It’s been clear that Marc Jacobs has come down from his colorful high of spring, and is in a darker mood for fall. While his Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 Collection was still colorful, it was a more earth-toned palette than the brights he showed last season. Tweedy New England foliage colors were on display. It’s a bit ironic, since those spring brights have been prevalent in many of the Fall 2011 collectiona. But Marc has always been a trend leader. This line showed facets of his 70s girl, perhaps a bit younger, a bit cooler but also more sophisticated. By contrast, it was a much more conservative collection than his “asylum chic” main line.
While there was definitely an Alexa Chung, Man Repeller vibe to it all, there was also a good dose of Peggy Olsen (especially some of the dresses and an orange blouse/tweed pencil skirt combo). While Peggy is of course young, her era is not, and a lot of the workplace looks seemed to beg the question: is the Marc by Marc line still for a younger customer? In the past it’s been a bit easier, weekend, casual-wear at Marc by Marc. Perhaps something you’d see on a college-age girl, and I wonder if the line has grown up with that customer instead of catering to the new girls coming of age. Many of these looks would be much more appropriate on a 30-something, and a lot of the fabrication was sophisticated in a more mature, luxe way.
On the practical side, everything was belted-belted-belted in a way that doesn’t always translate to the real world. Have you ever tried belting a bulky velvet blazer layered over a sweater layered over a top? Or a fur coat for that matter? If it looks good at all it’s only from certain angles. But otherwise, this line seemed very wearable. Perhaps staple careerwear seems recession proof, because I’d definitely want to fill my closet with these pieces. No matter her age or pursuits, the Marc by Marc Jacobs girl is always very stylish.
photos: IMAXtree
