From Marc Jacobs to Ralph Lauren; NYFW Highlights

RALPH LAUREN

There was a lot of talk surrounding Ralph Lauren this fashion week, as he announced that his brand would be staging 2 catwalk shows. As sales have fallen at Ralph Lauren over the past year, the designer introduced a new 'see now, shop now' approach to his latest collection. So pretty much what you see on the catwalk is available to buy straight away from any of his boutiques. Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Mica Arganaraz all made appearances, in a collection which was classic Ralph Lauren. From the Navajo references, smart grey suits, flared work trousers and the stunning jewel coloured evening dresses, this was Lauren at his finest while Julianne Moore and Rosie Huntington Whiteley watched from the front row.

Marc Jacobs

Well, Mr Jacobs certainly delivered quite a show for spring/summer 2017 as well as a lot of controversy. The problem wasn't the clothes, the make up or the staging on the catwalk. The issue which got a lot of people's backs up online and especially on Twitter was the fact that the models, mainly all white, were wearing fake dreadlocks, usually associated with black girls, not white girls. I thought the dread locks looked fun, edgy and experimental but I can easily see why this would have irked people. Why did Jacobs just not use black models? Race has always been a problem in fashion, especially for Italian designers, so it's a shame Marc Jacobs didn't use more stunning black girls like Joan Smalls, Jourdan Dunn, Lineisy Montero, Binx Walton or Tami Williams.

Anyway, on to the collection itself. I LOVED this show. From the baby doll/Victoriana mini dresses to the retro 1970s feel, there was a real mix of influences going on. Continuing on from last season, Jacobs decided to send his models out in ridiculously high platform shoes in patent pink, metallic silver and purple. Metallics were used on coats and dresses as well as quilting patterns as seen on the coat worn by Gigi Hadid. I spotted leopard print and camouflage, large fur jackets, accentuated waists and a lot of layering. In fact, the whole thing looked as though it could have come straight out of a musical, maybe something like Starlight Express. Irina Shayk closed the show in a pair of high waist, pink hot pants and jacket, complete with matching boots. It was quite a spectacle, but that's what makes Marc Jacobs great.

Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid on the catwalk

 Hugo Boss

Jason Wu seems to be going from strength to strength as creative director at Boss. His latest collection for the minimal brand was colourful, fun yet stylish and extremely elegant. It was sporty yet relaxed with models walking in breach slides with hardly any make up or accessories. Oh and it was cool that Sasha Pivovarova opened the show too, and not Kendall/Bella/Gigi.

 Michael Kors

Apart from Bella Hadid's embarrassing trip down the catwalk, this show had a very easy going, relaxed feel to it. Kors gave us pretty floral tea dresses in navy and pink, grey check skirt suits, across the body satchel bags as worn by Joan Smalls who opened the show and some great options for evening wear with his sexy, black numbers which closed the show. I loved the messy beach hair and the wedge sandals, as well as the roll call of models. Carolyn Murphy closed the show in a lovely navy dress, while Cameron Russell, Anna Ewers, Taylor Hill and Andreea Diaconu all took their turn to walk. Amazing line up!

Rodarte

As always with Rodarte, Kate and Laura Mulleavy delivered a show packed full of beautiful yet slightly Gothic fashion. I loved all the pretty white looks that opened the show. The frills and ruffles were divine and the sheer fabrics layered over each other where just beautiful. By the way, white is a BIG colour for spring, or I should say 'tone' for next season. The embroidery was exquisite, the shearling jacket amazing with a black net skirt and boots while the decadent dresses at the end of the collection were stunning. Really captivating with such lovely colours.

 Victoria Beckham

I loved Victoria Beckham last season. With all the surfer chic references, it was pretty cool and quite different for her. This season however, I was bored by the 5th look. Yes she experimened with velvet, satin and silk and yes, there were a couple of nice dresses, but the overall feel of the show was very, well...boring. The punches of tangerine orange were nothing new for the designer while the bra let tops and skirts would have been nice with more detail. Not great from VB.

New York Fashion Week Highlights

Philip Lim
Khaki colours ruled the roost at Philip Lim, with a strong military theme running throughout the collection. Grey check suits were also included as well as a sense of geek chic with trousers pulled up high and large black shoes were clompy and unelegant - in a good way. The coats were the real key pieces, with long navy styles, shaggy fur jackets and large hooded fur parkas in that same khaki green. I loved all the autumnal hues and the relaxed feel of the collection.

Rodarte
Kate and Laura Mulleavy have built a brand evolving around Gothic beauty, think the Corpse Bride mixed with a little grunge and delicate femininity. This collection was another classic Rodarte number, packed full of floaty chiffon, lace paneling, white fur coats and plenty of warrior spirit. Believe me, you wouldn't want to mess with the Rodarte girl this season. She was a little Navajo and a little Victoriana mixed in together, with dark lips and free flowing hair. Watch out!

Jeremy Scott
As always with Mr Scott, this was a collection packed full of fun! And an ode to the swinging 60s. From the latex mini skirts, colourful knee high boots and big Brigitte Bardot hair to the fishnet tights and musical references, it was psychedelic and extremely cool. Karlie Kloss opened the show with a smile, rocking a blue outfit with abstract guitar strings along the middle, and was accompanied by a number of crazy looks which included look-a-like Roy Lichtenstein prints and pink Dalmatian coats. It's always nice to mix things up at NYFW, and who doesn't like a bit of fun every now and then.

Vera Wang
I don't usually pay much attention to Vera Wang, but this show really caught my eye. From the opening black dress as worn by Mica Arganaraz to the combustion of khaki outfits that followed this was a show which was simple yet fierce. Black suits came loose but stylish, long maxi skirts with thigh high splits added a touch of sex appeal while the gold metallic detailing was a nice bit of detail. The bottle green jacket worn with black army boots was a real highlight as were the black straps tied around pieces of material on the hip.

Diane von Furstenberg
It was real party which lasted almost an hour at Diane von Furstenberg on Monday. Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Irina Shayk, Lily Aldridge and Karlie Kloss all posed for pictures before the show, in bright 70s outfits with plenty of boho chic. Kloss rocked the runway and closed the show in a floor length gold metallic dress, Kendall looked amazing in a slim fitting jumpsuit while the use of prints, patterns and layering looked every inch the DvF lady. Not to mention her classic wrap dresses which made an appearance. As always, DvF brought the party to New York in some style.

Carolina Herrera
I hadn't really thought much of Carolina Herrera, but after last season and again this season, her clothes are truly breathtaking and beautiful. I loved her floor sweeping dresses, the tailored white trousers paired with fur coats, the soft pastel colours in mint green and pink as well as texture play of materials. Karlie again made 2 appearances, opening and closing the show wearing stunning deep purple halter neck dress. Feminine, pretty and mesmerizing, this was a truly fantastic show.

Tommy Hilfiger
With almost 60 looks, this was a sow packed full of easy to wear, relaxed garments. Baby doll dresses came in white and beige falling just above the knee, navy was used on slim coats and navy-esque trousers and the classic aviator jacket popped up again (it has been a key piece so far this fashion week.) I espeically loved the pretty peter pan collars and the satin crop top which was worn with a jeweled pair of knicker boxer pants. Even the t-bar heels were paired with delicate frilled socks, adding to the gentle feel of the whole collection.

NYFW: Latest Shows

Badgley Mischka
Serene and beautiful, this collection from Badgley Miscka was Hollywood glamour at its finest. I loved the 1940's influences and the Grecian draping of the dresses. Plus, all those white and beige neutral tones served as a breath of fresh after seeing the Jeremy Scott show! Hilaria Baldwin and Hellen Mirren were just two eager fans who applauded the designer duo's latest collection, while their intricate couture pieces could serve up as an easy go to for any event. Fabulous!

 

 

Tory Burch

Tropical colours, clashing prints, hints of flesh in transparent fabrics; this was a fruity and fun collection. Tory is not usually on my fashion radar at NYFW, but her spring 2016 collection stood out for me with all the pretty colours thrown together and the laid back vibes she is so famous for. It was smart enough for the office but also exciting for a holiday abroad or an evening out at the bar.

 

Carolina Herrera
This show was incredibly beautiful and oh so girly. Pink was the key colour of choice, sometimes dark pink like a intoxicating fuchsia or a more pastel colouring in baby pink instead. Either way, these dresses were so perfect and feminine that you would be crazy to not fall in love with this entire collection. From the grand opening of Lily Aldridge striding down the runway in a pristine white, pocketed maxi dress to the amazing silk blouse/dress combo with all the layers of transparent fabric trailing behind - this collection was fit for a princess! A favourite of mine so far.

Rodarte
Kate and Laura Mullevay are known for their dark, romantic shows which focus on heavy layers and luxurious fabrics. This show was no different, with dark tones styled against light and fluid white jumpsuits and silk blouses. The 70's vibes came through in the boho tops, oversized fur coats and knee high boots. But I also sensed a homage to the natural state of nature, with leaves and flowers embellished across long dresses and mini skirts. Free and inspiring.

Jeremy Scott
Well, what can I say?! I love Jeremy Scott and I thought his latest spring 2016 collection was fun, vibrant, eccentric and totally over the top amazing. The models looked like retro Barbie dolls with their big hear and loud and proud statement prints emblazoned across everything from a sequined swimsuit to an orange crop top. Personally, it was nice to see this current and cool injection of madness onto the New York fashion scene, and know that this will be huge thing for the celebrity crowd, including Kylie Jenner and Rita Ora who sat front row.

Tommy Hilfiger
It seems Mr Hilfiger wanted to jam in Jamaica this season, after delivering a show packed full of Caribbean influences and holiday get-a-way pieces. From the bright reds, yellows and greens (the colours of the Jamaican flag) to the beanie striped hats and the loose tank tops, everything was super cool and trendy. Knitted jumpers were paired with bikini bottoms, swimsuits with cargo jackets, stripy maxi dresses with chunky earrings and cute accessories with every look. I thoroughly enjoyed this show and am now a firm fan of Tommy Hilfiger.

#NYFW - Day 6

Marchesa
As light as a feather - this collection was, as always with Marchesa, absolutely beautiful. With a strong 1920's theme, ostrich feather dresses were soft and light while the decorative lace column dresses had Oscars written all over them. The tassels were amazing as were the sweeping dresses and glam earrings which the models wore, complete with 20's cropped hair styles. I also sensed a little flamenco style seeping through some opening looks, with fiery red and black ensembles adding a touch of drama for next season.

Anna Sui
Gigi Hadid added a touch of Californian chic as she opened this very 70's Anna Sui show. If anything, this was a classically warm, winter show full of fur hats, cosy coats, cardigans and lots of woolly layers. There was a care free, Navajo spirit to some of the looks while bohemian necklaces and harem pants gave us a bit of hippy cool. Peace man!

Micahel Kors
Opened by Russian supermodel Natasha Poly, this Kors show was awash with only the best models. Karlie Kloss, Karmen Pedaru, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Hanne Gaby Odiele all took their turn on the catwalk probing what a huge name at NYFW Michael Kors has proved to be. This was a very autumnal collection with all the right beige and camel shades with plenty of fur. Grey was also a key colour, with the everyday working woman being a centre point of this show. From the trench coats to the smart suits, the floor skimming evening gowns to the natural, dewy make up of the models; this collection oozed American style.

Oscar de la Renta
This show should have been tinged with sadness at the passing of such an amazing designer as de la Renta was, but instead the clothes brought back so many beautiful memories celebrating his incredible fashion life by new designer Peter Copping. From the floral embroidered dresses to the slender coats in dark navy, this was grown up and elegant. The taffeta ball gowns at the end, reminiscent of Christian Lacroix, were bright and bold as were the striped suit ensembles. Necklines were high and unrevealing yet skirts showed off plenty of leg below the knee, resulting in a feminine silhouette which captured the essence of Oscar.

 

Rodarte

In recent years, Kate and Laura Mullevy of Rodarte have never seized to inspire. And yet again with their fall 2016 collection, there were plenty of amazing pieces. I loved the fur parka coats styled with simple silk tops and skinny leather trousers while the cut-out mini skirts added a touch of biker chic. If anything, some shapes were quite similar to Parisian heavy weight Balmain, but the colours and style were overall sci-fi and beautiful. A fab collection and the styling was spot on.

 

 

 

Badgley Mischka

With a hint of 60's va va voom and a touch of Bardot (hair wise) this collection was fun yet elegant. From the metallic mermaid gowns to the tweed A-line suits and the a-symmetric dresses, these clothes were defiantly red carpet ready. Some colours were sumptuous such as the rich golds and reds while others were sheer and delicate with appliques patterns sewn neatly onto shoulders and arms. I really enjoyed looking through the looks of this show and loved the closing dresses.

 

 

Donna Karan

Is there anything this lady can't do? Even though there was a lot of black throughout this collection, nothing could distract the fashion press from the gorgeous khaki coats and elegant belted trousers. Everything came with a belt in this show, nipping in the waist to accentuate the big shoulders and tiny frames of the models. It was slick and powerful, especially the brown fur bomber jacket and the over sized coat which opened the show. If only I was rich...