NEW YORK — Just about everyone loves making an entrance. That's why designers who showcased their fall 2013 collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week worked extra hard to come up with creations that are sure to attract attention.
They used color, cut, sequins and high drama to design showstoppers that are bound to get a lot of buzz a few months from now. A peek at four collections:
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J. Mendel electric blue asymmetrical draped gown is the right shade to turn heads.
Glam rock is a big theme for fall. J. Mendel designer Giles Mendel interprets the trend with navy metallic jacquard fitted blazer with notch collar, black silk chiffon blouse with silk charmeuse turtleneck and navy metallic chenille jacquard slim tailored pant.
Once known almost exclusively for furs, J. Mendel doesn't stray too far from its roots with this pearl mink intarsia zippered turtleneck sweater and white crepe silk tailored pant. Perhaps it's too heavy for the Texas climate but it will look great après-ski in Aspen or Park City.
A more citified look: J. Mendel camel-face cashmere A-line belted coat with mink shawl collar and leather detail, white silk chiffon blouse with silk charmeuse turtleneck and black silk crepe slim tailored pant.
Ralph Rucci is consistently known for couture-quality creations. His Chado Ralph Rucci fall collection features furs in many colors and unique gowns, like this embroidered chiffon and gazar creation that's all about a sense of illusion.
Simple but elegant: Ralph Rucci discovers the color purple in a duchesse satin skirt paired with a simple black cashmere turtleneck.
Ralph Rucci acknowledges the audience at the end of the show.
Kaufmanfranco is known for dressing Hollywood celebrities like Eva Longoria and Taylor Swift, but designers Ken Kaufman and Isaac Franco have avoided a full-scale New York runway show until now. In their debut fashion week show, they provided plenty of red carpet pizzazz. A prime example is this silver encrusted fishscale column gown.
Although known for evening gowns and cocktail attire, Kaufmanfranco showed a lot of sportswear and chic cold weather outerwear, like this meterorite glazed felt and shearling coat.
In their first fashion week runway show, Ken Kaufman and Isaac Franco look excited.
Usually designers pick music to go with the clothes they create. But for her fall 2013 collection Carolina Herrera built a collection around the music of Tom Hodge, who created an original composition for her runway show — a riff on Beethoven’s Kreutzer Violin Sonata, which he titled “Capriccio for Carolina." It fit perfectly with the dramatic, elegant collection.
A Carolina Herrera gown is often known for its elegant beadwork and sense of romance.
Chic no-nonsense daytime suits are also a hallmark of every Herrera collection.
Abstract dandelion print gowns stood out on the runway.
Herrera also featured the dandelion print as a long skirt paired with a contrasting top. Another Herrera hallmark: Her skirts often have pockets.
Herrera showcased simple draped gowns in berry and teal colors.
Herrera's collection paid tribute to the heroines of the 1940s in victory-roll coifs and full red lips. Though the look is retro, the models have a modern attitude — just like the designer.
