NYFW Part Deux: Welcoming back the play on prints and patterns

The past two days of New York Fashion Week have been extra eye pleasing to me. Indeed, it seems like prints and patterns are still a do next Fall, as uncovered by Rodarte, Proenza Schouler & Michael Kors. From Australian countryside inspired patterned frocks, to a new take on oriental dressing and finally a spin on plaid and tweed textures, our designers are definitely continuing to embrace the trend. I just can't wait to see some of these catwalk goodies trickle down to the streets--although I do want Summer to happen first, I'm just sayin'...

The Mulleavy Sisters have definitely infused a balanced blend of artistic dreamery and practical wear into their new collection. Detailed embroidered pieces such as starry print jackets over tulle skirts and dresses ornated with coral beaded patterns still lend to the days when collections such as Starry Night and Days of Heaven came to reality, yet with a more commercial (and wearable) appeal.

Tying with oriental influeces, Proenza Schouler's dynamic duo Hernandez and McCollough endorse brocade this Fall, with long-sleeve dresses so intricately fashioned that they could almost look like jackets aover flippy miniskirts. Unarguably a modern interpretation of the Kimono dress, there is almost something Coco Chanel-esque about the cut, conservative on top and flirtatiously revealing a little leg at the bottom.

And if there's anyone out there able to create rustic-luxe glamour, it's Michael Kors. At the core of his production are texture and print associations with plaid and tweed, followed by fur trims ranging from shearling, Mongolian lamb and raccoon, playfully hugging a coat collar, comfortably hanging on a purse and even recreating the Sorel boot in a more fanciful way. All images via Style.com.   

So which designer pieces do you like best from the above? Which ones are the yays--and nays if any? Don't be shy, drop me a line!

H&M vs. Michael Kors

Although this blog's mission is to analyze current trends, where they come from and how they came about, it also never fails to cover interesting overlaps between pieces belonging to higher fashion and those created by the most popular mass retailers we have today. Take H&M for example. While the Swedish retailer has been engaging in guest-designer collaborations each year since it's first exclusive collection with Karl Lagerfeld in 2004, it often surreptitiously adapts the creations of world known designers for the everyday mainstream and let's not kid ourselves, even the most glamorous fashionistas very frequently opt for the mainstream. After all, the Kaiser said it himself: "Go either very cheap or very expensive. It's the middle ground that is fashion nowhere." So tell me, when will it be expensive and when will it be cheap? 

passport holder: Michael Kors vs. mobile phone case: H&M

Don't fret over the question, the above accessories should help you make your decision. And whether you like one or the other, expensive or cheap, so long as you carry yourself well, your look will always be chic!