For the Straightforward: Richard Chai Love Fall/Winter 2012

With his Richard Chai Love Fall/Winter 2012 collection, designer Richard Chai accomplished a feat many designers only hope to achieve: Simplicity without being boring. Straightforward, clean and accessible are only a few words some could use to describe his designs for the season. Still celebrating the recent news of his becoming the new creative director for the outdoor-wear label Filson, Chai executed this buzz-worthy presentation flawlessly.

With this collection, Chai wanted to evoke the true sense of “handsome femininity,” where he incorporated the strengths found in both men and women’s apparel and design — the strong silhouette, the flattering fit and the secure tailoring — and which certainly utilized his aesthetics and menswear-based background as well. The designs are consistent, simple yet fun, and can be either staple item or stand alone.

All of my fashion friends and I agree: Richard Chai is one of the more celebrated and talked about designers of New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012. I hope you agree — and let me know what you think.