Good morning, Tuesday. Here it is Valentine's Day and such, and regardless of which way you swing on the pendulum when it comes to this holiday, you should still believe in love, and that's that. All of you toughies out there soften up today. Love is good. Some say it's all you need, even.
So yea, it's still Fashion Week here in the most lovable city of all time. And as I spent yet another sleepless early morning reviewing all the stylish news that's fit to print, I realized that yesterday's shows could very well be equated with the stages of a love affair. So without further ado, let's do:
At Donna Karan, whom as you know is one of my favorite designers, there were pieces to throw into a suitcase on that first exciting adventure with a new love- that feeling of wanting to look pretty, to feel beautiful, and easy and free and all out sexy. Donna is the queen of evening looks that don't feel fussy- almost tee shirt like comfort yet dressed to the nines. It's the giddiness of a new relationship that makes you pack in a hurry, praying to the Lord that you have the right stuff, in more ways than one. If your trunk case was packed with these pieces, there's no doubt that love would conquer all. And that red dress? HOTNESS. These clothes are not over the top, but are perfect for that phase in your love life when you want to play it a bit safe, but still suggest otherwise.
And as we progress into the ecstacy of new love territory, Reem Acra is making clothes for those times when the libido is on full tilt- I can't believe how sexy these pieces are- all you need is a knowing grin and some lipstick and a sexy partner and POW. Not sure these clothes need much more remarks than these, but these pieces are for that feverish part of your relationship when you're always asking everybody if it's hot in here, or if it's just YOU. Leather and cutouts and legs oh my. These are clothes for seduction and that's that. (They can also be repurposed later as a 'I'm back' moment when and if that steamy relationship ends. Keep these pieces for when you're ready to jump back in the fray).
But then, we come to Marc Jacobs, and despite the gushy gooness of all the editors who can't get enough of his Marcness, I'm going to give this collection a big old WTF. In love terms, this is that point in the relationship when phrases such as "it's not me, it's definitely you" take over. I'm not sure where he was going with this collection, but I'm not feeling it. Again in love terms, I think me and Marc need to break up. Any man that wants to make my hips look bigger or put me in crazy hats has got to go. Sure he's creative, but maybe a little too much. I'm showing the best pieces of the collection, or at least the ones that scare me the least, but I'm breaking up with you, Marc. The editors can't quit you, but I can. At least for this season. These clothes are simply too complicated, too weird, and too odd to love.Time for a little grounding. (Girls under 25, don't worry. You're going to feel that way about a man one day- you'll want someone not crazy, even if that sculptor with the dark eyes and lack of job has you smitten now. I promise you'll come to your senses). I hope Marc does next season. This was just over the top weird and off base. In love terms, this is that moment when it's time for a little less crazy. Oh and ps, if you are in the market for a man, these clothes ain't gonna help you snag one. Find me a man alive that likes these clothes that feel like Mary Poppins on mescaline. Yikes. These pieces are right up there with harem pants in terms of what men don't like. Not that that matters, but just saying...
So we've fallen in love, gotten carried away, came to our senses, and where are we now? We're in the world of Phillip Lim, whose insanely perfect and spot on collection (that green, those trousers, those knits) speaks to the greatest love of all- our love of self. To be comfortable in one's own skin is better than any love affair, and I argue that until you are there with yourself, you better not even try to love anyone else. This collection to me, is everything about that feeling when you realize you are alright, partner or no partner, and that being comfortable with who you are (and in your clothes) is way cool- self love, ladies. Dress accordingly. See above. I had a very hard time editing my favorite pieces, but these are clothes to wrap yourself in, girls. There is not one thing here I would not wear, and this much I know. And further, these are clothes that are much like a good relationship- easy, free, not pretentious, and free of passing fancies or trends. These are clothes to stand the test of time, to grow with you, and to complement your life. That's the way a long lasting relationship should be, too. Another collection that feels equally as trustworthy and grounded is the looks on Zero + Maria Cornejo's runway. I loved just about everything here too and these are clothes for confident girls who know who they are. Incredible. Not quite as safe as Phillip Lim, but a bit more whimsical and fun, albeit in a quiet way.
So what have we learned, girls? That fashion and love are related. That dressing for romance has many phases. And my advice to you at the end of this lengthy treatise about fashion and love? Take something from all of these phases and collection and mix it up a bit- even the tried and true among us need a bit of spice from time to time- take a bit of Reem, a bit of Donna, a bit of Lim, and a bit of Cornejo, and you've got a balanced and healthy relationship with fashion. And if you must, take a little of Marc, too, but at your own risk. Live and learn, ladies, live and learn. Cause that's what's up this all things love and fashion kind of Tuesday on Valentine's Day in the most lovely city in the world. I still believe in both by the way. Love and fashion, love and fashion- they go together, indeed. XO
