Seasons of Style

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

By Jami Anderson Ray | Photography courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion

It really was incredible. From the moment we stepped off the plane, I knew it would be a trip to remember. It wasn’t just any trip to New York; it was a trip to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week—Fashion Week! Those words alone are enough to make most girls squeal with delight. I had been to Miami for the MBFW Swim shows and streamed runway videos of my favorite designers at home, but seeing the magic of it all come together with meticulous designs, beyond-beautiful models, celebrities perched in the front row, and bloggers I stalk—er, I mean follow on Instagram was like the first time my preteen self witnessed the perfect outfit assembled in Clueless. It was pure awe and love at first sight!

Our South Walton Fashion Week team had the privilege of attending on behalf of VIE to see the festivities firsthand and bring back notes from the big city to the beach. Arriving at Lincoln Center feels something like stepping into a fashion-themed Cirque du Soleil: there is as much sartorial inspiration in the stars’ street-style looks as on the runways inside. Bold outfits, statement shoes, and even the most understated styles had photographers clamoring for shots. (See Olivia Palermo in denim on denim.)

Today’s fashion world is easily influenced by up-and-coming bloggers with cult followings, just as it is by editors of long-published magazines. Getting up close and personal with all these stylish women was a highlight for me. I chatted with Lucky editor Eva Chen about her paper bag–inspired purse, took selfies with actresses Shay Mitchell, AnnaSophia Robb, and Jamie Chung, exited a show with E!’s resident divas Brie and Nikki Bella (getting workout tips and lipstick favorites, respectively), and complimented the outfits of Liz Cherkasova of Late Afternoon and Jacey Duprie of Damsel in Dior. I’m 99 percent sure we were dining next to designer Jason Wu one evening at Gato.

And that was just between shows!

For Spring/Summer 2015, the typical bright hues of the season evolved into sweet, muted shades that were both nostalgic and fresh. I immediately adored the palette of blushes, blues, and mint tones spotted on the Rebecca Minkoff and Mara Hoffman runways. A slew of “It Girls” at the Minkoff show included Zosia Mamet, Victoria Justice, Jessica Lowndes, and my aforementioned selfie buddies (nearly all were wearing draped leather moto jackets). There was a perfect balance of girly and edgy.

On several runways, ladylike styles took center stage, with nods to the 1950s: full skirts, coordinated separates, and flashes of gingham. Plunging necklines, high-waisted denim, and fresh trench coats borrowed a page from the 1970s. My personal favorite combination, black and white, had a strong presence with stripes, bold prints, and strategic moments of contrast. As is the case each spring (and as we know in the Florida beach towns of 30-A), white reigns supreme and is constantly being reinvented in new silhouettes, as well as in perennial classics. Even a wardrobe consisting exclusively of white somehow seems attainable.

And that’s just how fashion week works. There’s something about the shimmer and shine that makes what is essentially a business presentation seem magical. It makes everyday girls feel like A-listers. It spreads from the runways in New York all the way to the quiet corners of the world, and it makes a mundane task like getting dressed seem like an art form. Fashion week really is incredible.

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Here are my favorite trends for Spring/Summer 2015:

White
White on white in a variety of proportions (also known as #allwhiteverything)

1950s Chic
Crop tops, midi skirts, florals, gingham, full skirts, and proper handbags

1970s Luxe
Wide-leg pants, suede, fringe, metallic textures, plunging necklines, bucket bags/slouchy bags, and platform shoes

Black and White
High contrast stripes, prints, and color blocking

Sugary Shades
Sweet, muted shades reminiscent of a batch of Ladurée macarons