Fashion-Finale Commentary: Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week

by JILL LYNNE

Let’s begin at the end…

The Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week concluded with one of my favorite Events – The Autumnal Season Opening of the first major Fashion Exhibition at The Museum at FIT – The Collection of Daphne Guinness.

The” Honourable” and tres chic Daphne Suzanne Diana Joan Guinness is a seminal figure – An Heiress of the famous Guinness Family, Artist, Fashion Collector “Icon," and Intellectual who was named to the International Best Dressed List in 1994.

The Collection is vast and impressive. Curated by the brilliant Valerie Steele, it exhibits a significant selection of edgy Fashion-as-Art bearing the best of Fashion-Forward Designer labels – from Lacroix through McQueen.

Clockwise from top left: Alexander McQueen "Art-Shoe" from The Amazing Daphne Guinness Collection; Military-Style Pale Blue Silk Jacket by Daphne Guinness herself, over Christian Dior Grey and Purple Wool Tweed Day Dress; Slashed Silver Metallic Foil Dress and Hooded Cape by Gareth Pugh; Christian Lacroix Evening Dress.

What I particularly enjoy about this seasonal event – is not only that it brings out some
of the most intriguing and brightest stars in NYC, but also that almost all dress for the occasion.

And dress they do – in dynamic creative ensembles, the best of vintage, and true
Glamour! Such Fun! The exhibition, free and open to the public, runs through January 7, 2012.

En route to FIT, we stopped by the Book Party for John A. Tiffany at the Mary Boone Gallery.

This beautiful new missive, in large coffee-table format, Eleanor Lambert Still Here
(Published by Suzanne Slesin’s new Pointed Leaf press), focuses on the life of the late formidable but beloved Fashion figure – who single-handedly transformed the presentation of Fashion.

Clockwise from top left: Daphne Guinness at the Opening of Her Collection at The Museum at FIT; Author John Tiffany with Publisher Suzanne Slesin (Pointed Leaf Press) at their Mary Boone Gallery; Nick Cave Fashion-Influenced Art Exhibition at Mary Boone (2).

I must admit my coverage is a brief this season due to an unfortunate tear of my left MLS.

Yes. Life “tripped “ yours truly up. So “Regrets” to all those super Designers and Publicists whose shows I missed.

Surprisingly impressive were the new Korean Designers at the Concept Korea IV: Fashion Collective. In particular Doho and Lie Sang Bong showcased futuristic style that were strong yet sensual – playful in coloration with amusing details and strong silhouettes.

From painted tights that visually fused with footwear to angular menswear. Watch for this up ‘n coming Asian-Fusion Design!

Innovative Korean Designer DOHO with his New Collection.

Detail: "Fem-Fluff" Shoes.

Fab Menswear by Korean Designer.

Futuristic Design by Korean Designer by Steve and Yonup.

Women's-Wear by Korean Designer Lie Sang Bong.

Korean Design: Fanciful Footwear and Tights.

This season I pointedly visited several Fashion Showcases and “Lounges” to experience new products. From ALLURE through Robert Verdi, these Private salons offer an opportunity to familiarize oneself with a range of Beauty and Fashion items, just entering the marketplace.

Always on a “Talent-Hunt," committed to supporting new genius, I was disappointed that three runway shows dedicated to emerging Designers this were scheduled at the same time – The important Gen Art Fresh Faces, the wonderful Academy of Art, and ELLE’s Fashion Next.

It was that ole “clone” problem rearing it confusing head – How to be in three locations
simultaneously. Do hope the powers that be, re-think this ...

View of the new streamlined Mercedes-Benz Tent.

As for Trends…

Capes and Caplets, Bold saturated colors, Waists back to natural Waistlines, Coiffed Hair, Gentle Makeup, and – Quelle Domage! – All too high wedgies shoes producing hi-risk walking for women – Beautiful to view, but perhaps a step back (and up) for Les Femmes.

Here's my photo montage to remember Mercedes-Benz Spring 2012 Fashion Week by. Until next year ...

Camera-Loving Fashion Stylist, Rosemary Ponzo, Poses.

Patrick McDonald in one of his many "Dandy" ensembles.

Two Fashionistas pose against the MB wall showcasing the large line-up of Designers.

CFDA 's Fashion Incubator Manager Johanna Stout displaying Anti-Fake Bag (the CFDA's Campaign against Designer Knock-offs).

Fran Lebowitz and Friend ("son") outside tent.

NY1's George Whipple "Layering" of multi-Fashions.

Designer Stacy Chang clandestinely shows off her Asian-influenced jewelry.

Inside Maybelline, a Sponsor of MB Fashion Week, offers a peak at their new line.

IUNICEF Display highlighting "Feed" Bags & "Trick or Treat" Boxes for Halloween.

Rowenta, the German Professional Iron Company, assists attendees to iron decals on T-shirts and Bags.

Designer Kimberly McDonald at her private In-Tent Soiree presents her Natural Stone-embedded Jewelry.

Edite's fab Designer, David Julienne, presenting layered Silver bracelet he fabricates in Taxco, Mexico.

The celebrated Lia Sofia "Social Fashion" Collection.

Modeling Lia Sofia, LS's "Red Carpet Collection," Designer Dani Stahl and Joanna Hillman
(Harper's Bazaar).

Lia Sofia's creative director, Elena Kiam.

Fun Fashionistas at LS wearing the same H&M Polka Dot Blouse.

Dutch Designer Martijn Lugtigheid, with his new "Kiboots" Collection, fabricated with recycled Turkish rug swatches, at
Allure Fashion.

Fashionista Elke Breyer Plays outside ALLURE Fashion Lounge.

Mercedes-Benz Service to Robert Verdi's Retreat.

Cynthia Rowley Designer Band-Aids at RV.

Wearing Kerstin Florian "Correcting Eye Rescue" pads at RV.

The New Kerstin Baby-Boomer oriented "Corrective" Line.

Fashion "Guru" Robert Verdi at his 8th fun chic Fashion Week Retreat.

Singularly-Styled Asian (Boy-Look) Young Men Awaiting the shows.

The Beautifully Crafted Sebago Classic Shoe and Boaters Collection.

Two Fashionistas "Rockin'" Glasses at RV.

SHEETs, the new sugar-free Energizer ... Merely place on Tongue!

Top left: LIBERTINE Designer Johnson Hartig among his Dynamic Collection.

Snazzy Outfitted James LaForce outside Standard Hotel for Pre-MB Number: Lab Menswear Fashion Show (Designer: Luis Fernandez).

Fashion Journalist Richard Spiegel with His fabu Nicholas K. Leather Bag.

Tattoos as Fashion Accessory at the Number: Lab Show.

Clockwise from top left: Patrick McMullan Photographing Iman at ELLE Second Annual ELLE Fashion Next Show at The David Koch theater, Lincoln Center; Dressed for ELLE's Front Row; Iman with ELLE and Moderator, Sundance Channel's "Fashion-Rescue Series" Joe Zee;
Karolina Kurkova.

Deb Shriver and Linda Fargo.

Whitney Port and Jessica Jones.

Robbie Meyers, Editor-in-Chief ELLE presents Awards to Young Designers from SCAD, Savannah College of Design (top left); The ELLE New Designers Collection.

Kenneth Wyse, President of Licensing & Public Relations Phillips-Van Heusen, and friend.

Designer Maggie Norris and Muse in her Ensemble.

Clockwise from top left: Silver Fashion-Lover Gareth Pugh; Fashionista/Journalist Marilyn "Rocks" her Signature Vintage Collection; Designer Timothy John; Artist "Fashions" an Alexander McQueen Skirt into a Cape; Patrick McDonald Changes Up Gear for Opening.