Luxe Minimalism

The Olsens are undeniably talented designers--ones capable of embracing the drama of the runway and crafting the clothes that fit the part (The Row), and managing to create a diffusion line of ready to wear that isn't watered down (Elizabeth & James).

Their ready to wear collection for Elizabeth & James was filled with the kinds of separates that you'd return to, day and night, season to season. I especially love the electric blue silk crepe pants, tailored and just above the ankle, paired with a part-Kimono robe in faded black. It's exactly the sort of thing I'd throw on before heading to work and pair with an amazing heel and jewelry for night. Their collection feels both modern and traditionally sophisticated.

Their collection for The Row was rich. Filled with sumptuous silks, wide cuts, and silhouettes that mimicked ancient cultures from around the world (Kimonos, Middle Eastern-style tunics, and South American trims all made appearances), it resonated with understated grace. The woman who wears this look is more interested in the art of dressing, in construction and history, than in broadcasting that she's aware of trends.

 

 

photos: New York 

 

photos: Vogue

Shades of Bondage

Looks like BCBG found direction from the wildly popular series 50 Shades of Grey. (Full disclosure: I never read the books, never will unless it's for scholarly research. Seriously. I'm still shocked that the subject matter has been as easily swallowed as it has; that anyone comfortably reads porno in the subway; and that this sort of "literary" phenomenon could be taking place alongside the sort of controversy and dialogue that's happening regarding Women's Rights and birth control in America right now in 2012. )

BCBG sent models down a slick white runway wearing leather halters in looks that fell somewhere between cocktail hour and S&M-ware.

Update: Jason Wu hopped on the bandwagon of trends with his own brand of fetishware. Peek-a-boo leather, corsets, and straps less functional than suspenders cropped up in many of his looks. His were predominated black and white with touches of peachy red, the color--unmistakeably--of a flushed cheek.

Update to the update: http://www.fabsugar.com/New-York-Fashion-Week-Spring-2013-Live-24764719