Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S/S 2012

11 Oct

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S/S 2012

Written by R. Anthony Morrison

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Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S/S in New York is always electric. Of course the buzz among in the fashion community started a couple of months before. For the various press and other members of the fashion industry it's all about getting your game plan together on which shows and parties you will attend. The first day of MBFW was scheduled for seven shows, the last one ending at 2:30pm, the night belonged to Fashion's Night Out and everyone had ample time to get themselves together for the festivities. For the first time shows were screened online via youtube so a lot of pepole who couldnt actually make it to fashion week, had the chance to experience the collections via the internet. We began with BCBGMAZAZRIA, Max Azria is always sleek and vibrant in use of color and cut of the silhouette. His spring line is blend of light fabrics and bold colors. After that it was Richard Chai, and the students of the Supima design competition.

In between shows there was the usual caching up with industry friends and celebrity sightings. There were some changes to the lobby set up that seemed to make things a little more organized. The press work stations had been moved the the side of the lobby rather than the center pit that had been set up last season. There are a horde of media photographers and bloggers frantically peering into laptop screens as they download pics and update editorials between shows. Conspicuously absent this season were the liquor and wine sponsors that are usually giving away free booze.

Day four of MBFW gave Tracey Reese her turn to shine and she presented an on trend collection featuring sheer fabrics over summer shorts. she also presented swimsuits, and sporty pieces . Diane Von Furstenberg showed her collection on day four as well, which also happened to be September 11. Diane Von Furstenberg has been in the business for over 40 years and consistently gets it right season after season. this season she gave us floral inspired print dresses, bold colors, and layered kimono inspired designs.

Zang Toi was definitely a stand out this season, the designs featured some really innovative separates that featured pants and tops with long light textured tops as well as head wraps. It seems like he gave the models free reign to work the runway as they pleased it was brilliant. Actress Kirsty Alley looked fabulous as she walked the runway in a vibrant blue embroidered maxi jacket.

Custo Barcelona is an innovative designer . His collection featured strong vibrant prints and short sets with some iridescent jackets that evoked a metallic effect. There were some glittering black jackets worn with earth toned and grey shorts offset with stripes and tops bursting with neon psychedelics. Part of the collection featured muted pastels and looks that had a unisex flair. the bursting colors of his prints could be seen throughout his collection.

Betsy Johnson was all glam sexy and playful entertainment. Betsy loves floral prints, she made use of them for some light dresses and swimsuits. She sent out some form fitting floral designs, and there were swimsuits adorned with skulls as well. We saw leopard print pants and bras in addition to some interesting head pieces. Closing out the show was Betsy doing a cartwheel on the runway ending in a split. she was followed by bikini clad models carrying and neon metallic balloons.

Carolina Herrera is a favorite, season after season she gives us elegant, classy designs. What she does with color and texture is truly an art. While some collections are reflecting the trend of borrowing from mens wear, Herrera's collection is all woman, Her collection this season featured looks to take you from spring to summer. Her collection was a nice balance of glamorous evening wear, you have to love this woman for her geometric inspired evening gown

It was a dazzling week that ended with the ARISE: Made In Africa collection showing on the last day at Avery Fisher Hall. The show presented by ARISE magazine (Nigeria) features cutting edge designers from Africa. In the past they have presented collections by Stoned Cherry, David Tlale, Jewel and Tiffany Amber. Among the designers featured were; KLUK CGDT, Tsemaye Binitie, Lanre Da Silva Ajaye, Bunmi Koko, Jewel by Lisa , and Pierre-Antoine Vettorello. The designs presented in these collections stayed true to the African fashion esthetic while making some adjustments to consumer requirements in the main stream fashion world. the effort to incorporate lighter fabrics is one such consideration. The rise of African Fashion designers has brought with it a desire to prove that Africa is a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. Made in Africa was rich in culture, color and innovation. It was a grand way to end the week.