Military might
In addition to the weather, the other big news of the day is the inevitable war with Iraq, so it was not surprising that military themes (which never seem to disappear) were seen on the backs of many show goers.
There were military- inspired Sergeant Pepper jackets and coats (from Marc Jacobs and others), officer’s coats, pea jackets, and military-themed colors like khaki and army green.
In addition, some in the audience opted for items rendered in camouflage prints: camouflage printed pants, jackets, and accessories.
One inventive man even showed up each day in a different head to toe camouflage printed outfit (of his own design).
Mad for plaid
And who says the Burberry plaid is dead?
You couldn’t tell it by the fashion flock, which proudly displayed the red, camel and black iconic signature on scarves, hats, and bags. Nikki Hilton, the ubiquitous socialite, appeared in a short Macintosh designed from the famous plaid.
Fashion victims
Then there are those true fashion victims who buck the trend for comfort and practicality, and blatantly disregard the weather, the season or the elements by dressing as if it’s already spring (or summer).
Some wore Easter Egg hues (pastel pink, blue, lilac) in coats and suits.
Nikki Hilton showed up in a sorbet-colored Chanel skirt on one occasion and a pale pink wool fitted coat with oversized fox collar in a matching shade on another.
Speaking of fashion victims, nothing announces one’s (high) social position more than flaunting bare legs and sandals in the dead of winter (with a snowstorm pending, no less).
This was exemplified by social fixture Helen Lee Schifter, who is always photographed in her designer outfits. Before the Carolina Herrera show, I spotted her showing off bare (and tanned) legs, short bronze leather skirt, and high heeled sandals: she was a walking advertisement for the fact that she had a car and driver at her disposal.
My choices
So, what were my wardrobe choices?
I opted for vintage, as usual:
- Oscar de la Renta gold, quilted coat trimmed with mink (worn with jeans and boots).
- Short, vintage mink cape paired with chinos and long, rainbow-striped Marc Jacobs scarf.
- Vintage white fox shrug worn over all black.
- A mile-long black and white Club Monaco scarf.
- Vintage black and white houndstooth check coat paired with a similarly patterned scarf and bag.
- Vintage Koos Van Den Akker patchwork tent shaped midcalf coat and tall camel boots.
- Vintage fitted neoprene red and green Italian ski jacket with lean black pants.
- White quilted ski vest worn with narrow black pants and white Chanel suspenders.
Almost all outfits were worn with hats (my favorite vintage shearling hoods or an ivory knitted ski hat) and I carried my oversized vintage bags, which are large enough to fit the entire kitchen sink.
Since the week was "all about survival," I sure needed them.
Marilyn Kirschner is a New York-based fashion editor with a distinctive personal style -- and affinity for vintage -- that has landed her many times in Bill Cunningham's acclaimed "On the Street" feature for the New York Times. Her impressive knowledge of the fashion industry is culled from her extensive editorial experience, primarily as senior market editor at Harper's Bazaar. Currently, Marilyn is the editor-in-chief of The Look On-Line.
