Jil Sander Fall/Winter 2012 RTW

In my frantic attempt to catch up with all that I've missed these past couple months in terms of fashion, I have completely been oblivious to the news of Raf Simons' departure from Jil Sander after 6 1/5 years.  Coincidentally, I was looking through photos of the Fall/Winter 2012 collection on the day of its showing, and was planning on making a post congratulating Simons on a successful show.  Well, now I know why it was such a beautiful show - it was his last.  I am shocked and hugely disappointed.  I only first started following Jil Sander after Simons caught my eye with his fantastic, colourful burst of a Spring 2011 RTW collection.  And now the adventure ends shortly after.  It was exactly the same after I started following Alexander McQueen; the glory of discovery ends all too soon.  But fashion moves quickly, both for the better and for the worst, and the only thing you can do is hang on and hope that, in the end, there will be no regrets.

Certainly the bright side of this story is the return of Jil Sander herself, who will surely revitalize the label with her original vision and passion.  And Simons' official availability has some talking over whether he will take over at Dior.  Simons' last collection for Jil Sander drove his minimalistic point home, and Dior's decorative identity may provide an interesting, if not appealing, challenge.

The show began with models clutching unbelievably soft, pastel coloured cocoon coats with another colour peeking out underneath.  The dresses were just as cushiony and architecturally constructed, even with a bustier top.  It was as pure and seamless as a morning stroll through the sun illuminated gardens.

Just when the pastels lulled you into relaxation, Simons introduced navy blue and red to give the collection a little boost.

The colours ended, but the boost continued in the form of silky dresses underneath coats which were no longer clutched at the chest.  You've probably noticed by now the beautiful artistic blocking of both colour and texture on some looks.

As the show neared a close, black took over in stark contrast from the beginning, and was occasionally streaked, slashed or suffocated with glossy black material.

The show definitely ended on a darker, even more chaotic, note.  Lightness drawing to darkness, a dream dissolving to reality - the reality that this is the end.

Thus followed a standing ovation headed by Anna Wintour that lasted for several minutes, and tears all around.  The room may have been full of sadness and longing, but with the spark of hope accompanying Sander's return, I doubt there will be any regrets.

Watch the entire show here.  The music on this video isn't the original soundtrack, so just open up Fade Into You by Mazzy Star and Superstar by Sonic Youth in another window, and you're set.

Image Source: Style.com