Fall trend report: Outerwear for everyone

One thing was clear at the Fall 2011, outerwear is no longer purely functional for fighting off Fall and winter chills! Coats have gone glamorous with a wide diversity of  looks offering something for every fashion point of view. From 1940's era glamour, to 70's inspired,  to straight-up science fiction fashion there was an inexhaustible array of options for covering up in seriously-statement making style.   A few of the most memorable looks from the collections include:

Hyden Yoo Fall 2011/Image: S. Whittle for Style WyldeRetro-Rock n' Roll

One of the first and  most buzzed about collections of the week, Hyden Yoo showcased a rebellious 1940's Teddy Boy vibe with well cut wools in cropped and midi-lengths complete with wide collars and applets that was intoxicating as the super-strong cocktails served at the Soho House hosted presentation. 

L.A.M.B. fall 2011/Image: S. Whittle for Style WyldeLater in the week, music and fashion superstar Gwen Stefani, upped the retro-rocker ante by  showing coats with a 60's-mod meets 80's punk sensibility in her collection for L.A.M.B. 

Callula Lillibelle Fall 2011/Image: S.Whittle for Style WyldeLovely and Ladylike

It was no surprise that expert couturier William Calvert and his partner Melanie Hart created another hyper-wearable collection that channeled a variety of female fashion archetypes for their Callula Lillibelle line.  But what did surprise were the shots of vivid colors that brought a fresh and fun look to ultra ladylike silhouettes.

Anna Sui Fall 2011/Image: S.Whittle for Style WyldeBold Boho

Anna Sui Fall 2011/Image: S. Whittle for Style WyldeEven the most knowledgeable fashion writer would have a hard time coming up with any designer that can outdo the divine Anna Sui when it comes to sumptuous, boho looks. For Fall 2011 Sui seemed set on bringing her esthetic to outwear with to-die for pieces  created from tweed, fur, and velvet that screamed bohemian luxury.

Norman Ambrose Fall 2011/Image: S. Whittle for Style Wylde

Iconic Hollywood

Stepping into the Norman Ambrose Fall 2011 presentation, 1970's Hollywood was alive again, and Faye Dunaway's iconic style from the film Network was in full force.  Sexy and fun with a heavy dose of vintage cool the leather trenches and  fur wraps were an answer to the fashion prayers of style mavens everywhere.

Parkchoonmoo Fall 2011/Image: S.Whittle for Style Wylde

Avant-garde in the extreme

Just when you thought you'd seen every shape, texture, and silhouette possible in outerwear, along came the seemingly sleeping-bag inspired Parkchoonmoo Fall 2011 collection, where over-the-top volume and a complicated system of belting won out over mainstream viability.  While admittedly calling the collection "appealing to a wide audience" might not be realistic there was no denying the creativity and the exuberance of the designer. 

For more images from the Mercedes Benz new York Fashion Week Fall 2011 collections visit the Style Wylde Galleries.

Comments

[ihatewhaturwearing]

that parkchoonmoo coat is mental, but I kinda like it.

[Cynthia Anderson]

to be honest, sitting in the audience at Parkchoonmoo I wasn't so sure myself, and even reviewing photos after the event I wasn't sold. BUT something about the collection really stuck with me, and I've found myself looking at it, and reconsidering time and time again. It's been months now, and I am finally beginning to 'get it'. I for one, can't wait to see what she comes up with next!