New York Fashion Week spring - summer 2013: Marissa Webb

NEW YORK -- Marissa Webb, who was the head of women’s design at J Crew two years and with the company for a decade before striking out on her own earlier this year, had an auspicious debut at New York Fashion Week, where she showed her spring-summer 2013 collection in a presentation format.

Photos: NYFW Week celebrity sightingsThe look: Versatile separates that play on the contrast between hard and soft, masculine and feminine, neutral and bright colors. A lot of leather (moto shorts, pants and zippered vests) softened with silk sash blouses and sparkly sequin shells. High-waisted shorts, tuxedo trousers and color-blocked cropped pants. A clever twist on a pantsuit was a white pop-over blazer that zips up the back, with a deep V neck and flap pocket details in front, worn with white trousers. A peach dress with a flared skirt came with a tailored notch collar. Colors included black, white and peach, emerald green, red and neon yellow. Tie dye and “water marked plaid” prints.

The scene: Enthusiastic. Bloomingdale’s Fashion Director Stephanie Solomon called the debut “sensational” and told Webb, “I’m going to make you a star.”

The verdict: Wearable for all ages. And wearable to work. Webb is one to watch.

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