Proenza Schouler Spring 2012 RTW

Jacquelyn Jablonski

Bette Franke

Charlotte Wiggins

Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn (detail)

Julia Nobis

Julia Nobis (detail)

Julia Nobis (detail)

Kaitlin Aas

Kaitlin Aas (detail)

Kaitlin Aas (detail)

Kaitlin Aas (detail)

Liu Wen

Liu Wen (detail)

Zuzanna Bijoch

Zuzanna Bijoch (detail)

Proenza Schouler clutch/shoulder bag (detail)

I was initially a little bit disappointed with Proenza Schouler's latest offering. I guess that's what happens when a label consistently produces unique and streamlined themes each season. There didn't seem to be the same commitment to a particularly recognisable theme. The best I can draw from it was a common theme of retro prints and colours. There was less of the fluoro and textural features we have come to love, but hey, who wants the same all of the time. Given a couple of days to reflect and come back, I can see the value in what the boys have done with this collection. Well done. The shoes and accessories will continue to be a big hit with the fashion savvy.

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011 RTW

Tara Gill

Jacquelyn Jablonski

Daria Strokous

Bette Franke

I was little bit surprised this season when I could only find four piece's in the Proenza Schouler Fall 2011 collection to get excited about. As usual, my criteria, the co-ordination of the overall "look", innovative design and/or aesthetic, excellent tailoring etc, were being used and the above are brilliant examples of pieces that completely fulfil this blog's criteria. I love the Aztec/tribal feeling that this collection is imbued with. The first piece especially reminds me of Dries Van Noten's mastery of the loose-fitting, block colour and print combination. I would have like this theme to be extended as it truly is a trademark strength of the Proenza Schouler brand, but maybe next time perhaps?

Satchels & Shoulder Bags - Accessoires Spring 2011

Proenza Schouler

Alexander McQueen

Fendi

Fendi

Michael Kors

Miu Miu

Miu Miu

Miu Miu

Pierre Hardy

Prada

Prada

Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler

Ralph Lauren

Thakoon

There are some beautiful bags this season, bright being the common theme. Special mentions to Proenza Schouler and Fendi for upping the ante and keeping bags classy, sporty and elegant. It was also quite frustrating when I was trying to find the best bags, that I came across so many small bags with very long tassels a-la Western movies or the hippy look. Really, this look is utterly nauseating, and I hope one day that fashion moves on from this clichéd "period look." And also congratulations to Thakoon, who's foray into shoes and bags have become supremely original and impressive.

Proenza Schouler Spring 2011 RTW

Abbey Lee Kershaw

Agnete Hegelund

Diana Dondoe

Isabeli Fontana

Kasia Strauss

Kirsi Pyrhonen

Melissa Tammerijn

Mirte Maas

Melissa Tammerijn

These boys from New York, with their signature electric prints, have evolved significantly. This season that bold colour influence is still present, but they have branched out into tweed and a more 'ladylike' cut/style. Previously, their look had appeared more rebellious but this collection, to me, appears like a type of restrained edgyness. Well done.