Monique Lhuillier took her line to a whole new level this season with leather, lace, and body-con dresses. She used a bright palette, consisting predominantly of splashes of hot pink, yellow, and blue. Of course, it wouldn't be a Monique Lhuillier show without a few red-carpet-worthy gowns — watch to see the entire show here!
With Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Elle's Joe Zee in the front row, former Project Runway winner Christian Siriano sent out his strongest collection to date, one that balanced his flair for dramatic dresses with easy, seriously wearable separates. Yes, there were frothy cocktail dresses and massive, tulle-laden gowns made for the red carpet. But the pleasant surprise came via sleek silk maxi skirts paired with t-shirts, and cropped silk pants with cape blouses. Done in brilliant color pairings like acid green and peach, it was impactful but subtle. With a covetable line of shoes for retail giant Payless (see the latest in the slideshow), it's clear Siriano is no flash in the pan, and this latest collection suggests his best work is yet to come.
Helmut Lang designers Nicole and Michael Colovos debuted a slick collection for Spring 2012 highlighting bold cuts and a strong, simple color palette. Staying true to their minimal aesthetic, the line was the epitome of downtown cool with pieces like cropped silk pants, bright yellow asymmetric dresses, and covetable tailored blazers. Zoom in and you can see sleek details like shorts cut high on the sides, cording on tops, and slinky straps all punctuating the modern theme. The brand's handbag collection, which launched about a year ago, also made an appearance on the runway with its signature pod-shaped silhouette in a new range of colors along with colorblocked satchels and totes. More details below.
Prabal Gurung delivered abstract florals, feather-trimmed dresses, hand-painted latex jackets, and loads of purple for Spring 2012. We found out the inspiration for his stunning collection and what textures are new for him this season — including laser-cut leather and latex. Also, make sure to watch the entire Prabal Gurung runway show right here.
Pamela Love presented a Western-inspired Spring 2012 collection to a packed house at Milk Studios on Saturday night — including Anna Wintour. We walked in to discover a lineup of models paying homage to the Wild West with, for the first time, clothing crafted for the presentation — bandannas, cowboy hats, neutral trousers and skirts, and wide leather belts. As for the jewels, Love stays true to her craft with geometric gold collars, angular rings and bracelets, and cage-like cuffs. Then, a few departures: turquoise and amethyst gemstones adorning breastplates for a warmer, earthier feel than the edgier Love looks we're used to. Click through to get a glimpse of the whole collection.
Photos courtesy of Hannah Weil
Alexander Wang took sport to its sleekest edge with his Spring 2012 collection, which was shown in a raw industrial space — Pier 94 in Manhattan — with stadium-style seating that surrounded four large mirrors. Models walked amongst the mirrors with slick, wet hair wearing performance-inspired pieces: "technical" polos, cargo pants, utility vests, track suits, hoodie jackets, cycling tanks, mesh jerseys, motorcross sweatshirts. Of course, this isn't Nike, it's Alexander Wang, so pieces were done in graphic botanical prints that softened Wang's signature edginess, or layered over sexy swimsuits with seriously sexy accessories, like the white Joan ankle strap mule. It's said that ladylike dressing — thanks to women like Kate Middleton — will dominate fashion's collective consciousness in the years to come. Tell that to Alexander Wang, who brought the season's sporty trend downtown to his turf and injected it with a sleek coolness that not even the most polished of women will be able to resist.
We always look forward to what Adam Lippes brings to the table, and his Spring 2012 collection didn't disappoint. Inspired by the West Chelsea neighborhood (where his design studio is located), Adam showed us a youthful and polished collection complete with sheer trench dresses, hot pink pants, and even refined railroad denim. The oversized peony and polka-dot prints were the standout looks, splashed on tailored pantsuits and cute drop-waist dresses. Longer, louche shorts — remember culottes? — were also a key look in the collection seen in linen and silk variations. Railroad denim also received a chic overhaul via sweet pencil skirts, shift dresses, and structured tops. Read more highlights below.
Check out all of our Fashion Week coverage!
While we were at shows, one of Hollywood's most famous leading ladies showed up in Toronto of all places — OK, it's their film festival — with this insanely gorgeous clutch literally attached to her wrist. It's sexy, edgy, slightly fetishist, and totally glamorous. Needless to say, she looked incredible. Who wore it?
Keep reading to find out . . .
Purple is making a major comeback at New York Fashion Week thanks to designers like Prabal Gurung, Rag & Bone, and Richard Chai. We'e thinking it might have something to do with all of the royal wedding fever we've experienced this year. Whatever the cause, we're loving how this strong hue adds instant pop to any ensemble. Style tip: try it out head to toe a la Prabal Gurung for a modern appeal, or go the sport chic route and top off your look with an eye-catching poncho jacket via Rag & Bone.
Suno designers Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty took the refined route for Spring at their first show at Fashion Week. While past collections have featured a louder, colorful mixed print mash-up, Osterweis and Beatty toned down the fire in this collection and instead opted for a more refined feel. Prints in the way of plaids, florals, and stripes were streamlined against a predominately neutral color palette save for the occasional pops of bright red and muted yellow hues. A standout number highlighted a beautiful bird print across a yellow wrap dress. Separates in the way of crisp, dimensional striped collar shirts paired with a watercolor patterned top and louche trousers also caught our eye. To finish, Osterweis and Beatty completed their looks with woven raffia platform sandals.
