Black

WHAT: Zimmermann Sloppy Joe Printed Crepe Top WHY: Your summer mantra is all about form and function, right? Consider this Zimmermann top:…

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Ann Demeulemeester: If Patti Smith wore dresses, this would be her wardrobe. Fitting, since Smith has often been cited as one of Demuelemeester’s muses. Fun fact: In 1991, when Demuelemeester debuted her first collection in Paris, the soundtrack was Smith’s album Wave. Billowing down the runway, not unlike waves, really, this season was all about femininely soft, yet hauntingly edgy looks from Demeulemeester. Think long-sleeve, high-collared, floor-length white dresses that resembled 19th century nightgowns. The look was repeated in sheer and ombre B&W versions, worn over pants. As for the accessories? Black moto-style boots and black or white chapeaus were punctuated with duos of lengthy feathers, poetically popping out of each side. Other looks, like a long black Victorian-style coat worn over a long white open shirt dress with a black leather bodice top, white pants, and tall, laced leather boots, exuded a bit of an equestrian vibe. Later on, a statement-caliber, white asymmetrical coat got an intense collar treatment, cinched with a black leather corset. The finale carried on, black leather and all, via tiered corsets worn with belted, high-waisted pants, in tune with the current menswear theme floating around for Fall. These pants, we do believe, will find themselves chez Smith.

Blumarine: A return to romance! Anna Molinari opted to revisit the brand’s softer side in a muted palette of nudes, blush pinks and baby blues. A soft shouldered nude trench worn over a cowl neck cream sweater, a baby blue cashmere sweater and shorts set was with a matching shaggy shawl knit sweater and a full-on blush pink ribbed fur mini dress offered lighter, more delicate options for Fall. But it wasn’t all so sweet: Black leather suits or an asymmetrically draped micro-mini got paired with black leather button-down, while a black sequined mini worn with a plunging deep-v neckline added an indubitable dose of sex appeal.

Tibi: Angular graphics grooved with slouchy layers and hits of colorblock in Tibi’s offering for that innately buyable Pre-Fall season. Black and white presided over the alternations of minis and stovepipes, with a few knee-grazing shorts and skirts cut to the same general hemline in the mix.