Steampunk style gets the Prada touch

You might be surprised by the new Fall/Winter 2012 ad campaign for Prada menswear. It’s not a shock that they enlisted Hollywood A-listers Gary Oldman, Garrett Hedlund, Jamie Bell and Willem Dafoe to model the collection. But the fact that the line features such a stunning collection of steampunk inspired clothing is a bit eye-opening.

According to Prada’s website, “The campaign—shot by David Sims—layers different codes of dress in a subtle parody of power and role-play.”

“Exaggerated poses and conspiratorial glances hint at the game, a palm solemnly placed on the heart or into a pocket with precise formality.”

The images are so dramatic, one can imagine them smoking cigars, drinking brandy and playing a game of cards while discussing gentlemanly affairs. One word of warning, Willem Dafoe’s glare is so intense, it might be disturbing to young children or the faint of heart.

Fall 2012: The Magic of COLOR

We’ve already reported that Tangerine Tango is the color of the year. Now we offering this preview of the colors to look for in the Fall. In addition to playing prominent roles in fashion, these hues will influence interior decor, graphic design and more.

Fantasy and illusion have inspired designers for the fall season. “By playing to consumers’ practical side with versatile neutrals, and boosting their confidence with bold, spirited hues, this skillfully balanced palette has something for everyone,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

As the season transitions from the heat of summer, Bright Chartreuse, a vital yellow-green, creates a bridge into the cooling days of fall. Reminiscent of bright green foliage, it provides a perfect accent to every color in the palette.

Pink Flambé is a delicious, vibrant pink with a bit of heat to it. Pair it with vivacious and enticing Tangerine Tango for an ongoing retro feeling. Ethereal Rhapsody is a grayed-down purple that also encourages comfort and serenity with its quiet, muted tone.

Honey Gold, a mellow, burnished yellow, suggests the soft-muted tones of sunlight to brighten a fall day. Pair it with sensible and strong Olympian Blue, a patriotic blue that will surely make its way into fall and winter athletic apparel.

Rich and robust, French Roast is a tasty, sophisticated hue that is 
a great alternative to the black and charcoal basics typically worn in the fall. Other staple neutrals include elegant and versatile Titanium, the quintessential cool gray, and Rose Smoke, a veiled rose tone that pairs well with Rhapsody and Titanium.

For nearly 20 years, Pantone, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season’s most important color trends.

PS: We’re not sure who gets to name all these colors, but it seems like a fun job.