If orange was the color most present on the runway, it was only outdone by the overwhelming lack of color on the runways. Fall/Winter is typically the season for a whole slew of basic black, shades of grey, burgundy, browns and navy, but those colors were all replaced, or should I say taken away, by shades of beige, tan and white. Who says you can't wear white after labor day? Certainly not Phillip Lim, Michael Kors, Max Azria, Cushnie et Ochs, the Mulleavy sisters, Derek Lam, Adam Lippes, Erin Fetherston, Erin Wasson, Justin and Thea of Preen and Diane von Furstenberg who were all among the many designers feeling light for FW 2010.
The trend was punctuated by Marc Jacobs' awe inspiring collection, that brought a new feeling of simplicity (and a near tear to this minimalist's eye) to the runways that we certainly hope will stick. Marc's runway was a mix of beige neutrals and some usual fall staples (like fur collars and the afore mentioned velvet pants) and gave the stamp of approval to the season's new colorless minimalism.
I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I'm not completely horrified by the overwhelming presence of velvet on the NYFW circuit. I had just come to terms with velvet's presence on the trend scene for this past fall/winter when I'm hit over the head with a wave of velvet that just has no end in sight. Sorry if this offends all you velvet lovers out there but there's something about the fabric once reserved for kings that just freaks me out. I think it reminds me of my own inadequacies in the wardrobe department circa the mid to late 90s. Yes there were many velvet mini dresses, tanks and even body suits (all from Bebe I will admit) that just have left a big scar on my style self. If you are going to brave this trend, I suggest something like what Nanette Lepore showed, like a long dress that looks like it flows. Stay away from velvet pants, I've been there (velvet jazz pants ouch) and it's just not a good look.
I'm the first in line to embrace the 90s renaissance but this is just something I can't get on board with, sorry kids. Either way, take a look at the velvet that was just dripping off the NYFW runways last week. Who knows, maybe I'll learn to love the trend and get over my own preconceived notions??
