Thursday, September 15, 2011

New York Fashion Week Coverage

Michael Kors Spring 2012

Michael Kors’ “Afriluxe” collection touched a sensitive nerve. Sensible people would be tempted to hate something dubbed “Afriluxe” by the creator – a moniker that signifies the “out of touch” attitude that fashion is known for. Yet, Kors manages to slide right past the criticism, wrapped securely in the fact that this collection was actually tremendously good. It was a solid show for Kors at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week – one that combined the best of luxury American sportswear, relaxed hippie chic, and safari style.

Loose shapes ruled the Kors runway for SS12. It’s no wonder, given that many of the silhouettes are influenced by native Morrocan djellabas. Hand-dyed shift tops and dresses were an inspired touch that infused the collection with an easy, haute hippie vibe. These “Afriluxe” clothes are not the type to be worn by Africans, but by wealthy tourists whose greatest achievement in Africa is lounging poolside or viewing native wildlife from the safety of a nearby Jeep. The suede duster was a nice menswear-inspired piece, and there were quite a few lovely trenches paired with racy, cut-out swimsuits. Patchwork dresses, feathery details, animal prints, gladiator sandals, and a tidy utility belt were great takeaway favorites from the Kors runway. The only misstep was the messy orange jumpsuit that looked more like prison garb than safariwear.

written by GRACE GORDON|photos: courtesy of GoRunway

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