New York Fashion Week Highlights
The biannual Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (held in New York City each February and September) brings thousands of bloggers, fashion lovers and celebrities out to view over 100 catwalk shows. These are a few of my favorite collections from a whirlwind week at Lincoln Center.
Rodarte
Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy are drawing praise for their offbeat collection that incorporates classic images from Star Wars films. With the blessing of Star Wars creator George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, the Mulleavys translated iconic images of Luke Skywalker, R2D2, Yoda, etc. onto silk charmeuse gowns. The collection was inspired by the way the designers dressed as children in the 1980s. In addition to the silk gowns, the collection includes high-waisted pants, crochet knits, colorful eyeglasses, smocked dresses and more.
BCBG Max Azria
I have to give BCBG a shout for it’s homage to my home state of Louisiana. The entire ready-to-wear collection was inspired by the landscapes of the Louisiana bayous. I can see the influence most in this gorgeous printed gown that conjures the beauty of the swamplands. The simple color-block pieces and fur accessories are elegant and a little edgy for BCBG. Since their pieces are relatively affordable, I’ll be adding some Louisiana to my wardrobe as soon as these items are available.
Tadashi Shoji
Japanese-American designer Tadashi Shoji is one to watch for red carpet attire. My favorite look of his (and maybe of the entire week) is this striking red cloak over a white lace dress. With bold reds, much lace, intricate beading and dramatic velvet, the Fall 2014 collection is statement-making. Actresses Octavia Spencer and Michelle Dockery are devoted fans, choosing Shoji dresses for major awards shows.
Charlotte Ronson
Charlotte Ronson updated the looks from her favorite children’s book Little Lord Fauntleroy to inspire her Fall 2014 collection. The designs are fresh, edgy, modern and completely grown-up. Highlights included leather suspender-shorts, a tailored topcoat with velvet accents and a velvet print dress with a sheer mesh neckline. I always love her separates and menswear-inspired pieces, and this collection was no exception.
Zimmerman
Australian Nicky Zimmerman is quickly becoming one of my favorite designers. Her flirty, feminine designs are never too cutesy and are complemented nicely with motorcycle jackets and hardware detailing. An off-the-shoulder babydoll silk gown with a black ribbon bow choker led the collection. And again, red and lace were trends seen across the board this week.
Erica Moody is a Louisiana-born writer who’s called D.C. home since 2010. In addition to fashion writing, she covers social events, edits The Citron Review literary journal and is working on a novel. Erica holds an MFA in creative writing from Antioch University.