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The Great Recession has done at least one positive thing for the world of high fashion: It has brought the runway show craziness somewhat down to earth. (Note my emphasis on somewhat -- we are, after all, still talking about fashion designers here.) As much as I enjoy the theatrics and the fantasy of an over-the-top runway show, it doesn't hurt to see at least a few outfits you could actually wear, or at least adapt for your real life. To my relief, Fall 2010 is looking mighty real, and I like it.
I enjoyed the artful pleating on the dresses sent down the runway by Carolina Herrera, one of my favorite designers of all time. Pleating is a very wearable way to add texture and interest to the simplest silhouette. Ms. Herrera showed pleats on sheath dresses, but they can just as easily dress up a t-shirt or cardigan:
Brazilian designer Carlos Miele showed beautifully crafted evening gowns for fall. While I don't need a long black gown at this moment, I've taken note of how Miele has made a deep v-neckline incredibly sophisticated by pairing with boxy cap sleeves. (Look at another example by Miu Miu here, this time on a little black dress. Yep, still sexy and sophisticated!)
Tracy Reese's show caught my eye because her collection consisted of real fall fashion: Wearable layers, huge scarves, and embellished sweaters mimic the way people who live where there really is a fall season dress -- even if they were layered over strapless and sleeveless dresses. Still, a step in the right directon.
I know you've seen this top before. There are 20,000 variations of it at Anthropologie. That's not a bad thing:
Layers don't have to be basic to be functional. A bit of sparkle or feather trim will turn a lowly beige sweater into something special. Thank you, Anthropologie, for teaching us that lesson. Now don't let me catch you looking bland, when all you need is a little pleating or feather trim!
(But please, avoid wearing all feathers -- very few people can pull that off. In fact, I don't think the models at Altuzarra managed it. I'm sorry, but they look like Heckle and Jeckle.)
Not a fan of the runway looks? Here's another way to participate in the Fashion Week madness: Hunter PR is helping raise money for the New York City Clothing Bank. For every person who fans their Facebook page between now and March 31, Hunter will donate $1 to NYC Clothing bank. For every person who joins during Fashion Week, Hunter will donate $2. But hurry -- Fashion Week ends tomorrow!
What was your favorite look from New York Fashion Week?
