Spring Fashion 2013: Carolina Herrera

Hopefully, wherever you are, you’re seeing some signs of spring. I covered a few of the trends I found interesting and am ready to move onto specific designers who made their looks work. Spring 2013 is better than Fall 2012 which, seriously, should never have been produced (with a very few exceptions), but there is still something that feels off about the fashion world. Yes, it is supposed to be a bit of fantasy but, much like the state of the American economy, the divide between outrageous ostentation (wealth) and cheap, mass-produced throw away clothing (poor) is growing wider. You’re either faced with buying a designer silk blouse for $150 or a polyester blouse for $19.95. Whatever happened to interesting, well-made clothes at reasonable prices i.e. the middle class?

Because there is no resolution in sight, I went with designers whose style and aesthetic caught my eye. I don’t even list prices here because I’m showing these collections as inspiration only. Unless, you can afford to buy off the runway, in which case I insist you take pictures and share with the rest of us.

Carolina Herrera has always been a favorite but this season she twists her signature elegance into something a bit more fanciful by mixing incongruous colors and patterns. The looks are still classy and wearable but tangerine with gray gives even a long dress a little edge.

 

Both of these looks sport a school-girl feel but not in a lechy, Lolita way. This structured jacket on top of a filmy, swingy skirt is a great combination as is the 70’s short sleeve sweater belted over a long silk printed skirt.

 

Long lengths always work for me. They connote a certain elegance with ease—you’re not trying too hard. Plus, they work for almost any age group. Here Herrera does a nice job of mixing up the waist with the tangerine dress hitting at the natural waistline while the grey silk is almost, but not quite an Empire. Choices! The mixing of vertical and horizontal striping in the dress on the left makes it more flattering while combining gray with tangerine takes just another spring dress and gives it new life.

 

Full blousy silk top in dark gray with bright orange flowers? You bet. Add a short flouncy skirt and this is a perfect young look for spring. Not for all of us, but add a bit of length in the skirt and you’re good to go. For something a bit dressier this abstract printed sheath is a lovely mix of covered up and bare. A great length as well—enough of the ground dragging maxis, please! I’m 5’9” and can’t even wear those things without fear of falling.