That Time of Year: NYFW

It's that wonderful time of year again in New York: early February! Who doesn't love a city systemically ill-equipped for winter weather with poorly insulated buildings at a time of year when the region is getting pounded with ice, snow, and below average temperatures? I tell you who DOES love it--the fashion industry.

Yes, New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2011 is here, which means one thing: I start blogging again for a few weeks and then leave this site in the dust again until September. I'm going to try and not commit that awful internet-apathy offense this year, but for now, let's look at some shows!

Jenni Kayne (as expected) totally rocked my world. I'm a longtime fan, so I figured I would probably enjoy her casual cool looks and styling. I had no idea she would present a collection so thoroughly my taste that I would consider taking a job in finance just so I could afford one outfit. Seriously, if I could wear one look for the rest of my life, it would be the second one posted above. Everything down to the weirdly gnome-like slippers and the perfectly flat hair. I'm so on board. Great show.

Another favorite, Rachel Comey, delivered a show that exceeded my expectations (which were VERY high). While I gravitate towards the neutral or muted tones of the collection, there were many bold graphic looks that used rich color in a way that you rarely see. Really wonderful clothes.

I love Vena Cava, I really do. Ever since the label came on the scene I've been lusting over the printed, silk dresses and cool-girl knits. The Autumn/Winter 2010 show was so good that I had nothing but high hopes for this year's presentation. I'm sad to say, for me, it was hit or miss. I read in advance of the show that the designers were channeling a non-grunge 90s look reminiscent of Fiona Apple. This got me incredibly excited as I love Fiona Apple and have been pleasantly surprised with the 90s revival some other indie designers have created. The look above is, in my opinion, one of the successes. I think the print and colors of that skirt are beautiful, and I'm actually into the idea of a long skirt like that (mostly on tall, thin models, not so much on me yet). Unfortunately, this was not the whole show.
Don't get me wrong, the model is pulling this look off. And there are aspects of this that warrant praise, like that the skirt reminds me of Lanvin in a really good way. But I don't know, the show was lots of tight, cropped tops and long skirts. Very 90s, sure, but I could have used a few more of the great, wearable dresses that I come to expect from Vena Cava.

(photos via style.com)