Dec-a-Porter 360* - When Fashion and Design Collide

I have been so inspired by so much from this season's New York Fashion Week.

Not only have the collections for Fall 2012 been really outstanding and hopefully a sign that great things are in store for us all in 2012..

but also as a designer I can't help but feel that this year there has been a real attention placed on the Design Elements of each runway stage and set and it made me take a deeper look into some of these examples from Fall 2012, as well as seasons passed.

To begin, and as two of my fellow bloggers Quintessence and Tilton Fenwick showcased, Tory Burch Fall 2012 collection sparked a Twitter frenzy among many design aficionados as we all fell in love with her great use of this Gracie wallpaper..

Image via Tory Burch on Twitter

Not only was the wallpaper fabulous, but every attention to detail as you would expect from Tory Burch, was made in setting the right stage for her collection, like the fabulous runner.

It just adds that extra touch, by awakening all the senses with its soft palette and pattern, creating a very comfortable and elegant as you would imagine that the ideal *Burch* woman would posses.

Grant White Design

But this was not the only example of Fashion and Design colliding on the runway, as designers create each stage for those attending and for all the images shared thereafter.

Without Hollywood set design budgets, these Fashion Icons  not only through their clothes and accessories but through music, light and Set Design have been able to set the mood for their story.
Here are a few more details that caught my eye..



This great entrance from the Jason Wu Fall 2012 collection was a stunner, with that studded detailing and red light, very much trend!




Some designers create a backdrop that is always true and symbolic of their brand just like the DKNY runway from both Spring and Fall 2012.. the only difference, the flooring changing to a patterned carpet for Fall, staying very true to her brand and client.

So New York, so DKNY.




























All this attention to the runway and runners made me curious as to how some other designers were tackling this element. Here, two other great examples of carpeting as runners, creating a warm and definite design statement through each of these choices.

Thomas O Brien Aero Studios

Above, Marchesa chooses a more traditional carpeting, with flowers and subdued colors as a backdrop for their uber-luxurious collection...

while Tommy Hilfiger (below) makes a more dramatic *urban-chic* statement through the use of a patchwork kilim runner with a gold trim and huge chandeliers.

Perfect way to introduce a strong color statement without necessarily using those colors on the clothes. Great for the shot too!

Commune Design

In contrast, the Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2012 collection is a light filled space with a brick herringbone pattern runway with greenery creates an friendly outdoor setting ...

And Ralph! Oh, Ralph Lauren made a splash not only with his collection (which I personally love!) but also with showing off the quintessential Lauren style with the most exquisite parquet floors, reminiscent of Versailles.

via House Beautiful_Miles Redd

Versailles

or by some of these designers from previous fashion seasons, where a more avant garde theatrical approach was taken but still within a very subdued grey and white color palette.

Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren

Versace Spring 2011 Milan

Credits:
Fashion images via NYMag.com and Vogue.com

You see, the fashion shows are not all about the clothes but great attention is paid to every single detail of these spectacular presentations...


I am headed to Los Angeles next week, and hopefully will find some really great things to share in the week leading up to Design Bloggers Conference.

Wishing you all a great weekend.