OVERALL TREND: We’re not sure, but this might be our least favorite Donna Karan collection of all time – and we’re fans. She’s always great at NY chic perennials – knits, dresses, leathers, that are just perfect for city wear. And their body consciousness always makes them perfect for L.A., too. But her pricepoint has gone SO high, why not buy Marc Jacobs or Balenciaga or Marni or YSL or Balmain instead? Those clothes have more of a shape and a point of view. Donna seems to be resting on her laurels, her guru’s – or her millions. Whatever she’s resting on looks better than this collection- which is tired, puffy, and in need of a life – of some kind. The coats are super boxy and while we like a new away-from-the-bod silhouette, and we like her shortish A line skirts – the really wide coats look like something David Byrne would wear in an exaggerated video directed by Jonathan Demme. Sure, the leather leggings and tight jackets look good – so does the black lace off the shoulder top with a line bubble skirt – but we’ve seen ALL these looks before. There’s little new here, and what is new isn’t flattering. Go back to the drawing board, Donna.
COLORS: Black, black, black – did we say black? Donna – give it a rest. Gray. One white ruffled shirt that is too exaggerated in the collar. And one orchid colored suit that has a nice long blazer. We like the long blazer as coat look. Good for LA – will it cut it in NY? We don’t think so. And black and white tweed? Give it a rest, ladies. It looks SO dated.
BEAUTY: We’ve seen this Donna beauty look before too – a bright red mouth and no other makeup, and hair glued back with so much hairspray it’s not good for the ozone, and then a shiney plastic headband over it. This head looks just glued – it’s too extreme. Even ballerinas don’t look this bald.
RELEVANCE TO HOLLYWOOD: Sure, every Hollywood girl needs a short cute black dress – even a shiney one. But we’ve all seen these before. And we don’t have to spend a grand on one, we know where to find great ones for $250. Go into your friend’s closet and hack something off – this isn’t worth it. Those long blazers are good for L.A. winter nights – and the leather leggings are good. But The Row already did them – you already own them. Sure, Susan Sarandon and Demi Moore and Brooke Shields were in the front row – but would they wear these clothes? We don’t think so.
I would have to agree. Black is great, slimming and always a classic, but it can become boring and harsh. You can definitely buy great black leggings for way less. My favorites right now are LnA zipper pocket leggings…and way easier on the pocket book.