The Twinkle by Wenlan spring collection was very hip and wearable. Catering to a younger crowd, her designs featured funky prints and loose-fitting shirt dresses with pockets, and much shorter hemlines than in other designers’ collections. Her main color scheme was a slight twist on the gray trend to more of a grayish blue. Layered looks were also seen throughout her show with long, loose-fitting vests and jackets. One of the designs I liked most was her one-strap silver bubble dress, above–very sexy meets elegant. Go to the jump to see more pics from the show.
The Max Azria show was all about dresses and skirts. I especially liked his three-diamond neckline dress, above, which was featured again in gray. I’ve noticed that designers across Fashion Week have been creating longer hemlines, knee- and floor-length, with just a few short skirts and shorts here and there. Skinny belts at the waist are also the trend for spring, and Max Azria’s collection contained many long, flowing, open-collar coats tied together with a thin belt. Muted mauve was a very prevalent color throughout his designs, as shown above to the right, as well as a lot of whites and grays. Go to the jump for more pictures from the show.
Tracy Reese’s spring collection was bright, flashy and filled with glamorous wide-brimmed hats–perfect for the sophisticated uptown lady. Shimmering, sparkling dresses and jackets were very prevalent, and I was also surprised to see a lot of tropical bamboo-like prints. The colors she used were fuschia, lavender, electric blue, gold, and turquoise. The show was incredibly chic–I can’t wait to get my hands on this collection!
The trend for spring seems to be silky, satiny fabrics, ruffles, and light colors all around. Although Terexov, for the most part, kept to the theme, he also threw in a few styles with his own personal touch. The sweetheart-shaped strapless white top and black pencil skirt (above) was my favorite look, but the white V-neck floor-length dress (above) with thin belted waist was a close second. His gowns were also very stunning and I liked that pretty much all the clothes from his collection were very wearable.
After two years, Gwen is finally back at the New York tents. As a long-time No Doubt/Gwen Stefani fan, I would expect nothing less than a runway filled with houndstooth, snow leopard, bold black-and-white graphics and Rasta influence abound…but somehow my first L.A.M.B fashion show was more about her than the actual clothes. I pondered this as I just stared at Gavin holding little Kingston while sitting in the front row next to P. Diddy. I then realized that that was exactly it. L.A.M.B is Gwen Stefani. She pours her soul and actual self into her line and it completely shows. Gwen is houndstooth, snow leopard, bold black-and-white graphics and she is most definitely influenced by Rasta tones (as proven by No Doubt’s Rock Steady album).
Wow, the Gottex show was absolutely fabulous! Such a variety of designs and colors in every line, many breathtakingly gorgeous. The crowd was literally in awe–cheering and whistling througout the show. The designer, Gideon Oberson, started things off to a hot beat–basic and sleek with geometric designs in classic black with a touch of mod yellow trim and visa versa. Suddenly, the music changed to a soft springtime melody and out came the adorable spring fever collection in light lime green and purple flowers. This line kicked off the burst of dazzling color flaunted throughout the rest of the show. But the grand finale topped it all–two African-American models looking stunning in elegant white tube-top bikinis in the shape of a flowering blossom, above. Go to the jump to see more shots from the show.
Last night, Chris Han’s spring designs were full of light, silky, sheer fabrics, but in a bit of a drap color assortment–gray, white, and black. I liked the styles–very flowy and breezy, with a lot of off-the-shoulder shirts and dresses. And the models’ hair was styled to coordinate with the fashions–low bun to the side with long strands of wisps left flowing behind them as they strutted down the runway. The effect went perfectly with the ensembles. But I just couldn’t get over the colors–they didn’t stray away from the grays and blacks of fall and winter, which I feel like we definitely need a break from come spring!
The Katie Stern Venexiana show started out with a parade of very similar looking nautical pieces that looked a little too 40s inspired to really be considered “inspired.” Some almost looked like costumes from a period drama. But the looks got better and better as the show went on. Next up were some pretty florals with metallic accented fabric. Then, the best part of the show–the evening pieces. It would be lovely to see some Venexiana on the red carpet this year, and they definitely have the dresses for it.
Spring continues to be about a defined waist amidst a floaty, ethereal fabric at BCBG Max Azria as you can see in the video above. But, the shapes are much less boho and sloppy, and more ladylike with pleats and pintucking details at waists and sleeves. And anyone who told you the dress was over flat out lied And the pockets in those dresses? No longer hidden surprises, they are very deliberate and exaggerated. If this will look attractive on anyone but a model is yet to be seen. The colors were a bit drab, but it did make those pieces with a bit more saturated hue – some purples, blue, and metallic – pop.
New York Fashionistas trecked all the way to the West Side (far, far from the tents) amidst a taxi strike just to get a look at Jason Wu’s Spring/Summer ’08 Collection presented at Exit Art, so you know it’s got to be good. Careful tailoring is apparent, and follows the more structured lines we’re seeing this fall. This collection is for the ladylike dresser; Rachel Zoe won’t be pulling from this collection for her boho clients, and that’s a good thing. It does seem like the line has gone a bit more casual in its own way, though. The majority of pieces were more day dresses than cocktail, but some would surely bridge the gap.
Catching only a glimpse at the fashions, as I was invited backstage by Redken, I was blown away by the naturally beautiful and very talented Abaete fashion designer, Laura Poretzky, and her elegant Jackie-O-esque couture. Indicative of Laura’s own lady-like-with-an-edge aura, the designs were very feminine and form-fitting, including curve-hugging halters and dresses, some accented with an oversized flower. Her major color scheme for spring was turquoise and white, as well as lots of navy and black trim and thin black-and-white stripes. As a huge fan of Jackie-O and retro-chic style, I absolutely adore this collection.
Fashionistas frightened by the return to more structured fashions for fall can breathe a sigh of relief come spring. And that breath will be easier to take since their diaphragm will once more be released from high-waisted pants and slim, constricting pencil skirts. Spring continued to be a season of voluminous, flowy tunics-cum-dresses, but in a really fresh, modern silhouette at the Form fashion show at The Yard and Gallery at the Soho Grand. While the shapes were innovative, the fabrics and textures were a bit one-note and it would have been nice to see a bit more variety. The ethereal silvery-ivory-white might have been even more powerful if contrasted with some other colors, but it at least shows daring and a cohesive vision from designer Jerry Tam.
All that shimmers isn’t shiny, but all the runway reviews, behind-the-scenes coverage, and party pictures you’ll find on ShinyStyle is! ShinyStyle is hitting New York Fashion Week for the Spring/Summer 2008 collections, and Bryant Park has never been blogged so well. From big-name designers showing in the tents to rising talents showing off the beaten path, you’ll be in on everything. Want to be part of the designer discourse? Leave those comments! And keep checking back … there may be a gift bag full of fashion week goodies in it for you.
From:Pictures: 2012 British Soap Awards - Best dressed, Michelle Keegan, Jennifer Metcalf and more