NEW YORK, Feb 10, 2006/ FW/ --- In one bold move, Marc Jacobs propelled the New York fashion scene into an artistic level that can actually erase the term ‘very commercial’ as a description that some fashion pundits give the collections previewed at the Big Apple every season.

With layering, draping and tying knots in unexpected places, the multi-winner of the CFDA Designer of the Year Award created an eye-popping collection that surprised both journalists and buyers.

Because, instead of just ‘straight’ styling, wherein what you see on the runway is exactly how Marc Jacobs proposes the garments to be shown in stores and worn in the streets, one has to look into the layers to find the treasure hidden beneath or at times, the treasure is in plain sight, just juxtaposed with other items.

Beginning with Karen Elson wearing a voluminous short-sleeved coat matched with relaxed fit tweed pants, and leggings, Marc Jacobs set the tone of the ‘treasure hunt.’ And like the precious Easter eggs that children find easily, one only has to scratch the surface to find what the New York-based designer has in store for his fans.

A fur coat, a plaid outer coat with Elizabethan collar, hooded short-cropped jacket with fur cuffs – these are in plain sight for everyone to see.

But it was the layering that threw off everyone. Some call it the ‘new grunge’ but truly it is a misnomer simply because these are not thrift shop finds nor would one find it in the Seattle music scene. This collection is an entirely new presentation of aesthetics as visualized by Marc Jacobs.

Skirts that used ‘sleeves’ as the knot, wide-legged cargo pants cuffed at the hem giving it volume, knit jersey with low cowl necklines worn over turtlenecks give the impression that it is a ‘coat’ instead of a dress.

Accessories abound too, from handbags and totes to opera gloves and arm warmers, to leggings and leg warmers. This is winter after all, and everyone has to ‘layer’ clothes to keep themselves warm.

Though it has been said before, and it will be repeated here – women know what they want to wear and designers proposes what silhouettes would look good. Marc Jacobs gave his fans a lot to choose from and gave them also the choice of how to style their wardrobe.

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs