Haute Style: New York Fashion Week with Jason Wu, Ports 1961, Altuzarra, Nicole Miller, Alexander Wang

Haute Style is on the scene at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, reporting to you the latest fashion trends as they happen, so be sure to check back for all the latest news!

Jason Wu

Pretty and sophisticated, Jason Wu gets better every season. His spring collection seemed to float down the runway, girlish while simultaneously elegant. Tuxedo jacket dresses, bow blouses, short suits, tailored trousers, and of course, gorgeous gowns, left us wanting more. Wu referenced Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes, known for her use of bold tones as he delicately incorporated magenta, violet and yellow among his cool nudes and neutrals.

Ports 1961

This spring collection saw Fiona Cibani take over the design reins from her sister Tia, which resulted in a simple but pretty parade of draped dresses. There weren’t any particular standouts this season, but there were several variations of satiny gowns in jewel tones that would be a welcome romantic addition to your wardrobe.

Altuzarra

After the raging success of his show last season, the young designer returned with another strong showing, keeping his look full of attitude and sleek tailoring precision. From duchesse satin dresses to wide-leg pants and nipped-waist jackets, snakeskin was used to adorn his predominately white collection and it felt modern without losing its femininity. Altuzarra continues to be edgy and innovative in a way that will keep him in the category of designers to watch, and would be well worth your while to invest in his pieces.

Nicole Miller

With a sense of airiness, Miller reveled lightweight silk satin and chiffon garments, which continued with this season’s layered and tailored look that seems to be dominate thus far. Neutral shades of off-white and dove-gray were prevalent throughout her parade of simple chiffon frocks, blouses and shorts, vests and jackets with collared blouses. NM continues to be a safe staple of spring shopping.

Alexander Wang

“I wanted to explore a purity and honesty,” said Wang to WWD preshow. And he did just that, with his complete absence of black in this collection. He worked a deconstruction motif into looks, mainly consisting of smock like dresses and canvas jackets and pants. It was uniquely structured and layered, which strangely felt more relaxed that one might anticipate. If you are looking for a new, clean and urbane aesthetic, look to Alexander Wang.

For more of Carrie Mitchell’s style insights, visit StyleGroove.com and Fashionexpedition.org.