Fall 2012 Fashion Week Trends: Part 1

By Chris Frey
February 17, 2012

Fall Fashion Week 2012

“Fishnet turtleneck,” “molded vinyl” and “iridescent rainbow neoprene” aren’t exactly eBay search terms I’ve use in the past, but in the name of Fall Fashion Week 2012, I had a reason to try! Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler and Prabal Gurung, respectively, were but a few of the designers who fueled their collections with surreal fabric manipulations and custom developed patterns, keeping the week drama-packed and truly inspired.

In the first of a two-part series, we bring you five of 10 trends from New York Fashion Week that you’ll want to get a jump on now. And, ladies, we’ve kept it wearable. You won’t find the Funkedelic meets Dr. Seuss hats that Marc Jacobs used to top his models. (Though by the time fall actually rolls around, maybe we'll have had a change of heart.)

1. Colored Metallics

We’re accustomed to seeing metallic shades in designers’ collections, but this time the focus was on color and surface, whether simply muted or otherwise altered in a more dramatic manner. Many silhouettes were given structure with material such as neoprene or leather, which also lent a futuristic vibe to even the most vintage-inspired pieces.

Colored Metallics

Rag & Bone (photo by Thomas Concordia/WireImage), Marc by Marc Jacobs (photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images), Marc Jacobs (photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images)

Get the look on eBay

Roll over items for details

New Bronze Sequin Jacket

(buy it now price $79.99)

Carolina Herrera Cocktail Dress

(buy it now price $1,000)

New Gryphon Bronze Cropped Jacket

(buy it now price $90)

2. Burgundy

It seems that bright blood orange, persimmon and oxblood will be hanging around for at least another season. But classic burgundy is the cool '7’s shade that will be everywhere come fall. Like a fine Pinot Noir swirling in your glass and shifting tones, burgundy looks equally rich in suede and leather or in delicate fabrics such as sheer chiffon or lace.

Yigal Azrouel (photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images), Peter Som (photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images), Tommy Hilfiger (photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week)

Get the Look on eBay

New Guess Leather Jacket

(buy it now price, $109)

New Zac Posen Silk Dress

(buy it now price, $499)

New Burberry Cashmere Coat

(buy it now price, $469)

3. Patchwork Fur

Last Fall a trench-inspired, color-blocked fur coat from Celine turned heads and kept Anna Wintour warm and cozy while attending the shows this season. The trend seems to have trickled across the pond in a major way, whether graphic with shots of neon color or in subtly dipped ombre.

BCBG Max Azria (photo by Thomas Concordia/WireImage), Peter Som (photo by Thomas Concordia/WireImage), Narcisco Rodriguez (photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week)

Get the Look on eBay

Multi-Colored Jacket

(buy it now price, $24.50)

Multi-Colored Coat

(buy it now price, $29.95)

Fur Jacket

(buy it now price, $286.84)

4. Black and White

We’re into the electric blue mixed with black pieces that wowed in several collections last week. But, we can’t resist a crisp black and white combo (especially when more than one pattern is in play), and it was essential to a majority of collections. Since black and white combined so seamlessly (albeit boldly), it's basically impossible to break the rules, overdo it, or get it “wrong.” And we love that.

Marc Jacobs (photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images), Preen by Thornton Bregazzi (photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images), Rag & Bone Women's Collection (photo by Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images)

Get the Look on eBay

New Dries Van Noten Skirt

(buy it now price, $315)

New Boucle Sweater Jacket

(buy it now price, $69.99)

New Sass & Bide Sweater

(buy it now price, $213.31)

5. Capes and Ponchos

Last season Alexander Wang showed an asymmetrical cape coat with satin and mink trim, and this season, it seems that designers are embracing the easy, fluid silhouette. In casual wools or luxurious furs the shape is versatile for day or night and works well when layered over other pieces. Tailored precisely or in less structured shapes, there were styles for every woman.

Helmut Lang (photo by JP Yim/WireImage), Carlos Miele (photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), 3.1 Phillip Lim (photo by Mark Von Holden/Getty Images)