New York Fashion Week Favourites 2011 - Part One

New York Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012 Collections

New York Fashion Week has set the city abuzz, with the best US-based designers presenting their Ready-to-Wear Collections for Spring/Summer 2012. It runs from 8-15 September this year. There have been so many awe-inspiring shows, it's impossible to post each and every one. I've decided to share a few of my favourite collections thus far. 

Tadashi Shoji

Tadashi Shoji featured a garden of gorgeous dresses in his floral inspired Spring collection. He payed homage to the "enchanting beauty and splendor of the tulip", as seen in his reverse tulip shaped skirts. Beautifully hand-painted silk-linen dresses flourished in shades of rose, daisy, fern & magnolia. His range of romantic blush-toned evening gowns were sprinkled with floral appliques. I like that this collection wanders from summery brights to graceful subtlety.

Prabal Gurung

The first thing I was drawn to at Prabal Gurung's collection was the glorious parade of purple. His abstract floral print dresses were given a multidimensional lift with rubber palliates, tulle and floral motifs. The Nepalese designer was inspired by Japanese photographer Nobuyushi Araki's series called 'Sensual Flowers'. Aqua green, black and white made up the rest of the palette, colouring tailored jackets, laser-cut dresses, wool suits, leather roped cords and silk georgette floral frocks. Of all the collections thus far, this is one that stands out with it's valiance and creativity.

Zac Posen

Zac Posen's Spring 2012 collection will gratify glamourous women with an appreciation for Old Hollywood glamour. Posen has an innate talent for accentuating the curves of a woman's body with his superbly fit mermaid gowns. This season, he revives this silhouette with fitted corsets, luxurious duchess satin and embellished tulle. Necklines, for the most part was off-the-shoulder. Shades of blue were juxtaposed with ruby red and ivory. A glossy and elegant collection that deserves an outing on the red carpet.

Jason Wu

A modern and refreshing collection from the celebrated Taiwanese American designer. 

Jason Wu presented a sophisticated Spring 2012 collection with a youthful aura. Grey, black and white ensembles were energized with a splash of bubblegum pink and fluorescent yellow. The only print used was petal-patterned, seen on chiffon dresses, blouses and pants. The most notable feature of the collection are the peplum dresses and skirts, rounded off with a black bow belt. Simple lines aside, chic cocktail dresses were adorned with Swarovski crystals and feathers. I like that this collection is cohesive, yet each piece retains it's unique character.

Rachel Zoe

I found myself surprised by the classic appeal of stylist Rachel Zoe's Bridget Bardot-inspired collection. Staying within the boundaries of her personal style, Rachel's designs are effortless and wearable, imparting relaxed glamour. Zoe offers tailored suit jackets, multicoloured maxis and georgette jumpsuits, all of which can be worn from day to night. She also featured cropped pants and a spot of animal print. I particularly like the third dress on the bottom row, with it's shimmery metallic print and ruffled sleeves. 

Christian Siriano

You will remember Christian Siriano as the 'fierce' designer that won Season 4 of Project Runway. For Spring 2012, he presented an invigorating range that set the runway alight in vivid orange and chartreuse. Sandy beige maintained the calm. What began as simple and straightforward ended in waves of ruffles and tulle. I found that even the simple looks were striking; flowing pleated maxi skirts, palazzo pants, striped jersey t-shirts and shift dresses. Sea-inspired dresses were decorated with coral-like chiffon ruffles. I love the pairing of the bright sandals, which are also designed by Siriano.