Apologies for the absence, it’s been a busy week getting ready for the Lunar New Year festivities and keeping up with the madness that is New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Now that the fashion crowd are making their way across the pond to London, I thought I’d share my favorite looks from the past week’s shows.
Coach
Let me be honest, I’ve never associated the word cool with Coach. Utilitarian perhaps, but never cool. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I was pleasantly surprised with Coach’s reinvention at the helm of Stuart Vevers. Their new line exudes a polished badass grunge while still retaining a level of polish and sophistication. Bare legs are possible even in the winter if your upper half is clad in layers of leather, shearling, and plaid. Bonus points for shearling-lined moto boots! I’m really liking the contemporary direction Coach is taking.
Dion Lee
I’ve always been intrigued by Dion Lee and his penchant for sculptural, statement pieces which happen to be making frequent red carpet appearances of late. His current collection seems to echo effortless chic, from playing with different luxurious textures (mohair, satin, silk), to bias-cutting, and allowing gravity to do it’s thing. Tasteful peakaboo cutouts and thigh-high slits keep things sexy and feminine without exposing too much skin. The teal satin skirt with a honeycomb overlay could’ve been mermaid couture if there was such a thing. One thing’s for sure, if I’m going as the Michelin Man for Halloween, I’d do it with one of Dion Lee’s white satin puffer coats.
J. Crew
Is it wrong to want practically everything in a collection? J Crew’s presentation was an affirmation that fashion should always be fun. There was a revival of color blocking in a melange of shades; canary yellow, pink blush, khaki, navy blue, purple, and candyfloss pink. Monochrome outfits were also a thing, with gray being the primary choice. I’m also trying to convince my 5’4″ self I can pull off those gray wide-legged pants–of which thanks to it’s gargantuan proportions–could well pass off as a ball gown skirt. Where thick scarves were absent, hair did double duty keeping necks warm, tucked into turtlenecks, shirt and jacket collars. I’ve stayed away from sequins since I bid goodbye to my teenage years, but I’m now certain I need a little more shine in my life. Make that all three specimens of sparkly goodness; skirt, dress, and jacket. Oh Jenna Lyons, you can do no wrong.
Jonathan Simkhai
If there was ever a collaboration between The Fair Folk and a designer, Jonathan Simkhai’s Fall 2015 line would be it. I am in love with the crackle print (also seen at Proenza Schouler) which was featured extensively, but those ethereal two-pieces stole the show for me. Maybe it was the intricate lace designs, complicated system of root-like tendrils creeping across sheer fabric, or graphic embroidery. Be still my beating heart!
Rosie Assoulin
Rosie Assoulin designs for those unafraid to stand out. Her FW15 collection was a combination of pronounced billowy shapes, 70’s flares, and backless tops. The one-sided flower motif earrings added a playful touch, while footwear was kept simple with white sneakers or pointy-toe pumps. I’m determined to wear my dress shirts in a similar fashion, with one shoulder bared and sleeves rolled up as if I couldn’t care less. The emerald green dress-over-pants combo was the standout look IMO, another combination I’ve been meaning to replicate for awhile now. I’d also love to wear that azure blue dress to an amazing holiday in Santorini. Someday…
Tome
Known for picking real women as their muses, Tome designers Ramon Martin and Ryan Lobo drew inspiration this season from Belgian dancer and composer Teresa De Keersmaeker and DKNY’s Donna Karan. The resulting moodboard; flowy silhouettes, banker’s stripes, boxy jackets, cosy knits, glitter and shine. The sucker for Breton stripes that I am, absolutely cannot resist fawning over the two stripiest looks born of clever similar pattern mixing. Coming from a dance background myself, I have to say the movement of the clothes on the models is captivating–somehow both flowing and wrapping around their bodies simultaneously–much like the chiffon skirts I used to wear. Definitely a collection the modern woman will buy into.
