Perry Ellis S/S 2012: an American Classic

Perry Ellis S/S 2012 Finale

 Creative Director, John Crocco, stays true to the original vision of Perry Ellis and continues the tradition of great American style. From rich linens to luxurious knit sweaters and color infused cardigans, classic American style was the mood for Perry Ellis Spring / Summer 2012 collection. A definite crowd pleaser, several colorful knits that came down the runway were simply a must have for spring. I seem to be biased and favor a great jacket paired with casual shorts or easy fit linen pants, it embodies what spring and summer brings- great EFFORTLESS style! Having the opportunity to see the collection upclose I can say with certainty that each piece can fit into any man's wardrobe, whether he prefers eye catching color, or muted comfortable pieces. Overall, whether one is in his 20's and jump starting his career, or in his 50's and at the top of his 'game', Perry Ellis is a wonderful addition to any wardrobe and ensemble, pieces that work for daytme leisure or an evening dinner with transitional ease.

Key Looks and (personal favorite) of the Spring / Summer 2012 Collection (photo sets below from Imaxtree.com)

Supima Design Competition S/S 2012

Jusil Carroll winner of Supima Design Competition

Hosted by Rachel Zoe

Hosted by Stylist, Designer, TV persona, and new MOM Rachel Zoe, Supima Design Competition featured 8 talented upcoming designers from 4 different fashion design schools around the nation. Maru Jung and Dara Rosen from Pratt Institute, Rachel Pullman and Connie Weng from Rhode Island School of Design, Marlow Larson and Lorena Cuevas from Savannah College of Art and Design, and Amy Bittner and Jusil Carroll from Fashion Institute of Technology. With judges Kevin Harter, Buxton Midyette, Nicole Miller, Coco Rocha, Charlotte Ronson, and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, South Korea native Jusil Carroll of FIT was chosen as the winner with her "Blair Witch Project" inspired collection.

Jusil Carroll design (photo Getty Images)

Jusil Carroll design (photo Getty Images)

Jusil Carroll (photo Corbis Images)

Other note worthy designs that I found amazing on the runway!

photo Getty Images

photo Corbis Images

photo Corbis Images

photo Corbis Images

Joy Cioci S/S 2012: Pastels, Fluid, Retro



Joy Cioci Spring/Summer 2012 Collection was a beautiful sea of fluid silhouettes and pastel hues, from canary yellows, heavenly cream, salmon pinks, and cloudy blues- of course with the punch of blacks and crimsons. The collection's retro 60's and 70's pallette lends to the overall feel of nostalgia. Ruffles and scallop detail finishes were successfully married with fluid silhouettes and it really came across elegant and beautiful. This collection is true to what spring defines- light, airy, and soft colors in bloom. My definite favorite of the collection is powdery blue ruffle dress, it's soft and has a feel of understated elegance which sums up the collection in full.



Fatigues to Fabulous S/S 2012: Change Comes from Awareness

Partenering with HSN and DKNY, 6 courageous women military veterans shared their heart wrenching stories of trials and survival, and what they've been through post armed forces duties. The south courtyard at the Mercedes Benz fashion week tents was the sight of this amazing presentation. The crowd listened with a heavy heart as each of the 6 ladies told their stories of struggles from watching friends get killed in action to being raped by a fellow soldier, and when they turned to the country they faithfully served for help, they were simply DISMISSED!
Each lady was lovely in their designer ensemble, from Charlotte Ronson (worn by Jennifer Crane), Kardashian Collection for Sears (Christina Dibble), Carmen Marc Valvo (Ann Marie Faison), Bill Blass (Sarah Franson), Calvin Klein (Serena Hayden), and Donna Karan (Meredith Perry Smith).

(L-R) Jennifer Crane, Sarah Franson, Christina Dibble, Meredith Perry Smith, Serena Hayden, Ann Marie Faison

Along with HSN, DKNY launched a commemorative watch exclusively for the company that can be purchased at HSN.com

I must have been so enamered by the ladies and was so deeply touched by their stories, that I didn't realize that Vanessa Hudgens was literally 3 feet away from where I stood.

Katya Leonovich S/S 2012: Denim with a Twist

Definite favorite look: men's jacket and shorts

Refreshingly innovative in silhouette, structure, and style Katya Leonovich Spring 2012 collection was an explosion of deconstructed denim and almost grafitti like fabrics- street art brought to life. It shows to prove that fashion doesn't have to be so serious and boring, fashion is about expressing our creativity and what makes us unique and different. Let's talk about my favorite look of the collection: the multi colored, football player print jacket paired with white leather shorts. The juxtaposition of colors against a monotone white fabric is like a painting masterpiece against a clean canvas- one is meant to notice the painting and not the canvas. In this case, this blazer is definitely the masterpiece!!

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