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Pattern Looks Pack a Punch From the Runway to the Street

By Patrick Michael Hughes | February 28, 2012 10:19am

By Patrick Michael Hughes

Special to DNAinfo

MANHATTAN — From the High Line to the Upper West Side, the upcoming Fall-Winter 2012 trend of patterned, textured fabrics is already being seen, and felt.

Christian Cota, for example, who's one of the industry's rising stars, featured some of the most developed themes of patterns and prints at the recent New York Fashion Week.

Cota draws heavily from the handcrafted traditions of his Mexican heritage to create original patterns that include swirling bird prints, basket-weaves, floral and ornamental laces and market prints, combining these with vibrant and luxurious fur pieces or textured-silk jacquard and embroidered knits.

The open weave trend of the past few seasons was seen in both embroidered gowns and long-sleeved tops with desert-plaid embroidered skirts — and the silhouettes were very sophisticated versions of the mash-up trend seen by Street Chic in October 2011. Cota's collection confirmed the emerging presence of originally crafted motifs and mixed embellishment in fashion.

Manhattan's streets also featured punchy patterns ranging from ancient inspirations to early 20th century modern.

The most eye-catching were chunky knits and brocade coats, Anatolian motifs, Russian Constructivist abstract floral skirts and a hand-painted, tailored jacket with Native American motifs. Tassles adorned vests in Cota's collection, and also featured on assorted clothing and accessories in the streets beyond the runway.