DailyCandy

We almost missed the signature prints and texture in Rachel Comey’s all-grown-up fall 2012 collection. Almost. Among the laser cut-out sheaths, peplum waistlines, and tomato red swing coats, we ogled a single one (a color-splashed collaboration with writer/artist friend Leanne Shapton, above) before moving on to the real showstoppers.

You know. The socks.

“We did a collaboration with Hansel from Basel, so we thought it’d be great to have some shoes that allowed you to kind of peek in and see them,” Comey told us of the polka-dot-tipped knee-highs. “Nice, right?”

Today at the School for Wayward Girls in Nolita, headmistress Lauren Moffatt caught us passing notes. Our (not-terrible-at-all) punishment: writing lines to describe the designer’s fall 2012 schoolgirl-themed collection.

We will wear geometric patterns spiced with cutouts and sequins.
We will wear geometric patterns spiced with cutouts and sequins.
We will wear geometric patterns spiced with cutouts and sequins.

Mustard is for wearing and pairing, not hot dogs.
Mustard is for wearing and pairing, not hot dogs.
Mustard is for wearing and pairing, not hot dogs.

We will not get hickeys, because V-necks and Peter Pan collars are in.
We will not get hickeys, because V-necks and Peter Pan collars are in.
We will not get hickeys, because V-necks and Peter Pan collars are in.

The Quote: “It’s as if these girls got into their mothers’ makeup bags and put on the brightest colors they could find.” – Kalina Fernandez, director of global artistry for Too Faced

The Look Models wore neon cat eyes in pink, orange, and turquoise, with a neutral face and barely red lip.

Steven Alan, at first, reminded us of elementary school: boy-girl-boy-girl sequencing, picture-day appropriate outfits, and an early-for-us 9 a.m. showtime we were slightly dreading.

Skirts and dresses were neatly paired with socks and oxfords; hemlines hit either high on the thigh or midcalf. Pants stopped above the ankle. Silky tie-neck blouses, plaids peeking out from patterned sweaters, tailored blazers, and a very sophisticated wool jumpsuit left us feeling decidedly more grown-up.

The Run Sheet: Terra-cotta, turquoise, black, brown, and cream. Hepburn-style herringbone tweeds and gabardines galore. “Intelligence over youth” meets “Santa Fe crossed with the Amazon.”

The Scene: Assembly New York at 170 Ludlow, LES

Style Touches: Worn-in Eastern carpets as wall coverings. Federica Moretti bowler hats. Aesa statement jewelry.

To Sum It All Up: “She’s that crazy, stylish anthropology professor with a closet full of Bill Blass-cut trousers and beautiful accessories from all over the world.” — Greg Armas, co-designer