Long and Lean
Pencil skirts with higher waistlines go calf length at Callula Lillibelle(www.callulalillibelle.com). Vibrant polka dots prints and demure floral mingled effortlessly in separates and dresses. This company makes totally wearable looks that don’t look too young, but also avoid the matronly. Perfect for the gal on the go who wants to look sophisticated and cool.
Coral Reef
In men’s and women’s shows and presentations alike, the coral ranged from soft and pastel to fiery “almost” orange. Here at Carlos Campos (www.carloscampos.com)a menswear designer, we see the tone on tone look worn to great effect on the handsome male model.
Go with the Flow
Carlos Miele (www.carlosmiele.com) showed us some St. Tropez chic, with stunning gowns and dresses that moved whether there was a breeze or not. The draping was exquisite and softly caressed the models figures as they glided down the runway in swirling prints and jewel toned solids.
Mad Max: meet Stevie Nicks
Nicholas K (www.nicholask.com), who showed men’s and women’s designs had us believing in the power of layering with his loose, yet body conscious pieces. I particularly liked the head wraps and hooded jackets. The colors were dreamy blues, greens and soft ivories.
Going Brogue
At Porter Grey (www.portergrey.com), virtually every ensemble was complimented by unique takes on menswear inspired footwear. It was done in patent leather in every hue including coral, the “it” color for spring, as well as, mixtures of denim and leather. In menswear shows we also saw this classic shoe style appear again and again. It looked very fresh when paired with long maxi dresses, or floral printed camp shorts.
Cut it Out
Designer Katya Leonovich (www.katyaleonovich.com) used pieced denim and leather mingled with metallic for her futuristic looks. The collection would be best suited to rock stars not those faint of heart!
Fashion Fairyland
Jenny Packham’s (www.jennypackham.com)lovely designs were red carpet ready with feminine and intricately beaded looks. They glimmered with just the right amount of shine, and had a magical quality to them. Mandy Moore was checking out the goods from the front row. This show was absolutely “frilling” because of the details like swarovski crystals and French lace. Keep an eye out during awards season for the talented designers gowns. Seriously.
Who wears Short Shorts?
Women will wear short shorts apparently according to Candela (www.candelanyc.com), and other designers. This look harkens back to the time when something was left to the imagination, with their higher waistlines, and fitted but not obscene length. Paired with button downs, they made the familiar seem new.
‘60s Redux
Design house Pink Tartan (www.pinktartan.com) paired simple spangly shifts and sportswear separates, with Brigitte Bardot and French new wave cinema styling. The effect was modern and chic without looking too old time vintage. The bigger the hair, the closer to fashion heaven!
Pink Pouts
Hot pink is the new red for lips in 2012. Absolutely glowing lips stood out in a good way at Callula Lillibelle, and numerous other presentations.
I still have a lot more to see this week, and I’ll give you the low down in my next column. Until then, don’t forget that the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center is a great way to kick start your own fashion collection for a lot less!
