Neutral Ground

Stylish women like to stay on top of trends, so for all you Fashionistas, here is a quick review on the key colors for next fall. New York Fashion Week is well underway and designers are sending a clear message that neutral tones are going to be important for fall 2010.

Fall 2010 - BCBG (left), Herve Leger (right)

(photo credit: Coutorture)

On the first day in the tents, Max Azria sent shades of taupe and grey strolling down the runway at the BCBG show and followed up later in the week with a similar palette for Herve Leger. Ports 1961 designer, Tia Cibani also showcased tones of grey which she warmed up with rich browns and bronze. Designer duo Costello Tagliapietra’s feminine dresses were not only soft in terms of drape and fabric, but also in color. For fall 2010, they chose toasty desert hues complimented with dusty rose and fiery orange. Camel made a statement this season as several collections used this classic color for heavier wools and outerwear pieces. Last season’s Project Runway winner, Irina Shabayeva, featured a flock of camel coats, some of which were painted with feathers.

Fall 2010 - Costello Tagliapietra (left), Ports 1961 (right)

(photo credit: Coutorture)

Irina Shabayeva - Fall 2010

(photo credit: Coutorture)

 Color blocking continues as a trend. This technique allows for brighter pop colors to be introduced and combined with neutrals to create a balanced composition. Grey and nutty-brown serve as the foundation for DKNY’s fall 2010 collection. These base colors were chopped into patterns using shots of cobalt, chocolate and maroon. Fuzzy mohair, chunky knits, tweeds and fur provide texture which prevents the shades of grey and beige from looking flat and drab. Tone on tone pairings look modern when shiny and dull fabrics or soft and hard are juxtaposed against each other.

DKNY - Fall 2010

(photo credit: Coutorture)

Other designers to stand their neutral ground so far include; Michael Angel, Yigal Azrouel, Catherine Malandrino and Behnaz Sarafpour. Fall 2010 Fashion Week will run through Thursday, February 18th. With Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrara and Ralph Lauren still to come; it’s likely New York will continue to see classic neutral colors on the runways.

Fall 2010 - Michael Angel (left), Yigal Azrouel (right)

(photo credit: Coutorture)