Fall/Winter NYFW in Review: February 13-15, 2012

First of all, I would like to inform all of you that I'm currently listening to the Muppet Treasure Island soundtrack. Second of all, wow, is it just me or did this fashion week go by way too quickly? I would have loved to put a really in-depth review of each collection, but time-wise and energy-wise (I'm sorry I can be a lazy person), it wouldn't have happened. So, that's why many were just to the point, stating key parts about the line. And that's why my post is so late. I now leave you with the not-so-extensive reviews of the rest of fashion week, that "Cabin Fever" and "Sailing for Adventure" from Muppet Treasure Island are my jams and a quote from Muppet Treasure Island because I can do that:
Jim Hawkings: "I hate my life."
Gonzo: "I hate your life too."
Rizzo: "If I had a life, I'd hate it." 


Make sure to click "Read Now" to see the fantastic looks!

February 13, 2012

Marc Jacobs Fall 2012 RTW

http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2012/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/marcjacobs

Yes, Marc Jacobs is special enough to have more pictures to be featured. Why? Well, I am an avid Marc Jacobs fanatic. His collections are what initially got me hooked into the fashion industry. I have a useless talent where I can spot out a MJ or MbMJ garment. You cannot tell me Marc Jacobs is overrated. I won't listen to you. Jacobs really has a reputation for creating a show and being innovative at that. Need I remind you of the Spring 2012 RTW line where the girls were lined up, frozen or the fully operating carousel he set his models on for the Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 collection? It's a spectacle everyone looks at. 
I don't know about all of you, but the first thing I noticed were the hats. I'd like to applaud the models who managed to walk with parts of the hats covering their eyes. I noticed Frida Gustavsson looking down to see where she was going.  Part of me thinks they look like those giant pimp hats people wear with pimp costumes and the other part of me thinks they are straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. One part is bad and the other is awesome (in my opinion), so that's how I feel. They are so ridiculous that I love it, but could never wear them. 
And then there's the padded hips. Yes, I said padded hips. How interesting would it be to see that trend take off? The collection was also so over sized, like the scarves and safety pins I guess holding the scarves. And I cannot fathom the amount of different fabrics and prints used in this collection. It's like a cluster of different prints. Overall, the collection is just so interesting. I cannot even finish review because I keep looking at the outfits again and again. Makes you just intrigued and wonder what Jacobs and his team will do next.
Edit: Three days after I post this and I realize there's a double of one picture at the top. Oops? I can't figure out which outfit I wanted up there, so I'll leave it. Sorry. 

Alice + Olivia Fall 2012 RTW

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-ALICEOLIVIA

This collection is like retail perfection. It has a fairly wide range of appeal and lengths. Yes, lengths. Stacy Bendet has debuted evening gowns. The gowns were to for sure galvanize up any formal occasion. Along with the gowns, Bendet presented the sweet and fun, very youthful and girly dresses. 

Thom Browne Fall 2012 RTW

I'm having a really difficult time trying figuring out where to start with this collection. I will start with how theatrical it is! I mean, the opening of the show alone where ten fashion victoms lay in coffins where a eulogy was read and then revived. The atmosphere of a dimly-lit and candle-lit runway with draping also really brought it together.. Talk about Tim Burton? Honestly, what a spectacle! Like you're in a world of fantasy and dreams there. But the main part to me was the craftsmanship. It's stunning how well tailored all of pieces are. It's very couture, really. It was just so elegant, yet whimsical. There was a big emphasis on a slim waist and then an exaggeration of body parts. I'm mostly impressed with the alligator-like tail.

Jenny Packham Fall 2012 RTW

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-JPACKHAM

Clearly inspired by '40s glam divas, it's perfect that Dita Von Teese was propped up in the front row. It's romantic, seductive and feminine. It was one femme fatale after another on this runway. The hair and makeup, and even some dresses, reminds me of the classic, vintage barbie dolls. The figure-hugging dresses and other details gave it a subtle sexiness. The line also has a big focus on shoulders: bold shoulders, embroidered and even the one shoulder.

Theyskens' Theory Fall 2012 RTW

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-TTHEORY

The obvious big theme of this collection is sheer. And I love it. I can't get enough of it. Just look at the sheer black skirt with black shorts and the signature blazer. Classy and forward. This whole collection is just contemporary. 
Honorable Mentions: Donna Karen, Karen Walker, Barbara Tfank, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Reem Acra, Carlos Miele, Rachel Roy, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Betsey Johnson, Chris Benz, and Carolina Herrera.


February 14, 2012

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012 RTW

http://www,style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-ODLRENTA

Yes, this is a special one because it has 15 looks, not my usual 10 or even 5. Why? Because there was 62 looks and narrowing down to 10 was too hard. I probably could have chopped off five more looks, but I didn't. This collection has a very classy and youthful appeal. Youthful especially with the baby pinks, powder blues and full skirts. I just have so many mixed emotions with this collection though. I mean, there was so many cliche girly-girl aspects to this line. And goodness, embellishments everywhere! And then came the gowns, in full tulle that just kept getting bigger. It was very princess-like. I already know my five-year old self would have wanted the baby pink tulle gown in my toddler size.

Dennis Basso Fall 2012 RTW

http://style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-DBASSO

It takes skill (or talent) to make that bright of an orange fur work so fantastically well. This collection is all too luxurious, but fun and youthful. 

Badgley Mischka Fall 2012 RTW

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-BMISCHKA

I'm trying to think of a word to describe this line and all I've got was futuristic. I think it fits. I like the colour choices of rose, platinum, bronze and gold - very metallic. It was matched with the makeup choice for the models, paired with electrifying hair. It was also really glitzy. Embellishments and embroidery coinciding with the colour theme.

  Narciso Rodriguez Fall 2012 RTW

http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2012/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/narcisorodriguez/

Well, maybe volume will catch on....with the hips, I mean. With skirts and dresses billowing out from the waist down. We see it again here with Rodriguez, especially with the coats. It's not wild as Jacobs' padded hips, but it's more toned down and wearable, taking on a trapeze effect. I really like the choice of colour palette, it's different: chartreuse, greens, tangerines, etc. Not to mention how impeccable Rodriguez's construction skills are. 
Honorable Mentions: Marc by Marc Jacobs, RAD by Rad Hourani, Josie Natori, Bibhu Mohapatra, Sachin + Babi, Sophie Theallet, Tory Burch, Rodarte, Vera Wang, and Naeem Khan.


February 15, 2012

Proenza Schouler Fall 2012 RTW

http://www.nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2012/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/proenzaschouler/#

It was like an army of fabulous models walking down the runway in riding boots. The two fashion Gods behind Proenza Schouler likes to top their previous show giving us fashion lovers something to talk about. This was no exception. It was just all a complete, well-balanced mixture. Soft and hard. Classy and edgy. Mature and youthful. 

Anna Sui Fall 2012 RTW

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-ANNASUI

May I first point out that, yes, models do smile. How could you not smile rocking a bright and fun ensemble down the runway? She reminds me of Marc Jacobs with this line. Fantasy as fashion. Therefore, Marc and Anna reminds me of...me. If you knew me, you'd understand. I would wear one of these outfits in a heartbeat. Very fun bohemian, sixties line. The knit owl and jewelry added a folklorish touch. If you really know me, you'd know I would wear each and every one of the owlies. It's very artsy and crafted so well. Something I could see myself wearing to a First Friday or art festival. 

Marchesa Fall 2012 RTW

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-MARCHESA

Oh, how I want to see all of these on the red carpet. No doubt we will, it's Marchesa. The Academy Awards are not too far away. It's just the matter of who will hopefully do the dresses the justice it deserves. The two cap dresses with lace embroidery is so divine, I can't even handle it. The use of embroidering and tulle in this whole collection is divine, actually. I use divine because the designers, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, were inspired by "A Soul Brought to Heaven," an angelic painting by William-Aldophe Bouguereau. Marchesa gowns are always a work of art. I think it all really speaks for itself. To me, what it speaks is speechless, because that's what I am. I know that made no sense whatsoever. It's one in the morning, don't blame me. I would get into the detailing for the garments, but I think that would take...a long time.

Threeasfour Fall 2012 RTW

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-TAF

Spherical construction is almost a must with threeasfour. This collection was no exception with arcs and swirls consistent in the line. Sure, this is definitely not the most wearable or practical line out there, but for originality, it might have a lot of collections beat. I'm a real big fan of the three-dimensional shapes that were applied to skin-tight mini dresses. So these looks (and threeasfour in general) are far from commercial, but I like it that way.
Honorable Mentions: Ports 1961, Reed Krakoff, Elie Tahari, Prabal Gurung for IBC, J. Mendel, Norma Kamali, Nanette Lapore, Vivienne Tam, Milly by Michelle Smith, Jeremy Scott, Micheal Kors, and Ralph Lauren. 


I won't be review the few from February 16, 2012. I still encourage everyone to look into designers who had a show that day, designers listed in "honorable mentions" and other designers not listed or presented. Hope you all enjoy and have a fabulous day.