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!

NYFW: reintroducing color-blocking and the craze on past decades

Past decades and their art forms are back again this NYFW, some more colorful than others. Below are a few of my favorite picks along with their respective dissections. 

A faux color-blocked mink coat and silk tail blouse will compliment any basic black skinnys. And apparently, it seems likes Juan Carlos Obando agrees as well. Opting for minimalistic chic oftentimes works wonders, and if you have an aversion to color or find it hard to pull off, you'll understand what I mean. While boxed and cropped shapes empower the female figure letting the wearer decide whether or not she wishes to reveal her curves, flowing textures act like second skin and swirl elegantly as they follow every movement of a woman's body. Obando's fall collection captures every aspect of a woman's personality, starting with the romanticized lady to the respected matron.

Street-ready grunge-tinged looks have always been a trademark of Richard Chai's. And with his hodgepodge of laid back designs and office appropriate wears, he's definitely in for a crowd-pleaser. The opening consisted of dandy looking silhouettes embracing the bespoke details that come with a century-old-brand, as thick horizontal lines played out on a smart pair of pants, blazers and dresses. And just when one might have thought it were a show for garçonnes only, a youthful concoction of flowing pants and boxy blazers came down the runway, with sprouts of floral and mottled tie dye prints here and there. All in all, we're probably trending towards all solid looks next season for the most part, so cherish the last real remnants of patterns this Spring. 

A desert fixation certainly did not leave the runway deserted for Nicholas Kunz. Inspired by the Taos artists of the 1920s and 1930s, her collection adopts an authentic palette of raw and earthy shades. From fringe adorned blouses tucked under leather jackets to hipster fashioned sombreros, Kunz doesn't hesitate to  pull in from western and Deco influences. If you want to be a walking artsy mishmash and are dying for a little bit of that flapper look, I say give it a try. It's definitely unique and will make you stand out. All images via Style.com.