By ManhattanMataHari

We couldn’t help but notice that several designers seem to have been inspired by “literature.” We found several similarities between best selling books and several collections on the runway. Let us know if you agree with our observations.

Fifty Shades of Grey

The wildly popular erotic novel inspired some good in the form of sexy accessories and racy lingerie styles. Early in the week Jason Wu and his La Perla collaboration showed sexy bustiers, leather dresses, and harness belts that would make even Christian Grey blush. Herve Leger and Ralph Lauren interepreted the trend with more corset style belts, while BCBG Max Azria channeled a suspender harness style. For a more PG-13 rating, look to Edun who incorporated harness inspired details or to Calvin Klein whose normally minimalist designs had exaggerated peekaboo bra details. We also couldn’t help but love Milly’s slimming illusion dress which cheekily gives the silhouette of being in lingerie or a bodysuit. Even Oscar de la Renta got on board with sexy-chic PVC pencil skirts. Is it getting hot in here?


Steve Jobs

Okay, so the Apple founder wasn’t exactly a fashion icon in his signature black turtlenecks and dad jeans but his sheer technological innovation and forward thinking are definitely in vogue. While Diane von Furstenberg’s Google Glasses were definitely the best tech-savvy accessory, other designers used advanced techniques to get their looks. Alexander Wang’s futuristic hair and makeup accompanied intricate cutouts on spliced tops and graphic tailoring on mod dresses and were testament to his tech savvy designs even before the day-glow finale. Calvin Klein sent a fab black and white wave dress down the runway that appeared to undulate with the model’s walk, while Jill Stuart’s plaid laser-cutout white dress was neo-preppy at its finest. Be on the lookout for lots of futuristic stripes, like those which dominated at Marc Jacobs.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Lisbeth Salander’s love of leather was all over the runways, although luckily it was not limited to punk styled black numbers. Proenza Schouler’s leatherwork was artfully manipulated so the silhouettes had plenty of movement and attitude. Oscar de la Renta went more hardcore than normal, with some punk-inspired yet ladylike colorful leather worked into the collection. 3.1 Philip Lim tried to revive ‘90s grunge. As expected, Helmut Lang pleased the crowd with new silhouettes for their leatherwear, including a great new black leather jacket that would even soften up Ms. Salander.

The Hunger Games

Leave it to Rodarte to continue their Capitol couture domination. Dragon ear-cuffs adorned futuristic and post-apocalyptic styles that are definitely statement making. Band of Outsiders took a more literal inspiration. Designer Scott Sternberg’s collection was heavily inspired by military uniforms and included, camo, army jackets, and combat boots. For Katniss fans, you won’t need to don a hunting jacket since Altuzarra and Rag and Bone’s menswear inspired lines allows for plenty of chicer options. On can’t forget about Katness’s awe inspiring girl on fire gown, which we imagine to be as much of a showstopper as Carolina Herrera’s mini-collection of bright red-orange dresses.

Most people believe that the fashion on the runway dictates the future of style. The truth is that these days it’s more likely that the fashion from the street will inspire the designs from on the runway.

Leopard 
Leopard prints are always in style but this season the prints and fabrics worn by trndsetters seem to be bolder and brighter. For a more wintery look you can push the boundries of cutting-edge fashion and good taste by opting for a leopard print haram pant in a plush velvet. (Hey we’re recording the trends not making them.) For spring 2013 the volume gets very loud with the leopard pattern turning up in brightly saturated colors.

Partially Shaved Heads

We’re not sure when partially shaved heads became  fashion fabulous but we have a hunch that BryanBoy has something to do with this trend. Throughout the tents we spotted several attendees sporting dos that included a portion of the head being shaved. Proceed with caution.

Stella McCartney Floral Print Dress
There’s always one fashion item that emerges as a must-have item for the season. Last year, it was the Celine luggage tote and this season it is undoubtedly a Stella McCartney floral print dress. This bright blue dress is accented with an Indian-inspired floral pint and has been the must have item for the week. We’ve spotted several fashion editors and tastemakers wearing this dress and noticed that many sizes are already sold out online. This is one of those items that may not make it to sale season. So but it now, or forever hold your piece (or peace).

By ManhattanMataHari

With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week underway, there are several emerging trends for Spring/Summer 2013. The good news? You won’t need to store all the brightly colored clothing from this past season. Additionally, some key pieces may already be in your closet and just require updated accessories. Stay tuned for more trends straight from the runways.

Black & White

While colors are still strong for next spring, black and white are gaining popularity. New takes on the little black dress and white on white are red-hot as seen at Alexander Wang, Tracy Reese, Catherine Malandrino, Cushnie et Ochs, and Victoria Beckham. Black and white combined perfectly together at Chado Ralph Rucci, along with the vibrant yellow also seen at Charlotte Ronson. Orange ranging from muted sherbet to bright clementine shades popped up at Diane von Furstenberg, Tracy Reese, Rebecca Taylor, and Victoria Beckham. Keep an eye out for shades of blue throughout the rest of fashion week.

Bare Midriffs

Charlotte Ronson

For those of us not blessed with a model figure, unfortunately bra tops and bandeau styles that expose various areas of the midriff are back. Peter Som, Jason Wu, Mara Hoffman, Edun, Charlotte Ronson, Catherine Malandrino and others all had various incarnations of bra tops. Thankfully, most were paired with blazers and tasteful bottoms. Even ladylike line Jill Stuart showed some skin, which means we will have to hit up the gym throughout the winter to prep for next Spring.

Tweet of the Wild

Birds are all over Lincoln center. Thakoon, Altuzarra Et et. are all showing flights of fancy paired with floral prints. Most designers are using these designs in a more whimsical fashion rather than a more literal intrerpriatation. We are most positive that this trend will not end in New York and only gain more popularity as European designers show their collections.