Out of Africa: Proenza Schouler clashes print and colour at New York Fashion WeekBy Maysa Rawi
The designing duo behind label Proenza Schouler claim they always visit somewhere new to find inspiration for the upcoming season.
Days before the Spring Summer 2012 collection was unveiled, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez told the Wall Street Journal they went to 'some island in the Pacific.'
But judging by some of the pieces on the catwalk yesterday, it was more like some lodge in Africa.
Animal instinct: Proenza Schouler's safari-inspired collection for
Spring Summer 2012 was unveiled yesterday
The safari theme, which has surfaced in a few shows at New York Fashion Week including Michael Kors and Donna Karan, cropped up again at the 330 West Street event.
Zebra-print, browns and nudes were splashed hues of greens and blues in the form of tailored short suits - another hot trend - revealing bare, long legs and pencil skirts slashed to the thigh.
The show evolved into classic stronger prints and bold colour with a Forties twist.
Texture: The eel-skin skirt was one of the stars of the show
Forties fab: Nipped in waists and long hems added a vintage feel to the collection
The Pacific inspiration creeped in in the form of bandeau bikini tops and sarong-style skirts.
Hawaiian inspired prints and platform shoes walking on a thick shag carpet made sure the Seventies were not yet forgotten.
Black dresses with cut-out panels made for a dramatic effect but it was texture that was the star of the show.
Back to black: Raffia dresses and bare legs added a mordern twist of drama
Eel-skin, raffia, crochet wool, leather gloves and embellished silks made pieces stand out.
The American label is set to expand into more accessories and a denim line is on the way.
Judging by the show - the hottest ticket in town attended by Alicia Keys, Rachel Zoe and Alexa Chung to name just three - it will be a hit.
Go for the chop: Cut-out detailing for a risque take on the little black dress
Retro flooring: Models walked on a thick carpet for a Seventies feel
And the secret to the partnership's success? Their energy - and synergy.
Hernandez told the WSJ: 'At the end of the day, there's nothing that is Jack and that is mine. It's sort of just both of ours.'
McCollough agrees: 'It sort of blurs into one thing.'
Fash pack: Alicia Keys, Alexa Chung and Rachel Zoe