The Custo Barcelona Fall 2012 collection transported us to a far away land, one resembling the snow-covered peaks high atop a frigid mountain range. The Catalonia designer aimed to create a “rule-less world, full of creativity and nontraditional elegance” with this season’s “homage to the pioneers of creativity.” Each look, a combination of streamlined fit enhanced with texture and exaggerated volume, possessed a trompe l’oeil effect to deceive the eye with forward-looking interpretations of the feminine silhouette. 

According to designer Custo Dalmau, the goal was to create something “experimental and contemporary.” A mixture of tech fabrics were seen throughout the collection, including graphic boiled wool, cut-off wool, and tricot. Metallic applications and the piecing together of the collection’s textiles created a patchwork style finish to some looks. Fringe and shredded fabric effects infused earthy and tribal elements into the collection. Thigh-grazing hemlines and skin-hugging as well as tailored shorts were paired with textured jackets, filling the void of length and volume. Fringe and fur details appeared on the trimming of cuffs and hems throughout the collection. Custo employed a full spectrum of symbolic colors, representing his energy and passion with green, red, brown, ocher, and gray. The looks toggled between layered, grunge-inspired ensembles and sleek, futuristic silhouettes while collectively sharing a sci-fi edge.

Menswear featured herringbone and swirling abstract prints in blazers and pants, with mixed-and-matched fabric applications and zipper details; and layered with cardigans and scarves. Almost all the menswear looks featured high (turtleneck-like) necklines in fitted or relaxed styles. Heavy lace up boots and leather gloves for men and women served as tough accessories to the raw aesthetic.

Presented in The Studio at Lincoln Center, Custo Barcelona had quite the turnout of celebrity guests gracing the front row. America's Top Model judge Miss "J" Alexander, NYC socialite Tinsley Mortimer, actress Torrey Devitto, Housewives of New York Jill Zarin, Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, supermodel Almudena Fernandez, singer Zak Ambrose, and German television personality Loulou von Brochwitz were all spotted at the show.