The Best of Pre-fall 2012

     Pre-fall collections are usually short, but not always sweet. Most aren't real impressive compared to the bigger shows that follow in the spring, remaining boring and monotonous. However, a few inventive collections come along here and there. These are often overlooked but bring new ideas to keep the fashion industry inspired until fashion week comes.

Alice + Olivia


For the bohemian in Paris, plenty of florals and maxi-skirts to take on the glamorous street style. With red lipstick, a beret, and platform boots, each piece is fit for an afternoon sipping café at Les Deux Magots and shopping down Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

 

Chanel

An inspiration we don't see often, the Kaiser drew his collection from the clothes of Bombay. Jewels and pearls weren't used sparingly and neither were metallics! But all this glitz was balanced with lady-like tweed and lace or minimalistic solids.

 

Dsquared

One part rockabilly bad-girl and one part Mad Men siren, this collection gives a girl all the button-downs and sweaters she needs. Throw in a velvet tuxedo jacket, laser cut LBD, and a pair of librarian specs and she's set for any casual weekend look or classy work outfit.

Erdem

Florals are reinterpreted every season, but Erdem's more literal prints are pure precision. Appearing more spring than fall, the vibrant colors pop next to strategically placed black pieces. With simple silhouettes, the clothes lend the power to the blossoms that adorn them.

J. Mendel

The marriage of fur and evening wear has been resurrected from the 1950s and given a modern day twist. A vintage inspired gown was paired with a small fur scarf, while bigger fur pieces were dressed down with trousers. A fur-effect was even seen on a formal gown with tiered tulle.

 

VPL

These clothes echoed the masterpieces one might see at a modern art museum. The terms you may remember from your last art class--contrast, minimalism, asymmetry, gradient--come to mind when looking at these simple shapes and neutrals. Together, each basic piece makes up a brush stroke of the larger picture.

(all photo credits: style.com)