What's in for Fall? Fashion Week 2012 Debuts Thursday in NYC

Spring 2012 fashions from designer Tracy Reese

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2012 kicks off in NYC tomorrow and I can't wait!

NYC Fashion week is the barometer for designers showcasing their fall collections. A virutal whos-who in fashion will display their goodies on the runway, with representation from around the globe. One day, HairNistas! One day! I'll be covering NYC Fashion week live, instead of here in ATL on a February morning.

I can't wait to see the fashions that my fave designers, like Detroiter Tracy Reese and Made in Africa: Arise Magazine will debut on the runway. NYC Fashion Week is THE show to attend, with offerings from the hottest names in fashion, not to mention the gaggle of celebs at the front rows of the runway.

                                        Source: YouTube



Here are a few pre-show highlights:


Is Navy the new black? Navy is a hot, hot color, and designers will be using lots of it on the runway. In addition to navy, expect luxe fabrics, waste defining jackets and maybe some 1920s styles, inspired by films like The Artist.. That's a big change, with 60s, 70s and even 80s fashions ruling in recent years. Really, you never know what inspires fashions at times, but I do love the flapper styles of the 20s. Other popular colors include jewel tones, deep greens, and fabrics like brocades and jacquards.

Dresses are expected to play a prominent part on the runway. I love a good, well-made dress. They are so versatile and classic. I've cheered on this trend in recent years. Love it, because dresses are a cinch to take from day to night, with the right accessories.

Sculpted jackets and hemlines for fall. Menswear is hot again, with designers showing off menswear inspired tailored jackets, peplum dresses and other waist-cinching styles. Time to get that waist fit and trim! I'm a big fan of jackets, especially peplums. I have a short waist, and I need all the help I can get when it comes to definition. We've seen the big, boxy trend in jackets for a few seasons now, so it will be a nice return to the fitted jackets that I love so much.

The return of economical purchases. This economy ain't no joke! Sure, Nene might have gotten a few pairs of $2,000 a pop Loubies as gifts on a recent episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta, but  that's reality TV. More women are thinking practical when it comes to fashion. They're less likely to indulge in extravagant purchases that they'll only wear once or twice, but on things that can be repurposed or are building blocks in their wardrobe. The mantra: Wear it many times, different ways, for more wear per dollar spent. That's smart!

I'll keep you posted with NYC Fashion Week hits and misses.

Will you be paying attention to Fashion Week 2012? Who are your favorite designers?