends were spotted and some oldies became goodies again.
Oversized silhouettes made popular in the 1990’s by the garage band set are making a serious comeback this fall. Girls all over the world who recognize that skinny jeans may have been created by the devil himself will breathe a sigh of relief. From palazzo pants to maxi dresses, these selections give you the freedom to move… and eat. Tracy Reese breathed new life into the look by utilizing ultra-femme details like delicate floral prints and soft colors like mauve and plum to take some of the grunge edge off. Making this work for your wardrobe should be a snap.
Color is back!!! Successful collections like the one by Luca Luca infused punches of red, gold, fuschia, and tangerine in large doses. Even some of the more subdued collections were sure to catch the eye with artful accessories in bold hues, proving that you can get your glow on even in winter. Designers who kept it classic opted for monochromatic neutral tones offering embellishments on the fabrics and details. Nanette Lepore kept it creamy while Elie Tahari’s stunning collection was a black out. Though considered a huge risk to show an all black collection, Tahari’s gamble paid major dividends.
Fur caused quite a stir under the tents at Lincoln Center. Folks at PETA are likely mobilizing in some dimly lit meeting hall right about now, because a noticeable number of designers voted yes for fur in the fall. The most noteworthy cameos came in the form of embellishments on skirt hems, dresses, and hoodies. Whether you are for or against it, it is hard to deny that fur is the warmest, chicest way to stay toasty when the temperature takes a dive.
Check out the collections by Rebecca Minkoff, Luca Luca, and Nanette Lepore Chado Ralph Rucci to see fur done right.
Print mixing was the most exciting we’ve seen in seasons. Mashups of color, texture, print, style, and shape—sometimes all at once—were seen at every turn. Anna Sui’s line was a favorite with its over the top colors and swinging ‘60’s London feel. Last season’s lace and sheer trend took the form of a second skin for the legs and body anchoring busy patterns on dresses and tops at Betsey Johnson. She and Custo Barcelona won us over with their ability to meld the outlandish and the everyday with ease. Even conservative Tommy Hilfiger got in on the act making bright patterns part of his “boho-prep” collection. There are no limits to the ways this trend could be interpreted and reinterpreted on Main Street in cities across the globe
All in all, after seasons of uninspired, drab offerings, we have been *blessed* with something fab: true inspiration. Designers aimed high for winter and nailed it. Perhaps it is a sign that the weight of the financial crisis is letting up. Just to be safe, remember to tithe at the Church of the Local Retailer whenever you can.
Tracy Reese
Derek Lam
Nanette Lepore
Luca Luca
Carolina Herrera
Betsey Johnson
Betsey Johnson
Anna Sui
Alexandre Herchcovitch
~Shana Peete
~Courtesy Photos MBFW
~1st Photo Tracy Reese
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
