Vera Wang AW 2012

On the eve of St. Valentine’s Day in New York city, wedding-wiz Vera Wang presented her rather androgynous and rigid, yet distinctly delicate, ready to wear collection for Fall/Winter 2012.

Although unshakable and quasi-iconic in her bridal wear, Wang seems to still be exploring her style when it comes to RTW. This latest collection features intricate tailoring and geometrical patterns inspired by Gothic architecture. The leitmotif, derived from the ornaments of a cathedral’s ceiling, is translated simultaneously into beautiful prints on silk chiffon, as well as an elaborate weave on a stiff jacquard. The fabric selection presents an intriguing juxtaposition of opposites – shiny and opaque, soft and rigid.

The garments offer an interesting take on sensuality: incorporating girly, transparent fabrics, and above all, the peplum, an ultimately feminine fashion piece, into rather epicene looks. Another appealing feature of the collection is well measured layering combined with a clean, classic silhouette. In terms of colors, all usual suspects for the winter season are present – nude, black, gray – along with a refreshing splash of bright tangerine, discretely peaking underneath champagne see-through knit.

The most notable pieces are found amongst the outerwear looks, which seem to be a strong point for Wang’s RTW from previous seasons. Deserving of special attention are  the oversized parkas, Melton wool coats and sleeveless jackets, along with bulging fur collars and hoods- which would come in handy during cold winter days.