Blog: New York Fashion Week Round Up

Lilac and mushroom shades at Vera Wang

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New York Fashion Week is often slated for being too commercial and lacking in inspiration. Disappointingly, this was often the case amongst many of this season's shows.

Of course some designers continuously produce great collections such as Proenza Schouler, Zac Posen and Derek Lam. Marc Jacobs also rarely misses a beat when creating pioneering trends and this year's show was no exception. His layers of ginghams, metallic fabrics and structured tweeds left fashion pulses racing and the audience eager to see more. Jacobs' fresh ideas and trends will certainly be picked up by the high street and other designers alike; but what else will we see in next spring's wardrobe?

Costume jewellery - designers have focused on chunky jewellery this season and the more ornate the better. At Marc Jacobs, necklaces were the size of small handbags and large bangles were layered on.  Jewelled cuffs had a touch of folk craftmanship as they were adorned with safety pins covered in beads and zippers used as ribbons.

Jumpsuits – There was no hiding from jumpsuits this season as they turned up on the runway in silks, sequins and in both short and long lengths. Derek Lam, BCBG, Proenza Schouler and Betsey Johnson have all embraced this trend.

Off-the-wall shoes - whether its skyscraper platform heels or glittered ruby shoes, designers have been getting more creative and shoppers love it that way. DKNY had sleek platform heels and at Marc Jacobs models wore satin espadrille heels with ribbons wrapping their legs.

Urban chic – clothes with muted tones of grey, lilac and mushroom in strong graphic shapes were seen at DKNY, BCBG and Vera Wang. These colours were lifted by shots of electric blue, yellow and orange.

Loose shapes – harem-style trousers were billowing and loose as seen on the runway of Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. Ruffled layers were present on skirts and blouses at Diane von Furstenberg and Carolina Herrera.

American Beauty – Michael Kors echoed optimism throughout his collection this year and with the support of the Beach Boys 'Good Vibrations' guests couldn't help but feel good at his show. The palette was strong with red, white and blue featuring widely alongside a touch of sunny yellow. Tommy Hilfiger also kept his palette to these tones and embraced the all-American theme.

Aisling Cullen is the fashion advisor for retail property consultants Lunson Mitchenall