New York Fashion Week F/W 2012: Organic by John Patrick

While I do love a healthy dose of quirkiness, each season I'm drawn to a few particular labels for their wearability (Rachel Comey, Steven Alan, Organic by John Patrick, to name a few). Sleek, casual, and practical are terms that come to mind, and I often wouldn't mind donning these designers' looks from head-to-toe.



Patrick uses Julia Margaret Cameron's portrait entitled "A Beautiful Vision" (see here) as a source of inspiration as well as a title for his entire autumn collection. Cameron, a nineteenth-century British photographer who began her work in her late forties, was largely interested in the concept of beauty in her photography career, which is perhaps something Patrick played upon with ideas of femininity and masculinity. On a more basic level, the textured taupe fabric, quilted Barbour-esque outerwear, trench silhouettes and prints are all a nod to classic British heritage.

xox Catherine

Photos via Style.com

F/W 2011: Organic by John Patrick

All images via style.com

As always, the last thing I want to be thinking about mid-February is more fall/winter clothing, but I feel there's usually a titch of spring in many collections. Exhibit A: (bottom left image) the perfect floral shirt dress I've never managed to find. You can bet I'd wear this all spring and summer if I could. As far as the rest goes, I'm amused with the color palette. And the silhouettes. Nothing too groundbreaking, but I'm a sucker for simplicity.

xox Catherine