Now that fashion week has finally passed in New York, it’s time to do a short recap of some of the best styles that were seen in the ending days. A few designers that have particularly stood out in the past week are Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Anna Sui, Michael Kors, Vera Wang, and Dennis Basso. Although this may seem like an extensive list to showcase, once you have browsed the glory of these collections for Fall 2012, I’m certainly that you’ll agree that they are particularly outstanding in their own way. All photos appear as courtesy from StyleBistro.

Ralph Lauren

It’s easy to understand why Ralph Lauren’s collection was showcased on the last day of fashion week. Considering how remarkably unforgettable this collection is, it’s clear that Ralph Lauren is a perfect example of saving the best for last. Perhaps the best element of Ralph Lauren this year are the amazingly tailored suits that were introduced. Additionally, the elegant swoop of the red and black coat pictured in the bottom right of the first is a must-have and will probably set off a lot of related fashion trends.

Anna Sui

This gorgeous collection from Anna Sui is a unique mix of elegant mysticism and casual clothing. There is so much detail that has been combined into the designs of this collection, many of these ensembles could leave you feeling like pure royalty. Some of the more casual styles are also reminiscent of the fashionable nomadic style that is becoming increasingly popular on the runway. This is another collection that has made perfect use of colors – likewise, many of these ensembles are suitable for wearing throughout the year.

Calvin Klein

When it comes to having a signature style, Calvin Klein is a designer that always comes to mind. Like many of the other great designers that have existed throughout the decades, when you look at these designs, you can just automatically recognize who the designer is. This collection is particularly great because it features conservative fashion with a unique, edgy style. These designs are perfect for maintaining a comfortable, formal style that is edgy without showing too much skin.

Michael Kors

The collection showcased by Michael Kors this year is sassy, sensual, classy, and fun. Patterns are continuing to have a huge amount of popularity within fashion design. This collection stands out because of the unique correlation of fabrics, patterns, textures, and color combinations. Although checkerboard patterns of plaid would usually be difficult to pair with other colors and fabrics, Michael has truly mastered the art with these striking designs.

Vera Wang

It’s pretty much internationally known that there’s just something about the way that Vera Wang can design a dress. Regardless of what she chooses to design, she never ceases to amaze the audience or her clients. Her usage of color in the collection that she showcased at Fashion Week this year is absolutely stunning. Whether you love long flowing dresses or shorter styles, this Vera Wang collection has a suitable fashion sense for everyone.

Dennis Basso

This collection from Dennis Basso is the epitome of class and elegance. Basso always seems to create collections that are reminiscent of  the femininity, class, and pure style that once existed in fashion decades ago. He has a knack for taking these timeless elements and combining them into a more modern and friendly style that is guaranteed to catch everyone’s eye.

What’s Next?

New York Fashion Week this year has been what it has always been – an intriguing, fascinating showcase of how fashion continues to evolve every year, from fall to spring and back again. There have been a lot of amazing and brilliant designs that I think are going to really catch on in certain areas. This year has featured a lot of significant influences in style and it will be interesting to see how the ideas of fashion design continue to shift. Of course, once you’ve seen one fashion week, you want to see them all – let’s not forget that London Fashion Week is currently happening right now!

 

Oscar Wilde once said, “One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.” — in correlation, Google defines art as “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

Fashion designers are artists in their own right. They are able to draw inspiration from the world around them, translate fragments of thought into new ideas, construct beauty from the lines and flow of material and fabric, and create purely from the purity of what has been imagined within their own mind. Yes, some have even provoked thought and emotion from the raw beauty of their artwork, their fashion. Anyone who seeks to disagree with this fact can be challenged to spend hours looking at the entirety of Alexander McQueen’s collections without the images sparking an idea, a feeling, or emotion. It would be impossible.

Continuing with our New York Fashion Week 2012 series, Part 2 focuses on the imaginative and creative expression that has been gifted to the world from the minds of designers in the fashion community. The following presentation seeks to showcase the classic, inventive, alluring, and eccentric styles created by this year’s designers that have dared to create a fashion evolution for 2012. Photos appear courtesy of StyleBistro.

Prabal Gurung

The designs of Prabal Gurung are so beautifully imaginative and stunning, that they are almost ethereal. Every design has a futuristic feeling, as if the viewer has been given a glimpse of what fashion should look like in 2020. The collection is elegant, yet daring. Whether heavily beaded or light and airy, these styles demand attention with mesh inlays, transparent cut-outs, filigrees, and fabric that drapes flirtatiously. A first glance at this collection will leave you feeling as if you have discovered styles that are a generation ahead of our current time. For a more revealing glance into the edgy and elegant mind of Prabal, you can browse other elements of the collection here.

 

Jason Wu

Treat yourself to some artful glamour with this collection from Jason Wu. Whether you are going out for a night on the town or escaping on an exotic excursion to your favorite country, this 2012 collection was definitely created to suit the woman on the go. Provocative patterns and attention grabbing color schemes are key elements in these signature looks that are designed to thrill. Wu’s dedication to creating beautiful dresses that accentuate the grace of the female figure remains devout in this year’s collection. To view these styles in more detail, check out this link.

 

Herve Leger by Max Azria

What I love about the designs depicted here is the nearly classical inspiration and the thoughts that are provoked at the mere sight of everything. This collection features dresses that feel as if they are a quintessential mix of mythology and modern intrigue. Each ensemble creates a statement that reflects power, beauty, sensuality, and confidence. These are clothes for that are created for the woman who is not afraid to express herself or showcase a strong personality through the visuals of fashion. You can explore all of the beauty of these classical masterpieces and more by clicking here.

 

Diane von Furstenberg

Regardless of what year and what collection you may take a gander at, Diane von Furstenberg’s designs almost always incorporate the beauty, grace, and sex appeal of European fashion. Her style often has that familiar feeling – yet always maintains the excitement of something new and fresh. The same can certainly be said for her collection this year. These are styles that are versatile while being unforgettable and interesting to the eye. Diane’s attention to bold color combinations and unique fabrics in this collection are definitely très chic! You can view all of the styles in Diane’s presentation at the following link.

 

VPL by Victoria Bartlett

The looks depicted in this year’s collection for VPL are entirely mind-blowing on their own, whether you look at them as fashion or pure works of art. The entire line is a remarkable presentation of mental contrast in terms of visuals. Upon initially looking at these designs, the mind is drawn to all of the eccentric and wild elements that are present overall; yet a second glance makes the viewer realize the true subtlety of the pure design. Sand colors and earth tones paired with gentle grays create an unforgettable combination in this striking creation of a futuristic fashion nomad. Love it!  For a more in depth look at Victoria’s collection, you can click here.

 

The first few days of New York Fashion Week are once more a complete success. It’s nearly impossible to browse through the millions of photos without finding yourself in awe of the usual favorite designers and infatuated with a few new ones as well. The unique and sometimes enigmatic beauty of every collection is a reminder of how amazing it is when ideas become reality. It’s also a steady reminder of the gift that self expression is to the world of fashion, and vice versa. Stay tuned for Part 3!