There is so much to witness during the weeklong fashion celebration that is MBFW that I could not possibly enclose all the ideas in one column. So here is my second installment of what I thought could be hot for the next year, or at least what can hold you over as you all wait for six months with breathless anticipation until I’m back in NYC for the Spring 2012 shows! Let the trender blender begin.
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| Elene Cassis |
Camel Chic
Camel hues played a large role in the color palettes of a lot of designers this season. The tailored shift dresses by Elene Cassis were simple, elegant, and totally sophisticated. Notice the knee-length hem. It seems fresh.
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| LubluKiraPlastinina |
Sheer Genius?
The see-through look is something like The Emperor’s New Clothes, in that the wearer literally bares all, or almost all, under the illusion of high fashion. When someone speaks up to point out he’s naked, everyone else sees it, too! While I am no prude, I don’t think impugning your dignity is a good thing for young women. There were a lot of transparent skirts layered over other clothing, and that could work for some, but completely sheer leaves little to the creative imagination.
Fit to be Tied
A cross between an ankle strap and a gladiator sandal is this unique shoe strapped onto the models at the LubluKiraPlastinina presentation. It’s a little naughty in a good way!
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| Son Jung Wan |
Flow and Go
Silks and satins, impossibly soft as well as shiny, were flowing on a lot of runways around NYC last week. Used in blouses, pantsuits and to great effect especially at the Son Jung Wan show. Classic Old Hollywood and yet again modern and soft minimalist, I LOVE the femininity here.
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| Callula Lillibelle |
Bang! Bang!
Eye-grazing blunt bangs made a comeback at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week during the Callula Lillibelle presentation. At once retro and mod, they are the epitome of cool at the moment.
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| Custo Barcelona |
Unbeweavable Texture
I overheard an editor say something to the effect of, “it looked like a bath-rug” when speaking of a sweater from this collection, but I liked the joy, movement and whimsical quality that Spanish designer Custo Barcelona championed for Fall 2011.
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| Yoana Baraschi |
That ’70s Show
All things “Rhoda” are making a comeback. The head-wrap, the bohemian accessories, the sequined pants and boots, oh my! A little over the top, but I like the combinations here at the Yoana Baraschi presentation.
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| Pamella Rolands |
Upper-Class Updos
Upswept locks always bring to mind Tippi Hedren in The Birds or the golden age of ladies who lunch. Any hairstyle like this more “done” look can be adjusted by just tousling it for an edgier feeling. But with Pamella Rolands glamorous separates, this ’do is right on target with the ladylike trend.
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| Adrienne Vittadini |
Row Your Boat Neck
The boat neck sweater should be a staple in any woman’s wardrobe, and I like this style from Adrienne Vittadini as modeled by octogenarian model Carmen at her runway presentation. It’s flattering and sexy without being vulgar. This is so much better than a cowl neckline!
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| Elene Cassis |
Classy Lasses
The tailored day-into-evening dress has returned at a reasonable length in unusual prints with interesting details such as peplums like the one here from designer Elene Cassis. Fitted without being overly tight, this silhouette is flattering on a lot of body types.
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| LubluKiraPlastinina |
Fresh and Smudgy
Think a softer version of the smoky eye, and you’ll get the picture. Glowing skin, soft neutral pink lips and cheeks are paired with smudged smoky gray/blue eye shadow and lots of mascara. I especially liked this with the simple middle-part hair.
As usual, I loved almost everything I saw and experienced. I just sincerely enjoy the creative thrall that overtakes me during that hectic week in Manhattan. My appreciation for the art of design becomes more acute, and my boundaries are pushed away from their usual parameters. In the end the best thing is that I walk away with fresh ideas for more unique ways that we can express our personalities through what we wear. Take these trends and anything else you may read here in this column with a grain or two of salt because they’re simply my opinions, and perhaps they’ll encourage you to engage in a little more thought about the way you put it all together, Milwaukee!
For more information or where to purchase the designers named see the links below.
