Fashion Week Reflection: Donna Karan Sings a New Tune

...and is creating a beautiful melody.  Her newest Ready-to-Wear collection for Fall 2011 screams ladylike sumptuous elegance.  Named "Pearls of Wisdom", this collection deviates from the legend's normal African, bold, bright color inspirations, but the alteration is a breath of fresh air.  Donna tones down the color palette of the collection to demure and serene grey tones, staying within the boundaries of the pearl-esque inspiration.  The clothes speak volumes for themselves, yet are not pretentious.  The collection featured silk chiffon and when coupled with the cashmere wool coats or shearling trim, the end result was a winning combination that spelled "Glamourous Luxury."  What would Grace Kelly look like if she were to occupy our modern world?  Well, she might look something like this:

Photos courtesy of Style.com

(As a side note, I am noticing a wealth of grey in this year's fashion week collections.  Grey is likely becoming the new black.  I appreciate this trend, since grey is a softer, less harsh color and is actually quite flattering for many skin tones.)   The look of the collection obviously dips into the past with models that sport Grace Kelly hair styles, bits of fur trim, elbow-length gloves, nipped waists, and draping that is wistful but pristine in its craftsmanship.   

While critics stated that this collection by Donna "didn't have the spark of her more forward-thinking collections", we would reply that classy is timeless and knows no age.  Another remarked that "it was curious to see how being so covered up could still be so sensual."  When asked about who "this woman" being portrayed through the collection was, the same commenter remarked: "She's someone I wish I could be." The collection presented the idea of a woman who has authentic power or influence by integrating and channeling her sexuality into her whole person and exuding it, not repressing it, but doing it with class. 

To quote Donna Karan:  "We wanted her to be able to feel her femininity come from her heart."  

Now that's beautiful. 

A graceful nod to your work this year.  Thank you, Donna.