Designer Marc Jacobs showcases optimism for fall

It can easily be argued that there was no collection as blatantly optimistic as Marc Jacobs fall collection, which took place this February in New York.

He brought together an undeniably Parisian silhouette in acid-trip shades of yellow, fuchsia, violet and lime. The in-your-face colors helped to restore a sense of amusement that the industry is lacking. Can you imagine anything more pleasantly offbeat than a cobalt wool cape jacket with black detail for fall?

In the documentary Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton, the editor-at-large of Vogue, Andre Leon Talley, referred to Jacobs as an American genius in fashion. If you were to look through his design evolution, it would become apparent that there has always been a continual theme of taking cliches throughout fashion history and throwing them back out at all the critics in a thoroughly modern, desirable way.

Although he utilized the most popular theme of the season, the eighties, he managed to envision it in a way that other eighties-engrossed designers had not; by taking the stereotypes of the decade and recreating them in a witty way. His designs took a more glamorous approach to the punk rock, anarchic movement of the Reagan era.

The show opened simply enough, with the beginning looks done in shades of sure-to-be-purchased slate and black. The color palette may have been safe, but an attentive glance revealed slits on collars of sweaters, zippers decorating skirts and pop-art swirl patterns on the scarves, boots and handbags.

The party dresses also featured unusual adornments. A black taffeta draped dress was strategically embroidered with stone. Another short black dress was covered with nail head, which looked like a tougher version of dark pearls.

As more looks were presented, splashes of metallic dominated the quiet opening. A short striped radzimir dress, a red sequined long sleeved shirt with a striped skirt and an aqua and marigold velvet coat prepared the eye for the shift in color.

The first sign of beaming color was gold velvet. The fabric was utilized on a draped bustier, a bonded one-shoulder dress and a short oyster shaped draped dress. The short oyster dress will certainly be seen in editorials and on the fashion-obsessed by September.

A color free-for-all began to command the runway. A hot pink hooded coat and full skirt will be perfect for those who enjoy making an entrance. A neon yellow cashmere cape coat with a tied waist radiated from a mile away. One thing was certain; the Marc Jacobs' woman cannot lack confidence this season.

The pop-art swirl pattern had taken a more dramatic shade as it continued through the show. It was shown in an array of neon color combinations. The pattern covered accessories are certain to transform the omnipresent utilitarian designs seen elsewhere.

For every short party dress, Marc Jacobs had an overcoat to address the upcoming season. For those not confident for neon winter wear, there were many alternatives. There were multiple versions of taupe and slate jackets tailored to different lengths. Also, a shiny black spotted jacket was done in various ways; one with a fur-trimmed hood and one without.

The color high started to fade as the closing looks came out. A mint and slate swirl embroidered skirt as well as a black crystallized body suit paired under a black iridescent off-the-shoulder dress was a quick departure from all the color chaos. It was an indication that the party was coming to an end.

The closing look was a short ivory and black velvet swirl embroidered satin dress with a blouson skirt; the perfect closing to an eccentric collection. It was a quirky journey through Marc Jacobs' psyche, where glamour and grunge are inextricably linked.

The 60 looks presented were like a wild night out, where the night seems endless. It was a collection meant for a female who is fashionable without pretension; she can go from a VIP nightclub to a gritty little bar without noticing.

A female that possesses the quality of being stylish without ostentation may not be easily found in a luxury customer, yet Marc Jacobs seems hopeful she exists and is determined to dress her.