Style On: A Stylist's Take on Alice + Olivia, Naeem Khan, and More!
We at FashionEtc can't get enough of reviews. So we've combed our wide-reaching network of friends to get their takes on the collections. In this installment, stylist Rory McDonough runs through the remaining shows he attended so far this Fashion Week.
Photos: Getty Images
Looks from the Skaist-Taylor Fall 2012 collection.
Skaist-Taylor
Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor have reemerged from their brief hiatus since departing from their tiny first brand—you may have heard of it—Juicy Couture. Opting from a smaller presentation, Skaist-Taylor kept with the motif that made Juicy so popular in the first place: a cool girl vibe they titled California Eccentrics. Sure to be a huge success among the young A-List set, the vintage inspired collection featured a mint green mongolian lamb coat paired with a chiffon skirt, peasant blouses and psychedelic paisley maxi dresses. Take a minute or two to soak that all in and just enjoy one of the most well executed, FUN collections of this season. You haven’t seen the last of them.
Photos: Imaxtree
Looks from the Alice + Olivia Fall 2012 presentation.
Alice + Olivia
What can’t Stacey Bendet do? In typical Alice + Olivia fashion the Fall collection was high octane and pure sugary sweet delight. Bendet is a master at not taking herself too seriously and her collections are always one of my favorites because they are wearable and have a sense of youth that other designers long to capture. Sumptuous greens, reds and purples assisted in developing a collection that was quirky and featured leather, super sparkly sequins and floral prints. Bendet really hit her stride with a green and black pantsuit that was masterfully tailored and showed that A+O is not a fringe brand, but one that will have longevity in an industry that is notoriously fickle.
Photos: Imaxtree
Looks from the Naeem Khan Fall 2012 runway.
Naeem Khan
This season Naeem Khan went back to his roots to create a collection inspired by decorative jewelry worn by traditional Indian women. The collection relied heavily on beading and appliqués, some of it working so well it literally took my breath away. Khan never skimps on details and his masterful eye for creating evening looks that women would kill to wear is second to none.
For a designer known for his love of vibrant bright colors, this season he opted for a more subdued palette of black, white, and metallic gold. While the colors may have lacked Khan’s typical aesthetic, he found his strength in the construction and showmanship in the form of ostrich feathers and beading that make each piece and individual work of art.
Photos: Imaxtree
Looks from the J. Mendel Fall 2012 runway.
J. Mendel
Love is in the air at J. Mendel! If over the top unbridled glamour is what excites you then look no further then J. Mendel’s exquisite autumn collection. While Mendel made no substantial departure from his aesthetic (thank you!), he executed romantic gowns in soft silhouettes and gorgeous lavish furs that are sure to fulfill every desire of the J. Mendel woman.
Not at all trying to be something he isn’t, Gilles Mendel designed a collection that felt comfortably feminine. This collection featured such highlights as a long white cashmere coat with white fox fur on the collar, and textured alligator pieces, a super chic take on the leather trend we have been seeing all season. There was also enchanting pleated dresses in silver and structured outerwear to reveal an endlessly luxe fall collection!
SEE THE FALL 2012 RUNWAY COLLECTIONS
Rory McDonough is a freelance stylist and fashion editor. His styling work has appeared in indie mags like Oyster and Russh. He is the fashion editor of the Plum Network where he worked with celebrities such as Naomi Watts and Christy Turlington-Burns. Most recently he worked with stylist B. Åkerlund on Madonna’s halftime performance at the Superbowl.
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