Donna Karan: Liquid Assets

Yes darlings, I can feel spring in the air (at least on the Western Hemisphere)! It’s an indescribable feeling, really; waking up without frostbitten toes, feeling incredibly happy for no particular reason, and having this sudden rush of boldness and a need to carpe diem and kiss a random, cute boy on the streets. It is spring, indeed! That said, I’ve decided to revisit Spring RTW collections of 2009. I am fully aware that we had just finished with NY Fashion Week for Fall 2009, but darlings, as good as it is to plan ahead, we must live for the now! As far as I am concerned, autumn is months away, but spring is here (almost!).

I’ve always had mixed feelings on Donna Karan. Sometimes I love it; most of the time I find it too grunge-y for my taste. Yet Ms. Karan’s Spring RTW Collection for 2009 was truly breathtaking – the photos from Style.com really do the collection no justice. It is only in the video (I watch runway shows vicariously through style.com) where the actual beauty of the clothing can be seen. I’ve fallen in love with the languid  nature of the clothing. Simply organic luxe.

One reason why? Les couleurs. Besides the ever classic black, neutrals and greens are my favorite colors to base my wardrobe around. Truly amazing shades of nude, beige, taupe, brown, and grays, highlighted with touches of light green and blues. Earthy tones become seductive with citrus-y colors.

I absolutely adore the beauty look of the spring show. J’adore, j’adore, j’adore! Gorgeous, blown-out hair, flipped at the ends. A breath of fresh air, really, especially when the just-rolled-out-of-bed, tousled, undone look for hair  has been dominating a majority of runways for quite a few seasons now. I really do love that done and finished look – ’tis truly ladylike and gives this air of sophistication. And now moving to the face: goooood byeee, matte skin! Hello, dewy-ness! Flawless, fresh, and youthful with a tad bit of highlighter on the T-zone for a bit more glow and little to no blush in peachy nude. The eyes are the focus of the face, illuminated with a tres shimmery gold (more luminescent than sparkly) on the inner corners of the eyes and extended into a peach-colored shadow. A bit of dark liner on the top lid, layers of mascara that’s been combed through on the top and bottom for extra oomph. And finished with a peach, nude colored, high shine gloss. (Note to self: dewy skin, peachy colors, and gloss!) Love, love, love.

Juxtaposition. A favorite word of mine, and of Michael Kors. I’ve concluded that I either (a) have a penchant for any collection that balances opposites perfectly; or (b) make misnomers in labeling everything I like as a “juxtaposition of …”. Anywho. I love how the smallest details – changes in embellishments and fabrics – can completely alter the ambiance of a similar item. Though both are strappy sandals with a thick heel (which I adore!), the shoe to the left makes use of textured fabrics that look more natural/organic. The other, in satin and embellished with stones, is similar in structure but has an entirely different feel: much more luxe. Needless to say, the differences in fabrics do make a huge difference. I truly do love both, particularly the left shoe; the neutral browns and taupe is gorgeous, the chunky heel and platform fabulous. Imagine it paired with a pair of fantastic skinny jeans and a beige butterfly-sleeved top that almost resembles a cape. B-e-a-utiful.

Languidly slouchy, provocative, and sexy. With water as Donna Karan’s inspiration for the spring collection, the liquid-like textures and drapings reflect the water’s movements and colors. Liquid Assets, she calls it. And liquid assets indeed. Where luxury can be effortless and “bathrobe chic”, fabrics were draped beautifully over the woman’s body. Satin jersey and matte charmeuse created the liquid effect that added a bit more drama and dimension to the already draped fabrics. This collection epitomized grunge-chic in making it luxe; deconstructed blazers over dresses cinched low on the hips. It was all about the décolleté, one of the most demurely sexy areas of a woman’s body, in low, v-neck cuts. Comfort meets sexy and luxury, in laymen’s terms.

What I would give to own each of these gowns. In a sheer, lightly draped charmeuse for that divine feel, and embellished with tiny crystals to replicate the shimmery specks of light when the sun is upon the water. Simply amazing how the crystals capture the light and sparkle in the most sophisticated manner.

Even in a collection based entirely on liquid assets and languid textures, there is always a bit of structure added into the mix for balance. With emphasized shoulders and boxy cuts, these mini dresses still possess the characteristics of the majority of the collection in delicate drapery. Beautiful, natural stones and materials serve as embellishments around the neckline – which rids the need of pairing jewelry.

I promise this is the last time I’ll say it.

J’adore. Period.

xoxo,

La C.