monika chiang fall ready-to-wear 2012

I told you these fashion posts would be coming back. A lady always keeps her word, now, doesn’t she?

I could start of a slew of fashion week related reviews with my predictable usual favorites; Versace, Michael Kors, Gucci, Martin Grant, et cetera (see sidebar for the complete list, if you’re a curious kitten). It’s not to say they’re not to come eventually. I may be quite the stickler for the classics – from clothing items to the brand itself – but nothing excites me more than a fresh perspective. A new direction, and different vision. Is it not the very essence fashion (versus style)?

Introducing: Monika Chiang‘s first presentation this NYFW for Fall 2012.

So  wasn’t exactly groundbreaking in the grand scheme of things: I realize that. But it is me we’re talking about, and for better or for worse, I enjoy simplicity and wearability more than I ever would anything worthy of a V magazine editorial. Still, Chiang combines the elements of a few favorite ready-to-wear brands (DKNY meets Alexander Wang with a touch of J. Mendel, anyone?) for an all-inclusive wardrobe.

Both the aesthetic and essence of the New York working girl – still young, but far mature for her age – is captured by the collection. She is the modern lady who stays true to her roots – black will always be the new black – but dabbles into the color wheel. Plummy reds, rich purples, woodsy neutrals are her accents. Each separate is styled beautifully together, yet allow for flexibility in mixing and matching within the line itself, or into an already existing wardrobe. Versatility and seamless integration are brilliance in this day and age of time. A necessity, even. How else is a girl to fully utilize her tiny apartment wardrobe? I refuse to sacrifice floorspace meant for daily Pilates for clothes. Let’s not be silly here, ladies.

I love it all: it’s a succinct collection that brings together the essentials. It is possible to live with just a few pieces: a wide leg trouser, a skinny pant, a cropped trouser, a leather knee-length skirt on rotation for bottoms, and a few sweaters, blouses and coats as the only needed tops. Minimalist is entirely viable, and less is always more.

And while these are all classics, there’s an edge to each basic which elevates the piece from, for lack of a better word, basic, to stylish. Fur. Leather. Muted jewel-tones best suited for the inner rocker chick. A ladylike A-line skirt done in red (!) leather, a popped collar on an Audrey Hepburn coat. Juxtaposition and balance – it’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.

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