Cushnie et Ochs
Helmut Lang
Jen Kao
Phew. I was a little nervous after the first two days of NYFW, in which whatever was or really wasn't happening at a lot of the shows seemed portentous. But the shows yesterday had some life and brilliance to them and I am finally getting amped for the A/W12 arrivals. Top favorites of yesterday were:
The Gatherer
- Cushnie et Ochs - Though I and many others don't fully get dressed to the nines on daily basis, the pieces in here are so finely done and really bleed on both sides of that boundary where a Saturday night dinner and a Thursday night cocktail party both can share the same dress.
- Helmut Lang - This sophomore collection for the house by Nicole and Michael Colovos is further evidence that they are on to something. When an entire collection comes out and you truly feel as if breathing itself might not be possible without owning every single look, then rightness has been achieved. These are the pieces that I would rock every day and every night.
- Jen Kao - Never mind that I have a soft spot for her in my heart, I saw pieces here that caused an effect inside. You know that feeling when you see something truly wonderous and the only way your body or mind knows how to emote that is to get a huge lump in your throat? There were a few looks towards the end. And okay, maybe I am exaggerating just a bit. But being such a sucker for beautiful prints on beautiful textiles with splendid colors, I can't help but be touched here a little bit.
- Rag & Bone - Quite honestly, I was a little nervous to watch this one, not really digging the S/S12 looks all that much. But here was a show to make one forget a lot of the other shows they might already have seen. And maybe to use as a meter for future shows as well. I will always place highly the shows that can nail looks of everyday wear, because that is what our lives need every day. We need freshness and changes in our wardrobe, not just for parties and events (though for some, that is daily life) but for going to work or just walking down the street doing nothing. Anyone who can snap us out of ruts and trends and move us on to fresh breath of air is really the goal every single fashion season. So breathe in Rag & Bone. (Though I could do without the pants/leggings underneath EVERY look)
The Gatherer
