Friday Five: Fashion Week Focus

When the onslaught of beautiful images we're getting from New York Fashion Week, it's nearly impossible to narrow down the hundreds of exquisitely tailored and delicately draped garments into a mere few. But in keeping with the Friday Five Nashville Fashion Blog tradition, here are some of my favorite looks from a few favorite designers.

Billy Reid

Derailing from his down-home looks, this year's Billy Reid runway show produced tailored men's and women's looks utilizing traditional neutral color schemes with pops of blue. This monochromatic look, though not as opulent as many ensembles at New York Fashion Week, is the epitome of sophisticated ready-to-wear and will easily generate sales at the cash register. 

Christian Siriano

Since his show at last year's Nashville Fashion Week and the press (both positive and negative (ahem.. New York fashionistas..)) Siriano received, I think Nashville now has a special place in their hearts for the Project Runway winner. Nashville and beyond, people are rooting for Siriano to succeed. 

This seasons collection was less dramatic than I had anticipated for the avant garde designer, but ready-to-wear is derived to be a sales-generator, not an opportunity to go crazy. I chose this look from Siriano because I appreciated the juxtaposition between the pureness of the white flowy ballerina skirt and hardness of the tight black leather jacket. This give me a few ideas for my own closet...

Elizabeth and James

Say what you want about the Olsen twins' clothing line, but Elizabeth and James (named after their sister and brother) have become a hot commodity in the closets of fashionistas worldwide. And I'm loving this easy ready-to-wear look, which encompasses several of my aesthetics into one refined and tailored ensemble. All black? check. Oversized sunnies? check. Peplum silhouette? check. Thick scarf? check. Black gloves for no reason? check. All in all, this outfit is a win in my book.

Marchesa

Just like Siriano, Nashville has a soft spot for Marchesa, ever since last year's Spring Symphony Fashion Show, when dozens of these beautiful gowns glided down the runway in the magical symphony hall. 

Looking through the Marchesa collection, it's nearly impossible to pick one, out of the every, breathtaking gown. This design duo has become a favorite for celebrities and red carpet wear. The gown above produces an old-world feel, reminding us of the lost art of craftsmanship, and brings an homage of Alexander McQueen and unique glamour. 

Red Valentino

While looking through Valentino's ready-to-wear collection I stopped on this photograph. Something about it triggered a spark- a memory of a previous time and popular fashion. Racking my brain for a minute or two, I realized I had seen this look before... on Cher in Clueless. Hellllllooooo 1995! Well, sophisticated and updated 1995. We all know fashion is cyclical and designers often rely on past inspirations for new ones. I doubt Valentino's team was paying homage to my favorite childhood movie, but the matching jacket and short skirt, paired with tall socks and tiny pumps, do look a little Clueless. Regardless of the inspiration (real or imagined), the sophisticated schoolgirl look is a win.