February 19, 2012
by Julia DiNardo
[Images via Style.com]
Fresh for fall 2012, Josie Natori presented an oriental-nuanced collection, updated to fit the modern woman. Many pieces were cinched at the waist with an obi-like belt, alluding to the kimono. Elegant drapery, fitted trousers and reversible wraps were paired with Japanese bell sleeves, leather and fur, while edgy black and white printed silhouettes were kept simple and loose. The color scheme, though multifaceted, served the collection well, resulting in a surprisingly coherent palette of dark purple, green, tan, red, orange, grey and white – all accented by black, of course. Natori’s Asian influence rings crystal clear, one cannot help but think of the “Mongolian nomads, Kublai Khan, Marco Polo, and the traders on the Silk Road” which inspired her. The grande finale was a graceful black floor-length dress with a sheer back adorned with a romantic design of flowers.
–Maria Eilersen
February 18, 2012
by Julia DiNardo
[Images via MBfashionweek.com]
The designer for NOMIA, Yara Flinn, pulled her inspiration for her Fall/Winter 2012 collection from Dan Flavin, a minimalist artist famous for his installations of florescent and neon light. Yara’s inspiration can bee seen in the juxtaposition of neutrals in navy, olive, and black against the vibrant neon tones of cobalt and fuchsia; this pairing allowed for the colors to truly pop. The collection featured streamlined silhouettes embellished with structured seaming and simple yet unusual draping. Flinn’s primary use of neutral tones gave her the ability to incorporate thigh high slits and mesh details without compromising the collection. Flinn’s modern interpretation of color-blocking produced a collection that is fun, youthful and wearable.
[Images via Style.com]
Step inside Shangri-la, the mystical Himalayan utopia of James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon with Vivienne Tam’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection. Appropriately called the “Shangri-la Remix”, Tam’s collection incorporates striking Himalayan textiles, sleek tailoring, and dynamic jacquard prints. The collection, which relied heavily on layering, played with vibrant jewel tones and rich fabrics. The fusion between ethnic and modern worked together creating beautiful pieces such as the emerald green leather pencil skirt which was paired with a calico diamond draped top in blue tones and finished with a stunning oval jacquard teal coat with a Mongolian fur collar in rust. The collection generously incorporated bold outerwear which pulled together each look and complimented the sleek silhouettes beneath. Tam’s collection is a dream for any woman with an infatuation for menswear inspired pieces with their own unique flare.
–Ashleigh Smith
February 18, 2012
by Julia DiNardo
[Images via NY Post]
Known for bright and stylish design, Kate Spade New York truly stuck to the brand’s roots of “live colorfully” during its Fall 2012 ready-to-wear presentation. Inspired by a French gamine, designer Deborah Lloyd unveiled a vintage garden party with bold colors and fun accessories. Boyfriend graphic tees are paired with chic, flirtatious skirts and maraschino red accessories shown with large polka dot skirts. Bright colors play well with a tailored cardigan and beautiful gray trousers. The accessories did not disappoint, as Kate Spade is widely popular for lady-like leather gloves, oversize envelope clutches, and traditional satchels perfect for any and every woman.
– Ambika Makin
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February 16, 2012
by Julia DiNardo
The growing presence of nails on the runway was evident backstage at Marchesa, where Deborah Lippmann for Beauty.com spoke with me about how important it is that nails are now a part of the look, and how luxury designers are interpreting nail color. Lippmann created several looks for the collection, which was inspired by the 1987 William Adolphe Bouguereau paining, “A Soul Brought to Heaven.” She used the shades Single Ladies, Baby Love, Stairway to Heaven, Fade to Black, Stardust, and Nefertiti to represent fire angels, dark angels, and angelic angels found in the painting. Who says you can’t compare fashion and beauty to 19th century art?
-Julia DiNardo