Fashion Week spring 2010: Donna Karan

Posted by lmiller

on September 15, 2009M at 8:15 am

Donna Karan spring 2010 runway show. AP PHOTO

NEW YORK (AP) — Nothing has moved on the runway at New York Fashion Week quite the way Donna Karan’s spring collection did Monday.

She called it, “What’s in the air?” Then she answered her own question with silhouettes inspired by the elements — the sky, water, wind, sand, earth and fire.

“A mix of serenity and seduction, the elements of style have a whole new twist. One that’s as modern as the skyline, as forever alluring as a walk on the beach,” she said in her notes.

Indeed, the clothes oozed sultriness.

The silhouettes were slim, with Karan touting “body skirts” and “body dresses” that fit like second skins, but the light viscose jersey, linen and silk fabrics allowed them a vibe of easy elegance — and wearability. Colors included sky blue, a barely there blush and a lot of neutral skin tones.

Karan has once again found her stride the past few seasons, putting together a cohesive “look” instead of jumping around frenetically from trend to trend.

“Donna is consistent with what I like: clothes that women can wear,” said stylist Patricia Field, famous for her work on the “Sex and the City” TV shows and movies. “Women designers wear women’s clothes and they get it. Donna has a perfect balance between fantasy and reality.”

Donna Karan spring 2010 runway show. AP PHOTO

The fantasy at the fashion show in Karan’s downtown studio space was having enough places to wear the jersey wrap dresses, especially the blush-colored, off-shoulder number that was a little reminiscent of old-school Halston.

There were everyday clothes too, especially for a woman who gets dressed up for the office, but they weren’t mundane. A wrap-style skirt suit, for example, is something we should see more of. For play, a crisp white halter dress was practically an invitation for a vacation.

The eveningwear was the weakest part of the collection. There was nothing wrong with the draped gowns attached with delicate spaghetti straps, but you just didn’t get the same feeling that you were seeing something special.