There are various reasons why a designer may shy away from sending an innovative or imaginative collection down the runway. A shaky economy is one good reason – it hovers over fashion week like a rain cloud on a birthday. Playing it safe and keeping it “wearable” is usually the answer; however, there are few designers that refuse to hold back. These designers look to the runway and accept the challenge. Below, Dolce & Gabbana and Prada are the two collections that we feel went for it.
Dolce & Gabbana
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s Sicilian inspiration resulted in a collection that one will either love or hate – there is no middle ground here. We chose to take a risk and love it because gypsy-like glamour is ideal for spring if you consider how nicely the bright colors, mixable prints and stripes, giant earrings and headscarves will translate from the runway. Afterall, what is fashion without a risk or three?
The love only went as far at the exposed basket-weave/crinoline bustle cage numbers that were shown towards the end…really can’t picture this translating. Can you?
Prada
If you like it, put a flower on it. Miuccia Prada let the pretty petals take the stage for Prada RTW Spring 2013. The flowers were transformed throughout the show from stark white stencil versions in the beginning to larger red, black, or white versions towards the end. The floral detail could be a bit distracting at times, but maybe the beauty in a single flower should be the focus once in a while.