Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is always theatrical, energized, crowded, exuberant … and never dull. Inevitably, there are both hits and misses at Bryant Park Tents, and that’s part of the fun. Here’s a rundown of some of our least favorite trends from last week. And don’t forget to check out our hits of the week.
Fatal footwear: When models that can walk in 5-inch heels start to trip on the runway, you know there’s a problem. At last week’s Herve Leger and Brian Reyes shows, the tottering and tumbling down the catwalk (thanks to funky footwear) simply distracted from the clothes. On the other hand, the models at Lela Rose were walking easily in shoes from Payless, all of which cost under $40. Which makes more sense to you?
Hellish headwear: On a handful of runways, just plain weird hair accessories — like sleep masks worn as headbands at Alexandre Herchcovitch — were used on the models. One version that worked: Isaac Mizrahi’s spunky pillbox hats that were actually little handbags. Still, our advice: Don’t try this at home.
Predictably, fur: Maybe it’s inevitable that high-end designers lean towards showing fur at their Fall/Winter shows, but that doesn’t make it right. And some types of fur this season — like skunk pelts at Oscar de la Renta — seem, well, just plain gross as well as inhumane.
McCoffee: Inside the Bryant Park Tents, a local (and locally owned) espresso concession from Tribeca was replaced with McCafe, a coffee bar from McDonald’s. We’re not lovin’ it.
Garish colors: It might have looked good on Madonna in 1985 — or on a traffic sign on your way to work — but let’s face it: Day-Glo yellow isn’t flattering on anyone.
Photo credits: Herve Leger model falling by STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images. All others courtesy of Ali Goldstein for Tonic.