
Gucci’s Gothic Fall – For fall 2012, Gucci creative director Frida Giannini presented a darkly decadent collection of billowing gowns, relaxed suiting and lush coats for the first day of Milan Fashion Week. Slinky and sensuous silhouettes dominated the runway in moody hues of inky black, dark emerald, plum, burgundy and sapphire blue. Chiffon gowns brought a romantic touch to the dark palette. Luxurious materials of feathers, crushed velvet and leather also made an appearance. For the finale, Giannini sent out sheer dresses embellished with sparkling leaf shapes–a testament to the strong yet feminine spirit of autumn.

Ralph Lauren’s Dapper and Divine Fall – On the final day of New York Fashion Week, Ralph Lauren presented a fall 2012 collection of refined glamour inspired by English aristocrats in autumn hues of navy, black, grey, plum and gold accents. The first section focused on menswear inspired pantsuits with dapper tailoring and newspaper boy hats softened by feminine curves and eclectic patterns. As the show progressed, the garments became more feminine featuring slinky gowns in long and fluid shapes of satin and velvet. A bit of glitz appeared in the form of sparkling sequins and ostrich feathers, culminating in a stunning finale gown of gold lamé worn by model Olga Sherer.

Philosophy’s Demure Fall – Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti took on classic staples for fall 2012 with a hint of 60′s flair thrown in as well. A light color palette ranging from champagne to silvery grey to ivory set the tone for the new season which focused on demure, ladylike elegance. An offshoot line from Alberta Ferretti, the collection offered crystal embellished tops, form-fitting dresses and a modified trench belted at the waist. Star of the mainline label’s spring 2012 campaign, Daria Strokous, closed the show in a full coat paired with a delicately sheer dress.

Hilfiger’s Town and Country Fall – Tommy Hilfiger’s fall 2012 collection named, “Town and Country”, brought together a marriage of luxurious outerwear and leisurely silhouettes on the runway yesterday. This collection had two halves of a whole–the first featured relaxed shapes in the form of slinky dresses and sweaters, while the other honed in on the military trend which seems to be a popular influence for the upcoming autumn. The color palette also embraced rich autumn tones of burgundy, navy, chartreuse and black. With each passing season, it appears that Hilfiger’s prep chic girl is growing up into a sophisticated woman and fall 2012 is no exception.

Von Furstenberg’s Sensuous Fall – From the first look, it was clear that Diane von Furstenberg had a sensuous woman in mind for her fall 2012 collection with draping, body conscious shapes presented during her runway show earlier today. Elegant silhouettes and leather gloves dominated the runway with a color palette of black, red, teal and plum injecting some color into the new season. Von Furstenberg also embraced her signature print work which hinged on the surreal side with jigsaw like intensity. Autumn showcases a marriage between youthful seduction and ladylike sophistication in the form of clinging dresses layered underneath oversize coats.

Altuzarra’s Traveling Woman – For fall 2012, Joseph Altuzarra explored a fusion of French and Moroccan style with a showcase of tailored jackets, relaxed trousers and Middle Eastern inspired prints. This season offered up a naval influence with decorated coats and dresses covered in silver medallions like souvenirs from one’s sea travels. The Paris meets Marrakesh affair resulted in a polished display of outerwear paired with mid-length skirts which ooze modern luxury for the upcoming autumn.