Jason Cauchi

Yesterday morning marked the unofficial start of New York Fashion Week, with intimate presentations from contemporary designers John Patrick (Organic) and Jason Cauchi (Dallin Chase.)

Check out all the goodies Jason Cauchi of label Dallin Chase recommends to give this holiday season.

Designer, dad, husband, breakdancer? - Jason Cauchi does it all. The man behind label Dallin Chase is certainly busy, but it all comes together well in his amazing, wearable collections. Here's what's on Jason's mind pre-fashion week.

Jason Cauchi designs clothes women actually want to wear. And that's why his contemporary collection--named Dallin Chase after his two eldest children--is such a hit with a certain type of girl. You know, the type who doesn't want to look too trendy, too forced, too "tries-too-hard." (So essentially, everyone.) I, for instance, fell in love with one of Jason's chambray dresses a few years ago, and have been devoted ever since. Recently, I caught up with Jason to chat about his latest resort collection--and some other less serious stuff. Fashionista: What's up with resort? How is it different from your last collection and different from your next? Jason Cauchi: Resort is my favorite season to design. We created the perfect wardrobe. We did great knit cardigans with a little bit of lurex and shine. The entire collection is bright and cheerful with nostalgic elements, like an easy crochet tank dress or our bread and butterfly print. Resort is a chance to escape into your clothes for a holiday, or to dream about the coming spring, so the clothes are more playful and light. For Fall, I tend to reference the city a lot and layer in pieces that could work for work or a weekend in the country. The perspective is totally different. Moving into Spring, the collection takes references the new year and a new mix of things to wear. Spring is a balance of escape and function--the ease of summer dressing allows us to add details and use color in unexpected ways.