Even for the average, sartorially savvy Joe, scouring the runways of New York Fashion Week for remotely accessible looks can be difficult. Months later when the season finally rolls around, these designs are stripped of their impracticality and turned into something actually “Ready-to-Wear.” Luckily for Binghamton University students, many designers already had us in mind.
One of the popular trends shown by designers for this fall was a shapeless pant, veering closer to pajamas than wide-legged trousers. Yes, sleepwear as day-wear is finally acceptable. On Feb. 10, the first day of Fashion Week, Los Angeles-based designer Jenni Kayne revealed silky pajama pants in hues of ruby and sapphire. A bit on the frisky side for class, but still on par with the “just rolled out of bed” look.
On the third day, British designer Charlotte Ronson continued the military trend we grew so fond of last fall. Her version of the pajama pants was a slouchy knit drawstring featuring a two-dimensional line pattern in olive green. This style is already likely to be owned by the pajama wearers of this University and seen even more in the future.
On the fifth day, Yeohlee, a Malaysian designer, paired red, black and white plaid pajama pants with a piece, which will hopefully inspire BU students to work together to create their own masterpiece. She showed a giant sweater dress/coat, most likely made of a wool-blend material. This frock bears a striking resemblance to a Jedi cape, including hood. So get your friends to donate to your cause, and you’ll be dressed to fight Darth Vader by fall.
Jill Stuart and Mary Kate and Ashley’s high-end line, The Row, had Binghamton’s greatest asset, the Nature Preserve, in mind when they designed their collections for fall 2011. Jill Stuart’s collection featured dresses and shirts printed with various wildlife animals found in our own backyard, such as owls and foxes. The Row’s statement, however, was a simple one: “Dead or alive, animal head gear we shall have.”
To join Jill Stuart’s subliminal anti-hunting brigade, go to the Nature Preserve and take an abundance of invasive pictures of animals. Then screen-print the cutest one on to some plain T-shirts and voilà! You are now in high-end designer territory.
Channeling The Row may be a slightly more illegal feat, considering it would involve capturing and imprisoning the poor little creatures and is only recommended for the most dedicated fashionistas.
British designer Jenny Packham’s collection was made for the brave Binghamton girls who strut Downtown sans outerwear. Daniel P. Dykes, author of www.Fashionising.com, describes Packham’s collection as “designed for the girl who thrives on the social scene, one that pays no credence to the weather” — Binghamton nightlife in a nutshell, conveyed through metallic silks, tulles and beads.