Hello-Hello, Happy Monday!
We didn’t get to post pix from all of last week’s shows at Fashion Week (the New York version) and we’re already well into London Fashion Week as we speak…yikes!
So it is time to play catch-up, recognizing many readers may have already seen some (if not all) of these styles. We begin with a brand that we always approach with trepidation; Tommy Hilfiger. (We fear one day we shall be attacked by a giant “TH” logo.) Below, the first two looks down the runway.
Classic lines in primary colors dominated the show.
Mr. Hilfiger is celebrating a notable anniversary, the company he founded is now 25 years old.
Many of the styles were surprisingly attractive, certain to be stunning on those in the twenty-something age range. As noted by WWD (Women’s Wear Daily, subscription req’d.) in its review:
“…his spring collection was a shiny, happy ode to the genre that made him famous: preppy.”
Mr. Hilfiger packed the front row with celebrities; below Jennifer Lopez and actor Bradley Cooper.
PRNewsFoto/The Tommy Hilfiger Group
In his review, Eric Wilson at the Times wrote:
“This was a collection full of Nantucket red chinos and trench coats, ruffle dresses made of grosgrain ribbon and seersucker blazers. Very country club, yes, but it was awfully difficult to put your finger on what the twist was.”
A closer look at some of the accessories.
One columnist made note of the shoes, predicting the most sought-after next spring will be something akin to a “Sperry Top-Sider” on a platform. (Ahem.)
Eric Thayer/Reuters
Other celebrities on hand for the show and/or the party following it, Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks and Jessica Szohr of Gossip Girl.
As mentioned in our post on the Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 collection, it is an unusual Fashion Week indeed when we find ourselves more favorably impressed by Mr. Hilfiger’s work, and underwhelmed by Mr. Lauren’s creations.
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Another line we were unable to get to until now, Milly by Michelle Smith.
PHOTOS: George Chinsee/WWD
This collection also used lots of primary colors, bright florals and geometric prints.
PHOTOS: George Chinsee/WWD
Frequent readers know we are fond of this brand, but the dresses above aren’t up to Ms. Smith’s usual deft touch; the placement of the abstract shapes is unlikely to flattering any size or shape. Below, from opposite ends of the fashion spectrum, two of our favorite looks.
PHOTOS: George Chinsee/WWD
Chic, elegant and easy on the eyes. In her story on the collection, Elizabeth Holmes from The Journal writes:
“If the name Michelle Smith isn’t synonymous with Blair Waldorf, it should be. The designer behind Milly knows the young uptown girl’s style from her headband to her heel, and showed that again with her latest collection, which must be bound for the “Gossip Girl” wardrobe department.”
Three more looks we love.
PHOTOS: George Chinsee/WWD
A closer look at some of the accessories for next spring, oversized handbags and chunky jewelry.
Some of the celebrities spotted at the Milly show included Tinsley Mortimer, as well as newscaster Natalie Morales, seen on the right with Michelle Smith, the designer.
This collection offered lots to like.
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Some may recall our recent post on the new womenswear collection by Michael Bastian for prep classic Gant. We shared some styles in that post, but thought we would post a few more, these from the line’s formal Fashion Week presentation.
Courtesy Images via WWD
Most looks seem appealing, particularly for the younger set.
Courtesy Images via WWD
This shot includes some of the mens’ styles, we particularly like the novelty oxford on the far right.
Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images
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We close with something out of the ordinary, but something we think might put a smile on your face.
Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty
This weekend the dogs were in the drink as part of the annual Surf Dog competition.
Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty
From the Surf City website:
“The Surf Dog Contest includes Small, Medium, Large and Tandem Dog/Human Heats. Other events include Best in Show Costume Contest, K9 Kayak, Hot Diggity Dog Expo, a 2-mile Woofin’ Walk and more!”
Tilly says her eyes might bug out too if she were on a surfboard.
Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty
And then there is always the problem with wave poaching.
Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty
It helps to have friends on board.
Mark Ralston/AFP/getty
The event isn’t just fun, it is also a fundraiser for several organizations helping dogs in need; the event page has more. Back to the waves, fierce determination seemed to be the order of the day.
Barry Bland via The Sun
For others, quiet dignity ruled.
Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty
And sometimes you just need to know when to get out of the water.
Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty
To see a slew of photos from the big do, click here. How does this relate to anything preppy? It doesn’t. But sometimes smiles are more important than labels and today is one of those days here at the Prepatorium.
Until next time, we hope your Monday is sunny and bright!
ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS:
- Tommy Hilfiger: John Aquino/WWD
- Tommy Hilfiger: Getty Images via Fashionologie
- Tommy Hilfiger: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty
- Tommy Hilfiger: Michael Loccisano/Getty
- Milly: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for IMG
- Milly: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG
The Preppy Princess 