Even though New York Fashion Week officially ended Feb. 13, the debut of the fall collections is only the very beginning of a new season of popular colors, patterns and trends Gainesville can look forward to.
This season’s NYFW that debuted designers’ fall/winter 2014 to 2015 collections was even more dramatic than usual. Most shows were punctuated with a forecast of bitter cold or snow, leaving a citywide, stiletto-unfriendly trail of slush leading to most runway venues.
Despite the inclement weather, popular designers such as Zac Posen, Reem Acra and Marc Jacobs were able to deliver standout collections that provided insight into the popular trends for the upcoming months, as well as a few speculative Oscar gowns.
Fur was a major staple at New York Fashion Week and at the more recent London Fashion Week, which ended Tuesday. With big names Jenny Packham and Topshop Unique showing over-the-top feather statement coats, and Vivienne Tam accenting many looks with luxurious fur scarves — all signs point to fur being a big part of most wardrobe trends for the colder months.
Despite the muted palette of the season, both New York and London Fashion Week did not disappoint when it comes to color and pattern. Mara Hoffman, known primarily for her swimwear, showed a collection that made tribal patterns seem plausible for fall, with head-to-toe patterns making a statement on the runway.
Across the pond, Peter Pilotto, a designer who recently collaborated with Target, debuted a highly anticipated collection of bold silhouettes that were highlighted with vibrant, saturated colors and graphic patterns.
Balancing between bright colors and more neutral, season-appropriate hues and fabrics, the palette for this season’s fashion weeks had something for everyone. With everything from fur to graphic patterns on the runways, it’s safe to say that the coming fall and winter trends will land just about everywhere on the fashion map.
[A version of this story ran on page 7 on 2/20/2014 under the headline “Fashion Week showcases fur, prints"]
