Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week: Libertine

>> Libertine last showed in 2009 via presentation, and it's been since 2006 that the label has done a runway show. But designer Johnson Hartig brought his clothes back to the catwalk today, with former Libertine design partner Cindy Greene (who left the label two years ago), Rodarte’s Kate Mulleavy, Thom Browne, and Meredith Melling Burke and her daughter Eloise (who happily snapped pictures of the whole event with her mother’s iPhone) all in attendance.

The collection was a welcome explosion of color — ranging anywhere from hot pink to yellow — and pieces like giant puff-sleeved tops, funky frocks, and bright three-quarter length coats all displayed Hartig’s inclination for a vivid Fall. A screenprint effect was splashed over tops, silk dresses, tweed overcoats, cropped trousers, and even tights. The rare times when color wasn’t present, Hartig turned to black and grey wool jackets adorned with gothic-inspired embellishments. To finish off the looks, eye-catching tights and an amazing colorful selection of colorblock platform booties — designed by Hartig himself.