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Fashion Forward: Looking Ahead to Spring 2005

Recapping New York Fashion Week, September 8th-15th

Ahhh… New York Fashion Week, what more can you say, it isdefinitely the fashion investor’s paradise.  Last week wrappedthe premier of many designers’ spring 2005 collections and thereviews were quite pleasing.

 

           Frombeautiful, bold colors to new takes on old classics, N.Y. FashionWeek showcased many of the best designers and their most creativeworks of art.

 

           Someof the designers and houses featured included, Ralph Lauren, PerryEllis, Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, Carolina Herrera, MoniqueLhuillier, House of Diehl and Zac Posen, who was the winner of thisyear’s award for emerging talent from the Council of FashionDesigners of America.  Kenneth Cole kicked off the over 80shows that were scheduled during this fashion extravaganza. Cole’s show featured gossamer sweaters and figure flattering,strapless dresses, infused with boning for women, and canvas suitsand white denim for men. 

 

           Oneof the most anticipated shows of the week was the Marc Jacob’scollection.  His merge of bold colors and playful fabrics,were eye catching and pleasing to all.  His line was gearedtowards a younger audience and was easilyready-to-wear.

 

          Otherdesigners highlighted included new comer, Richard Chai. Although having his own line is a new concept, he is not new to thescene.  He has worked for Marc Jacobs and been a creativedirector at Tse.  His focus in his new collection isflattering, rich fabrics, but he doesn’t want to pigeonhole his ownwork.  He likes to say that he is a “modernist.”

 

           Inspirationsfor this season’s collections span the globe.  Influences camefrom Japan, Africa, Morocco, and Uzbekistan, just to name afew.  Also, a few designers looked toward nature forinsight.  Michael Kors used sexy and exotic animal prints forspring ’05, while Rebecca Taylor turned her sights to romanticbutterflies and forest scenes for her spring collection.

 

           Newelements for New York Fashion Week weren’t only in theclothing.  This year introduced the arrival of MO-Chic fromMandarin Oriental, New York.  Mandarin Oriental is a worldwidehotel group that introduced a luxury package for the true fashionfan.  This package includes a hosted one-on-one, full-day tourled by Kathleen Beckett (Fashion Insider), who can arrangeconsultations with leading fashion designers, at more than 70fashion houses in New York.  It also includes two night’sluxury accommodations, a Time Ritual spa treatment at MandarinOriental, and a MO-Chic shopping day.

 

           Afterreviewing several different lines, it is clear that the dominant,must have pieces for spring 2005 will be, casual, everyday suitsfor men and soft, silhouette enhancing skirts and dresses forwomen.  After a winter of dark, heavy wool and cashmere,lighter materials and bolder colors will be refreshing for thespring season.