Tory Burch
February 13, 2011
On her blog, Tory cited her Fall 2011 inspiration as, “the play of American sportswear and English country dressing-outdoorsy, feminine and textured.” Once again Burch delivered with a distinctly American aesthetic that played with tweed, plaid, shearling, wool, lace, and of course-sequins. As with many other designers this season, Burch has taken to mixing masculine with feminine, structure with soft, sparkly with severe. Fittingly Fall 2011 saw pussy-bow blouses under strong tweed blazers, flowing tomato red frocks paired with sturdy cognac boots, and marled tunics energized by shiny flecks. Aside from her collection, Burch also excelled in her first love and strength: accessories. Keep your eye peeled next fall for stacked heel boots, mid heel loafers, and tweed mini bags worn cross body.
Max Azria
February 13, 2011
Contemporary career women will find a lot to love with Max Azria’s Fall 2011 collection, which mixed tailored sophistication with urban ease. Function met fashion and femininity in menswear inspired dobby jackets and felt wool coats, uplifted by silk georgette blouses and sheer twill tops. A gradient palette of charcoal, black, and caramel-seen in faux fur vests, leather pants, and cashmere sweaters-would fit into any wardrobe with ease. The more adventurous can also strike out with a few of the collection’s more vibrant elements: a red flame knit applique dress or teal tunic. Elegant and sporty, the collection was made for the cool, confident, urban fashionista.
Duro Olowu
February 13, 2011
British designer Duro Olowu presented his collection for the first time stateside at Milk Studios, and it seemed he allowed New York’s melting pot to inspire his Fall 2011 foray. The beauty of New York is in its diversity. You can travel from one block to the next and experience different cultures, languages, and points of view. Olowu reflected that variety with a collection that seemed to glean from many cultures: an African print multicolored bell sleeve maxi dress paired with a contrasting printed jacket; a violet textured coat that would be perfect for a Russian princess; an Asian informed pagoda sleeved black jacket tied at the waist with an obi belt; and a billowing dress, stitched with many fabrics, that gave off an essence of a Spanish barista. Fall 2011 had something for every woman of every background-and the result was simply beautiful.
