Rochambeau F/W 2012: Fashion Nomad

Sebastian Suave

Paolo Roldan

Myself and PaperMagazine 's Mickey Boardman

Brooding, and mysteriously dark gave Rochambeau’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection an air of je ne sais quoi, a quality in fashion which makes a collection even more appealing. From one’s perspective I took away a sort of cool vagabond and nomadic influence throughout the collection. From the loose silhouettes, and asymmetrical cut jackets, and hats it reminds one of classic movies centered on a mysterious traveler.

It was never planned that I showed up to the presentation looking like I was part of the collection, but I am certainly drawn to this type of style which heightened my intrigue about the designs even more. This collection by far is one I can definitely relate to and can see myself wearing every piece.

One particular ensemble worn by Sebastian Suave fast became my favorite, consisting of a ‘Side skin minimalist blazer, a leather neck band jersey, and a layered leather combination pant.’ Another piece that I love is this asymmetrical jacket with the bi fold layered lapels, simple and clean but an amazing statement piece. Other aspects of the Rochambeau collection I found intriguing were these mesh like boots with the leather trims, I see myself incorporating these in any ensemble I wear.

I do look forward to seeing what this upcoming S/S 2013 brings for Rochambeau and where they will take their collection, and what inspiration will draw out their creativity.

Tibi F/W 2012: The Perfect Contradiction

Tibi’s minimalist chic aesthetic is carried well into its Fall/Winter 2012 collection; of course with a few eye catching pieces included that stamp why Tibi always draw the fashion crowd along with its core consumers every season.

Notably present and my personal favorite is the menswear inspired tailored tuxedo suit. Tibi’s F/W 2012 runway show was graced by this amazing cropped 3 button double-breasted suit ensemble, which stays true to the designer’s vision of fashion juxtaposition- a masculine piece tailored with feminine touches. Such a strong menswear piece, Tibi does a beautiful job translating for women without ever losing the impeccable tailoring.

Tibi delivered a multitude of wearable pieces that captures that cool chic city woman, from her business driven day, to a fun night out in the city; the bold colors against muted pieces are quintessential Tibi which season after season always give a sophisticated look a youthfulness that every woman looks for.

Rebecca Taylor F/W 2012: "Casual Luxury"

Rebecca Taylor's Fall/Winter 2012 collection can only be described as casual layering with rich textures and sultry hues. Abstract prints combined with accents like studs, sequins, and leather trims all combine as a wonderful mosaic to create a modern silhouette with an effortless tailored look.

The key look that one finds as the defining piece for Taylor’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection is this quilted cropped leather jacket layered over a tailored blazer with the teal accent color on the lapels; paired with an ankle cropped velvet trouser and a gold sequined top. The ensemble is quintessential New York ‘chic’, an effortless style that has an air of edginess yet still projects the feminine allure of every woman. Other notable pieces are the re-invented and modernized 80’s herringbone pattern coats, I still enjoy the textile in herringbone patterns, but Rebecca Taylor updates the look by giving it a sexier silhouette, that can be layered, rolled sleeve, and just has that youthful appeal.

I always enjoy attending a Rebecca Taylor runway show, every season nothing is expected, but at the same time the designer stays true to her aesthetic and her core audience- the effortlessly stylish woman, on the go but never lets the world see her less than her best!

Son Jung Wan F/W 2012: Winter Garden

Pulling inspiration from contemporary artist Marc Quinn’s winter garden where fadeless flowers thrive with vibrant colors even during the frozen winter, Son Jung Wan conceptualizes a collection based on the ‘Winter Garden.’

Son Jung Wan’s collection was a burst of color and life, almost fantasy like, but such a departure from the accepted concept of drab colors for the winter season. One must admit that this collection is a breath of fresh air amongst the colorless, drab, sometimes dreary color palettes for the Fall/Winter collections. Seeing vibrant greens, ravishing red, and mints is such an inspiration and such a positive reflection of life. Most of us do associate colors of grey, black, and other muted hues when relating to the winter months, but Son Jung Wan steps out of the proverbial box and focuses on the life that remains even during the frozen months.

Mathieu Mirano F/W 2012: Couture Dreams

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Dragon cuffs (I want this

Red Sunray embroidered dress

Another young designer capturing the eyes of New York City's fashion elite, and captivating the press all alike is Mathieu Mirano and his couture inspired F/W 2012 collection- which boasts not only glamour but a sexy edge with black leather and dragon scale embroidery details.

One would never expect how young the designer is considering his taste in couture and how he applies it in his designs. Mirano has impeccable high end tastes which are clearly expressed in his work, and one personally feels an art deco reference throughout each of Mirano’s designs. Some of my personal favorites are the full length “Red Sunray embroidered dress” it simply exudes glamour, and the other is the “Black Organza dress with dragon scale embroidery” which gives the collection its edgy appeal. Though most of the collection is geared towards evening wear, the pant / skirt suit ensembles are amazing takes on the everyday business attire; it’s both professional and fashionably sophisticated.

Talented, with an already refined taste in fashion, Mathieu Mirano is proving to be another rising star in this difficult business. In regards to his use of textiles, and his technique of layering fabrics through amazing detailed embroidery one can’t deny that Mathieu Mirano has the potential to engage a wide variety of loyal followers and can have a successful and long career!