Post Fashion Week Wrap Up & Commentary for S/S 2012

Fashion Group International (FGI) took the time this week to host a their bi-annual Ready To Wear trend over-view at the Time Life building. Always an enjoyable journey down the runways of New York, London, Paris and Milan, this Spring/Summer 2012 season was a delight, all presented with the velvety voice of the esteemed Mary Lou Luther. The post-presentation panel brought up several topics we also covered in the panel I moderated recently for The Round Table Creative Media Group, this one had the effervescent Isaac Mizrahi wrangling the kittens of conversation.

From FGI: “If fashion really is a barometer of the times, we’re in a colorful, spirited, happy-go-lucky S/S 2012…or, we’re in denial. By ignoring the economic downturn, the European monetary crisis, Arab revolutions, hurricanes…etc, designers are either telling us to eat-drink-and-be-merry or to escape to the safety of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s or 70’s."

At the Round Table Salon’s discussion on Fashion & Culture, designer Joseph Altuzzura, who’s name came up in several images from FGI, commented on the fact that his collections are evolutionary each season, that women dress differently today and are looking to evolve their wardrobes.

Jenne Lombardo, from The Terminal Presents, had an interesting take on the fact that,  “Technology has changed the way designers buy and sell and show. The cycle of ready to wear is antiquated. We have to look at it and change it…buyers are becoming editors, editors are becoming buyers and designers are becoming retailers.” The advent of editorial from stores like Barney’s and Bergdorf’s, the rise of ready-to-buy apps from magazines like Lucky, and the ability for brands to sell the clothing directly from the runway show has changed the way we look at fashion. This evolution will only continue as new apps are introduced and the consumer's hunger for information and access will continue to pervade the industry.

From FGI, Best Bets for S/S include, Bright Colors including Tangerine, Whites and Chalky Pastels; prints in Geo, Fusion, Florals and Photo. Laser like pleats in all shapes returned, couture touches were highlighted, sport, ease and full skirts returned. In accessories, the wedge was back, the loafer returned, a smaller day bag was highlighted and the bag that matches the clothes were trends to buy. Jewelry saw vintage, pearls and crosses.

In Beauty, “Bold, Brooke Shields-like brows, frame the face for spring; more refined were also present; scarlet lips included Jason Wu, with outlined lips from MAC Redd pencil then applying Scarlet lbis lipstick with a dash of MAC pigment in Neo Orange on top.

Lots to look forward to as we all brace for a chilly winter...

Images: Yeohlee, Joseph Altuzarra (Imaxtree), Gucci (TeamPeterStigter.com)