All You're Dying to Know About Fall 2011 Fashion Week
The runway reviews are in, collections have hit store shelves, and you’re wondering what new wardrobe items to acquire that have been inspired by fall 2011 Fashion Week. Debuting in February in New York City, the Fall 2011/Winter 2012 designer showcases were saturated with color, texture and pattern. Couldn’t make it to the Big Apple to see the action live? All you’re dying to know is below.
Color Blocking
Call it the trend that just doesn’t want to quit, color blocking was big for summer 2011, and it continued to make waves at fall fashion shows. Seen on the catwalks of Giambattista Valli, Bottega Veneta, Derek Lam, Jil Sander, and Narciso Rodriguez, among others, the intermixing of neon and jewel hues made for a striking statement. The spring runway showcases have already introduced even more color blocking designs, so this seasonal statement will stay fresh for an indefinite amount of time. Shop for sweaters, trousers, and dresses for the best display of this theme.
Great Lengths
Forget miniskirts and cropped jackets. For fall 2011, Fashion Week featured long, lean silhouettes. Coats, cloaks, pants and gowns all pooled to the floor, proudly showing off luxurious cashmere, wool, and silk fabrics. Theyskens’ Theory, Ralph Lauren, and Rodarte expertly utilized longer cuts, displaying duster coats, evening dresses and skirts that captured a romantic, rich feel. Look for cape like ankle length coats and drapey gowns in emerald, ruby or fluorescent orange hues for the most on-trend additions to your closet.
Fur and Faux
Who says fashion designers shun function in favor of form? Anticipating the bitter cold temperatures of the season, lines from the likes of Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Fendi, The Row, and Oscar de la Renta introduced thick, classic furs to accompany tailored pant or dress ensembles. Fox fur in particular was a recurring material, but any fur will do. Of course, faux fur can easily be substituted for the real thing. Faux is more affordable and more environmentally-friendly, so steer toward this option if you’re looking for a trendy item rather than an investment piece.
Embellishments and Shimmer
All that glitters isn’t gold. Sequins, assorted Technicolor gemstones and silver bugle beading also sparkled on the runways. Embellishment on dresses, handbags, shoes and coat or sweater sleeves came in every color and fabric imaginable. Beading, shimmery lace, and old-fashioned statement jewelry are perfect demonstrations of the bling movement. Although shiny accessories and garments traditionally operate best at night, fall 2011 welcomes metallics and embellishments for the day. Seek out purses with metal framing, coats with subtle beadwork, and jewel encrusted pumps for the most versatility.
Wild Prints
From neoclassical florals at Givenchy, to geometric shapes at Proenza Schouler, to Art Deco-esque designs at Dries Van Noten, prints were bold, loud and colorful. The three most popular themes fell into categories of tribal patterns, deconstructed nature motifs and large-scale checks, polka dots and stripes. The mixing of disparate prints was a theme, as was the use of pattern for large wardrobe pieces, like dresses and coats. Simply put, anything goes this season. Wear whatever combination of prints you desire, and don’t be afraid to confine bold designs to mere accessories.
