Doo.Ri at NY Fashion Week
Last week, fashion lovers saw a scaled-back version of New York’s Fall Fashion Week. Fewer designers showed at the tents than usual; many regulars, like Vera Wang and Betsey Johnson, opted for showroom presentations instead. The recession was reflected in many collections, but, in most cases, this turned out to be a good thing. Doom and gloom may be prevalent in the economy, but Fashion Week’s spunky designers showed that it doesn’t rule the runways.
Donna Karan, DKNY and Victoria Beckham offered modern, minimalist designs with mix-and-match potential, perfect for stretching a wardrobe budget.
Marc Jacobs drew heavily upon eighties’ excess for inspiration, resurrecting slick, spiky hairstyles and even shoulder pads to recall a time when “creative people could afford to live in [the] city.”
DKNY, NY Fashion Week
Michael Kors, too, had an eighties moment, applying unexpected splashes of neon to an otherwise neutral palette. And to drive home the point that the eighties are back in full force, Kors one-upped Jacobs’ shoulder pads with another bygone accessory: arm warmers. And he even managed to make them look office-appropriate!
Michael Kors at NY Fashion Week
Christian Siriano seemed to have the most fun with neutrals, showing luscious silks and organza clothes drenched in shades of chocolate, mocha and latte, paired perfectly with mauve, bronze and turquoise. And he was, perhaps, the most budget-friendly, outfitting his models with Payless shoes of his own design.
Christian Siriano at NY Fashion Week
Alexander Wang, Doo.Ri and Rag & Bone all showed updated versions of fall 2008’s glam rock goddess. Alexander Wang added polish with a sparkling dress and snakeskin blazer. Doo.Ri (featured top) used sophisticated touches of silver atop basic black and a slim silhouette. Rag & Bone made rock ‘n’ roll look downright cozy, topping leather leggings with chunky knitwear, scarves, and pops of blue and red. Later, the same leggings were paired with a snug charcoal-hued coat.
Diane Von Furstenburg gave us exotic patterns, animal prints and opulent hats straight out of a global bazaar. Matthew Williamson also went the exotic route, but with a distinct Native American flare.
Diane Von Furstenburg at NY Fashion Week
And the always-entertaining Izaac Mizrahi delivered a zany range of colors—and an inventive new way to wear handbags!
If this year’s Fall Fashion Week has taught us anything, it’s that a fall wardrobe – on any budget – need never be boring, and you can always accessorize with whatever you have on hand!
Isaac Mizrahi at NY Fashion Week
And some eco-friendly ideas on how to rock the best fall fashion styles? If you bought any trendy pieces last fall, use ‘em again this year. Update them with those special touches, like a global necklace, wide belt and sky-high footwear. Buy vintage, organic, or fair trade as often as you can, and have fun mixing and matching! Don’t let the recession put a crimp in your style—let it inspire you to get creative with the pieces you already own. What do you think of the New York fashion shows? Tell us about your impressions.
*All photos are from New York Magazine, nymag.com and hyperlinks to the sources are listed for each designer above.
By Erin Dale
I’m so glad that eco-friendly apparel has become more available and affordable in the past few years. I recently found a new amazing clothing line based out of Atlanta called INDIE PEACE. It is a socially responsible fashion apparel company that make the best fitting shirts! My boyfriend bought one recently at a show and has already ordered 4 more online!! Although they don’t have a women’s line yet I asked the owner Lawton and he said they should be coming out with one very soon. Here’s the link where you can see the shirts: http://www.indiepeace.myshopify.com
Hello I am due to visit New York in December can you kindly confirm if there will be any fashion shows on between the 5th to 10th