MTV
Gaby Wilson
Leave it to Karen Walker to take us on a Fashion Week adventure to places unknown. Rather than drawing influence for her Fall collection on travel hotspots like Morocco or Japan, the latest from the quirky New Zealand designer, takes us 20000 Leagues Under the Sea. No, but actually. She was inspired by Jules Verne’s nautical tale, and used it as a base for the collection, adding in her own personal flair with touches of mod ’60s and Victorian elements.
DASHES OF MOD
Karen Walker Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week.
Photo: Getty Images
There is always something poppy and the exact right decibel of twee about Karen Walker, but the effect with this nautical inspiration is truly magical. Strong bolts of color, large tentacled paisleys, and plushy angora sweaters wink back at the great ’60s female icons at once: Brigitte Bardot, Twiggy, and Edie Sedgwick. Vibrant prints found their way onto booties, scarves, and bags, and candy-colored geometric sunnies ruled the runway.
VICTORIAN FLOURISHES
Karen Walker Fall 2012 New York Fashion Week.
Photo: Getty Images
While the overarching theme to the collection was this idea of underwater exploration, and it, for sure, appears in preppy whale prints, slicker yellows, and nautical outwear shapes, but the looks are de-Captain Nemo-ized with the addition of a ruffled collar or a floaty jacket peplum. Daintily belted waists, updated court shoes, and metallic brocades also add to the romantic luster.
