America’s fashion finest had their heads in their hands a couple of weeks ago as New York fashion week drew to unenthusiastic close. Cathy Horyn, The New York Times Fashion critic, was one of the many disappointed attendees, stating, “…designers are in a little bit of a creative slump.” However, while some of America’s biggest fashion houses proved to be less then stellar, hope was restored by young eclectic talent, whom had every fashion editor in a tizzy, and everyone around the world wanting more.
PROENZA SCHOULER: Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have again served up another heaping pile of hipster cool. Computerized prints of old Navajo blankets served as an overall theme for the duo, proving that no aesthetic is to old for new interpretation. The loose, boyish trouser, paired with an oversized blazer had fashionista’s drooling, and retailers hearing, “ Ka-ching.” Old, Native American blanket prints consumed fringed skirts, jewel-toned dresses, and even heavy wool sweaters, creating an overall look that was somehow inviting. “(They) took obvious references and abstracted them into something very modern, and not overly decorated,” explained Vanessa Friedman of the Financial Times. So whilst images of Pocahontas getting swept into studio 54 may come to mind, the fashion verdict is in on Proenza Schouler‑we dig.
RODARTE: The effortless romanticism that Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the super-sister duo behind Rodarte, bring to the New York fashion landscape is a breath of fresh in the already condense fashion world. The ‘Golden Hour’, a specific time of day where the light on the great plains glows, served as inspiration for their newest collection. Pagan symbol’s float through garments that include floor length coats, iliac dresses and cornfield printed gowns. As your daydreams conjure up prairie field days, a red sequined skirt topped with a matching pixie jacket jolt you to reminisce about something completely different, but equally as appealing. Supermodel Karen Elson pointed out the folk art eliminate to the collection, most desirably seen in the knee high, geometrically decorated boots. Although the Mulleavy sisters are relatively new to the fashion world, after experiencing their latest show, they’ll have you begging and pleading to be their ‘prairie home companion’.
