Elie Tahari Spring 2012 Review
Photos: Imaxtree
Looks from the Elie Tahari Spring 2012 collection
Show: Elie Tahari
Theme: Ancient Egypt and the hourglass silhouettes of the early 1900s
Accessories: Metallic and crocodile clutches, ladylike chain-strap bags, ornate gold jewelry, strappy gold gladiator sandals
Hair: Esther Langham for 1976 Haircare
Makeup: Romy Soleimani for MAC
Overall takeaway: An edgier, glammed-up offering from a designer best known for his work wear
If you think of Elie Tahari as a slightly more fashion version of Theory (the original, not the Theyskens variety)—that is to say, stylish but not always thrilling, you can think again. Tahari took his inspiration from ancient Egypt for Spring 2012, which meant this collection had a golden touch—literally.
While there were work-appropriate separates in the mix, like great double-breasted blazers, fluttery silk blouses, and pants in a long, lean mini-flare, they were paired with pieces with a little more pizzazz.
There were harem pants, some with deep slits up the sides. There were party-ready gold metal skirts and tank dresses in a shiny, heavy chainmail-type fabrication. There was ripped denim, a fully feathered vest, and silk pants cold-washed for an almost tie-dyed finish. Aside from all the gold, the color palette stayed relatively neutral, with stone, a dusty teal, black, and bright orange-y red.
It will be interesting to see how the collection changes as it goes to retail—sheer harem pants can be a tough sell—but it certainly made for an interesting show.
SEE THE SPRING 2012 RUNWAY COLLECTIONS
