Hello-Hello, and welcome to a new week.
As many readers have probably heard, it is once again Fashion Week in New York, all manner of styles are being shown for next fall. Cathy Horyn of the Times steps back for a broader view in one critique, and raises an interesting question: What Happened to the Trousers?
America sent the liberated woman striding forward in a man’s world, wearing power pants.
This lean, dynamic figure was once a fixture on New York runways. But halfway through the autumn/winter 2012 season — where have all the trousers gone?
Below, styles from the Tommy Hilfiger, Diane Von Furstenberg and Derek Lam illustrate the Times article.
Chris Moore/Karl Prouse via The New York Times
Back to the piece in today’s paper.
A pants count of the designers’ programs tells the story: Donna Karan’s DKNY, 1 pair out of 27 outfits; Derek Lam, 9 of 33; Tommy Hilfiger, 10 out of 43; D.V.F., 16 out of 48 — a neat one-third.
From what little your fearless scribe can recall from the last several seasons, that seems like a significant change. Hmmm.
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Next, something that somehow seems fitting at Fashion Week, a real-life ‘Dream Closet’ from Barbie’s Dream House.
Getty Images via Fashion Etc.
More from Women’s Wear Daily:
Barbie, the original fashion plate, joined the New York Fashion Week calendar, setting up camp Friday night… with her own “Dream Closet,” a pink glittering wonderland full of all things Barbie.
Brooke Shields is seen below with daughter Grier, as she has her hair done at the Dream House.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Barbie via WWD.com
Also on hand, Kelly Bensimon, of ‘Real Housewives’ notoriety with daughters Sea and Thaddeus, they can be seen playing with Barbie’s Virtual Wardrobe.
AP via The Wall Street Journal
The Journal had an interesting story on the event.
A character like Barbie—all 11 ½ inches of her—inspires a sense of nostalgia and whimsy, perhaps even a kind of reverence. These are feelings you don’t get too much of at attention-deficit-disordered, come-on-just-drink-another-Diet-Pepsi, let’s-hope-there’s-something-I-want-in-this-goodie-bag-under-my-seat-oh-darn-there-isn’t New York Fashion Week.
There was some blinding very bright pink at the event.
INF/Goff Photos via The Daily Mail
Really (r-e-a-l-l-y) pink.
AP Photo/John Minchillo
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Finally today, a look at one version of the uniforms US Olympic and Paralympic athletes will be wearing in London this summer. The ensemble shown is what Team USA will wear while in the Olympic Village, not to be confused with the looks that will be worn for the opening and closing ceremonies.
Ralph Lauren via Business Wire
Late last year we saw images of gold medal decathlete Bryan Clay (left) and medal winning swimmer Ryan Lochte in this year’s Ralph Lauren uniforms.
Associated Press
Today’s ‘duh!’ moment? I thought I had already posted these. (Shakes head back and forth slowly before bashing onto keyboard.) The company also announced its team of twelve Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls who have been named Ralph Lauren “Brand Ambassadors” in December. Here is the full list:
Ralph Lauren
The repp tie stripe belt is a nice touch, as always, the red, white and blue palette is very appealing.
Ralph Lauren
Obviously not so nice, the company’s logo overpowering the US Olympic Team logo. More from the PRL news release:
The collection features reissued heritage pieces from the ’30s and ’40s, including fleece warm-ups, a cricket-collar shirt and sweatshirts with felt “USA” appliques. Vintage track & field designs and embroidery give the collection an old world athletic charm. Modern looks include the sporty Big Pony polo with new Olympic team logo.
Excuse us as we struggle to find the linkage between “vintage designs” and “Big Pony.” Below, a closer look at the shirt on Paralympian basketball star Matt Scott.
The collection will be available for purchase in May on the Team USA and Ralph Lauren websites.
The Preppy Princess 