Pre Fall 2012 Report: Chanel, Donna Karan, Ports 1961, and More

From graphic daywear to dramatic goddess-draped eveningwear, Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-Fall 2012 line-up covered the color spectrum in both fitted and fluid silhouettes. Embroidery, feathers, lace, and fur added luxe touches to many of the looks for a collection that will hold high appeal for the designer’s discerning, glitz-loving following.

For everyday standout staples, it’s hard to go wrong with Olivier Theyskens’ collection for Theory. His line-up included loosely fitted shorts, slouchy trousers, loose printed dresses, and silk tees, along with more dressed up pieces like a long fur jacket, sheer embroidered tops, and leggings, for a collection that faultlessly mixed uptown sophistication with downtown cool.

Sleek and chic, this season’s Donna Karan collection was also full of sassy attitude. An oversized bow (that doubled as pockets!), plunging v-necklines, and layers of sheer fabric were just a few of the details that gave the crisp collection – full of impeccably tailored menswear-inspired pieces – an appealing edge.

Houndstooth got a bold makeover in the Fiona Cibani-designed Ports 1961 collection this season. The graphic print made its way into a number of looks most notably a long-sleeve, floor-sweeping gown, but it was the designer’s chunky and beautifully draped knits that truly stole the show.

If there’s one brand that never ceases to amaze with innovative staging and runway set-ups, it would be Chanel. This season, the Karl Lagerfeld-designed collection was presented in front of guests seated at long tables set for high tea and amidst a buffet of culinary treats. Aptly named “Paris-Bombay” Pre-Fall 2012 was priming with glittering adornments, sari-influenced tops and dresses, plenty of Indian jewelry, and interestingly enough, many pieces influenced by the silhouettes seen in traditional Indian menswear.