The superlatives
Recapping highs and lows of the New York spring collections
Best comeback:
Leather bottoms
On paper, the trend reminds us of everything we didn’t like about the early ’90s. But on the spring runways, it looked modern and cool (think Marc Jacobs’ slim, ruffled skirts and Vena Cava’s skintight leggings.)
Most unfortunate comeback:
Acid-wash denim
Rock & Republic tried to bring the ’80s staple back in a series of impossibly skinny cigarette jeans, but we think it will be virtually impossible to pull it off without looking like a trend whore.
Most treacherous accessory:
Stilettos
Whether tripping after completely losing a heel at the Calvin Klein collection or falling down completely at Peter Som, models struggled to stand on two feet this season. And the truth is the show-goers struggled too; we spotted more than a few attendees take a tumble while trying to take their seats — proof that flats are a girl’s best friend.
Strongest debut:
Sophie Théallet
Azzedine Alaïa’s former right-hand woman presented a collection that was vibrant, wearable and feminine without being annoyingly girly.
Coolest go-to artist: Santogold
It was impossible to get through a day’s worth of shows without hearing a track from her eponymous album.
Best use of color:
Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Saunders
It was tough choosing between Jacobs’ layered, shimmery jewel tones and Saunders’ electric, contrasting pairings, so we decided not to.
Most puzzling event fixture: Zoe Saldana
We love the actress on screen, but couldn’t imagine why she accepted nearly every invitation that crossed her agent’s desk. Maybe she’s the next personality to jump into the celeb clothing line fray?
Even more puzzling BFFs: Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham
To sit and watch the two divas pose for the manic paparazzi was like watching a “Saturday Night Live” skit come to life. The ladies looked like caricatures of themselves, seemingly trying to outdo each other’s personal Blue Steel. At certain points, they literally looked like they might burst a vein.
