(left-right, top row first) BCBG Max Azaria, Davidelfin, Elie Tahari, Jen Kao, L.A.M.B., Monique Lhuillier, Organic by John Patrick, Ports 1961, Prabal Gurung, Vena Cava, WayneI never see all of the collections. I probably look through about 60% of the images posted on style.com. I have plans in the next few days and start my new job on Monday but I am going to attempt to review all of the collections posted on style.com. Ready, set, go!*
BCBG Max Azaria: There are a lot of mini dresses, some sheer fabrics, and many bright prints sewn together with solids in a puzzle-like fashion. Scoring: pretty but not groundbreaking.
Davidelfin: David Delfin used toothpaste blues and greens (retro colors) to showcase his pieced together ensembles. The styling was very original. Men's dress shirts were half dress shirt, half blazer jacket cut and fabric. There were a lot of sheer fabrics used and layering (shorts worn over pants) demonstrated that the collection was more than some finely tailored basics. Scoring: good clean look with a twist.
Elie Tahari: Mostly casual colors (white, tan, and grey) with an orange accent here and there. There were some cute pieces but a lot of the paper bag waisted shorts just reminded me of Chloe Spring 09. The detailed gathering on the orange dress here is uncommon and beautiful. Scoring: cute but almost a yawn.
Jen Kao: Relaxed color palette, motorcycle jackets with cut-outs on the sleeves, imitation Proenza Schouler bustier dresses, and blazers. I do like the blazer dress (fierce shoulders). Scoring: I'm not surprised that this designer isn't well known.
L.A.M.B.: I have loved Gwen since middle school. She continues to impress me with this collection. It is frilly, punk, mature, and forward-looking. Gwen showcases overalls, draping, voluminous sleeves, a few motorcycle jackets, and one-shoulder dresses and blouses. Scoring: moving onward and upward (rock steady).
Monique Lhuillier: Draping, volume here and there, a Chanel-esque suit, and tiered fringe in yellows, reds, and blacks. It felt much more intense/grim than her usual pretty/light esthetic. The eye make up was scary and distracting too... This black dress was my favorite but the fedora has to go. Someone please fire the stylist. Scoring: Monique enters a dark period for spring and almost hits the mark.
Organic by John Patrick: I hear the forties calling. Cute separates with a few cocktail dresses. Mostly solids with some calming floral patterns. The shapes are retro but the fit and details are current. Scoring: easy to wear and classy. Side note- how ridiculously iconic does Shalom Harlow look in this suit?
Ports 1961:There was so much going on. Tons of texture with different fabrics, a beautiful peach hue, kimono/Asian styles that stop short before looking like costumes, metallics, watercolor prints, sheer tops, and much more. I had trouble picking a favorite look. Scoring: major league player hits home run.
Prabal Gurung: Sheer fabrics, bow detailing, draping & gathering, and some quality cocktail dresses. The collection was mostly black, beige, and white but there were pops of cobalt blue (one of my favorite colors). The pieces are cute but mature and the suits are functional but fashionable. Scoring: add me to your client list please.
Vena Cava: A little chain mail, some dizzying prints, sheer fabrics, mostly black with a splash of orange. Also, some high-waisted shorts and exposed zippers. Scoring: not my cup of tea- majority of the collection was not pretty or particularly flattering to the female form.
Wayne: There was the use of sheer fabrics, structured shoulders, cut-outs, leggings, and draping. All neutral colors except a punch of bright yellow. Can I say "I TOLD YOU SO!" There was a fanny pack on one of the models... (see previous post) Scoring: feels like Calvin Klein crisp/clean vibe but with some attitude infused.
*editors note: I'll be creating trend posts on Spring 2010 instead of reviewing every collection. It's more organized and less work!
