The Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is less than five months away and this date holds particular importance for Stella McCartney. This go round, she is designing the uniforms for the British Olympic team: no small feat for a designer who already shows four collections a year. With such a big project on the horizon, it was no surprise that a sporty vibe crept into her Fall 2012 designs. That influence did not of course stop her from what she does best: functional, menswear-inspired tailoring for the modern-day woman on the go who keeps a polished appearance and comfort at the forefront of her mind.
Outerwear is a focus of any Fall 2012 collection and McCartney came straight out the gate with a long cobalt and grey boxy coat with a black ruffle collar: a trend that would continue on a coat of the same nature in a darker colorblock palette on Joan Smalls. There was also a cropped wool bomber jacket accented with varsity stripes, harking back to the sporty influence that pervaded through the collection.
Padded hips anyone? These definitely were not the most wearable looks out of the group, but were certainly the most fashion-forward. A long beige seamed coat on Cora Emmanuel, a midi-length knit sweaterdress layered over a collared shirt, an expertly-tailored suit that channeled Christian Dior’s New Look: designs for the fashion daredevil who loves making a statement.
Knits are staples in McCartney’s collections and here she showed everything from chunky knit sweaters to a cardigan/pencil skirt combination that will definitely appeal to the modern-day working woman.
Last but not least were the collection’s dresses which really drove home the athletic-inspired vibe including track jacket-inspired styling, flirty tennis skirt bottoms and colorblock stretch panels which had the feeling of wetsuits: a total departure from the brand’s uber-popular Fall 2011 sheer polka dot dresses, but still sensual nevertheless.
I really loved this collection from Stella McCartney. There was a great balance between functionality and fashion-forward design, while still mixing in her signatures. The shoes in the collection are surely going to be a big hit (as Alicia Keys has already demonstrated) and it will be interesting to see how her legion of celebrity fans wear the pieces in the coming months: the athletic-inspired dresses are a must for Serena Williams and Melanie B, the chunky knits for Rihanna and the tailored blazers and jackets for Kim Kardashian.
What do you think?
Photos: ELLE.com
March 7, 2012 4:57 pm
I like the collection too. I’m excited to see this cool cobalt having a bit of a moment, it’s one of my fav colors. They even did it on the lashes, and I love it! Stella never disappoints.
March 7, 2012 5:50 pm
I wish I could do a drive by on this whole collection..
March 7, 2012 7:16 pm
Wonderful textiles horrible fit, styling and design.
March 7, 2012 8:53 pm
Loving every single look!!!!! Her line is always THE ANSWER
March 8, 2012 2:37 am
This is the first time I looked at one of her collections and didn’t barf. It’s okay, there are some pieces that I could see myself buying, but I think Stella is extremely overrated as a designer, if her dad wasn’t a Beetle, she wouldn’t be getting the attention that she gets.
March 8, 2012 9:55 am
LOL @EntertainmentsFuture so wrong
I love the craftsmanship and some of the silhouettes.
I kind of like the more youthful looks in this collection.
Overall I’m not thrilled by this runway.
It all seems too stiff and heavy even for fall.
Even the models look lifeless and stiff.
March 8, 2012 10:45 am
I think that her collection was great! I actually liked everything I have seen which usually is not the case for me usually. I don’t think she is overrated I feel that she makes great clothes for her niche market
March 8, 2012 11:04 am
I like the beige coat. I hate the color blue so maybe that’s why I wasn’t loving this.
March 8, 2012 12:03 pm
BRAVO!!!
March 8, 2012 12:42 pm
Why does some of this pieces make the model look like thy have wide hips???????
March 8, 2012 1:23 pm
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