Is Creatures Of The Wind The American Version Of Avant-Garde?

When we compare American fashion designers with the rest of the world, the notable differences are usually the same: It's more wearable, it's more colorful, and — unfortunately — it's never avant-garde. Not so with Creatures of the Wind, the nascent Chicago-based label whose previous collections really raised the bar for unforgettable silhouettes, pattern play, and unconventional layering. For fall '12, their collection is reminiscent of Comme des Garçons, Henry Holland, and Henrik Vibskov, but dialed down on the crazy, meaning you'd actually end up wearing the looks rather than just tacking a print-out of it up on your inspiration board. Metallic PVC prairie skirts and layered, striped blazers definitely aren't for those who like to play it safe, but they've got real women in mind (thank you!).