New York, Part 2

Monday saw Caroline looking very ladylike with looks at Donna Karan and Marc Jacobs. At Karan, there seemed to be a focus specifically on that classically elegant woman, you know, the one who wears pearls. Pearls were actually present in multitude, designed by Erickson Beamon. It was very old Hollywood, one might say; very glamourous, decadent, and - precisely - elegant. 

I am mad at you Marc Jacobs. You book The Brasch for your Spring campaign, and then you just lump her in a nondescript part of your show for Fall. Not cool in my books. Not cool at all. Yes, I know that there were other girls in the campaign as well. Yes, I know that you can't have them all open/close the show because there are too many. But you could have at least put the poor girl in second or third place instead of randomly tossed in at the tail-end-but-not-actual-end of the show. What pisses me off the most about this treachery is that you've gone and designed a brilliant collection, which makes it impossible for me to actually be disgusted with your behaviour. Shame. 

It was all pleats and parkas at Vera Wang on Tuesday. Caroline had another strong showing with two looks, the first, with another gorgeous piece of outerwear, this time in black; the second, a slinky red dress that showcased the pleated elements more freely.

Herve Leger was next up, and again, Caroline walked with two looks for the Azrias. The collection seemed to contain echoes of what one might fine in a medieval war zone. Not actual armour, obviously, and no one was carrying swords, but it seemed to me that many looks incorporated a sort of chainmail look, while others evoked the feel of armour with riveting and other strategically placed details. 

Caroline followed up with Marc by Marc Jacobs, where she had one (more appropriately placed) look in a showcase of vintage forties fashions. 

J. Mendel was next on the list, with two looks. Mendel (Gilles that is) was bang on trend with his incorporation of luxurious furs, though some might say he will regret not taking a more seventies approach to his collection, as has been the habit of many designers this season. I'll be the last one to complain though: after a few seasons, I'm quite ready to put that past decade back where it belings (i.e., in the past). Or maybe not... Either way, I'm thankful to Mendel, if for nothing else than for adding a bit of variety.

The final show for Caroline on Tuesday was Narciso Rodriguez, where she had one look. I'm really liking this one too, where Caroline has such a strong jaw, she pulls off more masculine looks very well, I think; at the same time, she has fair features, which allows her to maintain a certain femininity simultaneously.

Wednesday began with Michael Kors, a single look in the designer's show, celebrating his 30th year in the business. Kors' modus operandi was chic and sleek this season, and the result was really quite appealing to the eye. Yet another success from the veteran sportswear designer, not that we really expected anything less. Happy birthday, sir, may you continue for another 30 years. 

Oscar de la Renta was quick to follow, where Caroline took two turns for yet another well-established label. It was a very lavish collection from ODLR, who does luxe glamour like nobody's business. Fur upon fur, upon fur-lined pants (I'm not sure about that last one, but I really wouldn't be surprised), the designer drew on  so many things, watching his show felt like taking a trip around the world with Russian royalty or something. Everything was beautiful to look at, but it was also very stimulating in the sheer quantity of influences present. I could analyze this collection for weeks and still be fascinated. In the meantime though, does anyone else spot the fabled cheek-sucking of old? 

We next saw Caroline at Anna Sui, another show that we shall also note for the number of incorporated factors. I've heard a lot of people complain about Sui, saying that she's too commercial, that she's not 'high fashion'. But just looking at her collection here shows how much work goes into what she does. It's like a research paper, drawing pieces of information from a multitude of sources and forming them into one great persuasive whole. Regardless of whether I would purchase her clothes or not, that sort of dedication to one's craft is surely worth a little respect?

Nothing like Proenza Schouler to finish off the day. Caroline had one look at the cult fashion house, a teal velvet dress, with pixelated and striped detailing. 

Thursday was the final day of New York Fashion Week, and while it was not quite as busy as previous days (thank GOD for that), it had surprises of its own in store. At Isaac Mizrahi, models strutted the runway not only with large pompoms atop their heads (though not as large as those at Louis Vuitton Spring 2010; think more along the lines of Rykiel), but also with poofy poodles in a variety of sizes and colours. Caroline was pretty in pink in both looks, and handled her little friend very well, I have to say (though the head bob was a little too pronounced). It seems she became rather attached to her tiny companion, and decided to bring him out for the finale walk as well. I know right, I can't wait for these backstage photos.

In her final show in New York, my prayers were answered, and The Brasch was awarded an opening slot at Bill Blass. An excellent way to finish off the week, and the collection wasn't half bad either. It was very suave, very classy, and had just the right amount of sexy. The setting for the show (the Monkey Bar) seemed quite appropriate. It wasn't quite speakeasy, but that was the feeling I got as Caroline sauntered in with her opener. As for her second look, I don't remember the last time she did sultry, but she really pulled this red gown off very nicely. 

So New York is at an end, and we now head off to London! If it's anything like New York, I really hope Caroline manages to get some sleep in between shows... After a stellar Haute Couture season, as well as a packed week in Barcelona, 25 shows and 37 looks (and thus 37 fittings, not including the Rag & Bone one that never came to fruition) is quite a feat, and the poor girl is surely run ragged at this point. I think she's actually walked more shows than anyone else so far? 

Anyway, I'll also be posting some choice backstage photos in a bit. There have been quite a multitude in the last week, and some are really quite entertaining. We've also got some new printwork coming up, so eyes open for that!

Photos courtesy of vogue.it