NYFW: Kate Spade Fall 2016 - Live at the Rainbow Room

 Is there a more glamorous old school New York venue like the Rainbow Room? Kate Spade's Fall 2016 collection was a bit of retro elegance and showbiz. The clothes displayed vintage styled floral prints and tweed coats. Kate Spade handbags had the signature tongue-in-cheek shapes. However, this season, I'm going to have to restrain myself from buying all of them.

The clothing was styled into demure silhouettes. Lots of high necks and peter pan collars. Fur collars and wraps gave some richness to some outfits. There were ladylike sweaters paired with trousers that ended above the ankle.

 The first handbag I saw when I entered the Rainbow Room was the swan purse. I. Must. Have. It. I don't usually jump at novelty bags, but this was love at first site. The furry black cat was cute. The fan bag was another beautiful, vintage inspired clutch I want. The movie marquee and radio bags were adorable.

It was all about jeweled shoes for me. I love anything with lots of tasteful (or not so tasteful) jewels. There was a mix of dainty flats up to platform heels. The jeweled flowers across the vamp were sized accordingly. I love the look of the sparkle on top of the animal or floral print.

The otherwise simple shapes of the clothing were made up with the heavily embellished collars. There was elaborate jewel embroidery on simple blouses and jackets. The antique brooch trend from last season was elaborated upon with multiple brooches or over-sized jeweled embroidery on the chest as an alternative. Makeup was simple and soft. Like a blushing lady with a smarter edge behind her eyes. Hair was kept simple. Clean or pulled back.

I liked seeing the softer colors and lighter layers for fall and winter. Not every customer lives in a subzero climate (like NYC this fashion week!). Indoors can be roasting while the outdoors are frigid. Kate Spade Fall 2016 tweeds paired with light sweaters over crepe dresses might be exactly what city dressing needs to be for the modern gal.

photos by Mariana Leung