Fashion is a thing. Some people live and breathe fashion. There was always a joke that fashion folk, and by an extension of that, New Yorkers, were partial to dressing in black. Over the last few seasons, there was not a lot of statement dressing in black. But these days it is easy to see black in action. It looks clean and elegant after all the puffy sleeves, busy clothing that seems to take up room, and OTT boho looks. Black looks spare and cool this season. And it is supremely easy to wear and accessorize. Casual chic or sleek chic. This season’s best looks are black in action. Add some black to your wardrobe and you will be set for this summer, and even early fall. Why not come on a tour of some of the stores in the New York. See the newest looks in town.
The Row does supremely minimistic and cutting edge clothing. Simplicity has never looked better. This column dress is perfect. It awaits your choice of jewelry, shoes and bags to personalize this outfit.
Bottega Veneta is also big on black this season. I love the scarf effect neckline of this easy dress. But I wonder if Daniel Lee, the brand’s designer, didn’t stumble into a little bit of Halston era Else Peretti cloning with the silver belt.
You can see the neckline treatment in black and in orange in the background. Khaite uses black to make a very simple sexy summer statement,
Miuccia Prada designs in both black and in colors. There two looks, and the stripe look in the background a perfect staples for a summer wardrobe. And the black knee-highs round out the look.
Suits are making a comeback. Tired of living in sweats? Or perhaps you never did. J.W. Anderson cuts a suit jacket with a perfect slimming high armhole and an excellent wide sleeve cuff.
Bottega Veneta agrees. This knit suit is sleek and to the point. A short collared jacket has a thirties feel to it.
Also from Bottega Veneta is a wide dolman sleeve shirt tucked into some interesting leather pants. Top top can go with so many different skirts and pants, as can the pants work with other tops.
This cropped jacket has interesting embroideries on the sleeves. Is is paired with white jeans. It would look teffific with black or blue denim as well. A little bit of glitz is always a nice touch.
Rick Owens is no stranger to black. This super ruffled jacket is an amazing statement. It will always stand out, and is therefore a good investment piece.
Tibi is not really known for doing boho looks. The ruched collar dress with the contrast color smocking becomes so much less boho when done in black. And much more sophisticated.
Even puffy sleeve dresses go better in black.
Alice and Olivia rarely does black. This vintagey sweater paired with a mesh lace skirt has a girly look that is subverted by the contrast bows and the rich, deep black.
This simple look says it all. Day or night a dres like this is a base to build on.
Simone Rocha is known for her girly bouffant looks. I am not so sure that I would wear this dress over a shirt. It’s a bit victime de la mode for me. But the solid dress or the monochrome prints are nice statement pieces.
Oscar De la Renta’s designers go tropical with black. I prefer the knotted dress on the right, but the pineapple tonal embroidery is fun too.
Azzedine Alaia was always a proponate of dressing in black. The white dress is also available in black. Ruffles or intricate stitches, you can never go wrong in Alaia.
Dries Van Noten is black in action with this beautiful dress. The splash or green at the hem is a beautiful touch typical of the designer.
Givenchy goes all black too. A special lace was created with the G for Givenchy logo. An interesting fabrication, indeed.
Black has always ben fabulous for evening. This little black dress has very creative embroidery.
Tom Ford provides an exceptional look. A sheer blouse in a very intricate lace worn over simple satin trousers is a cool look. The ruched sleeves and the stand collar make the shirt a fiary-tale look.
Sarah Burton keeps the Alexander McQueen look alive. The black tuxedo top with the pouf skirt and the rugged boots personify McQueen. It’s a srong statement. The blue dress in the background is also gorgeous.
Another look from McQueen is a simpler evening look that is nontheless very indivualistic.
And this knock-out dress from Balenciaga looks very new. It is much more sophisticated than the street smart clothes and sneakers the brand is known for. The brand showed couture this season for the first time in years. Let’s hope we see more beauties like this dress in the future.
