Not surprisingly, the scene at last night’s Joe Fresh Style show could only be described as utter mayhem. Fashion folk are not fans of being pushed around, and the hundreds of guests filing like cattle into the main stage was no exception. Some grumpy audience members were contemplating throwing in the towel and trading in the crammed benches for the bar in the lobby. Finally, the lights dimmed, the soundtrack began, and out walked this week’s golden-girl Kate Somers in a neoprene coat in the same orange hue that has become synonymous with the label. Needless to say, people stopped complaining.
“The collection definitely hit the trends we’ve been watching throughout fashion month, and considering it’s price-point, executed Fall 2011 with class and sophistication.”
With Poppa Joe set to move his business state-side in the fall, starting with a flagship on the prestigious 5th Ave strip in Manhattan, the presentation proved that their stepping up their game for the new venture. Far better than last seasons collection, which featured an all too literal homage to the Boy Scouts of Canada (he later designed the uniforms), this collection was much simpler, and oozed chicness.
The collection definitely hit the trends we’ve been watching throughout fashion month, and considering it’s price point, executed fall 2011 with class and sophistication. There were definite comparisons to Celine throughout the collection, from the camel colour palette to the chic leather pencil skirts. Joe Fresh Style is growing up, and it’s really working for them.
The collection referenced the clean lines and swinging shifts of the sixties, mixed in with the ultra-prep that Joe Fresh is well-known for. A favourite look from the show; a loose-fitting thickly striped sweater paired with a Prada-esque striped pencil skirt and those lace-free oxford heels that had everyone praying they make it to the stores. Subtle accents punched up the basic separates and shift dresses. A cheetah print blouse was offset by the classic white accents on the arm and back. Fur made an appearance again this season, with adorable turban-style hats, and even a surprising body-con miniskirt. The neoprene coat which opened the show was repeated in equally eye-catching hues, reminiscent of the Lego blocks we all played with as kids.
An unexpected, yet well-appreciated addition to the collection was a super-sheer black blouse paired with a surprisingly edgy and fashion forward leather vest which hung loosely at the shoulders and cascaded out the back.
“The unfortunate part of being lucky enough to attend a Joe Fresh Style show, is the increasingly upsetting realization as you leave, that the majority of the items you see on the runway will never make it into the stores.”
The unfortunate part of being lucky enough to attend a Joe Fresh Style show, is the increasingly upsetting realization as you leave, that the majority of the items you see on the runway will never make it into the stores. Pieces are altered and added on to create a more intricate runway presentation, and I understand the need for that. But please, for the love of all things furry and warm, send us your color-blocked knits and immaculate outerwear. Allow me to run around in your ultra-chic oxfords and swingin’ sixties shifts. I’ll treat your fantastic graphic body-con skirts with such care, and that cheetah print blouse will have a safe place in my ever-expanding closet.
Watch out New York, Joe Fresh is on it’s way and it’s not going to come quietly. Joe Mimran did a fantastic job curating this collection, and I’ll be sure to visit from my new address in the Big Apple.
