A Blank Canvas vs. The Color Brigade:  Murmurs of white replacing black saturated the gossipy air this last week.  Collections featured white and even neutral, pale and blush tones through a variety of vehicles – accessories, pants, suiting, dresses, shirts, skirts, shorts, etc. The blank canvas became the impetus for designers to showcase their refined styling and artistry without having to compete with bold colors. However, white wasn’t the only shade to rule the runway.  Candy colored hues like fuschia, neon orange, sunshine yellow, coral and Kelly green drenched the catwalk.  The rainbow of colors was not only optimistically refreshing, but also reminiscent of an Impressionist romance.

Short & Chic vs. Long & Luxurious:  Although it is no surprise shorts are still a wardrobe staple for Spring and Summer, this time around designers had their fun playing with volume, length and style.  From Thakoon’s fuller, longer style to Badgley Mischka’s short, sweet and chic looks, shorts are undoubtedly here to stay.   However, if you’ve had your fill or are looking to audition a new look, take a cue from Marc Jacobs, Rachel Roy, Rebecca Taylor and Derek Lam.  The “it” skirt barreling down the runways was longer, sexier and full of femininity.  The below-the-knee skirt made quite the splash debuting in silk, chiffons, jersey and tulle featuring brilliant prints, vertical stripes and delicate details such as rosettes and ruffles. Pair yours with a fitted ballerina shirt or silk, printed blouse.  And nothing says chic quite like adding a skinny belt to complete the look.

A Prairie Home Companion vs. Studio 54 Glam: One of the most talked about shows was Ralph Lauren’s prairie style collection. An over-the-top display of frilly lace, denim jackets, leather fringe and western style details like larger than life belt buckles and turquoise jewelry, the show glamorized the frontier life using a Victorian era influence.  On the opposite side of the tracks, if there was one party to attend, it certainly was the catwalks celebrating a Halston era style of the glam life.  Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka, Halston (of course!) and most notably Marc Jacobs all recreated the glossy lifestyle of the 70’s Studio 54 days featuring silk suiting, flouncy blouses, knee-length skirts, wildly funky patterns, flamboyant colors, high-waisted trousers and flowy maxi-dresses.  This is one party you’ll be desperately vying for an invitation to.

Designers returning from previous seasons of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week or those showing for the first time as part of the lineup include Betsey Johnson, Bibhu Mohapatra, Bill Blass, Buckler, Cynthia Rowley, Derek Lam, Jenny Packham, L.A.M.B., Rosa Cha, Ruffian, VERRIER, Vivienne Tam, Zang Toi, among others.

We hope you are as excited as we are for fashion week!