AND KENNETH COLE REACTION
West 50th Street, NYC
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
Missed (very) from opening New York's Fashion Week, the congenial and committed (cause-wise) Kenneth Cole and his team- showed a terrific line-up of on trend, wearable mix and match urban sleek separates- at the presentation for media types a few months back.
Displayed on mannequins and racks- in a spacious setting at company headquarters---
We actually like this format that allows us time---and even got there pronto. AND lucky us-we had a nice chat with the designer himself...
ABOUT--
Use of a lot of natural fabrics for Fall 2011-wool, cottons...
Color palette---autumnal tones---with some bold solid shades judiciously sprinkled throughout...
Possible return to the main tent catwalk...(hopeful)...
HIGHLIGHTS:
We think the clean linear---- modern ensembles we saw are going to show up in a lot of those "get the look for less" print layouts---as we felt a Euro-chic vibe here with blessedly little reference to the 50's...but a nod to the 70's (we thought) in that we kept thinking of the posh sportswear and business wardrobe on Faye Dunaway in the movie Network. Polished dresses, ensembles, pulled together---fitted, no sloppy, bagginess anywhere---and that includes men, mercifully.
No frou frou OR extraneous frills--- but minimalism that had us remembering our highly coveted Helmut Lang anything- from the 90's.
LOVED the fitted silhouettes--- and well designed for many body types IMHO.
Wrap sweaters, knits dresses...slim but warm...cardigan jackets.
Blazers and suits for men---wear the jacket separately-with jeans and a tee- for a wardrobe that works as hard as you do.
Guys---tucked in into hiking style lace-up boots. After last winter---practical as well as a casual fashion statement...with masculine leather knapsacks--cool casual...urban haulers-
Military and utilitarian details-beted officer style coats---love the yellow pop of color particularly on the outwear.
Fake Fur is always preferred---we think this is a sophisticated look---and super warm too.
ACCESSORIES:
BELTS----big!
PLUS: Clutches, and satchels in leather with subtle hardware---
City takes on country kickers-shearling line....braided metal bracelets, cuff...and watches (reviewed else where).
KENNETH COLE REACTION-for Macy's
Casual separates---
For that guy outta college and looking to get out of dormitory attire---Kenneth Cole Reaction is priced less that the main collection---but is all grown up just the same.
INFO: www.kennethcole.com
West 50th Street, NYC
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
Missed (very) from opening New York's Fashion Week, the congenial and committed (cause-wise) Kenneth Cole and his team- showed a terrific line-up of on trend, wearable mix and match urban sleek separates- at the presentation for media types a few months back.
 |
| Kenneth Cole---the ideal model his own clothes we are sure he is sick of hearing that too. |
Displayed on mannequins and racks- in a spacious setting at company headquarters---
 |
| Samrtly belted-the double breasted camel coat on right is a classic, layer friendly keeper |
 |
| Handsome leather satchel---guys need to get rid of the giveaway from the past corporate junket and graduate to this as their gym/weekend hauler |
ABOUT--
Use of a lot of natural fabrics for Fall 2011-wool, cottons...
Color palette---autumnal tones---with some bold solid shades judiciously sprinkled throughout...
Possible return to the main tent catwalk...(hopeful)...
HIGHLIGHTS:
We think the clean linear---- modern ensembles we saw are going to show up in a lot of those "get the look for less" print layouts---as we felt a Euro-chic vibe here with blessedly little reference to the 50's...but a nod to the 70's (we thought) in that we kept thinking of the posh sportswear and business wardrobe on Faye Dunaway in the movie Network. Polished dresses, ensembles, pulled together---fitted, no sloppy, bagginess anywhere---and that includes men, mercifully.
No frou frou OR extraneous frills--- but minimalism that had us remembering our highly coveted Helmut Lang anything- from the 90's.
 |
| Double breasted jackets for men making a comeback...not just for master of the universe types |
LOVED the fitted silhouettes--- and well designed for many body types IMHO.
 |
| Hail Navy Sailors----terrific overcoats...and that yellow dress is a welcome sunny shade paired with dark hose |
 |
| Our fav-capelet with double buttons, epaulets...shown to perfection here |
 |
| Anorak in lilac with ruching and a functional waist drawstring, a wide collar that snaps/ties closed-not typical but pretty |
 |
| front pockets make this blazer worthy |
 |
| easy to wear leather in a cognac brown |
 |
| This shearling will work with just about everything---including a evening ball gown skirt....reminds us off Ric Owens |
Wrap sweaters, knits dresses...slim but warm...cardigan jackets.
 |
| The outfit on the right=perfection, ruffled blousey knit top, ruched knit skirt with gatherings that flatter, not adding inches to the hips...long lean skirt length just below knee looks fresh-with high heel loafer style pumps |
 |
| men get cozy to---this knit is slim and trim enough to work as a jacket |
 |
| Belted cable knit beyond chic |
Blazers and suits for men---wear the jacket separately-with jeans and a tee- for a wardrobe that works as hard as you do.
 |
| Double breasted, slim fitted---the fabric is great---this blazer can also work with a pair of jeans |
Guys---tucked in into hiking style lace-up boots. After last winter---practical as well as a casual fashion statement...with masculine leather knapsacks--cool casual...urban haulers-
Military and utilitarian details-beted officer style coats---love the yellow pop of color particularly on the outwear.
 |
| High collar, wide belted officer's military coat for women |
 |
| trenches- easy car coat length in a sunny yellow...worn open and belted, NICE STYLING HERE |
Fake Fur is always preferred---we think this is a sophisticated look---and super warm too.
 |
| fake fur fun-and chic enough for evening wear-change the belt to a more blingy cincher |
ACCESSORIES:
BELTS----big!
PLUS: Clutches, and satchels in leather with subtle hardware---
 |
| stacked platform pumps |
 |
| Boots and booties---laces ups with cuffs |
City takes on country kickers-shearling line....braided metal bracelets, cuff...and watches (reviewed else where).
 |
| Back of this dress-seams are so visually interesting and sexy- and makes this frock fabulous |
KENNETH COLE REACTION-for Macy's
 |
| Blazer/trousers on right would work at work in most settings |
Casual separates---
INFO: www.kennethcole.com