G-Star Raw F/W '10

Ok, so I know I'm running mad late with this but NFL (no, not football-Non Fashion Life) got in the way. For the second season in a row, I closed out my fashion week with the G-Star Raw show and once again it was a fittingly spectacular ending. As before, the collection was shown in the cavernous Hammerstein Ballroom, and again I had a great view of all the action from the balcony.


With a dramatic pulse of lights the show began and models poured out onto the runway bedecked in vivid yellows, blues and greens that could have come straight from a crayon box. With a constant stream of looks coming down three runaways simultaneously, accompanied by images and text animated across giant LED screens, not to mention a booming soundtrack ... well, let's just say if your attention wasn't captured, you were probably comatose.


The Fall line was inspired by 19th century coach driver uniform. The collection had feeling of working class vintage clothing, punched up by bright modern colors, and of course, plenty of denim. I look forward to seeing the collection in stores come Fall. When the skies are gray and overcast, these will be the perfect clothes to add a little sunshine to your outfit!


The G-Star show is usually a crazy smorgasbord of celebrities, and this was no exception. My camera caught G-star campaign model Liv Tyler in head to toe G-star electric blue. Other notable attendees included: Adam Lambert, Adrienne Bailon, Agyness Deyn, Estelle, John Legend, Kelly Osbourne, Liv Tyler, Matthew Settle, Mena Suvari, Miss J. Alexander, Natasha Bedingfield, Nate Parker, Peaches Geldof, Robert Buckley, Sean Garrett, Shannen Doherty, Shanyna Shaik, Shaun Sipos, Steven Jackson, Terrell Owens, Toby Kebbell, Tyson Beckford, and others.

See all the pics of the collection and the light show spectacular below:

Arise Magazine African Collective F/W '10

This season the Arise Africa Collective moved into the main Tent at Bryant park featured three different African designers. The collections was themed around the passing of the day.

First Light was Black Coffee by South African duo Jacques Van Der Watt and Danica Lepen. The collection featured over-sized coats inspired by African masks. The rounded, long structure of the coats was reminiscent of a mask shape. The varied layered and folded sculptural folds in the pieces was very origami like with strong lines and geometric shapes. Simple Earth tones allowed for a focus on the shape and construction of the garments. While I enjoyed the innovative construction of the outerwear, I would have liked what was underneath the jackets to be a part of the show as well, to bring a bit of variety to the collection.


Noon was inhabited by Loin Cloth & Ashes, by Tanzanian designer Anisa Mpungwe. While the line was very well constructed, I think it would be nice to see her push the envelope a little bit, with overall it felt a little bit basic. However, I loved the large, bold blue necklaces and earrings of her freshly debuted "Jungle" jewelry line.


Midnight was represented by Nigerian designer Deola Sagoe, the most innovative of the bunch. Her inspiration came from a melding of East African Maasai warriors and 18th Century European military uniforms. The combination made for a visually compelling collection. I was particularly blown away by the leggings shown below.



The pictures above are from Getty images, my own camera rebelled again, but below is the truncated slideshow:

Thieves by Sonja den Elzen F/W '10

The Thieves by Sonja den Elzen runway show was part of The Greenshows, featuring eco-minded designers. Canadian designer, Sonja den Elzen's fall line was inpired by the Greenpeace film "Petropolis" and is a visual exploration of "Canada's Boreal forest through the mining of the Tar Sands."


Rugged styling, asymmetrical construction, dark hoods, worn, wrinkled fabrics and a color palette of exclusively black and gray give the line a feeling of post-apocalyptic survival. Sustainable fabrics such as beeswaxed cotton, organic wool, hemp, tencel and recycled leather further the feeling of clothes made living off the land. Topped off with combat boots, I could easily picture a band of thrown together urban warriors fighting off invading raiders in an arid, post nuclear landscape.

It was nice to see an eco-friendly line that was edgy and urban. See all the looks below:

Edition by Georges Chakra F/W '10

Glamour is the name of the game with the Edition by Georges Chakra line. His Fall collection consisted of almost exclusivly dresses, from fancy cocktail numbers to the kind of garments you're most likely to see headed down the red carpet. I felt the collection was sexy and glamorous without crossing over into over-the-top.


There were some welcome surprises, most notably the reverse trench coat dresses and the dramatic asymmetrical star shaped cutouts in the back of some of the gowns. There were also some fantastic distressed glazed jackets and trench coats (unfortunately by the time the models got to me and my camera the jackets had been removed, so you can just see them carrying them in the pictures).


See all the runway looks in the slideshow below:

Fave Fashion Week Trends for Fall 2010

Have you ever noticed how people always desperately want to pick out a color or two to be a trend, but when you look at top trends lists everyone's got a different one? Let it go people, red will be a trend the same way sweaters or ponytails are. You might as well be saying "Fabric is so hot right now!" Sorry, pet peeve and I had to rant (like I do every time!).

Anyhoo, here are some of my favorite trends from Fall 2010 Fashion Week:
Velvet
This was close to "it's never really out" in my head, but it was so everywhere when it hadn't been in previous seasons (like fur and leather) that I just cannot ignore it! Just a few designers who featured it included Rachel Roy, Elise Overland, Alexander Wang, Zac Posen, Thakoon... Velvet is romantic, luxurious, and a bit gothic, I wonder if it's subconsciously due to the vampire craze that's swept the world...

The Minikilt
Make no mistake, this schoolgirl is much tougher than previous incarnations! I think it started with the 3.1 Philip Lim pleated leather skirt, which caused many a fashionista to swoon. I totally plan to rock this look come fall!
Graffiti Splatter
This seems like a slight evolution from tie dye (so hot right now) to a more urban, painterly feel. They're particularly edgy in pants, and a little softer in long maxi dresses.
Pieced Together Patchwork
I was really surprised at how UN Holly Hobby this turned out to be! It's like a challenge of "Project Runway" - create a final look for you collection using your leftover scraps! I'm particularly fond of the mixed prints and textures - partially because it looks fun and quirky but mostly because I'm too lazy to mix my own prints!

Did I miss anything good? What were some of your favorite trends for Fall 2010?

Some images by Vyque, Alyssa or Kathy, some by Style.com

Christian Cota F/W '10

Christian Cota was a new name to me until I received an invitation to his Fashion Week presentation last season. I happily went to check it out and immediately fell in love with the line. In six short months Cota's designs have garnered a lot more attention in the United States, and its easy to see why.

I really need to have both of these outfits!

Clearly Christian Cota has a sense of humor. He presented his line with an army of models standing on raised platforms. With perhaps, a piquant wink to that most powerful of editors, each model wore an identical Anna Wintour-like Bob wig. Maybe they brought some good luck, because Wintour herself attended the presentation, receiving a personal tour of each of the looks from Cota.

Yeah, definitely need this one too, thanks.

The "Cubist way of seeing" was the inspiration for the Fall line. Cota took a more graphic, geometric approach to the construction of the garments, breaking down curves and drapery into straight lines and angles. Abstract patterns of mineral tones printed on black reminded me of colorful, layered bands of sedimentary rock. The result is an edgier, tougher look for Fall that still feels dressy. There were so many pieces I would just die to own. This collection was right up my alley. Better start saving my pennies!

View our Christian Cota Fall '10 slideshow below:

Miele by Carlos Miele F/W '10

Carlos Miele is a Brazilian designer known for his sexy and sophisticated clothing. Earlier in the week he had a runway show with refreshingly bright, vivid colors for Fall.

Later he had a presentation at his New York store for Miele, his lower priced contemporary line. While not as colorful there were some bright vivid turquoise dresses, and the makeup on the models made up for any lack of color in the clothes. I loved the turquoise blue lips! With lots of shiny hardware, the still sexy Miele line would make rocking girl's night out on the town clothes. You would be sure to turn lots of heads!

Get all the looks below:

Vassilios Kostetsos F/W '10

Vassilios Kostetsos is a Greek designer, so it makes sense that his Fall collection was inspired by the ancient Greek drama "Antigone". The bold colors were meant to symbolize various aspects of the drama from love and passion, to death and battle. Although inspired by ancient Greek literature, this was Greek antiquity as interpreted by a brash and confident civilization of the future.

photo: Modern Glossy by Stevyn Llewellyn

The show opened and closed with the sounds of a woman in the throes of orgasmic fulfillment (I guess she really liked the collection). The models charged down the runway in shiny patent leather, boldly colored leather, and snakeskin pieces. The armor of bygone Greek soldiers turned futuristic in greave-live metallic forearm cuffs, large structural shoulders and epaulets, and collars that tightly hugged the neck. Hellenic art was wrapped, sheer and tattoo-like, around arms and legs.


The show took place late in the evening, and it was clear that many of the attendees were worn out and exhausted beforehand. It is a credit to Kostetsos that afterward the audience seemed enthusiastic and revived by what they had seen.

See all the collection below. Unfortunately my camera did not react too fondly to taking pictures over someone's head from the second row. My camera is such a diva.

Japanese Fashion Week Preview

I got to see a preview from some of the designers that will be showing during Japanese Fashion Week. It was certainly interesting, it showcased looks from aptform, CHAOLU lab, MIKIO SAKABE, Naoshi Sawayanagi, SHIDA TATSUYA, The Dress & Co. by HIDEKI SAKAGUCHI, tiny dinosaur, and YU. Each designer showed three looks.

My favorite is Shida Tatsuya; the fur coats were draped so beautifully and almost casually, even though I'm not a huge fan of fur. And they were paired with what looked like tights that wrapped over heels...is that practical or just a show piece?

Irina Shabayeva F/W '10

If you are a Project Runway fan, then you know that Irina Shabayeva was the winner of Season 6. This season she made her suitably sensational debut at New York Fashion Week. The collection was inspired by the evolution of flight, with inspiration drawn from Amelia Earhart, the Da Vinci Glider and the original flying machines, birds.

I love the bold black and white contrast and dimensional drapery of this look.

Pieces ranged from dramatic wearable pieces to theatrical avant-garde dresses incorporating plastics from sponsor Tupperware. The inspiration of flight was apparent as feathers and wings were featured in almost all the runway looks, whether printed on the garments or in dresses constructed entirely in actual feathers.

This dress was the final piece, and everything you see is feathers!

I think that Irina put together a notable collection that really announced her as a designer to watch. With outside the box designs, and exquisite attention to detail, I look forward to seeing what she "takes flight" with next (ahhh, cheesy pun, I couldn't help myself!).

Check out the entire collection below. If you want to buy items from her previous collection, they are available on Irina Shabayeva's website.

pamella roland F/W '10

The pamella roland collection was inspired by classic Venetian glamour, with rich, uber-luxe fabrics and sparkly accents that completely distracted meat time... ohhh so pretty! I mean, can you see jewel encrusted legwarmers and tights??? Talk about opulence! There was a lot of jewel tone fabrics, rich metallics and textured blacks. The gowns were, of course, to die for. Shiri Appleby, Alfre Woodard, and Brooke Shields were all there, I imagine they'd want to rock some of these regal looks on the red carpet! And that killer wedding dress she sent out last... I just die, really.
It's easy to forget she also sent out some great sportswear pieces, I was especially drawn to her white cashmere and wool separates and dress. There's just not enough white in my wardrobe, is there...

Kardashians by bebe

Kardashians by bebe (pronounced "bay bay" or "bee bee?" no one agrees and I need to know!) is a collection inspired by Kim, Kourtney and Khloe - NOT actually designed by them. I wonder if they had any input in the creative process at all?

A "Jersey Shore" J-WOWW sighting, in a Christian Audigier (are you at all surprised?)! Also there was Jay Manuel and Kim herself in one of the look, a gray, hoodie dress with leatherette corset.
The collection was exactly what you would expect when you think of a bebe line inspired by the Kardashians, and yet in a surprisingly good way! Very bodycon, but not trashy, a good amount of tough leather worked in, strong shoulders, overall a great mix of everyday and clubwear. I really loved the few pops of fuschia, which made me think of their jaunt in Miami, and the army green silk twill pieces, which were so on the money for this spring. What I loved about this collection was that you can actually shop it NOW as opposed to waiting six months, though it looks like a ton of stuff is sold out already - let's hope they re-stock!

Schumacher F/W '10

It's possible that this collection is one of my favorites I've seen this season. Schumacher is a German label with pieces sold in stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Takashimaya in NYC and Marissa Collections in FL. This collection, named "Rebels, Rule Breakers, and True Romantics", focuses on unexpected pairings of fabrics, like a tweed jacket with a metallic finish, a neoprene tank top with fur trim, and silk and lace tops with leather details. I love the lace top with leather shoulders and the cashmere sweater with lurex...that sweater is amazingly and deceivingly soft.
Oh, and check out the adorable knee-high socks embellished with rhinestones! Many thanks to Anne-Kathrin for being such a gracious host at the presentation.

Runway photos courtesy of Schumacher.

Tom Scott F/W '10

After meeting up at an earlier show, Deanne, editor of one of my favorite fashion blogs, Dream Sequins, took me along on a mini tour of a few of her favorite spots to shop, eat (incredible ramen followed by exquisite cupcakes), and finally, a stop at the presentation for designer Tom Scott.

Exceptionally creative presentations are so exciting to me (I'm still kicking myself for not tagging along with Vyque to Rachel Antonoff's amazing presentation) and Tom Scott is known for his inventive venues, having apparently housed previous presentations in an abandoned dry cleaners and a Chelsea Hotel Suite. This time, with a line entitled "Hair Culture," the line was presented at Beauty Bar, a former 1940's beauty salon that now has a saloon style bar as well. It truly felt like we had just wandered into a salon filled with stylish young, artsy New Yorkers hanging out while waiting to get their hair did.

The inspiration for the collection itself came from a 1921 hair how-to book Tom Scott picked up on ebay as well as the work of artists Ellen Gallagher, Erich Steinbrecher, and photographer Okhai Ojeikere, along with other found images. With an emphasis on knit pieces, there were shaggy sweaters and sweaters with hanging loops of thread, big hanging pom-poms, or giant bobble stitches, all reflected again in the model's hair styles. Slashed cashmere pieces and hair inventively accessorized with metal hair clips added a touch of punk rock sensibility.


See the whole slideshow:

Rad Hourani F/W '10

Rad Hourani was another show that was a bit of a mess, PR-wise. I got a "Save The Date" email, and so RSVPed. Than, at around 1 AM the night before the show I get an email saying they cannot accommodate me. Since I had gotten the email. I assumed it was a mistake and went to the show. When I get there I'm informed that they sent out the "Save the Date" to everyone and their mother and that it's not technically an invite - well then! I did manage to get in, and even snag an empty seat right before the show started, but I could tell that a lot of people were insulted. On the plus side, I saw Julia Frakes (and got a way blurry picture of her, sorry) and she told me my coonskin hat made her day - huzzah!
As for the clothing, I've always been drawn to the futuro goth vibe that Rad Hourani embodies. His clothing is always unisex, has a lean silhouette, and is heavy on black and hardware embellishments. This collection was a little monotonous and hard to catch detail in the all-black palette, but beautifully executed. I heard later that there was one jacket shown ten times and worn ten different ways, now that's an investment piece. Did it turn into some of the super cute bags I saw, because I would die of want! I think there's a good chance this label will continue to grow and gain fans, as long as they start treating their current fans with a little more appreciation!

Peter Jensen F/W '10

Peter Jensen told the story of a fictional academy, Marica Blaine's School in Ediburgh, giving "Gossip Girl" a UK spin. Very schoolgirl and -boy chic, the clothing showed the "fortitude of of gray wartime London." Imagine waxed cotton rain gear, Scottish tartans, many a blazer and an outstanding print of tiny British Royal Guards.
The Cardigans performed, but refused to sing Lovefool. For whhhhhyyy?? Tavi attended, but almost no one noticed her tiny self hunched down in the crowded room. I saw some seamed back hose, and went bonkers for a red seamed version (hose itself still a sheer nude). The tights were all Pamela Mann, if you want to get a pair yourself! I also really loved the work put into the backdrop / set, which was a detailed school hallway by Charlotte Mann (no idea if they're related or not).

Glemaud & Stærk F/W '10

Camilla Stærk and Victor Glemaud are besties that I guess presented their collections together for fashion week. Stærk is Danish, and does a dark, futuristic goth styled womenswear line. Glemaud, who does menswear, tends to be a bit "tropical dandy" so I was taken aback at the the idea of them showing together! Since I love Stærk's aesthetic, I was happy to see she had influenced her best friend's fall collection, as both men and women looked a bit tough and edgy.
Stærk found inspiration in the couple Helmut and June Newton. "Helmut was stylised and his woman was powerful and strong. June had more of a free, natural spirit. The combination of both – and their balance as a couple - is reflected in the collection." The women were almost solely draped in black, particularly her trademark leather, with some sensual pops of red and a little tan scattered throughout.

Glemaud's collection was "your ski instructor before and after he works with you. It's very après-ski; he's had too much to drink, is a bit undone... getting ready to go to work and get a bit fucked up. That's the guy."

Kara Ross F/W '10

I was initially drawn to Kara Ross' designs because many of her designs incorporate exotic leathers. She has the amazing ability to design beautiful jewelry and handbags that mesh both gemstones with leathers. While it's typical that gemstones are for jewelry and leathers are handbags, with Kara Ross, you get the best of both worlds in each item, and that makes matching accessories really easy and fun. Some of the clutches and handbags have gemstones on the front. I personally love the lizard hexagon cluster earrings and the blue python and suede clutch. For city girls, the cityscape cuff is for you. And check out the trompe l'oeil long fur vest with giant clutch-looking pockets!

Billy Reid F/W '10

I randomly wandered into this menswear presentation, Billy Reid. Very American countryside prep, some of it was a bit too dandy-ish for my guy friends, but most of it I could definitely see them wearing. Think Abercrombie & Fitch all grown up. Classic and simple, if you like the look they also have a womens line to check out!

Erin Fetherston F/W '10

Before the Erin Fetherston show started, I heard the head PR girl telling everyone that is someone "looked like the belong, to let them in." Well, I wasn't on the list and definitely had issues getting in, I guess I don't look tall and fur swaddled enough, sniff!Managing to overcome my hurt feelings, I got some shots of Whitney Port, Tennessee Thomas of The Like, and Karen Elson before the show started.The collection kept true to its uber-feminine aesthetic, and was inspired by the NY Chelsea girl in the 70's. A couple of the pieces, ruffled and poet sleeved, felt a little too '70s boho to me, but I really enjoyed her chic orange chiffon frocks and songbird prints. I also found her black and lace stripes and metallic copper wool to be just the right touch of sass. My favorite was a strapless silk pink dress with dot devore fabric peeking out - just the right mix of sweet and spice! Will they let me in next season if I wear this??