It’s time to down those energy drinks and get ready as the world of fashion hits warp speed.  The fall/winter 2017 menswear shows are about to begin while some designers are still presenting pre-fall 2017 collections.  And in just a few short weeks the month-long fall 2017 collections will hit the runways.  So stick with us as we wind down Pre-fall 2017 and ramp up menswear.  We don’t want you to miss a beat!

The Final Pre-Fall 2017 Collections

Trina Turk approached pre-fall 2017 by introducing a collection of easy separates in the sunny colors redolent of the early months of summer when pre-fall hits stores.    It was a well-targeted move to push merchandise during the transitional season.  There was a girlishness in her dresses and ruffled blouses, some with floral prints or soft pleats.  The overall effect was fun and full of energy.

Rich detail including guipure lace, sequins, beading and brocades set an elegant tone for the eveningwear and daytime looks of the Reem Acra pre-fall 2017 collection. Perfectly at home on her trademark red carpet gowns, these embellishments applied to separates made for cool statement pieces easily mixed with matching skirts for a more dressed up look or denims for a distinctive casual chic.

Mention Pringle of Scotland and thoughts immediately go to soft cashmeres, argyles and Fair Isle sweaters, the trademarks of this iconic brand.  For pre-fall 2017 Fran Stringer, women’s wear director, embraced the brand’s legacy, updating the tried-and-true patterns with modern silhouettes and applications.  Argyle came in the form of a layered ensemble with the pattern presented on angular bias; oversized architectural shapes gave monochromatic knits a cool edge.  Classic and understated outerwear was pure polish and sophistication.  If pre-fall 2017 collections are any indication of things to come, Pringle is on the right track for a very bright future.

Elizabeth and James followed through on the casual chic themes that have been trending for pre-fall 2017 with a collection of sophisticated looks for the girl-on-the-go.  Long layers, comfortable silhouettes and a palette of mostly black and white (with a few accent pieces thrown in) made for easy, effortless style.  Linens and poplins were well-suited to the early summer timing of pre-fall’s arrival at retail, but the ribbed knits and quilted silks were a reminder that there were options here to carry you through the transitional season.

The 1970’s has been a recurrent theme for pre-fall 2017 (picking up on spring 2017 themes) but few have done it better than Nina Ricci.  The message was clear here with wide-legged, low-slung  pants, belted shirt dresses, silk bodysuits, tailored trench coats and dusters.  Jean jackets reimagined in wool or embossed leather added a crisp polish to skirts and pants.  Styled with twisted leather belts and over-the-knee boots it all had a very 1970’s jet-set feel.  Oversized puffer jackets and a ribbed, collarless rabbit coat with puffed shoulders provided options for statement outerwear as temperatures veer into fall.

Next up….fall 2017 menswear kicks off……

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