"For fashion's sake"

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week officially started Yesterday. After all this Haute Couture, I was ecstatic for some ready-to-wear. Bryant Park has been taken over, and become center stage for all things fashion for eight days. First stop yesterday was Perry Ellis. Creative Director, John Crocco took a risk last season by donning male models in barely there shorts, which may be a hit on the runway...


but doesn't always translate so well on the retail floor. Second time's a charm, and Crocco delivered the goods, staying true to his key winning elements. The Perry Ellis Signature Fall 2007 collection has definitely brought forth a stronger collection, bringing American Chic back to the helms of the Perry Ellis house.

“We’re not just designing for a small specialty audience, we’re designing for guys in Illinois,” says John Crocco, creative director for menswear at Perry Ellis,

I attended Friday's show, where the collection was previewed to a packed house. Buyers, and editors were seen jotting down their favorite looks, and the list for most, was quite long. Here are some of my favorites:

American Chic with a surprising twist on the usual suspects. Lovely detailing on the knit sweater.





A lovely take an a traditional pattern. The cargo look isn't overdone here, and the Jacket will definitely be a top a seller.





Crocco switches things up a bit here, with some eccentric patterns and creates a fun take on the classic men's shirt...





From the first look through the last, the show was consistent, with warm rich tones, flirty textures throughout, yet stayed true the Venerable Perry Ellis aesthetic.

After the show, many rushed backstage to congratulate Crocco on the success of his show, including yours truly.

Kudos J.C.