Fashion News: NYFW 2014 Reed Krakoff

It's been a while! I feel so guilty when I neglect this blog but I'm back and this time I'm bringing everyone some goodies. NYFW (New York Fashion Week) was last week in New York City. For those that are currently scratching their heads thinking "Isn't Fashion Week in September? In the fall? Doesn't it coincide with Fashion's Night Out every year?" - why yes, you are correct. But in the autumn, in the backwards world of fashion, designers show spring clothing for the next year and right now, in the transition between winter and spring, designers show their fall collections for the year. Since Fashion Week is of recent news, I thought I'd take the chance to showcase a designer that many aren't too familiar with. We all know our Karl Lagerfeld, our Alexander Wang, our Sarah Burton and of course, our Marc Jacobs - but I think it's time we step out of that box a little and learn more about the designers that have been right under our noses but we haven't really looked deeper into - case in point: Reed Krakoff.

For those that aren't familiar with Reed Krakoff, he was the former executive creative director at Coach, up until last year. I already know what you're thinking and the objections in your mind. But before you immediately think of the logo'd Coach bags, allow me to introduce you to Reed Krakoff's most well known bag, the Boxer Bag:

This is one of my favorite bags, if not for the sole purpose of its size and utility. The story behind it is absolutely darling. Krakoff, aside from his fashion career, has also photographed for books. One of his books was about boxers and the straps on the front of this bag were inspired by boxers' wraps. But enough of this background - because I want to showcase my favorite pieces from his NYFW show!

I've always loved how simple and clean all of Reed Krakoff's aesthetics are. There's not so much intricacy that it overwhelms the piece but rather the simplicity enhances the beauty of his pieces. Being that I'm five feet tall, slits are some of my favorite things to see on longer dresses - they lengthen the body and when they're done right, the silhouette is absolutely beautiful.

I love everything about this look - including the fact that most of the outfit is black, minus the shoes. I always love black and I will always return to it as a staple, but I will always suggest a pop of color, especially in the colder seasons when people tend to lean more towards darker colors. 

Again, the simplicity that Reed Krakoff exhibits in his designs is marvelous. I think it's one of the reasons I love Helmut Lang so much as well - these two designers have very similar tastes, silhouettes and color palettes. As much as people pound the "No White After Labor Day" rule into our heads, I would like to just say that I believe white is acceptable during any season, as long as it's the right shade of white. The fact that this look pairs black and white, two blatant contrasts, so perfectly and having black as the detail instead of the main focus point really draws me to it. 

This next look that I absolutely love because of the earthy tones. While black and white are great staples in any closet, the right earth tones for each person's different skin tone is extremely important. The play on the lighter color on top with the deeper burgundy on the bottom is a great way to keep light colors that you may be transitioning from spring into your fall wardrobe. 

Structure, structure, structure! In the warmer months, it's not as important. And I'm not saying the 80's are knocking and we want giant shoulder pads back, structure in a blazer or coat is extremely important. You want to make sure the shoulder creates the silhouette you want it to for your frame. This blazer/coat definitely exemplifies that. I'm also more than in love with the tiny details on the lapel - a wool jacket or blazer with leather details is a must have for autumn and it'll take you through autumn every year! Don't be afraid that it's too trendy or that it'll phase itself out because it's definitely something you can wear for more than just one autumn season.

Tell me what you think? Have you heard of Reed Krakoff before? Are these trends you'd love to wear or would incorporate into your closet?