The Eye of the Beholder

Given the nature of fashion and the apparency of newness that must be served every season, the burden is on designers to create something memorable that will move the game in a different direction.

That's a lot of pressure.

While some designers have figured out their message long since and know their niche and their customer
intimately - Ralph, Oscar, Armani, to name  just a few - there are others who respond aggressively to the idea of creating something "new" and proceed accordingly.

Let's take Marc Jacobs, as one high-profile example.

Responsible for not only Louis Vuitton but for his namesake collections, he has rocked a boat or two in his time,
and the new season is no exception.

While definitely getting the memo that stripes and graphics were the thing for the Spring of 2013 in one collection,
he hearkened back to his now infamous grunge collection from the early 90's in his Resort 2013 collection, putting 20ish years between that moment and 2013.

Either you liked it then, or you didn't.

Same this time around, but prettier and a little more accessible, because the eye has now become accustomed to dissonance as well as to harmony, thanks to Dries Van Noten, Kenzo and others who have been mining this territory for many years.

Having said that, there is definitely shock value in runway shows, that is then followed up, hopefully, in actual sales, and mad copying by the fast fashion houses, to cash in on the trend.

If the runway is a precursor, the effect has been duly created.

People have noticed.

Let the trickle down begin!!