Spring 2013

fashion week

Cynthia Rowley Spring 2013

Cynthia Rowley's Spring 2013 collection found beauty in the decay of a decaying hotel in downtown New York City.
Cynthia Rowley Spring 2013 | Runway

Cynthia Rowley's Spring 2013 collection found beauty in the decay of a decaying hotel in downtown New York City. And what better way to show a collection inspired by a dilapidated building than to cast models as partygoers inside of it?

That's exactly what Rowley did at 5 Beekman Street in New York on Thursday night. While confetti fell from the building's interior balconies onto the floor below, models stood for photographers wearing some of the most imaginative and restrained garments Rowley has cooked up yet. The emphasis in the clothing's shape was volume, but the designer covered her wide-legged pants and generous dresses with prints inspired by the peeling paint in the hotel, and foiled brocade was used to make a bomber jacket and matching shorts. And though the clothes were party ready, Rowley took that theme one step further by putting flask-shaped bracelets on all of her models.

fashion week

Calvin Klein Spring 2013

The Calvin Klein show may be the last big hurrah of New York Fashion Week, but it rarely disappoints.
Calvin Klein Spring 2013 | Runway

The Calvin Klein show may be the last big hurrah of New York Fashion Week, but it rarely disappoints. So as the crowd settled into their seats and the last of the paparazzi bulbs flashed, the vibe pre-show Thursday was one of quiet, celebratory anticipation.

And there was plenty to celebrate about the collection Francisco Costa offered up for Spring 2013. With its undulating lines, feminine proportions, and transparent fabrics, it was a lovely lineup steeped in subtle sensuality and power. Silk crepe, satin, and organza in pale neutrals and white looked delicate and sheer, but were manipulated in such a way that the pieces — mostly dresses — had an airy, sculptural quality to them. They moved across the body in structural curves, then nipped in softly at the waist. A whisper-weight moiré sheer fabric in black was especially intriguing; layered over solid white, it was both revealing and protectively reflective. A plasticized basket weave mesh, used on shifts and strapless dresses, had a similar, teasing effect.

fashion week

Ralph Lauren Spring 2013

The Ralph Lauren girl likes to travel.
Ralph Lauren Spring 2013 | Runway

The Ralph Lauren girl likes to travel. The countryside of England, the American Southwest — she frequents those places often, and over the course of several decades, those locales have seeped quite seamlessly into her elegant American sportswear look.

But for Spring 2013, she's headed to new, uncharted territory: Spain and Latin America. And, actually, come to think of it, it's surprising that she hasn't been there before. Ruffles, embroideries, blanket stripes, beads, lace, and fringe — they're all things she's comfortable in. Especially when they come in the form of romantic silhouettes paired with her favorite side-leaning beret.

fashion week

Ralph Lauren Spring 2013

Ralph Lauren had us speaking Spanish for Spring 2013 with a collection that drew upon the romance of bullfighting — from the matadors' ornate costumes to the glamourous woman who might be watching from a private box in the stands.
Ralph Lauren Spring 2013 | Pictures

Ralph Lauren had us speaking Spanish for Spring 2013 with a collection that drew upon the romance of bullfighting — from the matadors' ornate costumes to the glamourous woman who might be watching from a private box in the stands. Check out the all the pictures from Ralph Lauren's Spring 2013 collection, and come back soon for our full review. 

Kid Shopping

Oscar de la Renta Debuts Full Childrenswear Collection at New York Fashion Week Show

Floral and eyelet dresses shared the runway with stripes and plaids at Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2013 runway show yesterday.

Floral and eyelet dresses shared the runway with stripes and plaids at Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2013 runway show yesterday. And while that might sound like the usual fare for the legendary designer, the models were anything but typical — they were about two feet shorter than those who walked the New York Fashion Week runway the day prior, and several made their way across the runway pulled in wagons, riding on scooters, and holding skateboards.

For his first full childrenswear collection (the pint-size label launched this past Spring with a stunning flower girl collection), de la Renta created a springtime garden party filled with traditional sundresses, hand-crocheted jackets, and appliquéd flowers for lil girls, and colorful layered looks of button-down shirts, striped sweaters, and cotton shorts for boys. Designed by Catherine Monteiro de Barros, who previously founded and ran the popular high-end Portuguese children's brand Papo d'Anjo, the collection was packed with classic styles reminiscent of the label's adult pieces — a point that was certainly noticed by de la Renta himself, who stood to the side of the runway nodding his approval as each tot took a turn on the catwalk. Keep reading to see the Spring collection for yourself.

fashion week

Marchesa Spring 2013

Is there a richer source of inspiration than India?
Marchesa Spring 2013 | Runway

Is there a richer source of inspiration than India? For Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman, who infused the continent's rich silks and ornate embellishments into their colorful Spring 2013 collection for Marchesa, the answer is no.

Every dress that came down the runway featured some kind of decoration that pointed to the subcontinent: tunic and slim trousers cut from a pale gold brocade were embroidered and jeweled at their hems, and the silver cap-sleeved gown that Carolyn Murphy wore in the show was covered in lace. This was a literal interpretation of India, punched up with '60s shapes (cape sleeves, anyone?) and the energy of a glamorous Bollywood production.

fashion week

Reed Krakoff Spring 2013

Reed Krakoff's Spring 2013 collection was delicate in color, silhouette, and fabric.
Reed Krakoff Spring 2013 | Runway

Reed Krakoff's Spring 2013 collection was delicate in color, silhouette, and fabric. Neutral hues found themselves on everything from blazers to shorts to dresses to trousers. Loose-fitting clothes lent a relaxed vibe, while silky and sheer fabrics were super feminine. Hemlines were demure, with the exception of the shorts. There was a sporty air throughout the show thanks to elastic-waist pants and collarless jackets. Tuxedo pants screamed chic, collared blouses buttoned up all the way were strong, and lingerie-inspired styles provided a contrasting softness. The only pop of color on the catwalk was a few coral pieces and the only print was a snakeskin skirt.