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Now that I’ve fully recovered from the whirlwind of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the fabulous fashion from the runways and provide some tips on how to accessorize. This season, Lincoln Center was full of the spectacular – particularly at the CIRCA Accessories Salon, which displayed the new collections of some of today’s most innovative jewelry designers and a breathtaking selection of CIRCA’s iconic estate jewelry purchases. With my official schedule in hand, I hopped around town to as many shows as possible, and spotted these fabulous trends for Spring 2012:Trend I: Metallics
One of my favorite trends this season, that certainly adds an edge to any ensemble, is the use of metallics. Not only is the material eye-catching, but the colors are very festive, like this Prabal Gurung purple metallic and white chiffon dress shown below left. Similarly, designers Badgley Mischka and Elie Tahari incorporated striking metallics in their Spring 2012 collections. Badgley Mischka’s dress made of an embroidered floral skirt was complemented by a metallic bustier, while Elie Tahari paired a gold metallic skirt with a clean white blouse. Tres chic! Since the shine is in the garment, complement the look with opaque stone jewelry in lapis, malachite or onyx.
Trend II: Prints
Prints and patterns were all over the runway this season, including geometric, floral and organic, but all extremely colorful. For example, Carolina Herrera’s yellow, green and black stripe print chiffon dress, shown below left, utilized a beautiful range of colors and Art Deco-influenced geometric pattern. Many designers used chiffon for just the right touch of femininity, shown by Vera Wang below right, with a purple chiffon and organic print dress. To complete the look – what else! light, long chains of gold or platinum and diamonds.
Trend III: Drop Waists
Speaking of Art Deco, there was also a flashback of the drop-waisted 1920’s flapper-inspired dress. In its day, this dress design broke convention, replacing the corset with the more relaxed feel of the drop waist. The flowing sheer and chiffon skirts of the modern editions, shown below by Jill Stuart and BCBG, add a more feminine twist.
Trend IV: Color Blocking
Colors always have a place in your wardrobe and a trend that has made its way from Fall to Spring is color-blocking. Mixing and layering solid colors is a very fashionable look. Typically these combinations are easily executed with separates, shown by Badgley Mischka and Luca Luca below. Personally, I enjoyed its translation to gowns and dresses, like Monique Lhullier’s black chiffon and red satin gown (below center). The gown was a statement on the runway, bringing striking contrast to evening wear. For both of these trends, I’m going to champion a revival of a large brooch or stomacher.
Trend V: Cut-Outs
From Fall to Spring, there is also a return of the cut-outs. What makes the cut-out so desirable is the unique and sensual way it accentuates or exposes a woman’s upper body – whether the neckline, shoulders or waist. Below right, Sophie Theallet’s print floor-length dress accentuates the waistline with strategically placed triangular cut-outs. Many designers took the cut-out to the back, an elegant and sleek addition to dresses, jackets, and blouses.
Trend VI: Peplum
The peplum – or ruffled waistline – was very popular on the runway and can be flattering to certain body types, synching at the waist and outlining curves. It’s certainly not for everyone, but I loved the multiple uses of the peplum, from ball gowns and cocktail dresses to slacks and shorts – acting as both an evening and daytime trend. For jewelry, try large cuff bangles to offset the distinct silhouette of both the cut-outs and peplum.
So, hats off to a fun and fashionable week! For more highlights from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, visit us on Facebook. I’m already looking forward to February!
Images: Metallics - Prabal Gurung, Badgley Mischka, Elie Tahari; Prints - Carolina Herrera, Diane Von Furstenberg, Vera Wang; Color Blocking – Badgley Mischka, Luca Luca, Monique Lhuillier; Cut-Outs – BCBG by Max Azria, Chado Ralph Rucci, Sophie Theallet; Drop Waist – Jill Stuart, BCBG by Max Azria; Peplum – Vera Wang, Jason Wu, Lela Rose, Badgley Mischka. Courtesy: Style.com. Print this post
