By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Eight blissful days of runway shows and presentations showcased the trends for next spring and summer at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2013 in New York City. It appears that brilliant orange, is next season’s “hot pink” a perfect complement to our year-round Miami tan. Just ask Carolina Herrera, Victoria Beckham, Nanette Lepore, Zac Posen, or Peter Som. In addition to the typical pastel shades, floral prints, and free-flowing fabrics, geometric patterns and stream-lined styles appeared in several shows. While it’s difficult to pinpoint pervasive trends, as the looks were as varied as their designers, many collections boasted bold colors, solids, cut-outs, black and earth tones, leather and lace, pleats and pantsuits. Some designers gained inspiration from foreign lands, including Mexico, Spain, France and India.
Minimalist pieces in black, white and nude were present in a number of shows including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Narciso Rodriguez, Vera Wang, Herve Leger and Donna Karan- opting for solids over prints and color blocking. Sexy cut-outs allowing for a peek of sun kissed skin were also prevalent. Geometric shapes and stripes were everywhere- dominating the Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors shows. Ralph Lauren’s Latin American-themed spring-summer line included matador jackets, bolero hats and Mexican ponchos, a departure from tradition. Arrrriba!!! By contrast, Max Azria, owner of BCBG and Herve Leger, stayed close to home, evoking the south with embroidery and patchwork and introducing the printed and textured, flared bandage dress-the latest incarnation of the skin-tight bandage dress for which the brand is well known. Max Azria accentuated the styles in both of his shows with leather harnesses.
Overall, just about every designer incorporated at least one monochromatic look, sometimes pairing different shades of the same color. Soft colors such as coral, pale yellow and mint green outnumbered the bold, and neon accents splashed a shot of brightness. Several designers integrated cut-outs and bare midriffs into their collections. Another interesting trend seen throughout the Spring 2013 shows was the use of leather, in a multitude of colors and styles.
The Daily Style Sessions
Across from Lincoln Center, the private rooftop of The Empire Hotel was home to the Daily Style Sessions, an oasis for celebs and VIPs just close and far enough away from the delicious chaos of “the tents.”
Celebs including: Paris Hilton, Kristin Chenoweth, Kelly Bensimon, Dania Ramirez, Adrienne Bailon, Tinsley Mortimer, AnnaSophia Robb, Robert Verdi, Shenae Grimes, Nicky Hilton, Ramona Singer, Lauren Conrad, Caroline Manzo, Luann de Lesseps, Kevin Jonas and wife Danielle Deleasa, Jill Zarin, Lori Zaslow, Nicole Richie, and Kelly Osbourne enjoyed Belvedere Vodka, Disaronno, and Clos du Bois Rouge and Chardonnay, jammed to music by: DJs Theophilus London, Paul Sevigny, Vactioner, Mr. Watsocn, Andrew W.K., Jimmy Jimmy, Ra Ra Riot, Wynter Gordon, and Deluka and were pampered by special beauty treatments.