With New York Fashion Week, Fall 2011 wrapped up (still the European shows left), there are a few trends that stand out.  Red.  Green.  Fur. Tweed.  Wide-leg pants.  Maxi skirts.  As always, two of my favorite designers put on two of the most splendidly gorgeous shows, Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren.  They never seem to disappoint–in fact, just when I think each designer has outdone himself, he does it again, and again and again…

The venue of the Oscar show is always one of my favorites.  I also kind of love that I equate 583 Park Avenue with elegance and consistency–year after year .  Upon walking into the UES event space, you’re immediately engulfed in elegance; everything from the gilded entrance to the enormous chandelier dangling above the runway. The show-stopper for me was  this muted gray gown, just begging to be worn by Anne Hathaway to the Oscars. Mr. de la Renta also highlighted the trend of saturated hues for Fall.  We see greens ranging from emerald to lime (see below).

Next up, Ralph Lauren.  This show always marks the end of NYFW for me.  There’s something about unwinding in an intimate setting and getting to really enjoy one of the last show’s of the week.  This year it was all about bold colors (jade, ruby and amethyst) and looking to the Orient for inspiration.  One of my favorite looks was the jade fluid silk evening dress paired with a red lip (see above).  Mr. Lauren demonstrated how you can wear red and green together, and not look like Christmas.  The final look on stunning model, Bruna, was a black silk bugle beaded evening dress.  The show ended with a bang.

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