NYFW: Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2011

 Design duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez took their label Proenza Schouler down a mature, sophisticated route this season, but still stayed true to what amped up their appeal when they begin as designers - that street cool twist. It was a mix of sophistication meets slouchy casual looks. Tweed jackets and tailored skirts swung this collection into the new grown up direction, with sheer neon pieces and touches of tie-dye reassured us that it wasn’t going hyper commercial either.


The colour palette was fun and bright - minty neon greens mixed with bright neon yellow, tropical orange, red, coral and nude which were added to simple black, white and grey. Silk knee length t-shirt dresses were accessorized with long metal bib necklaces and black leather sandals, while the more grown-up looks included a jacket and skirt twin-set, both coordinating with button-up fronts, teamed with a buttoned-up shirt with a tan collar and a tan belt, as well as some dark sunglasses to give it a cool edge. Elsewhere, tweed jackets were splashed with an abstract speckled pattern and teamed with cobweb textured skirts in colours such as hot pink.

Everyone has to grown up - and the Proenza Schouler woman has evolved into a sophisticated, yet street savvy, fashion forward woman. This collection may have been more mature, but it was still distinctively itself, and didn't loose that draw that Proenza Schouler have been so good at conjuring up - that alluring appeal that draws you in, regardless of age - it's a matter of taste.