Purely New York with Gamine Flair ... DKNY SS2011

The air of maturity swept DKNY runway spring/summer 2011 presentation at the ongoing New York fashion Week. Although the stage backdrop was laden with fun-filled images painted in electrifying neon hues - typically New York post-Warhol era – the looks seemed more sober and starkly in contrast to the previous spring/summer collection.

Gone is the playful working palette of shocking pink with lots of graffiti roses, and in are demure corporate colours with simple but faultlessly tailored pieces. Nevertheless, one can always sense the presence of New York’s renowned flair that has always been the crux of DKNY fashion philosophy.

The presentation kicked off with an elegant ensemble of white top and cuffed black pants with khaki trench coat and DKNY Heritage scarf. A slew of simple ensembles, mostly paired with pants, in clean shapes followed suit.

Aside from being worn as an accessory, Karan also brought back the chic way of scarf-wearing by transforming it into statement-making tops. The tops drape beautifully on the body and can be worn either as it is or underneath a jacket or as part of the skirt suit.

For those who fancy something bold but tad sedate and not over the top at the same time, Karan has also threw in a simple long-sleeved dress drenched in bold, delicious red.

So red that it will make any man’s heart pumping like crazy when seeing you walking in it. If that dress doesn’t match your delineation of sexy, then opt for a top with plunging neckline in similar hue paired with a tiered mini skirt with ribbon-detailed sash around the waist.

The parade continued on stage with a plethora of blues and blacks adorned with classic floral prints. Catching the audience attention were belted shift, one shouldered and strapless swimsuits with ruffle details on the neckline, ruffled dress with plunging neckline and sash on waist, and cap-sleeved long dress with side pockets in black/floral prints.

DKNY spring/summer 2011 ready-to-wear collection will be available at all DKNY stores, select fine departmental stores and mixed brand boutiques worldwide next spring.

*Photos by imaxtree/New York Magazine

DKNY – Lot 132B & 133B, 1st Floor, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur; Lot 2.44,2.45 & 2.47, 2nd Floor, Pavilion KL, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; Lot G-219, Ground Floor, The Gardens Mid Valley, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.