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Like many of you, I was not lucky enough to be able to attend fashion week. Instead, I have mercilessly scoured the Web’s archives, delving deep into each and every collection to bring you what I believe to be the most memorable trends and highlights from designers’ shows. Are these the most practical collections for a college student? Probably not. Are they the most innovative? Not always. But alas, fashion is for dreamers, and dream I shall.
Alice + Olivia
Alice + Olivia’s collection combines flirty cocktail dresses with relaxed, yet structured pieces that look like a hipster’s attempt at making their work attire suitable for a night out. There is a focus on accessories, including feathered headpieces, and mini Mad Hatter-esque top hats along with chunky ankle boots. Fur stoles, cardigans, jackets and cover-ups show the versatility of the collection’s looks, taking almost every outfit from day to night and vice versa.
Anna Sui
The models of Anna Sui looked like a combination between a Woodstock attendee and a far away village native. Tights were a major staple and spanned almost all colors, textures and patterns. Touches of fur and winter bomber hats embellished this very eclectic collection. Many of the looks resemble a backpacker who picked up a piece here and there during her travels, and then combined all of them together into a mismatched, multi-patterned, yet harmonious ensemble.
Betsey Johnson
What do “Gone with the Wind,” the Wild West, and the swingin’ ‘60s have in common? Betsey Johnson, of course! The models in her eclectic, classic western-ish-style show looked like modern-day reincarnations of the Hamburgler, Jesse James and Edie Sedgwick. Johnson’s use of bright colors and even Andy Warhol’s Marilyn (which was plastered on several pieces along with a gun and dice print) showed a major pop-art influence in the collection. Many of Johnson’s pieces are cuter and less costume-y on their own, making great statement pieces for the everyday wardrobe.
Carolina Herrera
Herrera upped ladylike fashions utilizing gloves and floppy hats to add a bit of flair in a sea of cinched waists. She debuted a menagerie of floor-grazing gowns that emphasized the voluminous quality of her clothing, proving once again that she is the queen of old-school glamour.
Erdem
Jewel toned, multicolor prints set this collection apart from the rest, brightening up what could have been somewhat plain, yet über-girly dresses. Ruffles add an extra punch to the already flowing silhouettes while cinched waists enhance curves.
Gary Graham
Graham has taken a cue from Alexander McQueen, incorporating devilishly teetering platforms as this collection’s focus. Precise draping of various sheaths allow cropped bubble skirts to peek out from underneath, revealing pops of color and feminine style perfect for interpretation into everyday wear.
Jill Stuart
Stuart’s collection recalls visions of a rock star’s girlfriend with short and tight sexy dresses, unpredictably paired with a knit beanie hat or an oversized plaid coat. Extremes like floor length scarves and thigh-high boots add an air of “I don’t care” to the otherwise put together pieces.
L.A.M.B
Gwen Stefani knows how to bring her rock n’ roll fashion sense to the masses. This collection is a bit more tame than what one would expect, yet it shows that anyone can add a bit of punk to their wardrobe using only a piece or two. For example, Stefani uses several belts strategically wrapped around the torso to cinch together a flowing blouse.
Marc by Marc Jacobs
Jacobs’ strong integration of khaki and olive colors and thick fabrics made these models resemble army brats. Military style coats and messenger bags were seen throughout the collection in both men’s and women’s wear. Jacobs used pops of red and blue along with wide stripes to break up the collection’s military elements.
Marchesa
Models floated down the Marchesa runways like ethereal mermaids. Each piece in the collection was masterfully crafted with exquisite detailing. Bright colors were only the first noticeable thing about these gorgeous dresses molded into a number of shapes and designs. Ruffle-like additions toned down the potentially harsh structure of these walking pieces of art.
Matthew Williamson
Most striking about this collection was the array of watercolor-like patterns in each piece, making Williamson’s work seem as though it belonged more in the MoMa than on the runway.
Naeem Khan
Khan’s collection is clearly defined as metallic, as it takes cues from the appearance of pocket change. Every piece boasts a bit of gold, silver or bronze if not all together. Khan takes it to the extreme, covering dresses in head-to-toe sparkle and piling adornments of chains and beads to prove that less is not always more.
Nicole Miller
Miller’s black-based collection is for the dark side in you. She ties the entire collection together by using a small black beanie atop each model’s head. From the grungy club rat to the Upper West Side socialite, everyone can find a look from this collection to add to their wardrobe.
Tracy Reese
There’s something exquisite about Reese’s marriage of femininity and toughness. She has created the perfect combination of flirty and punk by mixing blacks with pastels. Also incorporated within the collection are bold statement necklaces of satin and gemstones to tie everything together.
Twenty8Twelve
A collection for the ages, Twenty8Twelve encompasses the look of music throughout the decades. From hippies and acid-washed divas, to hardcore punks and hipsters, this collection could make anyone look perfectly at home in a mosh pit.
Victoria Beckham
Perfectly posh in every way, models in killer platforms and dark sunglasses appeared like Beckham clones. The structured looks showcased were skintight, and Beckham’s calf-revealing pencil skirts resembled nothing other than the woman herself. Perfect for the job or a hot date (or everyday if you’re Beckham), the collection is super versatile, and its basic solid colors can be easily integrated into anyone’s wardrobe.
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