If we were paying attention at all last week, we can be sure of four things, black+white, neons, print mixing and some extremely femme pieces that have girly-girls alike more than satisfied with what is to come.
I had so many favorites but if I had to say top five: JMendel, Derek Lam, Tracy Reese, Pink Tartan and DVF.
I’ll get to those superstars later but there were others that caught my eye like Vivienne Tam‘s red and white opener that was breathtaking. A lot of her pieces are so wearable and her mix of prints was spot on.
Monique Lhuiller’s use of blue/black, in fact most of her pieces were a color subdued with black, clean ponytails and gorgeous gowns were astounding.
Caroline Herrera had lots of green, white and yellow with a divine blue one shouldered piece that I instantly fell in love with.
photo credit: Elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Spring-2012-RTW
I reluctantly took a look at Tommy Hilfiger‘s collection, because some of his past quasi-racist remarks, I’ve always been a bit hesitant to outwardly support him. However, forever being the prep who loves plaid, hounds-tooth, monograms and the perfect tailored oxford, my curiosity towards what he had to contribute to preppy-land won over. I was not disappointed. Delectable plaids, the occasional popped collar, aviators, elegant capes, understated blazers, striped pants, tunic dresses and gorgeous colors satisfied me beyond belief.
I always make sure to view a few designers I am less familiar with, this year Norman Ambrose was a selection I am so glad I made. He was without a doubt one of the most exciting and inspiring designers, not afraid to mix all types of colors, patterns, details and accessories. I loved his use of hats, the komono-esque blazer and his final white, strapless cutout dress with the bow detail in the back. Flawless!
photo credit: Elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Spring-2012-RTW
Michael Kors deviated far from what others were doing with his earthy tones, tribal vibe full of animal prints, functional messenger bags, gladiator sandals and utility-esque belts. There were three dresses in particular that caught my eye, the one above, one crocheted and the last belted.
photo credit: Elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Spring-2012-RTW
Alice & Olivia actually belong in my top five for the feminine versatility. I’m serious, there were flirty pieces I’d wear to weddings, work and out in the evening.
photo credit: Elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Spring-2012-RTW
I’ve made it no secret that my dream wedding gown would be made by Marchesa. I am and will always be a Marchesa girl. I wasn’t let down this year as their showing was chock full of ethereal material, feminine pieces that took on a bit more edge and romantic pieces that transformed a few of those models into modern day princesses.
photo credit: Elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Spring-2012-RTW
Onto my big-five. Derek Lam opened with a white dress (something most of the designers also did) but also used so many vivid colors, especially pink. An embellished trench took a piece ordinarily considered a classic staple to a completely different level. The pink and orange tunic dress pictured above is one (dependent on how extravagant of a winter I have) I most likely will purchase. His Spring showing consisted of ladylike hemlines, a mix of fitted pieces and perfectly loose silhouettes, all done so impeccably well. Mixed in between was a delectable black strapless dress, hints of glitter and one still somewhat conservative plunging neckline.
photo credit: Elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Spring-2012-RTW
J. Mendel’s pieces were also quite wearable, the pieces flowed down the runway perfectly and there was plenty of leg. My favorites were the slim-fitted pant, color blocking and gorgeous gowns.
photo credit: Elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Spring-2012-RTW
More gorgeous dresses were showcased by Tracy Reese and delicate hats were a welcomed surprise! No longer will I stress the LBD, instead spring is about the LPD (little pink dress), Tracy’s of course. The details were unparalleled, pants suits so flawless, and the umbrellas offered an elusive air. I don’t usually mention hair/makeup, as the focus is always on the clothes, but the models hair fit so perfectly in with the ladylike decorum Tracy was trying to convey. Well done.
photo credit: http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2012/spring
I have been a fan of this Toronto native’s line for a few years now and given it only arrived to the United States in 2004, Pink Tartan seems to have cultivated quite a following (and rightfully so). Cat-eye glasses, gorgeous huge blown out waves, belted cigarette pants, turtleneck & trench ensembles and my absolute favorite, a white trench dress. The designer, Kimberley Newport-Mimran, has remarked that her grandmother is her most significant style icon. She was a “lady who lunched and played bridge” and you can picture many of the models walking in her designs doing just that.
photo credit: Elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Spring-2012-RTW
Saving the best for last, Diane Von Furstenberg stuck true to her iconic wrap dress while venturing well outside her lines of comfort while maintaining the same flattering lines that make her line a favorite of many women. Her choice of colors could not have been more perfect and the peach sheath pictured below made my breath catch for the slightest of moments.
photo credit: Elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Spring-2012-RTW
With Diane, I feel women get the best of all worlds. Refined and unfailingly flattering feminine elegance, work appropriate pieces, edgier and more structured silhouettes, bold prints, preppy pieces for weekend polo matches and best of all, she handed out glitter laden American Flags at the close of her show. She is without a doubt the most tasteful and iconic woman in fashion.
photo credit: Elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Spring-2012-RTW
XOXO
