District L

Oftentimes, a single accessory can completely transform a look. There is no denying the transformational abilities of 3.1 Phillip Lim opera gloves, hand-carved Rodarte platforms, or Olivier's shades. But all other statement pieces aside, there is nothing more conspicuous than the adornment on one's head. From Verrier to Hermes, Marc Jacobs to Missioni, here are the most popular hat trends for SS11.

Boater/Boss of the Plains/Gaucho Hat:

Verrier

Hermes

Yohji Yamamoto

Hermes

Carolina Herrera

Wide-Brimmed Floppy Hat:

Verrier

Marc Jacobs

Badgley Mishka

Prada

Alberta Ferretti

L'Wren Scott

Missoni

Images by Style.com; Amanda LaMela

Post by Amanda LaMela

The relationship between fashion and the economy is a running motif of District L's in depth industry analyses - there are few correlations in our society with such a tangible and literally visible impact.

The last few seasons, we were all privy to the effect the downturn had on the industry - classic looks oozing with timeless wearability made an especially spectacular re-emergence. Particularly palpable after the decadent, angular 80's glamfest of F/W 2009 to be certain. With the timely rise of recessionista chic, color and concept quickly began to play second fiddle.

Which is why, this season, we were pleasantly surprised to see designers lose their poker faces and begin to go all in. Chances! Risks! Gambles! A touch of the dearly missed caprice and whim of the industry had returned. This attitude was manifested no better than by the escapist, nostalgic, and in some cases almost fairytale-ish surrealism that many labels embraced for Spring, seen everywhere from Monique Lhuillier's seductive Eden enchantress and Toni Francesc's woodland warriors in New York to Mary Katrantzou's digital dreamscapes in London and Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini's youthful, evocative collection for Fendi in Milan.

But the fun didn't stop there - check out some of these moments from Spring 2011's Great Escape.

Post by Nicolas Sera-Leyva

Photos from Style.com and Jakandjil.com

This season, Frida titled her collection, "Sophisticated Seduction." Contrasting sky-bright hues with sandy neutrals, Gucci's runway was as sexy as a Friday evening sunset - a clean slate, yet full of possibility.

An updated take on color-blocking allowed for the more elegant interpretation, but the subtle spice hid in the details: Frida tied in braided leather tassels (her evolving runway trademark) onto bags and belts for a fine assertiveness.

Because the Gucci girl knows what "sophisticated seduction" really means:

More results, less words.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Images by Style.com

A new form of life had been engineered in a London design studio and then sent to assimilate with the LFW culture. Todd Lynn synthesized a brood of model warriors, donning high python collars and triple-covered-platform booties. Evolving out of both luxury and intelligent design, Lynn created a wearable, avant-garde collection. Muted and functional, yet aggressive and forward - Todd Lynn's model army is one we'd like to join.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Images by Style.com

After my unfortunate feelings about his last collection, Mark Fast relieved my concerns with his comeback this season. The Central Saint Martin's grad was inspired by "a utopia destroyed by acid rain," which came through in his crescendo-like silhouettes and brightly dip-dyed garments. Sticking to his signature of body-con knitwear, Mark Fast invited the sorbet tones and dark wonderland theme that we saw back in New York.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Photos by Style.com

After a post-NYFW weekend spent catching up on sleep, nourishment, and the occasional phone call, District L found time to delve into our messy runway notes.

We started the week together at MAINENTRANCE, celebrating DJ Riggs and Berry Bachen's launch of their new creative space. As street-style photographer, Mr. Newton, furiously snapped away, guests enjoyed cocktails and music in the hidden Midtown location.

The first official day of New York Fashion Week in Lincoln Center was September 9. Our schedule for the evening included a picnic-perfect Verrier presentation, followed by a collective showing called Concept Korea. The next day, Nicolas ventured to the tents solo, where he enjoyed Buckler, EDITION by Georges Chakra, Ports 1961, and Alexander Berardi, just to name a few. We later met up on the Lower East Side for a fabulous Fashion's Night Out with Lois Eastlund.

Our weekend started in the Studio with Mik Cire. His male models must have gotten rowdy that night, because Rebecca Minkoff's girls were rocking a bit of morning-after attitude the following day. While I attended Minkoff's model presentation at the Box, Nick headed to the Audi Forum for some Thuy eye-candy.

We reconvened over EFFEN cocktails in the IMG Fashion Lounge before heading to see Joaquin Trias' intelligent design. We then attended Custo Barcelona's party-girl parade before jetting downtown to catch Sally Lapointe's inspiring debut show.

Monday rolled around, bringing Monique Lhuillier's delicious temptation to the Stage. Later that evening, the District L dyad met up for sorbet in Key West - I mean, the Perry Ellis runway show. Post-Perry, we cabbed it down to ION Studios to check out ANN YEE's model party over wine and remixes by Crystal Castles.

Tuesday brought us two fantastic fairytales:  TIBI and Toni Francesc. Afterwards, we headed to Toni's afterparty at Veranda, where we drank Given and chatted up Aimee from Song of Style.

We met up the following evening to witness some Lynn Wyatt-chic at Zang Toi. On Thursday, Nick attended the Argentina Group Show before meeting up with me at Milk Studios for The Blonds. After devouring our much-needed dose of sparkle, sex, and spunk, we headed back to Lincoln Center. Helping out with our hectic schedule, Madisen Walker remained uptown to cover Rebecca Moses, or rather, cover-to-cover Rebecca Moses.

The last New York show of the season was IVANAhelsinki. After searching relentlessly, Paola Ivana Suhonen found her sailor - in sun-washed nautical prints and rope-coil boots.

Post by Amanda LaMela

You saw the video - now here are our shots. Menswear gets Cire-ous.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Rebecca Moses' model presentation on Thursday managed to be creative and light without the aftertaste of kitschy. The music was reminiscent of a French café, in the summer, while you are enjoying a glass of wine before noon subsidized by your tragically French boytoy of the moment.

The large faux books lining the walls made this true life fairytale, filled with cutely tailored mini skirt-suits and romantically draped dresses, all the more romantic. Lets just say if all books were this fun I would have spent more time in the library… actually reading… oppose to other fun things one can do in the library…… Merci Ms. Moses.

Post by Madisen Walker

It's been a big year for The Blonds -- dressing Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Adam Lambert, and Kylie Minogue is no small feat. However, that didn't distract the daring duo from creating another elaborate collection, theatrics and production included. "Ladies and Gentlemen," Phillipe and David Blond's SS/11 showing, incorporated a note of androgyny to their winning corset-and-minidress formula.

Brightly-feathered showgirls opened with a routine set to Madonna's Vogue, followed by a dramatic entrance by Phillipe Blond in a crystal and pearl-studded, tuxedo-inspired bodysuit. The runway that followed included a number of menswear-inspired looks, alongside their signature corset styles. The collection teemed with bowties, lapels, and cummerbund bandeau tops, yet sacrificed nothing of the glitz and glam that we've come to expect.