I didn’t get to follow Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York as closely as I would have liked, but when I did get the opportunity to catch up, Wow! I mean WOW! Surprisingly, a couple of the designers I was most impressed with were designers I am not normally drawn to. I am so glad I was in the mood to explore. Ralph Lauren, J. Mendel, and Marc Jacobs really got my attention and are my top three favorite collections from the NYFW Fall 2015 RTW shows.
I am not normally pulled towards Ralph Lauren and J. Mendel, but they finally got me. I am always impressed with Marc Jacobs, and this time he was, how they say, “money.” At least he was for me. What was a running theme at New York Fashion Week 2015 is fur, fringe, and the 70s. I was actually amazed at how much fur there was seeing how animal rights groups like to congregate outside the arenas, but it’s pretty clear that designers are either using fake or socially acceptable fur or they aren’t concerned about haters.
J. Mendel
J. Mendel’s color choice for his show was primarily in one of my favorite color combinations; black and white, and red. Somehow, the black and red make the white seem bold, don’t you think? The silky, flowing paisley printed dresses, colorful fur jackets, plunging necklines, and high slits gave off a definite 70s vibe.
Scarves were rampant in this collection and the pop of embroidery here and there made this collection retro and exquisite at the same time.This collection was an unexpected and pleasant surprise, and I am sorry I haven’t paid closer attention to this designer. If J. Mendel is trying to bring the 70s back, he was successful.
See more of J. Mendel’s New York Fashion Week 2015 RTW collection at Style.com.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren tends to be a little All American conservative for me, but there were a lot of pieces in this collection that I would definitely wear. This collection was classic, elegant, and versatile, so versatile that there was something in this collection for most aesthetics at any time of day. another interesting dynamic was masculine looks such as a pinstripe suit being balanced out by a fur collar. Actually, anything made of fur is actually made of shearing, a good thing because I was feeling a little guilty for loving the furry hats and furry elbow length gloves.
All of the shearing, richly hued cashmere, and suede gave off a rich Western aura as if we were at a Southfork gathering on Dallas. The collection was in very earthy tones, olive-green, camel, winter white, and multiple tones of brown, but it screamed extravagance. I love earth tones and I think brown is a luxurious color and it certainly was here. After the floppy hats, ankle boots, fringed purses, and flowing skirts were a few glittering metallic dresses at the end just to throw you off.
See more of Ralph Lauren’s New York Fashion Week 2015 RTW collection at Style.com.
Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs collection was dark and elegant, just the way I like it. Pine green and midnight blue plaid. Yes, please. Wide bugle bead trimming on body-conscious dresses and patent leather boots. Perfection. Black gloves, thin leather belts, and animal prints. Absolutely. Can you tell that this was my favorite collectIon?
This collection is definitely me. It got a bit risqué for a minute with the sheer dresses and panties, but there was something morbidly romantic about it. There really wasn’t one thing in this collection that I do not want, and that includes the risqué outfits. Marc Jacobs is a freakin’ genius, not just in his clothing designs but in how he dresses his models from head to toe. The accessories, makeup, and hair are always the final, perfect touch to his show. Again, perfection.
See more of Marc Jacob’s New York Fashion Week 2015 RTW collection at Style.com.
StylEnigma 