Wildfox Fall 2014

Since 2007 Wildfox has distinguished itself as a brand known for its iconic campaigns, dreamlike quality and narrative-focused collections. In its debut season at New York Fashion Week, creative director Kimberley Gordon looked Jane Austen and 18^th century England for inspiration.

“I have always found such relief in Jane Austen’s fantasy world! A happy ending, romance and drama: I often wish real life were that way. [Austen] provides the perfect escapism and I think our brand gives off that feeling as well,” explained Gordon.

In Wildfox’s 2014 fall collection, “Sense and Eccentricity,” Gordon attempted to blend the world of Jane Austen’s 18^th century English countryside with a relaxed modern California aesthetic.  In this merging of the two disparate styles, Gordon was mostly successfully.

There was a definite English rose quality mixed in with a Malibu-like unfettered ease. Still, this debut collection was more focused on styling than on actual design. And there is nothing wrong with that. Many designers have made a career out on understanding how to certain looks in a way that appears fresh and vibrant. Gordon has that ability.

There was an interesting mix of prints and knitwear in this collection. And Gordon ingeniously understood how to mix and match her separates so that the pieces could stand alone or work well as an ensemble. And the haphazard way Gordon devised having shirts, tops and blouses tucked in to pants and skirts reflected that California ease of life point of view.

Standouts in this collection were the chunky knit sweaters balanced with floral pastel pants, shorts and denim. Graphics that included Ms. Darcy and Eggs & Bacon were interesting touches. The true designed garment of the collection was the long white skirt with faux bustle. The one piece points to the direction that Kimberley Gordon may want to project toward; a bit more focus on design combined with her expert skills in styling.

—Earlean Suite-Henderson