For the designer-lovers hanging out around the tents at Lincoln Center for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, looking fashionable was paramount. Many of the twenty-something Fashionistas/os headed to catch a sneak peek at the next season’s fashions were fittingly outfitted with funky, street chic New York style.
With the winter winds still blowing, the looks I spotted were all about the cold weather accessories. Fashionistas paired wool infinity scarves with fingerless gloves, and many kept cozy in luscious, plush fur coats and vests. One popular shoe pick among these stylistas was black platforms—they added toughness to their look and gave their ensembles a rocker chic vibe. Boots also keep your toes a lot warmer—and comfier—than stiletto sandals!
Many fashion week outfits were dominated by dark tones, leather, and fur. Every outfit looked delicate and fierce—casual yet sophisticated—a look that young Fashionistas/os seem to be striving for this season, and one that is emphasized in Rebecca Minkoff’s spring 2011 collection. Some parallels I noticed between the runaway looks and the ones outside the tents were leather and suede platforms, fur coats and vests, and of course, the hottest print of the season (and apparently the next as well): leopard.
Three words can sum up Minkoff’s spring line: leopard, leather, and lace. Her looks were the epitome of urban luxury—they were glamorous, yet also vintage looking and a bit bohemian. Highlights included glam minidresses, a long bohemian maxi skirt and dress, fitted blazers, fur jackets, cozy oversized sweaters, and a lot of leopard—shoes, clutches, skirts… you name it.
Lovers of Minkoff’s sophisticated yet free-spirited glamorous fashions were lining the front row: Michelle Trachtenberg, Jessica Szohr, Lo Bosworth, and Stephanie Pratt. All of these famous Fashionistas sport the vintage glamour look so characteristic of the urban environments where their characters on Gossip Girl and The Hills strut the streets.
If you plan to hit New York Fashion Week and are conflicted over what to wear, channel your inner urbanite and dress street chic with a touch of bohemian funk. Pair delicate lace with cozy leopard print fur and top it off with a leather fringe hobo bag or a pair of low-heeled booties. Black is a go-to color and is perfect for translating your look from daytime fashion shows to nighttime after parties!