New York Fashion Week S/S 2014

Firstly, I apologise that this post is a little past its sell by date, as we are already well and truly into the swing of London fashion week. To be honest I've been typing and editing snippets of this post since fashion month began but I haven't had a chance to publish it as I've been rather busy packing up ready to move into my student house. But, late or not, New York fashion week is just too great to ignore. It's time to think about summer, about the colours that you'll be wearing, about the silhouettes that will be flattering your frame, and about the bikini that you will be sashaying around in (oh I do love a good bikini to 'sashay' in before I inevitably trip up). I am still considering what coat I will be purchasing for winter, let alone considering whether to go for a bandeau or halterneck bikini. But nevertheless, as always fashion is forward thinking so it's time to meet your future wardrobe.
Here are my top five shows of New York fashion week S/S '14...

Jenny Packham

Expectations are high when you count Kate Middleton as regular clientele. Jenny Packham is acclaimed for her breathtaking ballgowns but this season Packham gave her designs a retro spin with heavy influence from the 70s. But we're not talking peace signs and bell bottoms-we're talking Packham's grown-up, glamorous take on the 70s. More Studio 54 than Abba. The colour was focused on deep sapphire, sunshine yellow, pastel blue and earthy neutrals. The hair? Big. Hairspray is your best friend. Jenny Packham, I salute you, after all isn't life always better when you're walking on the sunshine?

Kate Spade

I have a confession; at heart I am undoubtedly a prep. Give me plaid, pink and peep toes and my inner Blair Waldorf is ecstatic. So it won't come as a surprise that I adored Kate Spade's S/S '14 show in all its candy crush hued creations. As fabulous as it was varied, Spade had all bases covered from 60s style shift dresses to the ultimate in laid-back chic; a pair of jeans splattered with every hue imaginable. So who is the Kate Spade girl this season? Well aside from a mandatory top knot and a bloody good bag it's all about ladylike glamour. If you can say yes to the question 'would Audrey Hepburn/ Sophia Loren/ Grace Kelly wear it', then buy it, and buy it preferably in the brightest colour available.

Jason Wu

A sure antidote to the vivid hues of Kate Spade and the whimsical delights of Jenny Packham? Enter Jason Wu. Colour was sparse, spare navy blue and gold but the prominent palette of Wu's show was monochrome; oh no, it's going anywhere and rightly so! But Wu added a fresh spin with innocent gingham, given an edge with sharp, structured cuts and unexpected details (note the strip across the chest area on the second outfit). The Wu girl is all about modernity; sleek, practical and powerful and the hair and makeup echo this.

Victoria Beckham

No designer quite masters office dressing like Victoria Beckham, and this isn't just a white shirt and black skirt. The key silhouette of Beckham's show was the flippy, skater skirt, in all its glorious, fabulous form. The fun, not to mention ridiculously flattering, skater is juxtaposed with crisp shirts and structured jumpers. But the fun doesn't end with a flared hemline, Beckham adds a twist with intense colours to brighten up the look. And what power dresser doesn't love hot pink?

Tory Burch

Ah, Tory Burch. How I do love your oh-so-sweet S/S '14 presentation. Any show that mixes lilacs, metallics and basket of flowers is fine by me.  I don't know whether it's the florals or the sorbet shades but this show has a whimsical, ethereal quality to it. How to offset such an angelic wardrobe? Mix it up with soft, flowing sex-bomb hair and earthy 'english rose' makeup.  Make the most of tartan this season while you still can.


What were your favourite shows of S/S 2014 in New York?


NG <3

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New York Fashion Week S/S 2013

Readers, I have to admit that I'm not 'on trend'. I don't worship at the alter of 'trends'. I do, however, like a good fashion week. Last week saw New York's biannual turn to host fashion week at Bryant park, and for the designers showing to display their Spring/Summer 2013 collections. I am currently dusting off my wool coat for winter, let alone thinking about summertime, but then again, these collections are probably the holiday-beckoning light at the end of the tunnel when facing a harsh, cold winter! So, I give you my personal top five collections shown in the big apple. As previously mentioned I won't be dressing top-to-toe in the 'trends' shown, and yes, that does mean that I won't be forgetting my trousers like the Marc Jacobs girls (see below). Rather, I shall be embracing these pieces (the high street takes) in my own way. In other words, don't adapt your style to the trend, but adapt the trend to your style. So ladies and gentleman without further ado, in no particular order, I give you my NYFW top five....

3.1 Phillip Lim

Lets talk about grunge. Lets talk about grunge and 3.1 Philip Lim. A polished take. Elle UK described the show as an "exercise in shopping", and it's hard to disagree. Wearable, everyday fashion, none of this frivolous puffy gowns-clothes that can be worn even if you're not an Oscar nominee. Fashion for the people. Devil may care attitude necessary, of course. And who doesn't love raspberry pink dungarees?

Herve Leger by Max Azira

 The Herve Leger girl is glamorous, fabulous and, to use the term, hawt stuff. The master of the bandage dress, Mr Azria mixed it up with southern prints, adding a little something extra to his speciality. Just as sexy and empowering as you'd imagine and hello booties! The cream and black ones will do very nicely.

Jason Wu

Alongside Victoria Beckham's collection, Jason Wu packs a punch for the office. Working 9 to 5 never looked so chic, with tailored blazers, leather, chiffon, bright pops of pink, braces-it's all in the details. There's no excuse for turning down the post-work cocktail now. Sexy, bold, confident-now that's what I call power dressing.

 Tommy Hilfiger

All aboard at Tommy Hilfiger! The models could quite easily have stepped from the yacht to the runway. Red, white and blue, some luscious arm candy, effortless cool, it's time to get preppy. So don a cable knit jumper, throw on some cork wedges and get a plane ticket to Cannes to get in the full spirit of Tommy Hilfiger darlings.

 Marc Jacobs

Oh, Marc. You genius. If the nautical stripes at Tommy Hilfiger got you excited, I present to you Marc Jacobs. Streamlining 60's aesthetic with a little attitude and extra cool, now I'm just a little bit more excited for his Paris show Louis Vuitton. Beauty note: graphic eyeliner + side swept fringe = a look that wouldn't look out of place on a Fellini heroine.

London fashion week, show me what you got.

NG <3