NY FASHION WEEK: TSE Cashmere Spring 2012

When spring and summer come around, do you think cozy cashmere?  If you don’t, the Spring 2012 collection for Tse Cashmere will make you reconsider.  The edited presentation at their Soho boutique was clean and knits were feather light.

The sportswear had easy silhouettes.  The superfine gauge sweaters looked like chiffon ready for the beach.  There were a few ultraglam draped dresses appropriate for when an evening gown is needed.  Separates included delicate cardigans paired with structured skirts.

The color palettes had shades of blue and steel grey.  Cream was also mixed with warm peach for a sunnier look. 

If your wardrobe is crying out for staples from very fine yarn, this is the collection for you.

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NY Fashion Week: Tse Cashmere Fall 2011

The classic luxury of cashmere has always been Tse’s trademark.  In recent seasons, the company looked to Obama favorite Jason Wu to bring in high fashion to the line.  For Fall 2011, they went back to their roots:  wearable, impeccable and exquisitely made.

The clothing that was presented was a thoughtful, edited collection of fall color basics.  The design team started with Pierre Cardin as the key inspiration.  There were greys, forest green, navy, brown and ivory.  There were slim pants, long draped jackets.  Dresses and skirts were also slim and long.  The sweater knits were chunky and cozy.  There was a chenille-type yarn, cables and textured knits.  The brushed double faced cashmere was two-toned and reversible.

The jewelry was commissioned from Brian Crumley.  The pieces were contemporary, but very simple.   

Photos by Mariana Leung

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NY FASHION WEEK: Tse Cashmere with Jason Wu Spring 2011

Luxury cashmere. That's what the Tse brand was always known for.  They owned the sophisticated cashmere knit customer, but were never the go-to collection for high-fashion.  

They have attempted to change that by hiring hot designer Jason Wu for a specialized collection.  His collaboration brought in a flattering brush-stroke print and a graphic delicate crochet pattern to the mix for Spring.  My favorite piece was the tubes of chiffon knit into a chunky sweater.  Does this make Tse a major fashion player?  I'm not sure.  I never bought Tse because it was the trendiest item.  I bought Tse for it's high quality fine cashmere pieces that would be timeless.

The regular Tse collection was as expected.  Neutrals with some bolder blues.  Elegant, updated classics.  What I did not expect to see was the domination of woven pieces.  I always thought of Tse as a knitwear brand.  As someone who would prefer to live in lightweight sweaters year-round, it was a little disappointing.

Accessories included chunky silver cuffs.  A statement necklace in silver.  Shoes were wide-strapped high heeled sandals.

Mingling: Jason Wu was on hand to describe his vision.

photographs by Mariana Leung

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