At Project and Magic, much of the Spring 2012 offerings included bold color blocking separates, pleated maxi skirts, and a million versions of the ubiquitous silk patterned blouse. In short, the flowy bohemian look is not going anywhere anytime soon. On a more bleak note, I also noticed there were both fewer booths on the floor and fewer buyers walking the floor, serving as a visual reflection of our volatile and troubling economic market. The booths featuring contemporary and on-trend collections with wholesale price points below $100 were inundated with buyers. The country's economic woes are having a direct impact on fashion choices as people are demanding affordability without sacrificing style. In turn, the designer name is more or less an afterthought.
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| I wanted to feel comfortable while walking the shows but still needed to look somewhat put together. After all, it's a fashion tradeshow! Romper: Shareen's Vintage Belt: Robert Rodriguez Sandals: boutique in South Korea-I love the color and the Ferragamo-esque bow. |
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| I was highly impressed with Hy + Dot, Rory Beca new diffusion line. It maintains the signature Rory Beca quality (silk and soft chiffon are heavily used) while keeping the line young and hip with bold colors, interesting prints and embellishments. |
I was also very impressed with the ADAM Pre-Spring Collection and am particularly enamored with a pinkish coral dress. The entire line is just completely luxe and wearable.
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| Pop Chips made a fashionable appearance adorning mannequins with intricate dresses made entirely out of its recycled bags. |
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| Ark & Co is one of the under $100 price point lines I mentioned earlier. The cape on the right and the Missoni-like romper in the middle definitely elevates the brand's fashion clout. |
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| At a glance, Ciel de Juno's structural dress could pass for McQueen or Prada. |
