A few days into New York Fashion Week and I've been having a sneaky peak at what was on show.
I'm already lusting after Jason Wu's collection. Lace was heavily featured - reportedly, he used 15 different types all made in Paris in the show. A particular favourite for me was a tight grey jumper with black lace panels running down the sleeves. Mostly black and white, the collection featured the odd glimpse of deep tomato red, violet and nude. Feathered skirts were another highlight, as were the high collared, sheer blouses, ideal office wear. The collection was finished with stunning eveni
ng wear in the form of full lightly-layered maxi skirts and tops smothered with sequins.
Alexander Wang created disco fever at his show with flashes of glittering lurex drainpipe trousers in an array of fun colours. Yet, the main focus was luxe sports wear. Wang, once again created tough, sexy and street luxury clothing. Black bomber jackets were turned into ponchos, boyfriend blazers were made from fur and tuxedo jackets had details borrowed from the retro puffa coat. Think glamorous and heavy, hooded knits paired with light-w
eight skirts and peep-toe leather boots. It wasn't all in the silhouettes either, zip details and fabric choices (often flashes of leather, velvet, satin and chiffon) ensured the look was luxurious yet edgy.
The designer also featured 1920s and 30s inspired items: there were pale peach cashmere coats with fur collars, bias cut satin maxis and fur trimmed accessories.
If the Max Azria runway is anything to go by, those of us who invested in a camel coat this Winter (and let's face it, as the most coveted item around, most of us did) will be able to carry it through another cold season.
I'm thrilled that parkas are making a return to the fashion scene, and this year they're going to be more luxurious than ever before; as thankfully designers have not compromised the value of design aesthetics when taking into account the practical need of outer-wear. Altuzarra leads the way this season, teaming parkas with heels and sequined gowns for eveningwear practical-luxe. But my fave has to be Thakoon's retro red and blue checked number.
Spots were popping up everywhere on the catwalks. Stella McCartney opted for sequin-like discs embroidered onto sheer tulle dresses, whereas Marc Jacobs covered his models head to toe in spots, including gloves, hats and hosiery. Invest in a spot print dress for the office a la Vena Cava or pick up a few spot themed accessories to ease your way into this trend.
For evening wear the emphasis was on borrowed-from-the-boys tuxedos. Yves Saint Laurent's came in white with nothing underneath, other designers feminised the look by adding sequins to the trousers or teaming a cream silk shirts with statement black chokers.
