Thursday, February 17, 2011

Best of New York Fashion Week

Michael Kors FW11

by Grace Gordon

Michael Kors has come a long way in the last 30 years. This anniversary collection could have gone the way of predictable retrospective. While he did showcase updated versions of a few of his most well-known looks, he still kept the collection fresh and on-message: minimalism peppered with menswear is what’s in for fall.

The simplicity of the menswear silhouettes contrasted beautifully against silk jersey draped dresses and tops. While everyone else is emphasizing shoulders this season, Kors opted instead to highlight décolletage with plunging necklines, sleeveless bodysuits, and oversize black chokers. Nearly the entire collection came in monochrome palettes of soft neutrals like dove grey and camel. However, there were two stunning looks in crimson red. One was a luxurious, sweeping goddess gown; the other was a sleek fox fur coat dyed in the same shade of crimson and paired with matching loose silk trousers. With a tuck and nip here, a perfectly gathered fabric detail there, skillful tailoring abounded in this collection. The fox fur coats made a sensational splash, but it was the full fur shoulder bag that garnered the most buzz. Who says minimalism can’t be luxurious?