NYFW: Milly’s Moderne Look at Spring/Summer 2012

Pictured: Geometric prints and color blocking lead the way at Milly SS 2012 (picture: M.Hall)

Last week  I received a sneak preview of the Milly Spring /Summer 2012.  The sketch looked a bit vintage with full skirts, cinched waist and fitted bodices.   Today, I saw the runway show, and while it was very vintage inspired in the design of the garments, the show featured  distinctive Milly prints that were very modern.  “My Spring 2012 collection is modern and geometric in cut and print, softened by earthy materials like wood and tortoise resin. Colors are vibrant and exciting- vermilion, tangerine, jade and azure are grounded by chocolate brown and indigo,” says Michelle Smith, Designer and Creative Director, Milly. 

Pictured: Azure Blues at Milly complimented by browns and whites (photo: M. Hall)

The show’s  runway backdrop illustrated the geometric design and the colors that the collection was built around. There were Jackie Kennedy like sheath dresses with distinctive big buttons for accent, printed skirts,  bright blues, emeralds and reds contrasted with traditional navy blue.   There was even a node to last year’s  inspiration, Peggy Guggenheim, in the cat’s eye 1960s sunglasses some of the models sported down the runway.   One dress was a scoop neck, short sleeved dress with this print of red and white circles, tweeted out in advance of the show.

Pictured: A close-up of a Milly print Tweeted by the Designer yesterday (photo MillybyMichelle Twitter Feed)

The French trained designer, Michelle Smith, updated her prints with uniquely American red, white and blue.   The collection looks very practical, yet spirited and upbeat.  These looks can take most women from the office to the cocktail party.  Look for Milly sold at Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, and MillyNY on Madison Ave. If you missed the show, look for the replay at MillyNY.com.