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While most of us are eagerly waiting for a glimpse of Spring, New York Fashion Week’s designers have been forecasting Fall 2013’s wardrobe with stunning collections. We were inspired by a number of the key looks this year, especially as we paired great glasses styles with our favorite trends.
Whether seeking protection from the urban metropolis, or from the fierce natural elements, designers were creating a strong and powerful woman at New York Fashion Week Fall 2013. “You have to be built for speed and endurance and athleticism,” noted Michael Kors, and there is a “tug of war between the athleticism and Park Avenue polish, it can go uptown and downtown which is the best of both worlds”.
Paul Hanlon, hairstylist at Altuzarra noted about that the collection is “a bit Patti Smith, not too bourgeois, the girl who goes to work during the day but parties at nighttime”. The feeling was also on the mind of Jason Wu whose collection led Tim Blanks to note that “this is Park Avenue gone bad,” and at Calvin Klein the look included patent leather both in belted trenches and knee high boots.
For those not interested in a strictly tailored uniform there were the lush and elaborate collections of Tory Birch, Diane von Furstenberg, Marchesa and Marc Jacobs.
Tory Birch remarked about her showing, “I’ve always been a fan of art nouveau and I love Klimt’s work so it was really just looking at some of his works and seeing how much depth and texture and layering of color and embellishment. It was really about the special detailing.” Longtime red-carpet favorites, Marchesa, showed a deeply opulent theme with gowns in deep, rich reds and intricately embroidered pieces.
Diane von Furstenberg noted about her New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 collection was “really going back down to the core of DVF it was a little bit inspired by David Bowie when he was young and a little bit by me when I was young,” she continued, “it’s the attitude of getting dressed…life is a party”.
Life always seems to be a party at Marc Jacobs whose spectacular show this season included a giant sun beaming on his fashionable crowd, including glamorous rock queen, Debbie Harry. Shimmering fabrics in metallic red, purple and gold and luxe formfitting silken dresses were, as Marc Jacobs remarked, ” just about simple clothes — the ones that give us pleasure…. I mean, it’s a no-brainer.”
A main theme throughout the shows at New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 was menswear inspired pieces that were specifically designed with a woman in mind. The Row showed sharp pantsuit pieces that nipped at the waist and were combined with midnight blue buttoned shirts.
The Theyskens’ Theory woman for this season had a tough femininity with a melancholic element. Its designer, Oliver Theysken’s mixed futurism with timeless elements for a much lauded show.
At Prabal Gurung the designer showed clothing with a distinct militaristic foundation. Jaime King (model/actress) noted, “What I love about him is his brilliant mix of masculine and feminine”. The designer himself noted, “women have this incredible tool and asset of their femininity that they can really use and embrace it and possibly rule the world”.
Rag & Bone designer, Marcus Wainwright remarked that their collection was “very Rag & Bone man, but for a girl,” nodding to their menswear beginnings.
Street style has taken over fashion weeks these past few years and while the New York Times comments on the “Circus of Fashion” and its peacock’s, some designers have remained true to their feminine roots with a little drama and color thrown in for good measure. Narciso Rodriguez showcased streamlined shapes and tailored pieces, while playing with different colors and textures blended with geometry.
Now in his 80th year, and about to celebrate 50 years of fashion in New York, Oscar de la Renta’s show continues to be one of the most feminine at New York Fashion Week. Carolina Herrera presented her collection with the symphonic background of the London Contemporary Orchestra and, as Style.com noted, “imagined a heroine of the 1940’s”. Refined, structured and feminine, Herrera’s vision for New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 stands in sharp contrast to many of the styles paraded in front of photographers outside of the shows.
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