Getting Hot and Bothered at MB Fashion Week: SS13

Michael Kors Collection (Image: MB Fashion Week)

 

With the temperatures sizzling across the United States, it is not hard to envision oneself wearing all the hot new Spring 2013 designs which debut last week at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

Nearly 200 designers made statements by previewing spring collections which included a lot of leather, skirt suits, black-and-white, below-the-knee coats, cutouts, corsets and color, color and more color.

The collections in the tents at Lincoln Center were bold and beautiful, but three designers stood out.

I have always been a fan of Michael Kors; however, the contemporary construction and clean lines of his newest collection have really hit home with me.  I can see myself wearing almost every piece (in my real fashion life…not the fantasy one) that went down the runway.

His look was a very glamorous Sixties mod which embodied every vibrant hue of the rainbow.  Sheath dresses in leather or crepe were adorned with interesting closures and pocket details.  Skirts and sweaters with opposing horizontal and vertical stripes take the eye to a new plain; while interesting prints such as digital clouds and swimming pool prints on satin pants, shorts and dresses painted a very edgy backdrop.

 

Michael Kors Collection (Image: MB Fashion Week)

 



To me, one of the highlights of Kors collection was the black crepe halter gowns with keyhole cutouts or harness bodices.

Another completely wearable collection was created by Nanette Lepore who is known for her easy modish sportswear and dresses which retail at a realistic price point.

Nanette Lepore Collection (Image: MB Fashion Week)

Lepore’s wears incorporated a lot of toile-like fabrics which were combined with floral prints and gingham to create many mix-and-match textures and layers.  The collection’s color palette was varied with hues such as pumpkin, coral, peach, lime, jade, sea foam, and the omnipresent Kelly green.

Overall, her line was refreshing and pretty.

With a real runway in the tents this year, stylist-turned-designer Rachel Zoe came into her fashion own and made her mark at Lincoln Center.

Transitioning her traditional boho chic into a more sophisticated line of style, Zoe creates a collection that incorporates many effortless and wearable designs.

 

Rachel Zoe Collection (Image: MB Fashion Week)

Rachel Zoe Collection (Image: MB Fashion Week)

 

The color-block shift dresses, leather blazers, tunics, trousers, sweaters and classy silk shorts were uncomplicated but exuded a “cool and chic” look.  There was still a fair share of maxi dresses and silk caftans to represent Zoe’s infamous style, but the new mom has created a collection that was easy, breezy for real life.

 

This season, I felt that designers brought some very wearable designs and, I couldn't help but notice that sky high stilettos were glaringly absent, to the runways.  There is something to be said about styles which allow women to be feminine, bold, glamorous and comfortable.

 

Now, that's hot.