New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 – Day 1

NICHOLAS K – New York Fashion Week kicked off yesterday with Nicholas K once again owning the opening runway slot for Day 1 at the Lincoln Center. For Spring/Summer 2012 Nicholas and Christopher Kunz, the sibling design team behind Nicholas K, presented a light airy collection anchored in the basic principles of effective layering. Inspired by the beauty of aerial landscapes and natural transparencies, the collection began with virginal asymmetrical white-toned outfits that gradually moved to muted sun-bleached colours and greys. The sheer draped fabrics danced as the models as they walked the runway. The men’s pieces – slightly heavier, markedly masculine, and well put together. There isn’t a guy they wouldn’t please. As good as the collection was, the styling by Wendy Schecter really gave it that extra oomph.
The mesh, something we saw Dolce & Gabbana banking on heavily for SS12, shows up in womenswear and it’ll be interesting to see if there’s more to come. The women’s custom made shoes by Vintage Shoe Co., must-haves for SS12 as will the classic men’s Walk-Over derby shoes. They looked so good, I definitely need a pair. Great job on beauty by Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas (hair lead: Zahir Ziani, make-up lead: Lindsay Ebbin, nails: Alisha Rimando), and PR by People’s Revolution. For more Nicholas K SS12 photos including backstage pre-show please click here.

BCBGMAXAZRIA – If there is a dress that you must buy next spring/summer – it should be one by BCBG Max Azria. For Spring/Summer 2012, the label has also invested in fluid silhouettes and weightless fabrics. The chiffon frocks oozed sexiness in a palette of confident, saturated brights with neutral accents juxtapose tribal prints and embroideries, reflecting an urban, global spirit. The elongated proportions and sporty elements (active elegance as Alber Elbaz calls it) did in fact lend an active glamour to effortless chic. The funked up Mondrianesque colour blocked panels looked incredible. Throw on some wedges or platform sandals and how could any man resist? For more BCBG SS12 photos please click here.

CANDELA – What can one say about Candela? Absolutely loving the intensity of the colours, the detailed embroidery, embellishments, and footwear for SS12. Highlights include to tangerine silk chiffon button down shirt, tan battenburg cotton lace shorts, royal blue chiffon dress with gold detail, and the kaleidoscope print silk chiffon blouse. Definitely something for a younger female demographic, definitely impressive. For more Candela SS12 photos click here.

DOUGLAS HANNANT “PINK” – A final sprint to the Hudson Hotel where we rocked out to a live performance by the Vandelles and basked in a funky Frida Kahloesque styled glow of Pink by Douglas Hannant. His creations are likely stand out as some of the most creative that we will see at New York Fashion Week for SS12. Bright colours, reworked floral prints, a knit dress, rope sandals, ornate decorative embellished pieces that are sure to stop people cold when you walk into a room. Thoroughly enjoyed everything about this one! For more photos please click here.

Spiro Mandylor http://itsallstyletome.com