Thursday, January 31, 2013

Pre Fall 2013 Highlights

Here are our picks of the Pre Fall 2013 Shows!

We'll present everything from Day to Evening because it just makes sense to do so. There were lots of trends, as usual - of course. One in particular is leather pants. Leather pants were everywhere in the day looks and evenings too. The men's shows were ripe with them as well. I'm seeing it as a natural transition from the colored leathers we saw last season that manifested in the form of everything from skirts to shirts to dresses, you name it. It was a leather bonanza! Now it would seem leather has been de classified from something only the hip or the daring would wear into something that can been seen as more of an essential. I'm sure most designers would tell you to have one great leather piece at least - and for the first time they aren't talking outerwear or accessories.

Day:

Belstaff


 These are a great example of leather pants that aren't just tight or moto inspired - they are a thoughtful design that could be worn comfortably and feature a cool detail in the snaps (?) at the hem. Love the subtle, chic contrast of the leather insert in the jacket as well.

Skirt. Suit. Dress. These are clothes that make you cool - no effort. Done.

 

 

 Celine


Fall always has tons of outerwear - these designs from Celine stood out. The first coat is extra long for drama and and the A-line silhouette is so classic, a timeless investment piece. The other two looks both have this lovely drape at the front that  balances beautifully with the narrow waist by dropping the shoulder a few inches. The tailoring is so amazing.


Rochas

You don't often see pullover sweaters in Pre Fall as these are generally smaller collections - so I think it's in part that these were not typical that they stood out for me. But they look so effortless in that "I'm a cool french girl who just threw this on and didn't mean to look stylish" kind of way. The styling of the casual sweater with the heavy wool skirts just looks so wearable. I love to see items dressed down and these all worked so well.

 


Trousers

I was thrilled to see the return of the men's cut trouser this season. Flat front - slightly tapered or stovepipe they are an excellent addition to any wardrobe. They always look smart and can easily be dressed up or down. Here are 3 great variations on this timeless piece.

3.1 Phillip Lim, Derek Lam and Barbra Bui (Love the snake shoes here too!)
 

Trend

Time to revisit my youth with a little bit of goth and a little bit of grunge, two trends that will never die. I love to see them revamped for the runways over and over, these are some shining examples.
 
 
Louis Vuitton. Goth. The look on the left is my favorite. Striped tights will always be in my heart!



Grunge - the little house dress. So easy to wear - girly and charming. These are from Bottega Veneta and Moschino : Cheap and Chic.

Temperly London

 
This dress is actually from the Alice by Temperly London collection. I just love the color and the pleating. So wearable.

Love the print on the skirt - there were a lot of designers using this type of large screened print. This was one of the best.

 
 

Florals

English garden inspired floral prints were another trend that was prominent on the runways. These two examples are my favorites.
 

Carolina Herrera and Erdem
Love the gown and the suit and I love the totally different ways they used the prints.

 

Retro

These designers took a nod from the past.

Donna Karan

The silhouettes here are a knockout. I could see these as fashion illustrations from the 1950's, yet they still look totally modern.



Rachel Zoe

I could see Bainca Jagger in this at studio 54.
 

Gucci

I could have put the whole collection in here it was that good. One of the best overall. These were the standouts.
 
 

This dress is classic


This whole collection made me feel like I was at a Christmas cocktail party at Bing Crosby's house. In a good way.


Emilio Pucci

Just really chic little cocktail dresses. 

 

Nina Ricci

I always love Nina Ricci's deconstructed style. Somehow always elegant. She never lets me down. 
 
 
 

Formal

Who can resist the evening gowns? These formal beaded gowns are the kind of decadent glamorous Oscars only kind of dresses that make fashion a delightful spectator sport. 
Monique Lhuillier and Naeem Khan