New York Fashion Week: The Trends

From American country girls at Altuzarra to metallic mermaids at Rodarte, this New York Fashion Week certainly surprised and delighted in more ways than ever before. There was excitement, beauty and a sense of sexy empowerment from most designers (Versus anyone?) While others, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Max Azria, portrayed a palette consisting of fragile minimalist pieces, perfect for those of us who prefer a more sophisticated wardrobe. But overall, it was a thrilling roller coaster ride of amazing fashion...

One of my favourite shows was the always glamorous Ralph Lauren. Taking his inspiration from India, safari backpackers and the colour khaki, this collection ticked all the right boxes, especially with the drop dead gorgeous dresses concluding the show. Marc Jacobs was another designer who chose to focus on the colour green, in particular military green. Oversized pockets on mini dresses, big boxy shoulders on pea jackets and cinched in waists giving way to tulip style skirts. The shapes and textures worked together in a way Jacobs has never really experimented with before, and his use of black wigs on all his models only added to the strict army feel of the whole show.

Alexander Wang excited with his mini neon dresses, Donna Karan caused a fashion frenzy with her totally desirable paint splattered skirts and sizzling crop tops while Victoria Beckham worked with deconstructed trench coats and cream creations. The all American girl was also popular amongst designers, including Michael Kors, Altuzzara, Tommy Hilfiger and Tory Burch, to name just a few. Michael Kors opted for easy, quick pieces with lovely cashmere jumpers, 1950's silhouettes and swinging skirts. Gingham was widely popular too with Kors stating his inspiration was the new breed of women who emerged after WW2 - 'when you think about America you think about women who understood the femininity and the romance, but there was a sportiness too.' I loved Altuzarra's use of gingham too this season, with tight midi skirts paired with crisp white shirts, showing a hint of a lace bra. Very chic, in an understated way.

Diane von Furstenberg went all Brigitte Bardot, with her models emerging with big hair and touch of sass. With Naomi Campbell closing the show and supermodels Lily Donaldson and Isabelli Fontana stalking the catwalk, we can only expect great things, and this has to be one of the best DvF shows I’ve ever seen. Vera Wang, Jenny Packham, Zac Posen and Oscar de la Renta all gave us wonderful fairy tale dresses with so much beauty and movement in the fabric that I almost wish awards season was upon us already! Rodarte and Prabul Gurang were two more amazing shows, with a sense of sci-fi fragility simmering throughout. The dresses at Rodarte shimmered like the metallic scales of a fish as the materials were manipulated and constructed to take the form of a coral sea bed. Chiffon and silk were draped onto the body beautifully and the monochrome knee high boots looked like they could have been taken from a movie set. There was a sportiness at Prabul Gurang with mystical qualities, as sheer dresses in blue, white and purple dazzled the front row of fashion royalty. I loved the wearibility of this collection and the colours were beautiful.

Just so you know, the parka is big news for spring 2015, with styles popping up all over the place. I particularly like Proenza Schouler's take on the parka, not too masculine but with a feminine edge. DKNY was pretty cool too. But for sexy, hot glamour the award has to go to Anthony Vaccarello at Versus. Safety pin dresses, super tight LBD's, cleavage bearing jumpsuits = very Versace! This collection wowed and shocked with a sense of Italian va va voom brought to the usually very casual New York. Diesel Black Gold was also a hot and sweaty show with leather, white mini dresses and Brazilian blow dried hair working their thing on the runway. On the other side of the spectrum we had Jeremy Scott, doing what he does best - Fun Fashion! Colour, print, texture; all thrown together like an explosion in a paint factory, with Miley Cyrus helping Scott close his show. New York was indeed amazing, and as I write this I can only feel more excited to see what London as to offer now - my home town and all! Remember to keep checking back here for all the latest trends and catwalk pics!