Nautica Fall 2012 Collection

Nautica is always true to its namesake, but this season, they kicked their styling into a higher level, focusing on tailored menswear; without forgetting their nautical/performance notoriety.  Still inspired by aquatic masculinity; Nautica drew their inspiration from the iconic watermen of the American northeast coast.  

Layering cable knits with blazers, and accenting jackets with optical rames sans pocket squares were a very modern take for the brand; credit to stylist Matthew Edelstein who brought Nautica into a more debonair aesthetic.  The deep red corduroy  pants were a perfect touch of color to the Fall Collection, complimenting the palette of olive, navy, and white.   In the era of classic menswear raining supreme, Nautica presented a Collection worthy of the gentleman's aesthetic. 

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BCBG Fall 2012 Runway Collection

When you attend a BCBG Max Azria show, you come expecting a certain aesthetic; simple silhouettes, rich color palette, and geometric shapes.  This season, the collection included all we expected, with the addition of fur!  Silky dresses and wool coats were accentuated with fur shoulders  brought maturity to the collection, while the leather accents added strength and texture to the flirty looks.

Inspired by the geometric abstraction of Bauhaus style, Max and Lubov Azria created a collection that would accent the creative minds of German fashionistas alike.   Much like the Bauhaus school, a German institute of the fine arts, with the goal of combining all aspects of art and design, BCBG also combined architecture and fashion with structured shapes and clean lines.  Likewise, using color as an expression of artistic work, BCBG provided a cohesive, yet eclectic palette with rich autumnal colors and bright blocks of hues. Even the furs had their own color blocking moment!

The last look, a cream crepe gown, had such a subtle charm about it; the touching and shear details made the look a stunning end to the show. 

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photoset credit: style.com

Carlos Campos Spring 2012 Collection

In a time where men have been longing for designers to bring masculine fashion back in style, Carlos Campos has obliged in a way that's simple, unique, and representative of the idea of manhood that spans across generations and cultures.  You can follow this idea of man through a course of time; from the mountains of South America, to the automobile boom of Detroit, to the summer streets of the upper west side, the Carlos Campos SS12 Collection exposes the hidden quality of blue collar style.

Inspired by the "ethnic vibrancy of the Aztec, Mayan, and Incan cultures," Campos used patterns and colors that are indicative of South American culture.  Focusing on a modern approach to uniforms, Campos created a collection that is interchangeable, durable, and well-executed.

 The collection was very similar to the style of dress of men in the 50's: masculine men who cared about their appearance, without having to do the status quo "rat pack" style of dress during that era.  Subtle details, such as the single pleating in the trousers, to the manipulated pockets of the jackets, were a sign that styles from the past can easily re-emerge with proper tailoring and execution.  With color blocking being a major trend this season, Campos perfected the craft by blocking shades of the same color, as well as pairing colors asymmetrically, adding attitude with balance.

A standout  accessory of the collection were the shoes.   From blue suede to the tribal fabric used for Campos's show invitation, Generic Man provided footwear that accompanied the collection perfectly.  

To get the full experience of the collection, view the video footage below:

Rebecca Taylor Spring 2012 Collection

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photos: Getty Images

Rebecca Taylor presented a light, airy, flirtatious, collection for Spring 2012.  Using her signature aesthetic of flowy fabrics and floral prints, Taylor used sheer and asymmetrical cuts to add dimension and edge to her classic looks.  Metallics and lighter spring tones kept the collection seasonally appropriate, with the option of pairing it with a denim or suede jacket for the autumn weather.

Zang Toi Spring 2012 Collection

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Zang Toi always gives you the essence of regality with his designs, but this season, he takes it to the beginning of it all with his "dream of North Africa."  The collection was glamorous, well executed, and bountifully drmamatic; as to be expected by the talented designer.  In this collection, Zang Toi brings you into his dream of North Africa, but also leaves you to your own thoughts and personifications of the ancient and present elements of that region.

The colors, down to the names (ebony, ivory, sapphire), have strong implications to North Africa, and of the African continent in general.  The gold leaf on the garments, to the rich metallic gold handbag puts you in mind of the gold coast and the riches of Northern African nations.  The linen is reminiscent of ancient rucksacks and sackcloth used in the biblical times of Job and King David.  The blue was as eternal as the seas on the continent, and of the extravagant garments worn by African royalty. 

The first look, from the 24K gold leaf, to the dramatic linen cape, to model Gorgie Badiel channeling her roots to exude the power of the African woman - brought the audience into the powerful, regal, ancient time of Africa's dynasty and influence.  As models regally entered the runway, which felt like the King's chambers, each look had elements of luxury, boldness and expert craftsmanship.  Zang Toi garments will always be tailored to perfection, and even with the woman's jackets he was able to utilize crisp tailored lines with enough accents to create feminine silhouettes.

The statement piece, "Make Love not War," was accepted well with the audience, and is a perfect way to wear your support of peace, especially in the current social climate we live in.  The top, paired with the gold pants, was a very sexy youthful addition to the collection. 

To end the show, Kirstie Alley walks in a dramatic, sapphire couture silk gazar gown, topped with a jewel encrusted imperial coat.  Alley, beautiful and still in great shape after her trime on Dancing With the Stars, gracefully walked the runway, continuing the roar of applause that had been occuring throughout the entire presentation of Zang Toi's collection. 

Norman Ambrose Spring Summer 2012 Collection

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Norman Ambrose created an ultra-chic, glamorous, editorial-ready collection for Spring/Summer 2012, bringing a sense of maturity and self-awareness to women of all ages. Rich coral, guava, and bold turquoise colors blended with ivory and gold pulled in a cohesive collection, inspired by the "sun glistening on the Mediterranean like a sea of diamonds.  The use of metallics and beading on the fabrics also conveyed the inspiration; the contrast of black, slate and silver representing the lifecycle of the diamond from coal to precious gem.  The gold glass bolero has such a movement quality that it caught every ounce of light personifying rays of sun. The finale look was a well-executed, red carpet ready ivory silk crepe evening gown with dramatic guava bow; ending the collection on a soft, feminine note. 

 

 Click to watch footage of the finale walk from the show!

Herve Leger Spring Summer 2012 Collection

 

 

 photos: getty images

Just when it seems the bandage dress can no longer evolve, Max Azria proves that with his creative genius and strong sense of the woman's body, anything is possible.  This season's collection was all about strength, with looks reminiscent of Greek goddesses,warrior princesses and tribal queens. Whether Xena, or Angelina Jolie's character in Beowolf, Max and Lubov Azria created a collection that was powerful, carnal, and intensively detailed. Hard, rugged elements such as weaving and lots of metal detailing, added edge and attitude to the sexy silhouettes.  Azria also included fringe to the collection, which gave the dresses movement and character. The looks were finished with strong slick-back ponytails, and these amazing sandals that exudes the dominating force of a strong woman.