My ever-changing attitude toward New York Fashion Week confuses my friends, with me currently spouting maxims like “nothing beats Spring 2012 is to die for,” while I conveniently forget that mere months ago I was screaming “I love fall fashion collections!” I call it a healthy obsession. My inner circle disagrees.
It should thus come as no surprise that Fashion Week thus far has launched me into a paralyzing stupor, from which I emerge to recap the best and worst of the first half of the week. You’re welcome (or, if you’re a devotee of Rag and Bone, I’m sorry).
Props must go to Jason Wu for his eclectic and fabulous show. Unlike some other designers (cough, Victoria Beckham, cough), Wu produced pieces that each had their own unique flair but still looked like part of a cohesive collection. With little pops of California cool, retro nostalgia and ladylike elegance, Wu outshined some more seasoned Fashion Week icons.
Jason Wu Spring 2012, via InStyle
I never was the hugest Zac Posen fan. His red carpet dresses were always pretty and appropriate, but I just didn’t love them (it’s not as if he needed my love anyway—Posen had Natalie Portman and Claire Danes instead). My lukewarm approval has finally given way to unabashed, adoring praise. The wunderkind’s spring designs are so ethereal and gorgeous, I practically hear angels singing when I look at the photos (or maybe that’s the sound of sleep deprivation). Don’t be surprised if you see dozens of Posen creations during the upcoming Hollywood awards season.
Zac Posen Spring 2012
Well, everybody, I guess layering is trendy again, as are mesh and Sporty Spice-inspired athletic detailing, and vomitous 70s colors like harvest gold: this according to the gospel of Rag and Bone. I don’t care who might heap praises upon R&B’s latest offerings—everything I saw was just a whole lot of wrong. Perhaps I’m biased since the navy and melon combos reminded me of my fugly high school gym uniform, or because every time a model strutted the runway wearing a ribbon choker, I was reminded of a vintage horror story that used to scare the bejeezus out of me.
Rag and Bone Spring 2012
Rebecca Taylor must not have received the memo that Red Riding Hood bombed at the box office. Taylor showcased her own interpretation of the fairytale costume, a metallic ice blue poncho/parachute that sparkled like the polyester of a K-Mart bargain bin. While the remaining looks were not atrocious, uninspired silhouettes and the same ol’ seen that shimmer were nothing to smile about.
Rebecca Taylor Spring 2012
The best of the rest:
Cynthia Rowley, DKNY and Peter Som Spring 2012, via Elle