Places - This season, designers were inspired by lots of exotic locales like the Mediterrean, (Tracy Reese) Cannes (Kimora Lee Simmons) and ‘Under the Volcano' (Diane von Furstenberg). Normally this wouldn’t be such a big deal because designers say this practically every season about their spring collections. But it was different hearing and reading about these destinations this past fashion week because I actually have three friends who traveled to St. Tropez this year. None of them are millionaires. Granted, two were on a honeymoon (together) and the third was traveling for work. Still, the idea of affordable luxury has now translated to travel and I’m loving it! I even heard someone call St. Barths the new South Beach recently. Ha. I don’t know about all that. But the thought of more working class folks branching out of traditional vacay spots is good stuff.
Sexy St. Tropez
Things - I noticed that lots of designers included asymmetrical necklines in their spring collections. Proenza Schouler, Carlos Miele and Cynthia Steffe incorporated this neckline into their designs. Digs it. A lot. It looks new again. The asymmetrical trend made it onto the runways via hair as well. Anna Sui’s models rocked it with these funky wigs. Told y’all Kelis was ahead of her time.
The empire waist was much less prevalent; making room for lots of belted skirts and dresses. A la the ‘sexy secretary’ look.
Also saw a lot of black and white.
The dress with pockets trend of this past spring/summer seems to be carrying over as well…
Fashion week ended with a gripping panel discussion moderated by Bethann Hardison on the absence of Black models on the runway. The big dogs definitely came out. Naomi Campbell, Andre Leon Talley, Iman, Liya Kebede and Tracey Reese were all in attendance. I really wish I could have been there because it was indeed history. Imagine all that talent in one room! However, in speaking with a friend who did attend, I learned that the conversation led many to fondly reminisce about days gone past when the Black model was all the rage. But, I personally think it was just a sign of the times. During the 1970’s - on the heels of the civil-rights movement, the peak of the women’s lib movement - it may have seemed that the Black model was being celebrated. We all saw Mahogany. But there is a huge difference between being a novelty and being truly appreciated. In order to change things in the multi-billion dollar industry of fashion, one must have power. I will simply end with this. NYC Fashion Week began two days early this season; just in time for Rosh Hashanah. Who do you think is running things?
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