Adam Schneider / flickr.com Models from the Yigal Azrouël show walk the runway in layers of dark neutral knits and wools showcasing looks for the upcoming Autumn/Winter fashion season
Despite the usual influx of celebrities, the barrage of flashbulbs and hundreds of personal assistants, nothing could halt the inventive designs that were displayed this year at New York Fashion Week.
Last week, American fashion designers gathered in and around Bryant Park for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to showcase their Autumn and Winter 2010-2011 collections.
Since 1994, designers have flocked to the park just blocks from their offices in the Garment District to show their seasonal collections.
Sadly, last week’s shows will be the last in the park.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts was chosen as the new venue for upcoming seasons due to its greater capacity.
While many veterans in the New York fashion circuit are upset over the downtown move, many are hopeful that the change will renew the industry.
Attention to detail was critical this year, since the major trend was the revival of tailored American sportswear.
This “back-to-basics” theory seemed to be well received among consumers, especially at a time when less is more.
Other major trends included the use of layers, military influences and incorporation of fur and feathers.
It was clear though, that in women’s fashion, proportionality is key.
Classically cut coats and jackets vetted with oversized pockets and rows of buttons graced the runways, while loose trousers and droopy A-line skirts made audiences question what makes fashion sexy.
Marc Jacobs perfected these looks by altering the construction of his garments to emphasis a softer, more neutral personality, redesigning coats, repositioning buttons and tailoring garments in inventive ways.
Michael Kors also challenged traditional cutlines by incorporating plunging necklines and let-out hems in his relaxed sportswear collection.
Though the designer is most noted for his Womenswear and handbags, Kors did not forget about the men this season.
His menswear collection played with heavy woven textures and furs.
His pieces seemed decadent, yet with efortless simplicity.
There was also Yigal Azrouël, who’s subdued neutral color palette in tweeds and wools paired with wingtips and slim-cut trousers showed sportswear refined with ease.
But one of my personal favorite designers for this season’s menswear was Victor Glemaud.
The designer modernized traditional herringbone and houndstooth patterns by incorporating them into drawstring pants, scarves and gloves.
Another favorite was Billy Reid.
The charm in the construction of his leather jackets and wool coats offset the appearance of the well-worn boots and cuffed denim he paired them with.
The overall look was an archetype of a 1960s progressive East Coast gentleman.
This year’s Fashion Week was also the most viewed.
Numerous live web-casts of shows in real time and tremendous coverage from style news sources kept fashion aficionados updated on all the events.
We can only hope for inspiration and innovation to bring these new fashions into everyday life.
To contact Mike Trobiano, email mike.trobiano@gmail.com
