NYFW
New York Fashion Week has wrapped up, handing the style baton over to London. Here, a look at some of the top trends from the Big Apple…
Team sports
Alexander Wang was first across the winner’s line in the sports-style stakes. His mesh bomber jackets and biker shorts were almost enough to make that bike-n-hike appealing. Almost. Others embracing the sporty trend were Rag & Bone, with hooded jackets and retro-style tennis dresses; 3.1 Phillip Lim had an update on classic American sportswear with his minimal silk trousers that bordered on modern trackies worn with simple tops; Marc by Marc Jacobs added court-ready sun visors to a variety of ensembles, and had boat-ready nautical-style sweatshirts with matching striped shorts; and Altuzzara embraced a new sort of ski-chic with its leggings and jackets, and sporty touches in harnesses and belts with plastic buckles.
Dressed up
Dresses aren’t exactly a hot new trend, but what is interesting to note is its grown-up nature this season. Gone (for the most part) are the bodycon minidresses (phew!). Lengths are longer (to the knee), as are sleeves, from cap to elbow-length. At its best, this takes the ladylike trend (which is still hanging in there) and updates it, using sophisticated silhouettes and adding interesting detailing or technical fabrications. For the best examples of this, look to Rodarte, Jason Wu and Proenza Schouler. But, also, you can’t really argue with the appeal of glamorous 1950s silhouettes as seen at Zac Posen. True glamour never dies.
Flora & Fauna
Florals continue to bloom in spring, everything from bold to subdued, literal to abstract. Designers embracing the trend include Prabal Gurung, Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta. Standouts from the Big Apple’s garden include Rodarte’s sunflower dresses, L’Wren Scott’s poppy print, Jason Wu’s black-and-white flowers, Proenza Schouler’s leaves and flowers with a botanical print approach, and Diane Von Furstenberg’s bold, simplistic prints.
The creatures of the garden are also getting a look-in this season. Bird prints and motifs were a recurring theme, from Marc by Marc Jacobs’ tiny birds in a line to Carolina Herrera’s green-and-yellow print. One of the most interesting was Reed Krakoff, whose digital birds were blown up and used as feature prints, including feather-print skirts. And, of course, who can forget Victoria by Victoria Beckham—the new second line by VB—and its cute kitties?
Great, Gatsby
Filming on the Baz Luhrmann film has barely commenced and already we’re seeing Gatsby fever hitting the runway with its 1920s influences. Ralph Lauren channelled Daisy Buchanan with his relaxed vintage-inspired lounge wear, drop waists, looped strands of beads and feathered boleros—not to mention the ubiquitous cloche hats. But Lauren even gave Jay Gatsby a look in with classic pin-stripe tailoring and baker-boy caps for the ladies. Marc Jacobs also sent out a sprinkling of modern flapper styles in his tiered, ruffled dresses and drop waists. And even amongst Carolina Herrera’s collection were a couple of flapper-esque dresses, drop-waisted and with Art Deco–inspired graphic detailing. It’s only just starting, but expect this trend to hit its peak in time for the film’s release next year. Charlston, anyone?
All-Star Line-up
The Star—formerly known as Star City Casino—opened last week in Sydney, and it’s not just about blackjack and baccarat. The line-up of retail also looks impressive, with Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Salvatore Ferragamo all taking up residence. Another jewel in the casino’s crown is the new Chanel Fragrance & Beauty Boutique, the third of its kind in Australia. Chanel’s salon-only range of perfumes—Les Exclusifs—will be there, of course, and on October 9 welcomes the lucky 13th fragrance, Jersey.
Photos courtesy elle.com.
