Reed Krakoff Spring 2012: Simple Cellophane

The runway at the Reed Krakoff show was a circuitous maze in an all-white room, through which models had to walk a complicated route, often crossing paths and barely avoiding collisions. But the clothes they wore weren’t complicated. Minimalistic ease was represented to maximum effect.

The season’s fave new colors (yellow and orange) were in abundance, anchored by pieces in nude, black and white. Many dresses had a drop waist, as did jackets shown over skirts. A bit Prada fall 2011? Maybe, but that’s where the similarity ended. The overall result was the body as a column; look elsewhere this season if you want body con or a bit of cleavage. Many of the dresses and separates were done in a “cellophane” finish that gave them a fine sheen and an illusion of sparkle–and also proved that simple does not need to be boring. The last looks were done in black and white, and a double layered jacket had me drooling.

I have to admit that I wanted this collection. I don’t like a lot of frippery, and this line was simple, yet rendered in gorgeous fabrics and colors. The only pieces that didn’t speak to me were the Reed Audobon print pieces (no one wants to be left out of the print party this season), which featured an enlarged bird print that would have been better in the abstract. But if you don’t mind an avian eyeball in the middle of your sternum, you may love the print.

Yellow and orange ladylike python handbags stood out in the accessories department, an area in which Krakoff is obviously well-suited, thanks to his ongoing tenure at Coach, a brand that knows a thing or two about accessories.

Krakoff gets better and better each season, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he evolves.

*Photos: Imaxtreey

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