Kate Spade‘s media presentation was scheduled to start at 10am, but was overflowing with people (& pink champagne bubbles) even before the clock struck the hour. It would be fair to say this was a hotly-anticipated event. In fact, I was so excited to receive the invitation that I quickly responded, “I will be there with bells on! Perhaps, even, literal bells!” (Luckily for everyone attending, I decided to skip the bells this time… But just you wait!)
The eager anticipation had, no doubt, been brought on in part by the very recent release of Kate Spade’s Spring/Summer collection. It’s a beautiful, retro-psychedelic assortment, featuring Florence Broadhurst’s Japanese floral design, as well as fantastic handbags in hues that threaten to punch your lights out!
So adorable, so lust-worthy! Can I have one of everything?!
…But I digress. Back to the collection. The walls were covered in turquoise polka-dots & the columns were painted in black & white stripes. Girls stood around the room, elevated on podiums, with very shiny bangs. The mix of colours & patterns was bold & beautiful — just like the soap opera — & a joyful shock to the system!
Deborah Lloyd, Kate Spade’s Creative Director, explained, “Fall 2012 is inspired by the Cour D’Honneur at Paris’ Palais Royal. It’s one of my favourite spots. Sitting in the courtyard you look out over a sea of graphic striped pillars & into the lush garden beyond. For me, this represents our fall collection — a play on prints, mixing abstract patterns with dreamy watercolours & polka dots of every proportion.
“This season, flirty details & frills are juxtaposed with more masculine moments. Ladylike silhouettes are cut with chunky zippers & oversized sweaters are paired with sleek minis & colourful skinny trousers. A gold metal minaudiere throws off the femininity of a ruffled dress & the architectural lines of an envelope clutch make for a brilliant companion to an iconic trench.”
As if that weren’t enough to whet your appetite, Kate Spade recently recruited Brad Goreski, who did the styling. He was there, too, speaking enthusiastically about the collection while wearing one of his signature bow-ties. He has said that he is “basically the Kate Spade girl — but a boy”, & this role seems to suit him perfectly.
My favourite look? The “Pardon My French” t-shirt with a patent bow belt & a voluminous ostrich feather mini. It’s so simple but so playful & chic at the same time, reminding us all that a simple t-shirt & skirt combination can sometimes be the most effective thing!
It was a fabulous start to the day, & one of the most fun events of New York Fashion Week so far. Kate Spade’s kooky-prim aesthetic is certainly one I will be referencing & borrowing from over the coming year!
Words and photos by Gala Darling (@GalaDarling)
