If there was one show this season to prove that quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality, it would be the Spring 2012 collection by 10 Crosby Derek Lam. With an astute awareness of the ephemeral nature of the spring season, Derek Lam focused the collection around key wearable and transitional pieces that were workplace ready. This practical approach brought together simple and bold graphic stripes, florals and bright colors. Key trend colors were present in the collection but in a seamless, well balanced way that only enhanced what was already being done with the designs. Contrasting stripes looked efficient and energetic and the materials were durable (some even machine washable) yet, appeared expensive. The overall look was refreshing – an appropriate attitude for a spring collection, which is part of what makes the pieces so wearable.
A stand out look was the ‘new suit’, which featured a swingy box cut burlap jacket and matching tailored short skirt. Perhaps the key to Derek Lam’s success was focusing on what he thought women would love to have in their wardrobe as opposed to a seasonal dogmatic criterion. Giving just as much as need be given, the collection has found the right balance between composed complexity and crisp and causal simplicity.
Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source(s) Derek Lam, WWD
