At the showroom: Raven Denim, Fall/Winter 2012

Raven creative director Ya-el Torbati continues to develop innovative cuts in specialty denim fabrics. Last week, I visited the label's FW12 press event at the penthouse of the Dream Hotel. A leader in "denim trouser" styles, Raven evolves its core collection, offering key fits in non-denim materials. Meeting the demand of women unable to wear jeans to the office, Raven has debuted beautiful suiting herringbones and houndstooths in cotton/rayon/nylon blends.

For FW12, Raven has collaborated with designer Stephen Burrows on a rocker-style mini collection of skinnies, short shorts and jackets. Accent red stitching against black denim and a moody snakeskin print are key surface highlights.

My favorite silhouettes from Raven's new collection are the pieced skinnies with multicolor indigo panels at the leg. I also like the engineered placement scattered print, which evolves the all-over print jean concept currently sweeping retail. These nonchalant, subtle takes on major denim trends make a statement without asking for one. Similarly, the matte shine of Raven's coated surfaces is a welcome alternative to the season's high gloss effects.

For men, Raven's Green Hybrid Denim collection includes low-impact organic cotton and recycled cotton for its statement rugged fits. I love the indigo-treated denim-like canvas and the vintage workwear herringbone.