From The Straits Times    |

Still considered one of America’s preeminent designers, Marc Jacobs debuted two shows at New York Fashion Week; his eponymous range and the younger, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Launching into Spring/Summer 2011 with a strong 1970s disco feel, the Marc Jacobs collection was awash in eye-popping jewel tones, fru-fru fake flowers on heads, waists and necklines and massive crimped hair set off with enormous-brimmed hats.

A number of squared-off “suits” in burnt orange and geometric prints continued the theme, with only a few open-worked tops and pants in black pulling back from the overwhelmingly 70s vibe.

The glorious colours were off-set only slightly by the voluminous shapes, with great swathes of fabric billowing from waist-high slits and halter-type necklines, when they weren’t being bunched around waists as peasant-cut blouses and skirts.

Shots of gold lame in pantsuits and body-con evening dresses did little to reduce the overall feeling of vibrancy, bringing their own additional bling to the show.

If the Marc Jacobs collection was all about disco divas and very late nights, the Marc by Marc Jacobs show was more about little sister having a great summer holiday. 

The influence of the 70s remained, this time toned down with more neutral tones of white and straw amongst the striped knickers, espadrilles and straw hats.

Still the wide, wide gored skirts with knit tees or cotton blouses were offset by some wide-cut draped pieces more reminiscent of the 80s.

Colour ways of yellow, gray, blue, white and orange stripes seemed particularly influenced by the early 80s, especially when paired with a bucket hat, baggy gray tee and sneakers. 

Some of the pieces also echoed girls’ dresses of the 1940s with bow details and high waists, adding yet more lightness and a girlish sense of fun to the whole collection.

SEE MORE FROM MARC JACOBS’ COLLECTIONS: