New York Fashion Week Favourites 2011 - Part Two

New York Fashion Week 

Spring/Summer 2011-12

The second installment to my favourite collections of NYFW 2011. 

Jenny Packham

No season of Gossip Girl is complete without a Jenny Packham dress. And it's easy to see why. The British designer's Spring 2012 collection melds sequins into floaty chiffon with a result that is graceful and feminine. Sheer fluid gowns were presented in delectable shades of lemon, mint, aqua, orange and cherry. There was a focus on asymmetrical tops and hems, soft pleating, as well as low v-necks and floral embellishments. Models were styled with cross-ankle strap sandals, crimson lips and pin straight hair. 

Badgely Mischka

 The imaginative duo at Badgely Mischka set a florid and sugary tone for Spring 2012. What I love most about this collection is the vivid use of texture. Sculptural gowns were enriched with opulent fabrics like shantung, brocade, beaded chiffon and organza. Candy-store colours glazed the runway in fuchsia, purple, citrons and turquoise, then mellowed into softer shades. Satin bow belts clinched-in waists, while flounces and frilled hems added weight to the saccharine dresses. A delightful collection for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Elie Tahari

Amidst all the chaos of elaborate and overstated collections, I found tranquility in the designs of Elie Tahari. He looked to ancient Egypt as an inspiration, which is visible through the placid colour scheme. Desert sandy beiges and stone, sunset oranges, blue oases and Cleopatra-tinged gold mesh. Work-wear is given a glamourous edge with sheer cuffed harem pants, double-breasted suit blazers, silky shirt dresses and flared pants. Metallic gold belts were an essential accessory, as well as gorgeous strappy gladiator sandals. This is an effortless range that truly defines casual elegance.

Marchesa

 Marchesa does tulle unlike any other. Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig's signature fairytale touch was seen throughout their Spring 2012 collection. The pair were inspired by the beauty of the sea, more specifically, the 1876 painting of Russian artist Ilya Repin, called Sadko in the Underwater Kingdom. Voluminous gowns were sumptuously enveloped in tulle and chiffon, shaded in lavender grey, pearl white and caramel nudes. A fair amount of fringing and feathers also made its way down the runway. Although completely impractical, I love how this collection provides a magical kind of escapism.

Naeem Khan

 Another ornate and impressive collection by Mumbai-born designer Naeem Khan. Each outfit makes a bold statement; whether it's with metallic stripes, bright colour, floral prints, feathered hems or shimmering beadwork. Naeem's wife, Ranjana designed the exotic pieces of jewellery paired with each outfit. I like how the silhouettes varied from fitted to ballgown to flowing kaftans. Khan presented a glamourous range of gowns that are extravagant without being over the top. 

 Jill Stuart

 Jill Stuart's Spring reverie for 2012 is a sublime collection of feminine outfits. I love the combination of sorbet shades that harmoniously blend together. Lemonade and lavender, peppermint and peach; It's fresh and unexpected. I haven't seen anything like this in fashion week. There were plenty of shorts and pleated knee-length skirts in this girly-glam collection. Stuart made use of interesting and unusual prints, like palm trees, birds, cherry blossoms and Japanese doll-like designs. Tousled hair and, kohl line eyes and rose-tinted lips completed the doll house experience.

New York Fashion Week Favourites 2011 - Part One

New York Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012 Collections

New York Fashion Week has set the city abuzz, with the best US-based designers presenting their Ready-to-Wear Collections for Spring/Summer 2012. It runs from 8-15 September this year. There have been so many awe-inspiring shows, it's impossible to post each and every one. I've decided to share a few of my favourite collections thus far. 

Tadashi Shoji

Tadashi Shoji featured a garden of gorgeous dresses in his floral inspired Spring collection. He payed homage to the "enchanting beauty and splendor of the tulip", as seen in his reverse tulip shaped skirts. Beautifully hand-painted silk-linen dresses flourished in shades of rose, daisy, fern & magnolia. His range of romantic blush-toned evening gowns were sprinkled with floral appliques. I like that this collection wanders from summery brights to graceful subtlety.

Prabal Gurung

The first thing I was drawn to at Prabal Gurung's collection was the glorious parade of purple. His abstract floral print dresses were given a multidimensional lift with rubber palliates, tulle and floral motifs. The Nepalese designer was inspired by Japanese photographer Nobuyushi Araki's series called 'Sensual Flowers'. Aqua green, black and white made up the rest of the palette, colouring tailored jackets, laser-cut dresses, wool suits, leather roped cords and silk georgette floral frocks. Of all the collections thus far, this is one that stands out with it's valiance and creativity.

Zac Posen

Zac Posen's Spring 2012 collection will gratify glamourous women with an appreciation for Old Hollywood glamour. Posen has an innate talent for accentuating the curves of a woman's body with his superbly fit mermaid gowns. This season, he revives this silhouette with fitted corsets, luxurious duchess satin and embellished tulle. Necklines, for the most part was off-the-shoulder. Shades of blue were juxtaposed with ruby red and ivory. A glossy and elegant collection that deserves an outing on the red carpet.

Jason Wu

A modern and refreshing collection from the celebrated Taiwanese American designer. 

Jason Wu presented a sophisticated Spring 2012 collection with a youthful aura. Grey, black and white ensembles were energized with a splash of bubblegum pink and fluorescent yellow. The only print used was petal-patterned, seen on chiffon dresses, blouses and pants. The most notable feature of the collection are the peplum dresses and skirts, rounded off with a black bow belt. Simple lines aside, chic cocktail dresses were adorned with Swarovski crystals and feathers. I like that this collection is cohesive, yet each piece retains it's unique character.

Rachel Zoe

I found myself surprised by the classic appeal of stylist Rachel Zoe's Bridget Bardot-inspired collection. Staying within the boundaries of her personal style, Rachel's designs are effortless and wearable, imparting relaxed glamour. Zoe offers tailored suit jackets, multicoloured maxis and georgette jumpsuits, all of which can be worn from day to night. She also featured cropped pants and a spot of animal print. I particularly like the third dress on the bottom row, with it's shimmery metallic print and ruffled sleeves. 

Christian Siriano

You will remember Christian Siriano as the 'fierce' designer that won Season 4 of Project Runway. For Spring 2012, he presented an invigorating range that set the runway alight in vivid orange and chartreuse. Sandy beige maintained the calm. What began as simple and straightforward ended in waves of ruffles and tulle. I found that even the simple looks were striking; flowing pleated maxi skirts, palazzo pants, striped jersey t-shirts and shift dresses. Sea-inspired dresses were decorated with coral-like chiffon ruffles. I love the pairing of the bright sandals, which are also designed by Siriano.