Seeing Red Past Winter

During New York Fashion Week, there has always been a collection of red dresses, but is red going to be a lasting trend? If this fashion season is any indication, the answer is yes! From the red carpet, to the catwalk, to street wear, red fashion is just about everywhere. This bold color is always eye-catching, and it has the ability to make any outfit stand out.

This year, we have seen several designers like Monique Lhuillier, Zac Posen, Donna Karan, and Jason Wu incorporate red into their shows. It seems that this trend will stay around for awhile, even after the winter months, so stock up on  red pieces and accessories fast!

Text Caitlin Beck

Image Telegraph

Jason Wu Fall 2012: Asia Major

Fashion Week may be losing some of its front-row celebs to the Grammy’s tonight, though we’re confident A-list designers like Diane Von Furstenburg, Thakoon, and Zac Posen will still be able to draw a crowd. But, even with fashion darlings like Nicki Minaj and Lana Del Rey bound to turn heads on the red carpet, it will be hard for them to beat the delicious drama of rising star Jason Wu’s fall 2012 runway show.

Inspired by a trip to Taiwan, the designer’s birthplace, Wu drew from China’s military background, opulent history (think Qing Dynasty), and Hollywood’s thirties interpretation of the country to create his most daring collection to date. And if the shiny embroidered fabrics, playful keyhole necklines, and flashes of red weren’t an indicator of his Asian motivation, Wu tipped off his audience with his opener: A burst of red light on oversized doors and a model cued by a cymbal crash.

Wu really brought out each model’s inner geisha with slick, severe ponytails and bold blue cat eyes, but our personal favorite detail and new must-try trend was the collection's tasseled accents, pictured above as earrings and also added to his fabulous clutches. It’s definitely a departure from his delightfully demure collection for Target (which quickly sold out), but we’re not complaining.

Text Kara Solarz
Image Style.com

Jason Wu Takes on Target

If you’re still pining after that pair of zigzagged flats that slipped through your hands during the Missoni for Target launch, get your camping gear ready for another shopping frenzy — the Jason Wu for Target collection is on its way. The red carpet favorite, who is the go-to designer for ladies like Camilla Belle and Michelle Obama (who famously wore one of his dresses to the Inaugural Ball), maintained his signature sense of class in feminine pieces, such as pleated dresses, boxy satchels, and pretty blouses accented with bows and neckties. The designer’s muse for his super sweet collection? French New Wave films, particularly actress Jean Seberg (hence the frequent Peter Pan collars). It’s the same prim and proper panache you loved about his spring 2012 line, except this time, nothing is over $60.

So mark your calendars, girls. Jason Wu’s self-proclaimed “gamine chic” collection is set to hit Target stores on Feb. 5. Be sure to get there early — and cross your fingers that no one’s armed with pepper spray.

Text Kara Solarz
Image and Source New York Times Style

Demi-Couture Trumps Ready-To-Wear on the Runway

There's a new section of the fashion industry on the rise: demi-couture — a high-end portion of ready-to-wear, though not necessarily handmade in any way. Designers are reporting a drastic rise in demand for the garments, which can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $14,000 — like a recent Mary Katrantzou dress — and beyond. Azzedine Alaia went as far as having a show featuring only the segments, and then selling the garments "as is" after the show  ... with lots of success. Unlike couture, things like fittings, atelier channels, etc. aren't part of the demi-couture process. Instead, pieces are sold in ready-to-wear fashion: off the rack through retailers or the brands themselves.

The new trend is a little baffling and, sometimes, a financial struggle for designers who have to make sure there's a market for these pieces that, as Jason Wu recently said, "just can't be done for cheaper." It's hard to say whether or not demi-couture really can't be done cheaper, but it's hard to deny that the trend is quickly on the rise.

Text Corinna Fabre
Source Fashionologie

A Touch of Gold

A touch of an accent as bold as gold will bring life to any outfit. Neutral tones may typically dominate fall wardrobes but, to add a glam factor, gold is the go-to luxurious shade in high demand this season.

Metallics have been hot for a while, but gold has never been so prominent. With so many shades, textures, and styles to choose from, it’s hard not to jump on the gold wagon this season and add a little glamour to your fall wardrobe. The otherwise formal metallic can create a high-contrast look when paired with a simple knit sweater and khakis, or dark denim jeans and a fitted blouse.

Whether it's in a shiny gold leather jacket by Phillip Lim or in Jason Wu's slinky gold leaf tunic dress, the rare material is being used by designers to make strong statement pieces.

The decadent shade makes for a variety of options, from trousers in muted tones appropriate for the office, to mini dresses beaded in gold sequins, to gilded accessories that excude modern elegance and sophistication.

Text Tiffany Frasier 
Images courtesy of Balmain, Dries van Noten, Jason Wu, Phillip Lim

Fall Trend: Delicate Lace

 

From demure to sexy, the latest captivating fashion trend is lace. The once-sultry fabric has taken on a whole new feel — from shoes to shirts to dresses. Lace has hit the runways of Dolce & Gabbana, Jason Wu, and more, as designers fall for its sheer elegance. 


One delicate and romantic take on the style is a short, sweet, and simple cocktail dress. To sport a more dramatic ensemble, select a full skirt or floor-length lace dress. A covered-up neckline and a nude or black slip layered underneath maintains flirty yet sophisticated elements, without revealing too much.

The key to pulling off this peek-a-boo style is to adorn yourself with just a touch of lace. A lacy pair of tights adds instant éclat to an LBD or a lace clutch with jeans, while a pair of lace pumps adds polish to any modest outfit, like a white T-shirt and loose-fitting boyfriend jeans.

Mixing the super-feminine fabric with menswear is the perfect transition from summer to fall. A lace skirt with a tailored blazer, or a lacy cami over a knit sweater, are flirty takes on this bold pattern. 

Text Tiffany Frasier
Images courtesy of Lanvin, Jason Wu, Dolce & Gabbana, Elle Tahari, and DKNY