By Glynis Traill-Nash
Well, the fashion shows in New York have wrapped now and the fashion pack has moved on to London for the next fall instalment. The Big Apple was warding off its recent big chill at the Fall 2011 fashion collections. Fur was everywhere, if not in coats and jackets, then trimming everything from gloves to glasses.
Of the many overriding trends on offer, one item has emerged as the key piece of the autumn/winter season: the parka. There were the long and the short, the fur-lined or collared, padded and quilted, zipped or toggled. So, to get ahead of the game, start looking for these fabulous coveralls. (Dion Lee’s creation for Cue is a great option, with zip-off hood; in store March 1.) The best thing about the parka is that you can wear with anything and over everything from jeans and trousers through to evening gowns, we’re told. Vera Wang had them over pleated chiffon dresses, contrasting the delicate with the durable.
The 1970s was the overriding decade of reference this season (Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, L.A.M.B, Diane Von Furstenberg), although Ralph Lauren tipped his hat to the 1920s and Marc Jacobs’ main line gave us a lesson in strict 1940s silhouettes—with a spin, of course.
Scarlet fever cut a swathe through collections, often top to toe, and that true monochromatic trend continued with all-over looks in nude, grey and black.
While the parka was the big-ticket item of the week at labels including Derek Lam, Vera Wang, Max Azria and Anna Sui, the equally practical poloneck underpinned looks from Diane von Furstenberg, BCBG Max Azria, Lyn Devon, Carolina Herrera and Christian Siriano were an inspiration.
There were variations on the tuxedo (thank you, Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu and Lauren), and ladylike looks were still in vogue at Donna Karan, Monique Lhuillier, Luca Luca and Jason Wu. And while minimalism was still entrenched at Calvin Klein Collection, embellishment gave it a run for its luxury dollars at Carolina Herrera.
Truly something for everyone—but isn’t that New York’s appeal?
More Rescu. 2011 New York Fashion Week coverage:
1. Quirky Ladies Galore At Mulberry At New York Fashion Week
2. Alexander Wang Autumn Winter 2011 At New York Fashion Week
3. Lady In Red At Monique Lhuillier At New York Fashion Week
