Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week began February 9th with the Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection Show, the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness. The week concluded yesterday with the last show beginning at 9 p.m. Almost 90 designers officially showed at the biannual New York Fashion Week. Following events will occur in London, Paris and Milan.
Pleats and plaids, rich colors, wide-leg trousers and outerwear were the emerging trends for fall and winter 2011. Designers have also drawn inspiration from past decades — from the 1930s for Vera Wang’s collection to the 1970s for DVF.
Also, a fun surprise included Betsey Johnson’s always entertaining show on Valentine’s Day. The show’s theme “he loves me, he loves me not,” stunned the crowd with 90s-inspired styles. Her collection was just as fun and vibrant as ever.
Experts said designers and retailers are now more conscious that consumers want value for money due to the U.S. economy. To achieve this, designers showed products with wider silhouettes easier to wear for more people than just the very small market of fashionistas.
Barneys New York women’s fashion director, Amanda Brooks, said designers also placed emphasis on separates because it makes the clothes easier to buy and then mix and match.
Overall, fall and winter 2011 will see varying colors including cobalt blue, emerald green, shades of red, and fabrics such as velvet, silk and satin.