The Fashion Smoke

NEW YORK SS11

1# ALEXANDER WANG

This season Alexander Wang grew up. Not only did he mature he shed all that is black. The models wore white and pastels in the usual sportswear style; layered joggers, knits, draping and denim in the new clean palette that mirrored Wang's feeling of purity and calmness. The metallic duck tape was a contrast to the natural and ethical materials with something very artificial, Wang commented he was interested in the idea of patchwork and building upon things. Overall the collection was an urban warrior uniform for the Wang Tribe...tell me where to sign up!

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2# PROENZA SCHOULER

You know it's a good collection when you are trying to edit down to just 12 looks out of 39 and you love them all too much to make a decision. This was the dilemma I was faced with when looking through the Proenza Schouler collection. The fresh label has been going from strength to strength with it's cool surfer style and this season was no exception. It was a slightly more 'polished' look- a reoccurring theme for designers this seaon- as they sprang into spring. The tie die prints were another hit, along with the sheer floaty dress and the flat sandals. The neon pops have not gone away and the electric palette is what every Proenza girl loves. 

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3# RODARTE

 It is somewhat more refined than previous collections- remember the artistic cobweb de-constructed dresses that made us all swoon- but it still made me want to sweep my hair to one side and frolic in the garden in any of their beautifully constructed dresses! Highlights had to be the subtle cut-away details, homely prints and the perfect trousers; not to mention the large box pleat dresses and drape wrap skirts AND the Rodarte x Kirkwood shoes (previously posted about here). It was Grace Coddington who said 'Those poor god damn Rodarte's' in The September Issue... well I think it's safe to say no one is feeling sorry for the sisters with this collection!

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4# RAG & BONE 
Here at The Fashion Smoke we loved Rag & Bone's Fall collection...Clueless meets 90s grunge how could you not like it... so it was always going to be a hard act to follow. Although some have said SS11 didn't quite hit the mark- I have to disagree and it's how I intend to be dressing come next summer. From the military detailing and parachute-esque ties and structure, to the sheer layering, sports bras and metallic touches, it all made for a wearable collection that I shall not be complaining about!

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5# DIESEL BLACK GOLD
Diesel have unleashed my inner boho that was just dying to come out. I may have to plan a round trip around America to rock all the suede's, leather and feathers. The leather on leather outfit was a nice extension of the denim on denim from the previous season and suede is going to be the new denim according to Black Gold. The flowing dresses in earthy colours and natural prints were the perfect contrast to the tougher trouser looks. It was wild west but with enough subtly to stop it looking fancy dress. Get me to a rodeo.
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all images via Style.com


PHIE PHIE X