I must admit, that when I think of New York Fashion Week 2013, I find myself singing “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” – Deniece Williams’ catchy single from the 1984 cult classic “Footloose” – but in this case, I’ve pluralized ‘boy’ in honor of the crème de la crème of New York’s male designers. It’s an appropriate anthem for the dapper, fashionable foursome – Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung and Marc Jacobs. Granted, Wu is Taiwanese-Canadian and Gurung is Nepali -American- both take residence in NYC, so technically they are ‘New Yorkers’… The NYC boys did their best to represent and ingrain New York’s mainstay as a global fashion mecca.
JASON WU- RTW F/W 2013
Jason Wu is inimitably known for his refined, ladylike designs. He was the coveted designer of the Inauguration gown for the First Lady, Michelle Obama- two terms in a row. But, for his seventh show at NYFW, Wu was determined to depart from the polished, demure limelight and embrace a sexier, edgier tone to his work. He refers to the collection as”Extreme Femininity” and his inspiration is “Smoldering.” Wu tapped into sex appeal via decor – leather detail, sheerness- and color – black, white and ‘smoldering’ blue and red. Perfect examples of this sultry sojourn is displayed in plunging necklines and seductive leather-strapped cinched waists. I am Wu’d over with his provocative lineup.
MICHAEL KORS -RTW F/W 2013
Michael Kors stepped out of his minimal, neutral-toned element to enter a futuristic sporty world of loud, vibrant colors and exaggerated shapes and silhouettes. This F/W season is in homage to his sporty urban chic clientele – mostly transfixed on statement outerwear. Kors went as far as to name his yellow ‘Taxicab.” He dabbled in sturdy, durable materials – perforated felt, rubberized knits, heavy wool -and excessive boxier cuts. The futuristic black shades and fitted long black gloves were the perfect accessories to this cutting edge look. Kors definitely upped the ante! FYI- I LOVE the shimmery cobalt blue houndstooth print!
PRABAL GURUNG – RTW F/W 2013
Interesting to note, Prabal Gurung was inspired by “Time” magazine’s article, “The Best Inventions of 2012.” He was drawn to a piece regarding the U.S. military testing body armor specifically designed to fit women because the men’s gear is too large for a high percentage of active women. Gurung’s inspiration led him to alter the classic military style by adding a feminine twist- slimming cuts, accentuated waists, slinky skirts, silk details/epaulets, plush fur, sheer sleeves, asymmetrical high slits and peplum. Another fascinating point is he specialized this collection by incorporating his Nepalese heritage through a gorgeous black and red folkloric print – which paired beautifully with the military chic attire. The icing on the cake was the stunning black leather slit gladiator thigh-high boots… I’d go to combat for those!
MARC JACOBS – RTW F/W 2013
Marc Jacobs is eminently known for his superb innovative and brazen designs, but for this collection it seems his eccentric side went into hibernation. To be quite honest, he did a splendid job with a more demure, elegant style. Jacobs played with a more neutral color palette of dusty rose, pale grey, burgundy, brown, gold, green and blue. It’s as if he’s channeled Gatsby and old Hollywood style – the gowns are definitely red carpet ready. Jacobs shined – no pun intended- with metallic paillettes and lushly sequined gowns and matching coats. To add luxe upon luxe, he topped it off with opulent, plush fox fur collars and capes. Elegance at it’s finest.
Overall, it seems the fabulous foursome have one theme in common this season – stepping out of the box and successfully executing a brave, new concept. They truly dominated the NYFW runways with their phenomenal collections. Equivalently, it was each one of their best shows to date.
Notes from the Styleshack... 