Mara Hoffman saved the season, injecting life into the typical dark fall runways. The pattern princess took her signature indigenous prints that we love and took this column-style maxi dress with side cut-outs to the next level.
Red carpet designer Tadashi Shoji is a lover of all things lace as indicated by his last fall collection and this season again. Shoji re-worked the fabric in various colors and silhouettes and this ruffled lace bolero was one of our faves. It showed the more dramatic capabilities of this delicate fabric.
Whether prints are in season or out we can trust SUNO designer’s Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty to bring the best of them to the runway. This Swarovski embroidered cropped top and skirt is the return of one of spring’s most popular silhouettes –– which we don’t mind. Lines have been so blurred these past couple of seasons we’re still co-mingling spring and fall together.
Karen Walker took to cozy oversized winter knits but instead of following the dark fall color palette the designer paired leafy greens and bright oranges with black and white patterns –– the most color we’ve seen all season which is refreshing.
This look is purely preppy chic. The clean heather grey sweatshirt, button down shirt, bobby socks and Mary Janes lend a sweet, sophisticated air while the leather skirt in this deep shade of oxblood adds a vampy touch.
Here’s another sweet and spicy look we loved at Mataano. The design duo paired a soft textured cardigan with a pencil skirt and Mary Janes but the sleek patent accents and sheer blouse added a hint of sexy.
In true Hervé fashion the fall 13 presentation gave us body contouring silhouettes in A-line cuts and abstract prints. Fur trimmed hoodies toughened up fitted frocks down the runway, while the signature “bandage” dress was reinterpreted in border prints, intricate beading and leather trim details. The added touch of printed leggings created a fresh and modern look for the winter season. There’s no doubt the designer was influenced by urban culture.
Remember standout designer Omar Salem at Harlem’s Fashion Row last season? Well, Salem came back stronger for fall 2013. The collection featured a mixture of soft and feminine fabrics with knits and beautifully tailored pieces all cloaked within an equestrian aesthetic.
Salem’s complex, structured coats and jackets were the strength of the collection in a neutral palette.
Monique Lhuillier offered breathtaking gowns in bold hues and prints rich in texture including feathers, fur, lace and silk. The look that singlehandedly stole the show was a voluminous garnet trapeze gown flocked with beading along the sheer high neckline covering a floral embroidered strapless jumpsuit. One word: fierce!
The runway loves leather this season and so do we! We’re seeing designers play up the edgy fabric in different ways –– one being color. Charlotte Ronson’s eggplant leather dress, trimmed with black was so chic and the Peter Pan collar detail and styling with tights made the look a bit more sweet.
Cushnie et Ochs kills it again! These ladies know how to flatter the female figure better than any designer we know. And this sleek noir number from the runway is just one example of how they combine luxe fabrics with body-hugging cuts that instantly make women look and feel sexy.
Fall fashion has gone back to it’s dark dreary colors, but the upside are the super sharp silhouettes. Yigal Azrouel’s pony patchwork and leather-trimmed tuxedo coat, matching pony cut-out pumps and black button down shirt with zipper trousers is one sleek look. We’ll take it!
It’s been seven years since we last saw a Kenneth Cole collection and now the casual American brand is back and looking stronger. This leather look brought a more casual, relaxed vibe to the typical skin-tight styles we’ve been seeing. Any of these pieces could stand on their own, but when layered together, as shown on the model, makes a killer combo.
Prints on prints are still going strong, and while colorful looks can be a bit overkill for some personalities, this black and white number is a more sophisticated and paired down way to work the trend.
Not all suits are made equal. This black and white, double-breasted plaid style is funky but the tailoring gives it a polished touch. Another example of how you can pull off the patterned effect in a more understated manner while still making a statement.
