Chanel

Polka Dots, Plaids, Pleats and Pearls.

I love my fashion classic. For one thing, it’s economical. Classics obviously never go out of style. Rather than buying at the whim of the latest trend, which will be worthless in a year or two, my practical reasoning is drawn to timeless things that I can wear year after year, season after season. The other reason I love classics is the inherent class of a classic. You don’t run the risk of looking “too” this or “too” that or, worst of all, trying “too” hard when you keep it simple. Classics translate a sense of grace and reserved extravagance – like, “I COULD spend a lot of money on trendy things, but I choose not to.” Finally classics are what I call modular fashion – they all work together. You can mix and match classics for days and days and come up with many different variations. Classics make for an expansive wardrobe without the expanse.

Here are some of my favorite classics.

You have to be careful with polka dots. They could easily look like a 1960’s costume. However, mixing polka dots with colors, textures and patterns can be fun and unexpected.

This, of course, is my catholic school girl past that just won’t die. But really, plaids are so stately. Ralph Lauren has taken them and made them classic Americana which is kind of nostalgic and sweet. Then McQueen reclaimed it and took it there.

Catholic school again. Crisp white tees make these pleats look easy and informal enough for any time of day.

Nothing says lady like pearls. They’re also nostalgic and innocent, like when your Mom bought your first pair. They’re so sophisticated and always appropriate, but they can also be modern and exciting.

Many of the designers showing at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2012 incorporated intricate sets to showcase their fall lines. The bold color palettes and textural elements of their designs are further enhanced through the incorporation of these elaborate sets. Award-winning architect Zaha Hadid adds a sense of playfulness and whimsy to the streamlined designs of Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel.

Architect Zaha Hadid for Karl Lagerfeld with Chanel

Other designers remove their work from the starkness of a white runway and add dimension through color, texture, and even reflection. Whether it’s to enhance the expressive lines of the design or to create a powerful back-drop, the sets of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2012 are something that no spectator could miss. In some instances, these sets stole the show! Enjoy the runway highlights!