Fashion royalty showcased their fall 2011 collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center during one of the most fashionable weeks of the year in New York City.
Considering these collections are for fall, Alexander Wang's models certainly dressed the part. They ruled the runway in knitted black and grey ponchos, tuxedo jackets, fur collars and tons of leather. His collection also featured silk trousers, fur headbands and metal bracelets. It simply oozed New York cool, the perfect line for a downtown girl in the Big Apple.
Christian Siriano, the pint-sized designer from Project Runway, showcased a collection full of sheer perfection. The models were the epitome of glamour and femininity in dramatic, flowing chiffon cocktail dresses. Short sheer dresses were adorned with just the right amount of ruffles. And for the more subtle and modest woman, there were black and khaki tops and high waisted wide leg trousers.
Max Azria brought the playful factor to his BCBG line with maxi dresses and bright colors, including brilliant blues and fiery reds. The collection also featured knitted fabrics and belts, which added a hint of interest to the line. With a 1970s look making its way back on the runway, Azria followed the trend by offering capes, wide trousers and chunky boots.
Vivienne Tam's show made for an alluring tribute to her home country of China, by dressing the models in silk, tweeds and antique jewel-tones. The silhouettes were inspired by Kun, the Chinese opera, according to Style.com. Some pieces included a velvet tunic, embroidered skirts and structured collars .
One of the show stoppers of the night at Jason Wu's (a Michelle Obama favorite) show was his cream-colored floor-length dress, with silver adornments, adding a dramatic hint of shimmer. With the Oscars quickly approaching, this number could be a go-to dress for the A-list crowd. He also showed an electric blue knee-length skirt, complete with a combination of lace and a sheer black long-sleeve top. Wu paired this outfit with cute tights and platform pumps. The majority of his collection was black and white, with hints of cream, yellow and blue.
According to Brittany Adams on Style.com, Jill Stuart was inspired by Heidi Specker's photos of the Black Forest in Germany.
"This reference came across in the collection via color-blocking in a palette of vibrant autumn hues- currant, teal, cognac, and emerald," Adams said. There were interpretations of the enchanted-forest theme with "whimsical owls and foxes" printed on the dresses .
For the fashionably brave, Rebecca Minkoff had just the outfit: a black leotard (Lady Gaga, anyone?) paired with lace tights and a black and cream blazer. Designer Farah Angsana also showcased a leotard-clad model, but added glamour to the pant-less outfit by draping the model in a luxurious fur coat. Also mimicking the current queen of pop, the model was all things demure with her lace mask.
Other designers, such as Luca Luca, Rebecca Taylor, Monique Lhullier, Badgley Mischka, J. Mendel and Cynthia Rowley, showcased their fall 2011 collections during Fashion Week.