New York A/W 2015 Wishlist

It’s still only November but with the cold biting hard, and the wind and rain combining to create a multitude of bleak, dark days, you’ll forgive us for looking forward to Christmas. A time of joy, family, merriment and good feeling, Christmas is the goal we’re all reaching for to offset the doom and gloom of November. What better inspiration for gifts than the A/W 2015 runway collections? This season, we saw summery folk trends transition to winter thanks to hardy textures like suede and shearling coupled with light silks and chiffons; we saw three dimensional knitwear; opulent floral prints and motifs as well dramatic longlines, from elegant turtlenecks to floor-sweeping hems. This season was all about dramatic hues and silhouettes that still aimed to champion the graceful female form above everything. Unfortunately for most us, the ready-to-wear collections pose a serious financial problem, because we don’t have thousands to splash out on the best looks. But what’s the point of a wishlist if you can’t make a few fantastical suggestions? If we could, we’d jet off to New York, one of the world’s fashion capitals, and snap up these three fabulous collections…



1) Marc Jacobs



Attracting everyone from Sofia Coppola to Debbie Harry to the front row, Marc Jacobs is one of the superstars of American fashion. The New York native has been a NYFW stalwart for years, even during his glorious tenure as creative director at Louis Vuitton. Prim and proper, his A/W 2015 collection combines graceful long lines with sumptuous textures like leather, tweed and faux fur, rich colour palates of navy, burgundy, yellow and green, all finished off with sharp tailoring and cinched waists. This collection was neo-Gothic but effortlessly lady-like, demonstrating Jacobs’ unerring ability to combine grace with a healthy dose of edge. Unafraid to experiment with sheer or dramatic silhouettes, he never branches into the avant-garde, always privileging wearability and versatility.


2) Proenza Schouler



Perennial risk-takers, millennial design due Proenza Schouler have been firm New York favourites since 2002 when they first launched their brand. Known for clashing prints and three dimensional embellishments, you never quite know what to expect from their shows. Their A/W 2015 presentation was exciting and subtle: artistic tights sporting circular patterns were worn by all the models in dresses and skirts to create an eccentric base for all the ensembles. The rest of the collection veered dramatically between covering up and exposure: cut outs at the shoulders, stomach and plunging V-necks were contrasted with demure cover-ups, and slouchy sweatshirts. As a result, the collection appeals to high-fashion red carpet buyers as well as the fashionable hordes who desire on-trend looks for everyday wear.


3) Diane von Furstenberg



If there’s any designer who’s going to know how to make women look and feel good, it is New York fashion favourite, Diane von Furstenberg. Creator of the iconic wrap dress, which will flatter any figure no matter your shape and size, this season, von Furstenberg turned her attention to sultry and sophisticated laces, sheer and chunky knits. Working these textures in with block reds, blacks and royal blues, von Furstenberg created fun and flirty party dresses (shop similar styles at Mary Jane Fashion) seductive gowns as well as a host of wearable knitwear that will keep you both warm and stylish.