How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
Spotted: Alexander Wang's first-ever ad campaign on Third Avenue and 12th Street between Third North and Founders Hall. Ladies and gentlemen, it's that time of year again. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is back, and as the last time at Bryant Park, it is sure to be a monumental event.
While pre-fall collections do not necessarily gauge exactly what the designer will put on the runway, it gives their audience a little taste of what's to come. From Alexander Wang to Diane von Furstenberg, make sure to keep an eye out for the collections of these highly anticipated designers.
Alexander Wang's fall 2009 collection was full of tailoring with an edge. He presented sleek black and white coats, suits and dresses mixed with leather and crocodile to give them a rock 'n' roll feel. For spring, his looks were lighter and layered; Wang transformed varsity into the Village, taking the American football aesthetic and giving it a downtown feel with asymmetrical collared shirts and mesh jersey sweaters. His fall 2010 collection promises classic, sleek and sultry pieces that any woman would want for her closet.
"[Wang] arrived in the industry so suddenly and so strongly, I am curious to see if his stronghold lasts," CAS sophomore Lauren Frankfort said. "He has basically epitomized downtown culture the past two years — everyone drools at the sight of his clothing."
CAS sophomore Michelle Marques appreciates the effortless chic of Wang's pieces.
"I loved his all-black collection for last fall," Marques said. "It was a very mature and feminine/body conscious collection with touches of military edge. For his fall 2010 collection I predict that he will continue to build on his model off-duty aesthetic in a fresh way that reflects maturity and modernity. His accessories continue to be amazing every season and their supple textures are unlike anything I have ever seen."
Proenza Schouler's fall 2009 collection presented everything from gray tweed conservative pieces to futuristic metallic cocktail attire. The spring collection was for the younger, fresher woman — with short cocktail dresses in vibrant aquatic-like prints. Their pre-fall 2010 collection mirrored the previous seasons, bringing unique prints to a preppy collegiate vision. But there is nothing stiff or conservative about these pieces: they are uniforms that any private schoolgirl would lust after. If Proenza Schouler's pre-fall collection is any indication — from its darling dresses to sequins and oxford shirts to cashmere tops — the show this week guarantees an innovative line.
Gallatin sophomore Michelle Von Mandel said she looks forward to seeing how individual designers' perceptions of beauty have changed from the previous year.
"Last season, androgyny seemed to be a common theme that stemmed out of the search for natural beauty," Mandel said. "Rag & Bone and Y-3 used shape and styling to convey a very androgynous point of view. Even Phillip Lim and Proenza Schouler dabbled in it."
As a whole, the pre-fall collections of the previously mentioned designers do point to an androgynous perspective, but you never know what will hit the runway this week. Although, some things can probably be expected: DVF will be sure to present breathtaking prints and Phillip Lim his usual fun fashion; the Project Runway tent will reveal delights and Christian Siriano with his gravity-defying hair will no doubt produce something dark and daring; Nanette Lepore will have a line that pops with color and stunning silhouettes; and Marc Jacobs' designs will also be highly coveted.
"[Marc Jacobs] never does me any wrong," Frankfort said.
"If I could fill my wardrobe with just one designer, I would choose Marc Jacobs," Steinhardt sophomore Kristen Yoonsoo Kim said. "His color palette this season is just so delicious! With a collection full of plaid, tribal patterns, and polka dots, Marc Jacobs continues to create innovative and interesting styles he's well-known for. It's like [Mark] Rothko meets Africa meets your favorite fashionista."
