With a color palette that rarely, if ever, deviates from the soothing and somber, Donna Karan took her pre-fall collection in a new direction in two distinct ways. First, she sent out her entire run of show before each look had its respective moment of glory–and in the first half of said show, she debuted a new casual collection meant to address a woman’s ever-burgeoning, laid-back, lifestyle. A Donna Karan woman is, after all, multifaceted–so why shouldn’t her wardrobe reflect this? (Not to mention the price points of her casual line are some 25% less). Layers were the focus here–perfect for this current bout of unforgiving New York deep freeze–where chic layers of jersey and knits were coupled with signature belts and day-into-night outerwear (leather, shearling and sumptuous fur scarves).
Karan’s urban warrior had her full moment with the show’s second half, which offered a versatile wardrobe that balanced the fine line between goddess dressing and go-to dressing. The color palette didn’t deviate beyond shades of taupe–or, more specifically, rocks–but they’re pieces meant to be incorporated into an existing wardrobe of Karan’s classics. As to be expected, the handful of draped gowns were gorgeous creations. Critics may chastise her for not having had moments of eye-popping color, particularly given her extensive travels, but everyone needs a day of rest–even a global philanthropist like Donna Karan.
