#6 Video Fashion Show

Valentino is by far my favorite designer. It is so feminine and unique, where each piece is on trend yet a classic. My 1st Valentino purchase were these black suede boots that I adore.

Each season I wait for the Valentino Runway Show and the Spring 2012 collection did not let me down. Viewing the pictures, what stuck out was the thinly draped laser-cut leather in such beautiful designs and flat sandals. Model after model in flats! Whether it was a day look or the gorgeous silver see-through gown. I can go on and on forever about the collection and how much I love it.

Video of a runway show is probably the closest you can get to the experience of actually sitting in the audience. To some degree, you get a closer and clearer view than those in the front row. Of course it differs from the photos in that we can see the movement, here the music and the backdrop of the runway and get a better sense of the overall collection.

In this video, you have the added bonus of the actual designers', Pier Paolo & Maria Grazia Chiuri,comments and point of view on garments and the overall collection. With this collection in particular, I like how you can see how the leather flows as opposed to the stiffness that is usual, how the gowns move with a walk in flats, and the designers' pointing out the embroidered details and how they feel about color etc.

#5 Fall 2012 Color Trends

Every season has its staple colors such as black and red. They are polar opposites with black being safe and secure and red representing the fearless risk-taker. At the same time though, they are both classic and timeless.

The past few seasons black did not take the spotlight. Its all about color from Fall 2011's rich jewel-tones to Spring 2012's sunny colors, where greens and yellows stood out.

Gucci, Fall 2011                                                                 Carolina Herrera, Spring 2012

Transitioning the colors as seasons progress, Fashion Snoops forecasts a "70's Glam" color palette, inspired by the disco and jazz era, that really excites me. The shades are really fun and are just deep enough to exude a fall feel.

Runway Images (Style.com, Spring RTW 2012):

Burberry

Zac Posen

Fendi

Carlos Miele

DKNY

Donna Karan

#4 Fashion on the Streets of NYC

I love people watching and living in NY, there is PLENTY to watch. Being into fashion, I tend to analyze and critique all that I see and simultaneously see how runway fashion is translated in to literal day-to-day wear.

The change of seasons is exciting because you get to see everything new. Riding boots, lots of leather jackets in various colors and so many fun scarves. A trend I noticed more than I have in the past is the cross-body bag. A bit smaller and narrower than the messenger bag. It's compact, comfortable and allows NY's busy fashionistas to keep their hands free for everything else they're doing.

Here are some shots from the street:

They come in so many colors and patterns:

 


From Macy's.com (left to right):  Tignanello, Lucky Brand, Giani Bernini, Coach, Betseyville by Betsey Johnson