In keeping with the psychedelic sitar-tastic soundtrack (a cover of ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ no less), Karen Walker’s A/W 2012 collection proved an explosion of swinging sixties cuts, beaming colour and pitch-perfect paisley prints. Yes it was derivative of a beloved era – you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped back in time to Mary Quant’s London – but it was also characteristically cute and upbeat, quietly eccentric and guaranteed to bring a smile to any fashion-loving gal’s lips. Case in point: totally Cher from Clueless-worthy matching shoes, dresses and clutch bags in brilliantly out-there all-over paisley print in bright orange, red, pink and gold – what’s not to love?
Along with happily clashing colour-blocking throughout, there were standout gold lamé wonders including a structured blazer and overcoat, and chic easy-to-wear slim fitting trousers, sweet puff-ball skirts and angora sweaters in yellow, navy and white. Karen Walker is New Zealand’s most popular designer for a reason, she knows what cute-cool girls want and she delivers – this season offering a necessary jolt of girlish fun and frivolity to a New York Fashion Week that has thus far been glaringly lacking in the off-the-wall style stakes.
