MACY's FALL 2012 Media Preview

Jack Studios, NYC

words/images Judith Ecochard

Macy's department stores...have taken fashion cues from all of the capsules collections done by its competitors---and turned them on its heads...in a manner of speaking...by imprinting their own exclusive in-house brands with, well just that...strong brand identities.

AND having the wherewithall to corral in- some of the top names in the apparel biz, for Macy's exclusive designs.

At the most recent Fall 2012 media preview at the spacious Jack Studios...waaaayyyyover on the Westside (a big sneeze, you'd land in the Hudson River)...the different labels were simply displayed on clothing racks and display cases. Which is great...as it gives us a chance to see things, easy.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Tasso Elba is one of those private label-Macy's entities...for the professional man with a sense of clean style and European sensibilities- at affordable prices points and tailored for all-American proportions, we think. Neutral tones, suits that are fully lined, urban friendly menswear.

Kenneth Cole's Reaction imprint is exclusive to Macy's---for that guy in or just out of college---full of good casual separates that can carry over into the work place-depending where one toils. Refreshed classics-like a hip take on baseball/varsity jackets and military details...mixed in with the staples.

on its own or under a blazer-tailored vest -handsome addition for Fall.

Kenneth Cole Reaction footwear too.

All American prep---the exclusive for Macy's Tommy Hilfiger serves up vintage referenced puffy vests, toggle coats and varsity stripes galore---or tailgate worthy pieces that scream for crisp FALL weather--for all those BBQs in the parking lot.

The Alfani man is is established- and comfortable with a bit go flair, wardrobe wise-with stylish blazers, trousers, sweaters---that are wardrobe staples and always appropriate.

Nothing outlandish-but well put together---we thought these cotton velvet blazers an easy item to dress up denim ---for an outing that's a bit fancier, sartorially speaking.

BAR III is fairly new for Macy's-a contemporary label that is cut for the guys that are in shape...a bit more fitted than Alfani...with trendier options like the above leather vest.

mad for plaid with western placket snap pockets

I-N-C International Concepts

... is similar to BAR III in appeal, but maybe just a tad more prepster -as opposed to urban hipster. Still, we feel that same guys will like both Macy's private labels.

Varisty sweater-INC Concpets

cable knit sweater with toggles

refreshed track jacket---for off the field outings

The American Rag Cie-is Macy's extremely price conscious collection for tweeners on up...casual lifestyle apparel, made well and pieces for Fall---especially hooded items...and sized up for the big dudes.

WOMEN---

Of course, we spent more time on the female offerings...

Starting with the Charter Club---Macy's clothing line for women who need to look pulled together for work. The silhouettes are contemporary-not outlandish...and the cuts are for grown-ups. Not boring basics though---there were some bold colors and prints that showed their customer is one lady who very much cares about her attire.

love the 4 season versatility of a classic sheath-so appropriate for so many occasions depending on accessories

Accessories ---shoes, boots, bags---all spot on---made by many different labels...chances are-every style, humanly designed...ever---had some presence here.

Smartly, sandals and open toe are available year round---as Macy's has a broad reach, geographic wise...and people go on vacation and always need something tropically friendly.

beaded pumps and slip-ons---ethnic patterns

costume jewelry---

Ellen Tracy exclusive to Macy's

Charter Club

I-N-C International Concepts is a Macy's label that has really done well with its feminine fashions with modern silhouettes.

Alfani---like the men's version---is a Macy's brands for women who have that international savvy, fashion sense. Elegant separates at price points that are accessible...

classic strap sandals with sparkling details...will be in style for decades to come

lace up back, equestrian style

ballet flats with pretty bows---in fun colors and animal prints

Massively popular-anything with Rachel Rachel Roy's signature on it. A Macy's exclusive in clothing, footwear and jewelry.

eye catching wedge by rachel Rachel Roy

Rachel Rachel Roy suede pumps with melt details-NICE

The popular designer-who has her own signature line---showed some easy mix with everything separates---including rather nice knit ponchos, sweaters and scarves.

easy wear-plaid poncho has shaped shoulders that give it some proportion

like the autumnal tones and striped patterns of this car length wool coat

sweet edge-feminine frock under a leather jacket

Madonna and Lourde's Material Girl collection got a bit more grown-up this season...with some really trendy separates that would appeal to a wide range for gals...a bit more sophisticated-we think- should make this line more popular with the Gossip Girls' types who favor big name labels.

cropped blazer has cut-out sleeve detail...with same pattern on back. LOVE.

ALL HAIL the Union Jack...

plaid done well-as a print on a chiffon flowing dress, bold zipper detail...fun.

Plus size young women get all of the style and great prices---in Macy's American Rag Cie collection

stacked platforms and wedges...popular year round

ELLEN TRACY is a major fashion label ---that has an exclusive to Macy's line...

Made for women...this contemporary collection had a lot going for its Fall 2012 selections---we loved this stitched pattern jacket-a leather classic in a camel color---that would be a workhorse wardrobe addition...with a skirt, over a dress, or with jeans on weekends.

Like the guys...the gals get a lot of preppy pop from Tommy Hilfiger...including knit Fair Isle knits, blazers with patch insignias...and warm outerwear with utilitarian details.