Earmuffed: February 2010

I often find it difficult to edit through my fashion week posts- through both images and commentary. I post up looks from shows that I like, but there are always two types of "like". Many runway shows, I "like" because I'd wear them. They're usually more dull and not incredibly innovative, but I like them in the sense that I'd like them in my wardrobe. The other type of "like" is more like an appreciation. For some shows, I'd never wear most of the looks- it's too impractical, too crazy; but it's still genius.

Let's take Rodarte for example; I completely love their ideas and the concepts, I could look at the clothes all day- but I wouldn't dream of wearing any of the pieces even if I could afford them.

Which brings us to New York fashion week. New York isn't the greatest place for crazy statement clothing (there's a time and place for that- Paris, and in around a month's time), and, well, most of the collections I like are pretty boring. I find trying to come up for commentary for some of the collections boring. So I'm not going to write anything for most of the collections unless its completely awe-inspiring and awesome.

Badgley Mischka

Betsey Johnson

Christian Siriano

Cynthia Steffe- not a mind blowing collection but I LOVE IT. Knee high socks and berets and high necked blouses and tweed, BRING IT ON. I have never been so prepared, or pumped for winter.

Diane von Furstenburg

Erin Fetherston- she continues with her brand's evolution, and I'm not sure if that's good or not. A tiny bit of me misses the old fairytale-inspired girly collections (especially F/W 09- BEST COLLECTION EVERRRRRR), but I am kind of liking what I'm seeing. Everything's much older now, and the whole uber-girly aspect is being toned down, but I still think she has a few collections to go before she perfects this new look.

J Mendel

Marc Jacobs- was Wizard of Oz themed without being too obvious. I'm loving the floaty demure dresses in the second half of the show, though I'm not a huge fan of the heavy coats and excessive furs in the first half. The whole understated minimalistic feel, the neutral colours and the natural makeup and hair are somewhat serene and calming, and completely appropriate in terms of the economy. I thought the finale dress was a let down though.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marchesa- I know their brand hasn't evolved much, or at all, their collections have no cohesion or theme, and all their collections are basically the same, but I love what they're doing. Sure its not rocket science, but its wonderful and whimsical, and if they know what they're doing- and are good at it, why change?

Milly

Oscar De La Renta

Peter Jensen

Philosophy

Rodarte- YEEHAA, HIGHLIGHT OF NEW YORK. The first half of the show- with all the fabric-collaging and florals, wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but the floaty frothy white dresses that came at the end were HEAVENLY. The show was so dreamy and serene, which completely contrasts with their last collection, though that's not a bad thing. Actually it's a terrific thing, the lighter romantic tone is refreshing, particularly for a F/W collection. Hm, I actually just went searching for the video-version of the show. I think you guys should have a look and fall further in love with Rodarte: [CLICK!]