Diane Von Furstenberg AW09
Diane Von Furstenberg showed the fashion world how it was done at New York Fashion Week over the weekend, with a terrific collection of fanciful headgear, tribal prints and pop art tributes adorning long T-shirts.
She had commented to WWD a few days before the show: "It’s about survival" adding for autumn, her girl is "a nomad. Everywhere she goes, she fits in."
Metallic leggings paired with chunky knitwear, and animal prints worked into various parts of the collection seemed to be the main theme behind her vision for autumn/winter 09.
After her ethereal spring collection, we had expected some OTT headwear and she did not disappoint, using the pompom has her primary influence and taking it from there.
Her collection was real, down to earth and most importantly of all- wearable. More and more designers are expected to be inventive, yes, but if the clothes at the end of the day aren't wearable for the client, then what's the point, especially since we're in the midst of a worldwide financial crisis?
Expertly tailored, and with a 'real girl' in mind, Von Fursetnberg's collection was a total triumph, however. We loved the velvety leopard print maxi dress, teamed with a crown of sewn together pompoms, which fitted snuggly as a hat.
Her sequined shift teamed with three-quarter length leggings and chunky boots could well be forecasting a new trend for the months ahead, finally waving goodbye to the wet look fashion we've been used to for the past year.
Turquoise blue leggings teamed with a floral cardigan and tribal print top underneath was the perfect example of how to clash, and more importantly how to clash well.
Metallics teamed with fur and geometric prints worked well together, as she layered different styles, fabrics and materials together to create a new 'fashion look' for the autumn ahead.
We particularly loved her slouchy knitwear offerings consisting of a hat and long scarf, teamed with an oriental inspired shift dress, black ankle socks and chunky platform boots.
Out favourite piece was a beaded shift dress, weaved into a zigzag pattern and finished off with leather belt and feather trim. It's just a shame she spoiled it a touch with a bland sandy coloured waistcoat thrown over it.
With flashes of tartan making a colourful appearance alongside paisley and psychedelic prints, Von Furstenberg's collection was arguably jam-packed to the limit with creative genius; let's just hope her next show can match it...
FemaleFirst- Laura Terry