Spring 2013: NY Fashion Week Report

Long time, no post!  Apologies for putting this blog on the back burner.  Although we didn't show for Spring 13, I've been preoccupied with other matters--RYU RYU related of course.  But I've been generously endowed with an unspeakably thoughtful birthday gift this year of a WWD subscription from a friend who is very dear to my heart, so I've been lucky enough to keep up with all the shows that've been going on just right around the corner.

I think if I were to wrap up the NY shows in one word, it'd be interesting.  Marc Jacobs is stirring up quite a commotion for doing something so unusually simple yet familiarly far from bland; a blast from the past that's oxymoronically current.  Donna Karan swung ultra-feminine for Spring after a much more masculine Fall 2012 collection.  Victoria Beckham came up (successfully, IMHO) with a sportswear collection that's more than just hour-glass dresses.  Helmut Lang is playing with colors and prints for Spring!

And ah yes, then there's The Row--probably my favorite brand and designers (Mk & Ashley Olsen) of the moment.  Can I just say their work is the epitome of effortlessly chic?  Their target market is the woman in their mid to late 30s (whose age everyone is constantly guessing, because she looks that good) who literally rolls out of bed with that enviable sexy. wavy hair, can wrap herself in nothing but a silk robe and step out to pick up the Wall Street Journal looking more sophisticated than any wrinkle-free twenty something year old who's spent countless hours lengthening every itty bitty lash for a GNO.  Ironic that it's two 26 year old designers without any "formal" training who are able to convey such natural maturity in their work.  They did say that they developed their taste from the cut-down-to-size designer clothes they wore as kids, because they didn't care for the kids clothes that actually fit them.  Oh, the woes of a young celebrity!

Anyway, I've digressed.  Their Spring 2013 collection is yet again another winner, at least in my book.  They've definitely softened their tailoring that they've been known for in their previous collections.  They stated that their inspiration came from an eighteenth century Japanese artist as well as American folk.  Again, it's just pure simplicity with a touch of elegance that really pulls all the looks together.  Bravo to The Row! (images below)

Narciso Rodriguez's collection is definitely worth mentioning as well. Who knew teal and moss looked so good together?

Speaking of celebrity clothing lines, have you guys checked out the anticipated Holmes and Yang collection (designed by Katie Holmes and her stylist Jeanne Yang)?  14 looks that can be mixed and matched or worn individually and designed to "fit into a woman's closet."  Check it out and let us know what you think!

-B

The Row photos courtesy of The Row via style.com

Narciso Rodriguez photos by Gianni Pucci via gorunway.com