Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week kicked off Feb. 9 and the fashion world is buzzing with excitement for the Fall 2012 Ready-To-Wear lines, including one by a newer, lesser-known designer.
Brands like Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi are common knowledge. It’s easy for popular designers to get the press and celebrities to get psyched about their new lines. They have earned their way into creating beautiful and unique designs that can be appreciated even by those who do not obsess over fashion.
But sometimes the most refreshing pieces come from the smaller designers who are still trying to gain a substantial foothold in the fashion world.
Enter Wes Gordon, an Atlanta native with a serious knack for combining luxury and sophistication with youthful and modern silhouettes.
It should come as no surprise that Gordon was a graduate of Central Saint Martins University of Art and Design in London, which has a highly competitive fashion program. Past famous alums include the likes of John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Stella McCartney.
Texture is the name of the game in Gordon’s eyes. He admitted to Associate Fashion Editor Brittany Adams of Style.com that he tends to use pricey fabric because he believes that the best fabrics are the most expensive. Some of the swanky materials he utilizes include python skin, Italian cashmere, and lush panne velvet.
His ability to work with luxurious fabrics and shape them into youthful silhouettes is no easy feat since these fabrics often end up look stuffy or pretentious.
Extravagant fabrics aside, Gordon’s impeccable tailoring sets him apart as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. His sleek jackets and signature high-waisted wide-leg trousers fit like a glove and enhance the feminine figure in all of the right places.
Gordon, who usually focuses on light or bold colors in his collection, appears to be taking a darker edge for his Fall 2012 Ready-To-Wear collection.
During an interview with Vogue.com, the designer revealed that, “For my fall collection, I drew inspiration from both Dickens and Larsson, imagining Rooney Mara as Great Expectations’ Estella. There is a juxtaposition of hard and soft, old and new that result in a fresh, slightly-disheveled elegance.”
Gordon was recently named one of the recipients of Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award in the womenswear category. Such an honor can only gain Gordon more followers and recognition in the high-end fashion world.
Gordon presents his Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear Collection Feb. 11. Style.com will offer fashionistas an inside look with comprehensive photos of the collection or and the show will be available live via NowFashion.com
Although Gordon’s decadent designs are beautiful and fresh in the womenswear sector, most college students cannot afford such pricey items. But have no fear! Gordon’s modern and youthful interpretation of the professional woman is beginning to peak through at new more budget-friendly stores for students and is sure to appear in many more stores in the next few months.
One great option for a modern classy look is the Jason Wu for Target textured pleated-front peplum top ($32). The texture and the rich gold color are two features that set it apart from the average blouse while still invokes a sense of professionalism. The peplum near the bottom of the shirt adds a feminine touch that prevents the shirt from looking too boxy. This would be a great item to wear with a black pencil skirt or a gray pair of dress trousers.
Another versatile piece is the ASOS Boyfriend Blazer with Fluro Trim. Although it is a bit pricey ($98.48), the tailoring of this cropped blazer sets it apart as clearly superior in the category of budget-priced blazers. The gray blazer with the fluorescent green trim brings in the youthful color schemes Gordon utilizes but also does give off a sense of professionalism.
The versatility of this fun but professional piece can be utilized to dress up a casual outfit with dark-wash denim and a black v-neck, or it can nicely complement a black pencil skirt and solid blouse. Don’t be afraid to play with colored tailored blazers—they look fresh but also professional at the same time.
An item of clothing that many professional women tend to shy away from is wide-leg trousers. While it is important to have straight-leg trousers, high-waisted wide-leg trousers add a special boost to a work outfit and tend to look more streamlined on most women.
Another added perk? They elongate women’s legs and appear very elegant on a variety of body types. This specific pair of high-waisted wide-leg trousers is one of the most affordable and best imitations of Wes Gordon’s signature designs.
The ASOS Wide Leg Pant with Button Detail is reasonably priced ($44.76), which means that a classy Wes Gordon inspired look is possible even for students on a tight budget.
