A stampede of mismatch heaven took place at the Marc Jacobs show held at the Lexington Avenue Armory, where the audience enjoyed an awe-inspiring, all Americana treat. Known for his dramatics, New York’s home-grown fashion genius described his collection as “familiar but fresh,” and he could not have said it better. The essence of the collection was an experimental voyage that embraced decades past. 

 

  

 

Skirts with cascading and dangling pleats, made of metallic Lurex fabric and brocade-like prints were remarkable, especially when composed in color pallets that didn’t make typical sense. Mary Poppins-like hats and multilayered looks were heavily accessorized to create an image of a woman that, strangely enough, looked incredibly stylish and put together. The waistcoats, back-drap skirts, menswear suits, gaucho pants, metallic tweed jackets, and chunky necklaces were part of the delicious mash-up, along with George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” as background music.

 

 

 

Michael Fink, from Saks Fifth Avenue, said the collection was very timely. All fashion retailers know that customers are now more aware of their finances and will only spend their money on outstanding pieces. “There was nothing basic on that runway,” Mr. Fink said. “Nobody wants a basic from Saks.” 

 

 

 

 All the erratic prints,  the “hall of mirrors” as part of the runway, the espadrille-meets-stiletto hybrids, and the “cracked, fragmented and broke” coats, as Jacobs calls them, worked together to dazzle everyone. Marc Jacobs did it again—- and like a magician, the designer cast his spell all over New York Fashion Week. —Melissa Alvarado Sierra