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
