EMERSON S/S 2012..Light and Dark: powerful elegance.

Boston based designer Jackie Fraser-Swan takes Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week by storm, presenting a collection inspired by her interpretation of light and darkness while staying true to her 'powerful and free-spirited modern woman'. The designer explains her direction for the collection by stating, "Life can throw us a curve ball from time to time, and it's up to us to decide whether to go down the road to darkness or to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel."
Amazing dark silks and fabrics are juxtaposed along with light prints, all the while injected with hues of royal blue, purple, and silver. One of the most interesting piece was the black cocktail dress incased in a leather harness along the bust line and midsection (refer to picture above), I love the play on the contrast between the powerful and feminine. Throughout the collection I noticed the re-occuring theme of 'refined edginess' if at all possible, Emerson accomplished it well indeed! Finally, my favorite piece of the collection definitely has to be the one with the purple ostrich moto jacket with the spotted asymmetrical wrap skirt (look#13), I adore pieces that are both structured and fluid, a marriage of beautiful complement. Emerson S/S 2012 are pieces easily transitioned from runway to real life and on an economic stand point- GENIUS! For more information on EMERSON, visit their website at www.emerson-collection.com .

Favorite ensemble of the collection

Falguni & Shane Peacock S/S 2012: Color me Sexy

To think that I was simply going to miss this show would have simply been the stupidiest decision of my fashion career. By chance, a new friend Prutha Raithatha (donotshoeme.blogspot.com) and a long time friend of the designers asked me if I was going to see the show? At first I declined, but with a little push I decided to go (note FRONTROW left hand side)- and to this day it was one of the best decision of my FashionWeek life! The show was a myriad of eye candy, colors galore, exciting, innovative, and undeniably SEXY!
To say that I was 'blown away' is an understatement! From the long jersey dresses, to color and detail infused corsetted dresses, a rainbow of feathers, sequins, and leather harness, I didn't know wether to clap, tweet picts, or use my camera- it is always a breath of fresh air when designers can make you jump out of your seat in anticipation of the next look. With Falguni & Shane Peacock's Indian back ground combined with a rock-n-roll British aesthetic, it was a definite 'glam-rock' explosion on the runway. Usually, I would pick one or two pieces as a favorite in the collection, but in this case I simply can't. Every single piece that went out was innovative and so deliciously 'BAD-ASS'!

Celebrity guests Joan Rivers and LaLa

PORCELAIN BLACK

GULI S/S 2012: Beauty in the Sands of Time!

With a last minute venue change from the Lincoln Center to world famous and timeless venue Cipriani on 42nd street, Uzbekistan-based GULI presented a wonderful collection inspired by the beauty of the always transforming dessert landscape; how time and wind shape the sands; constantly changing its shape. Guli's Spring /Summer 2012 collection presents the old ethnic traditions with the modern culture of Uzbekistan, this was clearly reflected in the nomadic and gypsy like ensemble, but with a casual modernity. The modern take comes across clearly in the womens dresses with the vibrant colors and form fitting bodest. Several pieces had outstanding rouching and draping, but still maintained its casual vibe. I'm particularly taken by the men's clothing- there's always something attractive about cool, casual, and understated- specially in loose fitting rich linen garments. From khakis to color, when executed well, linen, is a wonderful supple fabric that gives a worldly traveler look- in this case lending to the notion of a 'Chic-nomad'.

One of my favorite men's ensemble, I LIVE for this fringe scarf

Ivana Helsinki S/S 2012 .. An Indian Summer:steam rising

Charming, Soulful, playful, Nomadic, and vintage with a modern take can surely describe Ivana Helsinki's Spring/Summer 2012 collection. I think what made the collection attractive is definitely its wearability. Every woman of various sizes can clearly feel comfortable and chic in any of the dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, and tops in the collection- even the platform wedges look comfortable! Several key pieces reflect vintage 60's and 70's style, but with its signature feather design it gave piece after piece a modern take. My favorite piece throughout the collection was the olive green one piece jumpsuit, though presented casually and for daytime, I can see this piece transition from day to evening with the right chunky pump stilletto, a fitted jacket, and the right accessories. I showed my mom and several people the runway pictures, and it definitely hit a good note for them- a sense of nostalgia of their youth, and each lady wanted at least 2 pieces from the show.. When a collection sells itself to a wide variety of audience- it has accomplished its goal!!
For more info on the designer or S/S 2012 collection make sure to visit www.ivanahelsinki.com

One piece jumpsuit: favorite piece in the collection!!

Helen Yarmak S/S 2012..Fur Galore: rich, luxurious,stunning!

Nothing speaks luxury more than a well tailored, impeccably constructed, top quality, and unrivalled design fur coat, and Helen Yarmak pioneers an amazing selection of luxurious fur. From Alpaca, to rabbit, to mink, and Fox, each well crafted coat is to die for in every color. Several key pieces from the collection which I found interesting are the convertible jackets that can be worn with the sleeve, or with arms outside of the sleeves thru the slits and use them like butterfly sleeves. I fell in love with the stoles from the chocolate browns, to the ravishing blacks, and tantalizing reds, but my favorite of the collection hands down is the lavender and brown fur vest, it had depth in layers and simply amazing. I wouldn't mind borrowing one just for a day!! Helen Yarmak though noted for its fur creations also showed amazing RTW spring dresses and jewelry; for more info visit www.helenyarmak.com

Tadashi Shoji S/S 2012: Spring Blooms in September!

 

 

Beautiful floral inspired dresses from long goddess like creations to bright cocktail evening and dayime dresses, even fringe and tiered 20's inspired silhouttes graced Tadashi Shoji's runway for Spring / Summer 2012. Hues of pink, yellow, purple, cream, and every romantic pastel colors known came across like a sea of florals.. the runway was simply idyllic. The romanticism of the show was definitely due to the stunning draping and rouching of floor length dresses that seem to bilow gently in the air. Other notable pieces were these tulip inspired cocktail dresses (literally Tulip bottoms), it mirrored the actual flower precisely,a perfect marriage of soft colors, impeccable silhouettes, and outstanding design. Check out the video below for the full show and see if you agree?

Candela S/S 2012..Lost in Nature's Beauty

Candela for some reason takes me to the 'Swiss Family Robinson' story, stranded somewhere on an exotic island alive with colors and surrounded by beautiful nature. There's something about rugged military jackets paired with a retro inspired scalloped edge dress, or with a chocolate brown leather shorts with a loose tank top that makes the ensemble so CHIC! Candela definitely brings a modern ode to 70's style as well, with rich hues of blues and tangerines on long floor sweeping dresses. I am definitely a fan of utilitarian khaki and olive pieces paired with vibrant prints and eye catching solid colors.

For more information on the collection and to own a Candela piece, definitely checkout their website at www.candelanyc.com .

Blanc De Chine S/S 2012...Art Come to Life.

Achieving the delicate balance of breathing life to art into clothing is not easily done, but Chinese luxury brand Blanc De Chine execute this with pro-like precision. Inspired by ancient Ink and Wash painting techniques, the collection is like art 'ALIVE'; simply divine. For example, the last two looks of the collection both Qi Pao dresses are great example of balancing both the delicate silk fabric with the eye catching shimmers of sequinned beading.
Coming or going, even with its understated elegance both dresses command attention! On the men's front, it's the impeccable tailoring and top notch quality that draws one's eye. My personal favorites are the kimono wrap style jacket, the gray mandarin collar half zip jacket, and the one button brown overlap ensemble with the matching shorts. It is a definite testament to the designer when one can clearly see the quality of the garments, yet be in awe by the silhouttes and graceful tailoring. Clearly, Blanc De Chine masterfully executes this delicate dance between inspiration and actual presentation.