Tuesday 17 February 2009

Roving Reporter : Donna Karan

Having shown diffusion line DKNY early in the week, it was now time for our second installment of the global brand. Donna Karan is well known for power dressing. Being a New York-based label, collections are made to represent the city's high-flying women. This meant that the collection, as usual, managed to combine just the right amount of sexiness and strength that NYC ladies need.

First up were sleek workwear separates. Donna has gone for high roll necks for next season, with high neck lines featuring on everything from work to eveningwear. There was also plenty of jersey - this draped-front top is a beautiful, timeless piece and I have a feeling that Donna Karan will do well out of the current trend to buy excellent quality basics.

Pencil skirts were another key piece. As a signature to power dressing, every woman should own a black, pencil skirt. I love the up-date version in a slight wet look.

Donna Karan mainline is always influenced heavily by 80s power dressing, and this was no exception. Again blazer-style jackets, squared-off shoulders and boxy cuts give a nod to the Thatcher look. The looks cleverly cinched at the waist with a belt to give a more feminine feel.
Great new trouser shape too. Sitting on the ankle, with quite a loose silhouette, this is neither boyish nor begged, but a real androgynous look.

I totally adore camel-coloured coats. It's a weird obsession, I know, but there is something so rich and chic about it (naturally, little grungy me couldn't pull it off). With global warming (yawn), making us have ice-cold winters, this belted coat is smart outerwear. There's this real city-man feel, only feminised by the belt.

The colour palette was quite muted - black, grey and camel - with accents of vibrant blue and berry. I love these bright hues to add a touch of lightness. Even New York needs colour!

Again oversized shoulders and cinched waists added to an hourglass 80s look. The mid-length skirt came across a bit frumpy, but as a strong commercial piece that can work for various age groups.

In detail: If it isn't cinched ladies, it won't cut it next season! Love the front patch pockets too, (and yes the fur). So practical!

Capes and three-quarter kimono sleeves were huge for outerwear last year, and having invested in my cape (and long gloves), I'm pleased to see Donna championing it again here. A great sleeve shape, and the stunning fur neckline looked very cosy for those icy New York winters.

One of Donna Karan's top sellers is her outerwear, probably because these are great investment pieces. This leather, oversized lapel number is absolutely gorgeous and if your budget will stretch, definitely worth the investment. A great leather jacket never goes out of style.

Take note of the oversized jewels on show. Donna's models were adorned with baubles and more crafty, tribal pieces, in a mixture of gold, silver and copper. Normally a no-no, this metal mix is definitely a big, clunky yes. Statement jewels has been a reoccurring trend that is thankfully set to continue.

Sexy shoes were all the rage at the Donna Karen show. I adore this oh so slighty slutty leopard-print pair! Platform heels, straps and sexy zips: these are a tall order and very 80s.

Love the studs on the shoe, do not however envy the model. Though they look a wee bit high for me, it's good to see that two shoe trends from past seasons are carrying on. Zips on heels, again from a bygone era, still totally cool though; and studs on heels - thank goodness those studded Louboutins aren't past it yet!

Embellishment has been huge again on the NY catwalks. Mainly taking an 80s twist, this military style jacket is totally fab (even if it's a bit Adam and the Ants).

I am a huge champion of jersey in evening wear, so imagine me whooping when I saw the next few looks! Bias cutting, drapery, glamorous and understated: could you want anything else from a dress?

Love this skin-tight number. Herve Leger, eat your heart out. Again Donna has gone for a high neck (so not one for the busty girls), but I can totally see Keira Knightley in a number like this. Like the belt too, - adds a focal point. Berry, berry beautiful indeed!

I thought I'd ended on a craft piece. Most of the collection was about simple, classic, investment pieces. All beautifully designed and tailored. However I love this last red-carpet number for its innovative and creative silhouette. The bronzed colour is luscious, the belt makes it edgy and it is overall one of my favourites from the collection.

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