Allude S/S '10

Allude is a cashmere line that made its New York Fashion Week debut this year. I'm not sure how often most people will be wearing cashmere over the summer, and I personally am unlikely to pair a cashmere cardigan with a bathing suit. That said, I really enjoyed the easter egg pastel color combinations, as well as the intriguing textural pairing of the smooth shiny latex banded belts and tops with the soft cashmere fabric.



See the all pics below:

Maria Grachvogel S/S '10

I know, I know, I'm a bit behind on my New York Fashion Week coverage! For shame! But I'm thiiiis close to being done!

The Maria Grachvogel presentation was by far the most (okay, the only) relaxing show I attended at New York Fashion Week. True to her British roots, the presentation was set up as an afternoon tea. Tea, finger sandwiches and miniature scones could be enjoyed at little tables, while the models strode languidly back and forth along the runway, pausing for photographs, and accompanies by a live pianist.

The collection consisted of mostly long, classic gowns. Her clothes are not meant to be edgy and avant-garde, but to compliment female body. In fact, in 2008, she requested (British) Size 10 models, but was only offered models size 8 or smaller. She stated, "I make all my samples in a size 10, and it's nice to be able to show them on a body that fills them out."It would be nice if more designers had that mentality! (source: telegraph.co.uk)

At one point during the presentation, I was thrilled to realize I was sharing my little 3 person tea table with the designer herself. I had a lovely chat, and snapped the picture below.

See the entire slideshow below:

Independant Fashion Bloggers Panel & Dress Up Soiree

My favorite event every fashion week is the Independant Fashion Blogger's party! This year it was even more fab with a panel of awesome fashion bloggers and experts including: Susie Bubble from Style Bubble, Wendy Brandes, Geri Hirsch from Because I’m Addicted, Helen Zhu from Chictopia and Crosby Noricks from PR Couture!

Of course there is a contest again, vote for Vyqué, Alyssa and Kathy by giving us hearts (on the right under each pic!)

Top Fashion Week Trends for Spring 2010

I'm really trying to drill down and spot new trends for Spring 2010, not the same ol' same ol' of sequins, leather, menswear, metallics, blah de blah. It's not a trend if it's in every single season, dammit! And while tribal / safari was big, it's big every spring so I've purposely left it off my list too. Without further a-rant:
Printed Pants
This was the first trend I noticed during fashion week, mostly because I highly dislike it! There were some subtle prints, but also a lot of splashy, bold ones that I cannot get behind. Perhaps the look will grow on me, like harem pants did...
No Pants
I blame Lady Gaga! I don't really see this every translating to reality, but you'd be surprised people are willing to wear to stand out! Lots of leotards and high-waisted granny panties means maybe I should break down and buy some Spanx. Or at least start doing hamstring curls again!
Tie Dye / Watercolor / Rorschach-like Prints
There was a lot of watercolor-inspired prints, most notably tons of tie dye! It would range from subtle and dark (leave it to Elyse Øverland and Vena Cava to have moody tie dye) to acid bright. I was surprised at how non-boho it felt, lots of very fresh takes!
Go Team!
I was really surprised at the number of athletic-inspired collections during fashion week... how many designers do YOU think were on a varsity team? Stereotypes aside, Alexander Wang and Alexandre Herchcovitch both had football inspirations, and Y-3 ended their show with models kicking soccer balls into a net! Lots of sweatshirt material all over, great for DIY-ers out there. Just find an old pair of sweats and cut it up into something new and shiny!

Asymmetrical Straps
Probably my favorite trend of fashion week was all the layered tops with straps haphazardly going everywhere! It's a very deconstructed, edgy feel and a pretty easy look to create on your own. Time to re-purpose old tank tops!

I feel like these are some of the new trends that came out of fashion week, did I miss anything??

Rachel Zoe for QVC Launch & Party

Thanks to the lovely Jordana from Clutch 22, me, Alyssa and Kathy went to a Rachel Zoe for QVC launch party! I missed the actual runway show since I was still at the Vivienne Tam show, but I have some pictures and everything looks really cute! Prices range from $33 to $130, definitely an affordable way to update your wardrobe for fall!

More importantly a ton of celebrities turned up for the party, and I got to meet Justin Kirk from "Weeds," definitely a heart-stopping moment for me. Other spottings included Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Isaac Mizrahi, Lance Bass and Chris March from "Project Runway."

Rosa Cha S/S '10

Rosa Cha is a Brazilian line that focuses primarily on swimwear. This was the first collection sent down the runway with Alexandre Herchcovitch as Creative Director. Tiny polka-dots and high-waisted bottoms resulted in a decidedly retro resort-style feel. Vivid splashes of yellow, orange, and neon-green added a bright and sunny mood. Wearing these pieces, it would be easy to imagine yourself a glamorous 1950's Hollywood starlet escaping to a private tropical resort.

This bright strappy orange maillot and bright yellow coverup is like a flaming ray of sun. It would definitely make for some interesting tan lines!


I will SO be keeping an eye out these fantastic wedges, made to look like a pair of pumps:


View the Rosa Cha Runway slideshow:

Gen Art S/S '10

Cloak and Dagger was first to present at the Gen Art show - eight pictures

Duskin - I really loved the outfit comprised of a copper-colored sequin vest paired with a floaty white top and white eyelet shorts. Very, very adorable and original styling - eight pictures

LINUS - I love clothing with great back details; a lot of times the back is ignored! So imagine my surprise when I see these pieces...one top has a simple twist in the back that resembles a fluttering butterfly, especially because of that soft and sheer fabric. Love it - eight pictures

Min Young Lee - eight Pictures

S2VS - This was the only mens wear collection at Gen Art. I adore the metallic linen jacket with leather sleeves - I would totally wear that if I was a guy...or maybe I'll just buy it for my husband. I also liked the other pieces made with the same metallic linen - short sleeve button up and pants - one picture

Vicente Villarin - I loved many pieces from this collection, especially the first look. Can you imagine wearing that to the office followed by drinks out at happy hour? I'm a big fan of versatility. The other pieces were all evening wear, and all quite beautiful - eight pictures

Yeo Jin Bae - An assortment of styles with pretty fabrics... nine pictures

Thuy S/S '10

This was my second time attending the Thuy runway show. Whereas I felt the Fall line would have made for (very) stylish office wear. I think the Spring collection would appeal more to the woman who wants to by stylish AND stand out. Details like exposed zippers running diagonal across the back, asymmetrical draping, shiny metallic fabrics, cutouts that created interesting shapes on the body, and bold vertical piping, gave the garments a subtle futuristic appeal.

The sheer latex trench coat (seen here from the back) was the most interesting of the pieces.


Most coveted by me? That would be this metallic cropped motorcycle jacket:


See the entire collection below:

Norma Kamali: The Democratization of Fashion

Alyssa and I went to this really cool Norma Kamali event at the Apple Store in Soho, where she was actually there, speaking about how technology is changing the fashion industry. She spoke on how people now needed immediate access to fashion information at any price to everyone around the world instantly. She's now in Walmart and has designed a special collection just for eBay! "I see myself rethinking my retail presence," she said. "If I can do all of this anybody can do it! Kamali now is using Apple applications like 'skyping' to give her consumers a 'try before you buy' experience with her staff.

"Last fall I felt the impact of chance happening – less people were coming into the store. Everybody was starting to be frightened. I started to get really nervous." She said. She went on about how she saw her clothing being sold on eBay and pretty much decided to cut out the middle man - pretty savvy! Outside her signature collection, NK for Walmart and the eBay collection were being shown. We were a little late, but luckily they all posed together afterwards. The rain was inconvenient, but the models persevered. You can actually buy these pieces now, which is definitely where I see the industry going. I barely remember the fall shows from six months ago, let alone what pieces I coveted!

Mew New York S/S '10

I heard about Mew from My It Things and was really interested in checking them out! Established in Jan of this year, the brand is designed by Miki Ikeda and Wakana Koike.
They weren't exactly ready on time so I ended up with a lot of random models getting hair and make up done, which was fun. The collection was based on treasured childhood trinkets and the like. I loved the beautiful prints that were sweet and girly, especially the dots that reminded me of a Monet painting.

Isaac Mizrahi S/S '10

Isaac Mizrahi was another show I didn't plan on attending but soooo glad I made it! It was my one and only Anna Wintour sighting, I could have reached out and touched her if I wanted! Kathy Griffin and the awesome style photog Bill Cunningham were there as well. And the show itself was a crazy spectacle of zig zaging models, stairs, a live band, and a rain machine in the middle of the runway!Clothing-wise the collection started with a strong, retro menswear influence. Think Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly (singing in the rain!!!). But as it moved onto eveningwear, it got floatier and floatier, with tulle and chiffon the main fabrics. Balancing out the femininity was a chic black and white color palette. I adored this frothy piece worn by Karlie Kloss:
I was in the front row, but with all the random paths the models took my pictures aren't quite as great as they could be. Kept me on my toes though!

Interview with Frazer Harrison

I had the opportunity to interview Frazer Harrison, a professional photographer who's been in photography since he was 18 years old and has been shooting Fashion Week since 2002. He now works with Getty Images and has a really fascinating career because he has access to soooo many runway shows and he also photographs award shows like the Oscars.

K(athy): What kind of photography did you start with? How did you know you wanted to be a photographer?
F(razer): I was on a school trip when I was nine years old where we went to an English stately home. I had my first camera, the kind called a 120, and I entered a photo competition. I won first place, and that's when I realized I was good at something. When I was 18, I had the opportunity to work in the dark room; printing, developing black and white negatives for a local newspaper in England. I kept taking photos while I was working and eventually they got published. I was the first person in the 100 years of the newspaper's history to be trained as a photographer. I did not know it could become a career. Later I moved to America and eventually got a job in LA.

K: How do you like shooting [Mercedes Benz] Fashion Week?
F: Fashion Week is really grueling. Front row photographs are money makers, so many photographers are fighting to get good shots of the celebrities at the front row. Plus all of the photographers are crammed in a small area which makes it a bit difficult to work. I used to do full coverage, which entails shooting backstage, front row, and runway for every single show! On average, I shoot about six shows a day, about 50 shows a season. It's about 150 shows a year including other shows like Miami Fashion Week, etc. My first Fashion Week was September 2002, and I've been at it for eight years. Now I'm mainly shooting the runway.

K: At a show, is it one shot per look or do you take several in case you caught the model blinking or falling?
F: I watch their feet to get the best lines and to make sure the shot is centered.

K: What other photography do you do, aside from Fashion Week?
F: I shot Avril Lavigne's wedding, sometimes I do weddings for friends. I also do the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, most Hollywood premieres, celebrity parties, and paparazzi candids. On my vacations, I take photos with my camera phone or a smaller camera like anyone else.

K: What advice do you have for budding photographers?
F: You gotta enjoy it. When you lose the edge, the quality drops. Don't get disheartened because it's a specialized job. Create a good portfolio. Go out and practice. You can shoot anything - sunsets, surfers, etc.

K: Do you carry a camera with you at all times?
F: I always have one close.

K: Girls know from reading magazines or watching America's Next Top Model that there are ways to pose to make seemingly undesirable body parts larger or smaller, like chest out and hips back. But these poses seem silly to do in everyday pics. What do you recommend?
F: Little things like that do make a difference. You have to practice. Practice smiles and non-smiles. Take a lot of practice photos.

That was all we had time for because he was on his way to shoot Carolina Herrera's show! Thanks for your time, Frazer!

Here are some shots that he took during THIS Fashion Week! Photos courtesy of Frazer Harrison and Getty Images.

Maria Pinto S/S '10

I wanted to buy everything from Maria Pinto's spring collection. It was that amazing. Every piece was feminine, elegant, unique and with a vintage vibe. My favorites are the beaded skirt and dress and just about all the ones with fabric flowers of some sort. Must see and must have! Lucky for me, I managed to catch some of the models outside being photographed so I asked them for some detail shots.

Toni Francesc S/S '10

The Toni Francesc collection was inspired by water, which was evident in the flowy-ness from all the draping. I was expecting more blue, but the collection started out in neutral shades like olive and ivory, then moved to grey, mauve, navy, and black. The pieces are amazingly wearable and quite pretty. Check out the pieces made from sheer silk...they seemed to float as the models walked. Oh, and I loved the handbags the models were carrying; some seemed like clear droplets of water and some were an assortment of test tubes!

Max Azria S/S '10

Max Azria was one of those shows I didn't plan on going to but was thrilled that I made! I ended up sitting across from Mickey Rourke of all people, and Lucy Lui was also there - she nudged her friend, pointed at me and said "Look at her glasses" at one point!

The collection had lots of slashed cutouts on otherwise minimal pieces, an "ode to postmodernity." There were also some caged pieces over semisheer knits, touches of glitzy beading and some gauzy draping that there just wasn't enough of!
Reminds me a bit of Rodarte, don't you think?

Doo.Ri S/S '10

Doo.Ri was one of my favorite shows this season! I actually sat in the photo pen at the end of the runway to make sure I got fabu pics for all of you, I could not begin to explain how squished I was! Alas, a lot of my pictures are still a little washed out looking, I really need to figure out the best camera settings for fashion week!

The usually girly label got a tough edge this season, and was inspired by metal, specifically by an installation created by artist Annette Messager, My Wish Is Under Netting. This resulted in pretty frocks, blouses, shorts and bubble skirts in a mostly silver color palette, embellished with thin chains or overlaid with tulle netting. All the bags were Be & D for Doo.Ri and the chain detailed pumps were so amazing I thought I had died and gone to fashion heaven!This was my favorite piece - a perfect mix of feminine and tough (I pulled the pic from Style.com so you couldget the maximum impact!):

Here's the whole collection, including a sideways video of the final walk before it cut off.

Tibi S/S '10

Tibi was tres light and airy - one of the most "spring-like" collections I saw during NY Fashion Week. This was a very good thing, with beautiful slip dresses in flattering bias cuts, bright floral prints, cutaway back crop tops I died over, and peg leg pants. Tribal was ingeniously re-envisioned in brights & pastels:
And I swooned over a hummingbird print that was also used on the invite:

Willow S/S '10

I had never heard of Willow before, who was new to the tents this season, but it's always fun to check out new designers! Kit Willow started the label in 2003 in Australia and it's known to have a quirky feminine look, something I usually love!

I was not disappointed, I really enjoyed the collection which featured peaked shoulders reminiscent of Balmain, abstract tie-dye prints, and paillettes that appeared to be tiny sea shells on closer inspection! I also died for her booties, aren't they super cute? This is without doubt an up-and-coming designer to watch, though someone needs to tell her PR girls NOT to sit Leanne Marshall of "Project Runway" in the second row!

Temperley London S/S '10

The Temperley London spring collection had a great inspiration of a 1920's circus. The presentation had a film projected by an old-fashioned zoetrope (the giant tower looking thing) featured real-life contortionists, trapeze artists and other acts modeling the clothes. The clothes themselves were amazing and, even with harlequin and diamond prints, not costume-y at all. I was a big fan of the scroll embroidery which felt both tribal and Victorian at the same time! And there was a lion belt buckle I would love to tame next season (I made a funny!).Don't forget, you can make the slide show fullscreen by clicking the box in the lower right with the four arrows.

Toni Maticevski S/S '10

This was my second season attending the Toni Maticevski runway show, which has become of my favorites. His collections are like nothing else at New York Fashion Week. Artistic and unconventional, the spring collection was mostly in black and white. There were ethereal evening dresses of silk and chiffon, accentuated with giant, dramatic, burnt tulle flowers or layers of over-sized ruffles. Many of the pieces looked as if black watercolor paints had been spilled or splattered on them. Overall, it made me think of a fairytale ball, if the fairytale had a dark Gothic twist to it.

I love this long, airy, detailed skirt, paired with a simple paint splattered t-shirt.


The detailed texture on these pants blows me away. Want!

View all of Toni Maticevski's Spring line here (pardon the bright light, I was facing a giant spotlight)