To me, New York Fashion Week brought wearability. There were some shows that pushed new ideas and unique concepts, but most were collections of beautiful clothes that I could see myself wearing this very second. There were predominant themes of tough outerwear, pants as the new skirts, and Oriental style. Marc Jacobs was the most talked about show of the week because he took everyone to a surreal wonderland of pilgrim-buckle shoes, floppy fur hats, and layers upon layers of thick imperial fabrics. When New York wasn't in a fantasy world, most collections stood out on the runway as clothing that could just as easily be seen on the street, making those the shows that really captured me. Bizarre and artsy weren't major players in NY this season, but just as fantastically, designers brought innovation to pieces that appeal to the everyday customer. Here's my ranking of the top 20 collections at NYFW...
1. 10 Crosby Derek Lam
The look: High-end Hipster
Key elements: peplum silhouettes, pleated leather skirt over printed dress, bellowy pants
2. Christian Cota
The look: Artsy Navajo
Key elements: intricate and colorful patterns, captivating furs, perfect draping
3. Alice + Olivia
The look: Uptown Socialite
Key elements: ombré colors, contrast patterns, powerful metallics
4. Proenza Schouler
The look: Fencing Chic
Key elements: oriental brocade, rugged leather, bulky silhouettes
5. Elie Tahari
The look: Woman About Town
Key elements: deep blues, every-occasion jackets, sleek pants
6. Gregory Parkinson
The look: 1920s Bohemian
Key elements: patchwork-like prints, earth tones, pleats, deep purples and blues
7. Nicole Miller
The look: Hippie in the City
Key elements: suede, vibrant patterns, floppy fedoras, velvet, florals, military-inspired
8. Badgley Mischka
The look: Glam Rocker
Key elements: velvet, metallics, strong shoulders, gothic detailing
9. Betsey Johnson
The look: Every Decade From The 60s-90s
Key elements: big furs, bright colors, hyper patterns, metallics, mini-skirts, fedoras
10. Marchesa
The look: Regal Fairy
Key elements: cap sleeved dresses, metallics, skeleton-embroidered tulle, knee-high caged sandals
11. Prabal Gurung
The look: Extraterrestrial
Key elements: metallics, bright whites, shiny fabrics, cutout dresses,
12. Michael Kors
The look: Ski Resort
Key elements: chunky sweaters, big furs, bold stripes and plaids, wool ponchos
13. Charlotte Ronson
The look: New Age Schoolgirl
Key elements: earth tones, Navajo prints, bulky coats, fitted knitwear
14. Carlos Miele
The look: Rio Cowgirl
Key elements: delicate gowns, cordobés hats, wool ponchos, bolero jackets
15. Bibhu Mohapatra
The look: Minimal By Day, Imperial By Night
Key elements: intricate embroidery, big shoulders, quilted fur coats, ombré chiffon
16. Naeem Khan
The look: Mumbai Princess
Key elements: long caftans, mosaic-like prints, beading, ribbon-cinched waistlines
17. Nanette Lepore
The look: Girly Gypsy
Key elements: bright colors, peplum silhouettes, velvet pants, beaded curlicue print
18. Mandy Coon
The look: Edgy Basics
Key elements: kaleidoscope print, calf-length dresses, pleats, contrast panels
19. Calla
The look: Pattern Play
Key elements: granite and wood grain inspired prints, pastels paired with jewel tones, tweed motorcycle jackets
20. Lyn Devon
The look: Lady-like Simplicity
The elements: clean lines, angora, bird patterned trousers, keyhole necklines
(photo credits: style.com)
