New York Fashion Week came and went like a winter boo during cuffing season. Though we’re already runway-stalking London Fashion Week, we can’t help but stop and reflect on all the amazing American collections we drooled over for Fall/Winter 2012. In true Vixen fashion, we laughed, we cried, we gagged and we even broke a few stilettos running in and out of the #NYFW tents for a taste of next season’s trends. We saw everything from 70’s retro glam to sultry sophisticated chic. Here’s a recap of all of our favorite collections this season.
Rachel Roy
The Rachel Roy F/W 2012 collection was a classic example of Rachel’s ability to bring wearability, sophistication and fun to the season. Showing a colorful collection of jewel-toned looks, from royal blue chunk knit turtlenecks to green and mustard tweed coats to burgundy work-ready dresses, Roy stayed true to her uptown sophisticate meets downtown chic aesthetic. The looks, accented by Rachel’s signature smoky eye and sleek hair, encompassed a balanced mix of updated classics and statement pieces for every day. No doubt some of our favorite fashion-obsessed red carpet regulars will be sporting these looks come Fall. Celebs of note in attendance included socialites and reality stars like Angela Simmons and Olivia Palermo, Beyonce’s head stylist Ty Hunter, and stylist Mary Alice Stephenson.
Rebecca Minkoff
Kicking off her Fall/Winter 2012 collection with a show-stopping performance by cool kid Theophilus London, Rebecca Minkoff immediately tickled our fancy with an even cooler collection of fall looks. Touches of sequins and colored metallics flooded the runway as Minkoff’s super chic mix of tailored jackets, colored cropped pants, printed dresses and leather-lined separates took the tents by storm. Minkettes (as Minkoff affectionately calls her stans) have nothing to fear, as her signature pieces including bomber jackets, tailored trousers and statement handbags were mainstays throughout the show.
Nanette Lepore
Nanette Lepore’s girly glam aesthetic rang true in her Fall/Winter 2012 collection, which included touches of custom embroidery, colorful lace, and jewel-toned velvet. Showing romantic silhouettes of ruffled and pleated miniskirts, bold metallic accents and sheer sleeved mini dresses, Nanette Lepore’s array of standout looks were sweet enough for Sunday brunch with your favorite Gossip Girl.
Tracy Reese
Sending a fanciful mix of texture, color and structure down the runway, Tracy Reese’s F/W ready to wear collection was everything a downtown princess dreamed of. From structured double-breasted coats with lush fur accents to Tracy’s signature bejeweled cocktail pieces in winter white with touches of frosty blue, a wearable and lust-worthy collection is always appreciated from the long-time Vixen favorite. Reese played with color and metallics, sending an unexpected mix of spring fun meets fall functionality down the runway. Celebs spotted front row included Twilight’s Nikki Reed and model Selita Ebanks.
Mara Hoffman
Bohemian luxe only begins to describe the Mara Hoffman F/W 2012 collection. Taking her inspiration from “South American Shaman Cowboys,” this season’s pieces were accented by a myriad of intricate elements including delicate beading, leather appliqués, and of course her custom-made prints. From long draped knit ponchos to 70’s -inspired keyhole dresses, Mara stayed true to her eclectic aesthetic and showed a mix of fancy-free prints, sheer maxi dresses and the perfect chunky knits. Celebrity fans of the designer front row included reality star Whitney Port, stylist June Ambrose, photographer Nigel Barker and runway extraordinaire Miss J Alexander.
Christian Siriano
In what was quite possibly the most refined collection we’ve seen from Christian Siriano, he somehow managed to nail his ingenious and innovative design aesthetic with sophisticated wearability into a collection that any Project Runway alum can be proud of. Taking his cues and inspiration from 1933 horror film Vampire Bat, Siriano’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection channeled streamlined sophistication meets ethereal goth. Including classic fall/winter staples like fur coats, tailored blazers and work-ready frocks in crisp whites and blacks, Siriano’s collection was chock full of red-carpet ready gowns for fall’s society balls and awards season.
Monique Lhuillier
Monique Lhuillier channeled the year of the dragon with a deep red and black palette at her Fall/Winter 2012 collection. Touches of lace, waist-cinching leather accents and fiery prints ruled the runway with sultry red-carpet worthy pieces sprinkled in for good measure. While we’re used to seeing couture-appropriate ball gowns flood her entire collections, this season was surprisingly balanced with ready to wear including a mix of bejeweled bombers, mesh tops, and knee length cocktail pieces.
Rebecca Taylor
For Rebecca Taylor’s Fall 2012 collection, she played with lush layering of chunky knits, rich custom-printed fabrics, and detailing like shearling and lace. This season’s rocker-chic aesthetic was a slight departure from her more feminine appeal, but still included signature RT elements like patchwork detailing. Menswear-inspired looks included tailored trousers, oversized blazers and quilted leather. Taylor stuck to a neutral palette of grays, blacks, plums and browns. Cropped vests with mink detailing and pops of unexpected prints like blue snakeskin rounded out the show.
