Ugg Australia Spring 2012–Beyond the Shearling Boot

When I was first invited to the luxe Gramercy Park Hotel terrace to preview the new Spring 2012 Ugg collection, I was skeptical.  The association that I had with the salt stained sock boots of the college set with sweatpants or jeans awkwardly tucked into them was hard to shake off.  Still I decided not to let what I thought I knew about the boot to shape my evening and I found myself pleasantly surprised.

When I entered the beautiful space I heard relaxing music playing as I approached a room with an impressive light bulb installation on the ceiling. Amidst the warm lighting and rustic wood fixtures I first saw the men's collection.  Beautiful rich tones of leather were crafted into an assortment of shoes.  Some classic mens shoes were displayed including boat shoes, bowling shoes and ones that even sort of look like Toms (unfortunately without the philanthropy).  My favorites were the olive green bowling shoes and the high top incarnation.  My boyfriend who came along for the ride said he would like a pair stat and pointed out a brilliant touch of shearling placed strategically in the back heel where most shoes tend to rub and become painful.

For the women's shoes I first saw a few pairs that played homage to the classic Ugg that along with the denim logo styles I would avoid with a ten foot pole but the wooden soles clogs, colorful espradilles, laser cut flat sandals were a pleasant surprise.  They looked comfortable, colorful and like something I would actually wear in the summer.

When I entered the other room this is where Uggs found their stride in the best possible way.  Faux ostrich, stingray, eel, snake and woven leathers were combined with wood for a grouping of open toe pumps, strappy sandals and boots I genuinely would want to own.  The shoes were sexy, cute and without a bulbous toe in sight.  With comfort in mind heel heights are reasonable and toe shapes don't look overly narrow.  


Uggs have definitely come a long way from their surfer roots to create a wide assortment of shoes that would fit into the wardrobes of even the biggest skeptic.

Runway Review: Alexis Mabille Couture Spring 2012

The award for this couture week's best head pieces and most dramatic make-up definitely goes to Alexis Mabille with the bold rainbow of color parading down the runway in head to toe monochromatic looks and faces/headpieces to match.  It was as if Spring itself had come to life on the runway and the ladies were in full bloom.

The quote from Marcel Proust, "It is only women who do not know how to dress that are afraid of colors", was only too appropriate for a show that was built on the energy of color.

Lace panels/insets, cascading flounces and flutter sleeves created a very wearable, feminine and lady-like collection that was bold but not ground breaking.  There is something about the dresses that makes them look like the clothing of royalty and not of the Hollywood set although more than a couple pieces would probably make a statement on the red carpet.

Runway Review: Versace Couture Spring 2012

Versace Couture for Spring 2012 embodies what Donatella does best - glamour, drama and a second skin fit like no other.  The dresses are almost painted on some of the bodies of the models while futuristic, structural elements including slashes of metallic beading and architectural arches extend from the shoulders, hips and bust to emphasize the woman's body.


The overall effect is strong as a warrior but always 100% a woman.  I love the contrast of the delicate lace panels with the fitted corset-like construction.  As for colors while the vast majority of the collection was in dove grey - bold yellow, gold, acid green and vermillion found their way to make some noise.  While the collection was absent of any signature prints the play of texture and silhouette seemed to be the most powerful message.  Sheer panelling and thigh high slits are also noteworthy trends.

Runway Review: Dior Couture Spring 2012

The house of Dior still lives with or without the scandal that is John Galliano and in his second couture collection for the house Bill Gaytten has done a marvelous job of capturing the spirit of Dior with so many references to the past without being stuck there. Classic Dior silhouettes that make a woman feel like a woman – like the New Look of 1947 are in abundance but they are made fresh again being whipped together in translucent fabrics.  It’s almost like you’re have X-ray vision into something that from a glance should be very lady-like and the effect is quite provocative.

One of my favorite pieces is actually this tucked sheath on the very right that almost looks like pattern drafting coming to life with it’s almost muslin color and bold pick stitches.  I guess seeing the art of patternmaking dissected is very appealing to me.  As for color palette the collection was predominantly black, white and nude with a few pops of red and violet. Although monochromatic and without pattern I thought it was the best possible showcase for what Gaytten was trying to achieve.  Bravo for a collection well done.