Fashion Month Quick Recap: I'm More Minimal Basic Than I Thought

It's funny. In season's past I gravitate towards the bold prints of Kenzo or the avante garde of Comme des Garcons. This time around I was all about the tailoring, layering, and the luxurious staples to add to a women's wardrobe for season's to come rather than the here-today-gone-tomorrow pieces. And if this winter has taught me anything, it's that its too long and I'm not dressed warm enough half the time. So designers embracing the practicality of fashion and offering us oversized sweaters, long jackets, and layered looks excites the hell out of me! Here were some of my favorite collections from all four cities.

Balengiaca

Chloe

Max Mara

Jil Sander

Isabel Marant

Damir Doma

Sacai

Proenza Schouler

Issa

Salvatore Ferragamo 

Kenzo

Fashion Week: Street Style: Pink

A couple posts ago, I posted about bright pink being the hue for spring. It's always nice when your forecasts and predictions become realities. A+ in the fashion book. Refinery posted some amazing images of fashion's It girls strolling down Parisian rues and pink manifested itself in bright colors and bold statements. When winter seems never ending its nice to be reminded that spring is JUST around the corner! 

Images by Victoria Adamson via Refinery29.

YSL Channels Anikan

Not that I'm complaining, but what's going on with all the Star Wars references? Combine Balenciaga's hat with that black structured hooded pant suit with the leather sash belt and you've got a great Darth Vader Star Wars costume guaranteed to win first place at any Halloween contest. And the ambience just further suggested a Star Wars theme. With flames sparkling in the background, the setting rendered a scene from Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith when Anikan and Obi-Won-Kanobi are surrounding by lava as they battle it out to the death.  

But enough with the joking. Yves Saint Laurent's Fall 2012 collection had me bursting with joy. Although there'd be no killing or light sabor fighting, the attitudes of these women were just as provoked strength and fierce independence.  In a way there's almost a sadistic feel to it.

Regardless of if YSL was trying to portray a Star Wars inspired collection, which I highly doubt even if the new films are being rereleased in 3D or a dominatrix/sadistic 1980s collection, its safe to say that the collection was one of my favorites.

Balmain: The Chicest of Street Style

Oliver Rousteing, creative director of Balmain is one of the few designers that has the whole package. He creatives successful clothes that are always featured in the spreads of Vogue and Elle and also are featured on street-style blogs like The Sartorialist which means that he makes clothing that is both fashionable and practical for any young fashion lover. And with a collection devoted to leather pants and embroidered oversized square leather jackets what not to like about Balmain?

At only 25, Rousteing puts a young new twist on the design house, and after working for Roberto Cavalli for five years he knows a few things about how to deliver sexy young clothing.

Anna Dello Russo Smiles for the Cameras

I once saw and photographed Anna Dello Russo outside the Dior show during Paris Haute Couture Week when I was living there this summer, but bragging is not the objective of this post. It's more a post of utter jealousy for only a woman of such statute and fashion prestige can rock that Prada jacket from the Spring 2012 collection.

Also may I use this post to go on a little rant. Can someone please explain to me how in the dead of winter (it is February right?) that our fashion icons today have disregarded the season and prematurely started wearing next seasons clothing?

What happens when its actually summer and into September? Are we going to be wearing Spring 2013's collection? Can we get back on seasonal check here. I'm getting very confused.

And to continue complaining--I don't understand how in one month's time of award shows we've managed to see starts in two different season's worth of gowns. The Golden Globes was all about Spring 2012 and the Oscars was the race to get a Fall 2012 gown off the runway the fastest.

I digress.

Back in London

Oversized inspired menswear from London designer Roksanda Ilincic. If you look at the entire collection you'll get a completely different vibe--one full of monotoned cocktail dresses. But these stole the show in my opinion.

Viva Italia!

 Dolce and Gabbana Fall 2012 Collection pays tribute to the long history of Italy. Not since the auteurship of 1960s Italian films has there been such an apparent adoration for the Italian culture. I wish I was there to see the intrinsic embroidery and detail up close and personal.What a way to close Milan Fashion Week!

TopShop Unique

The best part about seeing TopShop Unique come down the runway is knowing that you can one day be wearing it. Unlike most fashion week designers, Topshop Unique is more affordable at around £200. I want that entire third look. Thanks for Miuccia Prada, pleated skirts are everywhere this spring and it is undoubtably she who is responsible for making pleated skirts popular for fall.