Much like the let-down experienced after Christmas, a tropical sojourn or a highly anticipated birthday, such is the sorrow I feel for the transience of our nation's venerable Fashion Week.
But while the runways in New York and London have cleared, Milan's fall 2007 shows are in full swing, and Paris is yet to come. So there's still solace to be found and much to anticipate.
Thus far, both in London and New York, designers are favoring a seasonably appropriate color palette for the fall, including an array of chestnut hues, noirs, grays, blues and snowy whites.
In New York, designers seem to have tired of the "space-age" look that is now so prevalent, and for spring, instead of latex pants and Lucite pumps, we see a generally wearable season ahead of us, suggesting a return to "comfortable chic."
Among the top New York Fashion Week collections was Derek Lam's offering of sleek, bustier dresses and belted boleros, mostly in the grays and blues so popular for fall. Additionally, the newbie sensation put forth a stunning white pea coat accentuated with geometrical layering -- perhaps his paramount look.
Youthful duo Proenza Schouler (now designing a more affordable line for Target) pleased the fashion pack with a series of cobalt chiffon dresses, black satin bubble-sleeve sheaths, and an inventive set of overcoats. While I much preferred their more recent Herv8e L8eger-inspired collection, the boys' show was among the highlights of New York Fashion Week.
My personal favorite looks came from Jill Stuart and Jeremy Laing, with both designers offering up several gorgeous dresses and pantsuits with enticing accents, such as satin bungee cord belts and oversized buttons. While many criticized Stuart for going "mod" too soon after the trend's most recent resurrection, her use of vibrant cerulean and monochromes provided a balance of both chic and classic.
The highlights of the week aside, there seemed to be a general consensus that the fall collections debuting in the States were a bit lackluster, with very little innovation since last season.
Among the most disappointing was Calvin Klein Collection. While the designer's fall line was of the minimalist nature I adore, his dresses and coats lacked that form-fitting, ultra-modern look for which he is known. Rather, we saw unnecessarily baggy gowns, and cloaks that can be of no other purpose than for smuggling small children.
While New York failed to debut its best creations, in London we saw designers taking more risks, venturing into new territory while remaining in favor of that edgy, otherworldly look of present.
The latter is especially true of Brit designer Gareth Pugh's collection. From plastic body wrap dresses to Medusa-like headgear and over-the-top cloaks, his designs were the epitome of futuristic fashion. While not for everyone, Pugh nonetheless pushed the envelope, which, essentially, is what fashion is all about.
The highly revered Giles Deacon gave us a collection of A-line and shift dresses in silk and satin materials, accessorized by all-encompassing knits. Models paraded the runway with their heads and shoulders literally smothered by chunky semi-sweaters. Perhaps he's forecasting a chilly autumn, or conveying some profound social message regarding oppression. Regardless, Deacon also pushed the limits.
My pet newcomer, British designer Christopher Kane, unveiled a slightly dreary fall collection when compared to the vibrant, body-hugging dresses for which he has been celebrated. Nevertheless, his garments for 2007 are fall-appropriate in their mauve, metallic, russet and black hues.
Also showing in London this year was Marc Jacobs' Marc by Marc Jacobs collection, which was also very fall-forward. There were plaid overcoats, oversized gray gaucho pants for both men and women, and liberal use of fox and raccoon fur.
Jacobs also gave a nod to leggings in his show, indicating that these female faves will once again be wardrobe staples for the coming winter months, as long as they're gray, wintry white and wool.
Though the fashion world eagerly awaits the fall collections from Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Prada and the other heavyweights who show in Milan and Paris, it seems safe to make a few fall wardrobe suggestions for early adopters and overzealous shoppers.
Both in New York and across the pond, the overarching color palette was dark, dark, dark. Any shade of black -- yes, there are shades of black -- blue, brown and gray one could fathom dominated the runways. Moreover, blue will be the color for '07, in every color from navy to sapphire to indigo.
However, if you're able, it will be worth your while to save that shopping until after spring, when fall's fashions will have had some time to baste. I, for one, predict the best is still to come.
