Thakoon's Fuchsia Fantasy

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Thakoon showed its pink-doused fall 2012 collection at New York Fashion Week on Sunday. Color blocking with fuchsia, hot pink, and red—complete with brightly colored lips—the fiery show featured luxe fabrics like leather, fur, and jacquard.

Mastermind behind the designs Thakoon Panichgul mixed older styles (such as high-waisted pants and inspiration from tuxedo cuts) with modern looks (by way of color and materials) and calls the color scheme a "neon beam."

With a nod from New York Fashion Week, will you be dressed in head-to-toe pink on Valentine's Day?

Text Alice Chen
Image and Source Washington Post

Act Neutral

One way to stand out this season: Blend in. If the latest crop of pre-fall collections are of any indication, designers are taking a detox from last season’s neon binge and are instead opting for neutrals.

Take Christopher Bailey of Burberry, who comfortably fell into the fashion house’s favorite season. (What’s autumn without a crisp Burberry coat?) The creative director showed an elegant series of structured pieces in dusty grays and chocolaty browns. The neutral shades — occasionally punctuated by muted notes of mustard yellow, lavender, and sage — translated well into fabrics like tweed and wool. Bailey’s apparent muse of a pre–World War II party girl managed to toe the fine line between gloom and grace — think Kate Middleton on a foggy day.

Another favorite take on neutrals was Thakoon’s pre-fall line (pictured above), which lightened things up in khakis, creams, and mauvey grays. Instead of playing with colors and patterns — aside from hints of pastels and some select striped garments — designer Thakoon Panichgul experimented with multi-textured layers. Textiles like cable knit, printed wool, and Mongolian lamb went together seamlessly, accessorized simply with leather loafers in, what else, nude.

Text Kara Solarz
Image Style.com

It Takes Two to Tango

The Pantone Color Institute recently announced that Tangerine Tango will takeover as the color of the year for 2012, replacing 2011's Honeysuckle. The institute describes the hue as a “spirited reddish orange [that] continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.”

Popularity for this shade is seen in the fashion world, as many designers incorporated the orange hue in their spring 2012 collections. The Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2012 highlights designers such as Elie Tahari, Cynthia Steffe, and Nanette Lepore, who used this flavorful color in their collections. The report also highlights other must-have shades of the upcoming season, which include Solar Power (a bright yellow), Margarita (muted green), and Cabaret (punchy pink), among others.

Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, sums it up well: “Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism, and the promise of a brighter day.” Tango Tangerine certainly fits the bill for this and will provide a hint of spice to your spring wardrobe.

Check out some juicy handbags in the spicy shade for spring after the jump…

Military Addition: Camouflage Pastels

While it still seems so far away at this point, the pre-fall 2012 collection of designer Thakoon's affordable Addition line has been announced, and we are loving the versatile eccentricity.

From a pastel palette of camouflage prints (brilliant!) to olive green pieces, the designer described Addition's oversized pockets, full skirts, and swing jackets as being "flirty, cheeky, military" clothes. 

So, a military vibe mixed with pastels, floral prints, and the ever-so-trendy olive green? Yes please! But wait, this olive color is not the only one to highlight — there's also a pretty dose of peachy pink, blue hues, and sandy tones. The variety is so much to take in, and we can barely contain this exhilaration. Check out the entire pre-fall 2012 collection here, and tell us which look you can't wait to own next year.

Text Brittney Schering

Image Fashionologie 

Summer & Fall Trend Watch: The Shirtdress

Thakoon Addition Button Front Shirtdress

The one piece on every one's fall shopping list, the shirt-dress, has gained cult status due to its unfaltering versatility. The piece feels beachy and bohemian with tan legs, gladiators, and a cinched belt, but will transition well into fall with tights and ankle boots. What's more, tunics are flattering on most body types, bringing length and emphasis to the legs! The best option is to purchase in varying fabric textures: a light chiffon for summer and a sturdy cotton for early fall. This way, you can choose to go with romantic and flowy or structural and smooth, as the occasion sees fit! If you've already gotten on the bandwagon, some designers are opting for new off the shoulder cuts, or deconstructed necklines, offering a refreshingly post-modern take on this classic. If you're having trouble choosing, remember this: don't go too tight, you want something that hangs cleanly (that means no weird pull lines around the boobs!) and military green is always in.

Text: Hannah Morris

Source: WWD
Photo: Shopbop.com