New York, New York: Fall Fashion Week 2010

3.1 Phillip Lim

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz New York Fall Fashion week in appropriate fashion has passed in the blink of an eye. Whilst we here in Washington, DC attempted (not so successfully) to dig ourselves out of our respective snow dens, New York was a-frenzy over fall fashion; snow or no snow. Fall fashions aways bring out a more subtle show, which was even more subdued with the news of fashion Goliath, Alexander McQueen's death. The show was bitter sweet, as it was the last showing at the iconic Bryant Park tents. This fall, New York Fashion Week will move to Lincoln Center. The change of venue will be a major shift, as the tents have become a beacon, synonymous with American fashion.

Classic Clean at The Row

All in all, the collections shown were poignantly spare and clean, aiming for modesty, rather than a spectacle.

Some of the most notable themes for the ladies were over-sized knitwear from designers like Yigal Azrouel, very heavy layering, clean American sportswear, turtlenecks, velvet thanks to Altuzarra, Charlotte Ronson and Alexander Wang (among many others) dropped hemlines, crop tops and masterful 70's disco thanks to Phillip Lim. Styles of the late 80's/early 90's were prevalent, including the velvet and velour. Thigh-high socks and legwarmers jumped straight off the runways of Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone and Michael Kors and onto every "must have" list for fall. If you are a fan of pants, then this fall is right up your alley. Designers have begun to shy away from the skinny leg, which has long reigned as the staple women pant. This fall many opted for a roomier, beautiful trouser.

Top: Crop Top Turtleneck at Alexander Wang
Center: 70's disco at 3.1 Phillip Lim

Bottom: Velvet and Leg Warmers at Alexander Wang

Speaking of pants, graffiti pants from Proenza Schouler (above) added a bit of shock and awe.

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If this spring was tailor made for the dapper gentlemen, then this fall is perfect for the rugged outdoors-man. Doc Marten influenced boots flooded the runways. There appeared to be a few exceptions, most notably Calvin Klein; leave it Francisco Costa's stark minimalism to present the trench coat clad gentleman of the future.

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The trickle down effect from New York is undeniable. One can only guess as to which emerging trends will make it into DC. However, seeing as many of the fall 2010 looks are more "user friendly" than normal, perhaps we shall see Washingtonians be a bit bolder this fall?

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