As a model took to the runway in a chiffon pierrot style blouse with a billowing ruff-like collar, it became clear that, this season, Erin Fetherston was doing something a bit different from her usual pastel-coloured confections of cuteness. This collection had more in common with thatMiu Miu collection than anything the designer has done before, though she quoted her inspiration as the tin soldiers in The Nutcracker and not Miuccia’s doll-like Kirsten Dunst campaign. Still, the elements were there – puffy lampshade-like skirts, bows and a darker colour palette than usual. Fetherston herself wore it best, taking her final bow in a huge black minidress.
Shoulders. Shoulders, shoulders, shoulders. We’re only a couple of days into fashion week, but already there’s a big trend emerging. We say ‘emerging’, we’ve known about the return of the shoulder for ages, but it’s really showing itself in the collections in New York. Following a much softer silhouette last season, Jonathan Saunders has delivered a much stricter, more powerful collection for Autumn / Winter, with shoulders at the forefront. They were chunky and square, round and bubbled, or accentuated with sashes of bright colour. The main inspiration was birds, with bright colours cutting through a black background, and touches like rich brocades, bold prints and skyline-effect belts cut through to add interest. As usual, Saunders was on top form, bringing together all kinds of ideas but somehow delivering them cohesively.
Such is the popularity of New York fashion darling Alexander Wang, he had high-powered editors queued up around the block like normal folk and then running – running – at the entrance in a rugby scrum when the doors finally opened.
Read more about the collection and watch Part Two of the show after the jump.
Diane Von Furstenberg’s flower children have definitely grown up for Fall 2009. Picking rich, sumptuous fabrics, glam prints and beautiful brocades, the collection was a touch of subtle glamour for a season that’s driven mainly by the recession. Huge cocoon coats and slouchy draped cardigans concealed layered looks in clashing prints like leopard, Prince of Wales check and geometric swirls. The usual wrap dresses, chic knits and wearable shaped were teamed with leggings, huge pom-pom hats and chunky jewellery for a youthful edge. By night, it got more glam with bacofoil dresses, animal print sheaths and sequin shifts. [all images courtesy of Coutorture.com]
I just love Philip Stephens, and this Fall 09 collection of UNCONDITIONAL luxury basics proves why. Warm, fun and tough-cool, this label does not disappoint.
Guess what? Body-con ain’t going anywhere according to the folks at Preen. Their fall 2009-10 collection was choc-full of sliced body-con frocks offering just a glimpse of skin here and there. Add to that oversized houndstooth coats, fluffed up with Mongolian wool in black and white, skinny shiny trousers, and mini mod dresses in check. There was an interesting use of leather in one tight-fitting dress, modelled by Catherine McNeil, which featured a knot in the middle and cut-outs all over. Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi’s continual pushing of the envelope was even enough to bring Kanye West and his entourage to the front row. Yes, really.
This is a lot like trying to get to your seat during fashion week. In an effort to “be more inclusive” Cynthia Rowley created a video showcasing her Fall 2009 collection that’s currently showing on her Web site, Taxi TV in New York City (yes, you watch it while riding around to the shows) and above. Produced by independent film makers Red Bucket Films and featuring indie band the Beets, It’s a cute presentation of a predictable collection that will appeal to Rowley fans. And, do we spy Make Me A Supermodel winner Holly Kiser also winning the round of musical chairs?
Oh hai! Just taking a break between show reviews and thought I’d report on what’s happening inside the Bryant Park tents and beyond!
- Things are buzzing backstage at Diane Von Furstenberg in preparation for her 4 p.m. show. All the in-house girls are wearing the colorful spring 09 dresses thanks to our “warm streak.” Diane arrived about an hour ago with her adorable grandchildren in tow and Whitney Port was spotted backstage as well.
When budgets are tight, beauty is the easiest way to embrace a trend and update your look. A frontrunner for the statement-making beauty trend of fall 2009 is the dark black/plum lipsticks at Catherine Holstein, pictured, and Rachel Roy.
This isn’t the trend for girls who like to pick a flattering shade of lipstick and stick with it in different incarnations throughout the seasons. But adventurers, please do visit sephora and test out some shades!
Max Azria went somber and sophisticated with his BCBG line for fall 2009. While there was lots of eveningwear, it wasn’t really the stuff that dance and bar night dresses are made of – BCBG’s usual niche. Beautiful draped velvets and modern silhouettes seemed made for an older customer than BCBG usually designs for. Perhaps Azria’s plan is to shift BCBG a bit upmarket and hold onto the girls who wore the line in their younger days to make room for BCBGeneration’s younger customer.
Malon Breton unveiled his Fall 09 collection at Eli Klein Fine Art last night in Soho in leu of Fashion Week. Models stood like statues giving guests a close up look and feel at fabric, color and craftsmanship. Breton, a Project Runway alumni showcased a ton of soft silk and shantung fabric- adorned with mesh overlays and loose draping. My favorite piece was a feathered high collar ballero jacket in black. It was a real joy to see in person. You can only adore him more for the time that went into this piece! Other hot items include a bright red shantung high collared jacket paired with glossy leggings and red patent leather heels. Breton is popular in Hollywood and has dressed a ton of celebrities including Minnie Driver, Martha Plimpton and Jody Whatley. You can learn more about Malan Breton by clicking here.
The scene: Stark bright white light and falls, with the bright colors of the Janet Kim’s designs standing out like jewels.
The fashion: Wavy patterns on flowy fabrics – grays, fuchsia, tangerine and black mingled with lace tights and high heeled T straps. The dresses were a sweet mix of tank dresses and doll dresses, some with sheer inlays.
“I wanted fun, surprising combinations- bright colors with lace and knits that show off a woman’s body in a subtle and feminine way,” Kim said.
Shoes by Kathryn Kerrigan Shoes, and necklaces by SISU, by Sarah Johnson.
Unfortunately, her famous family (and their significant others) remains the best thing about Charlotte Ronson’s fashion line, as far as I can tell. Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan were on hand for the fall 09 collection, as were Mark Ronson and The Like drummer Tennessee Thomas. The clothing was sort of amateurish styling of Marc Jacobs parodies. I did like the floral print used, and the floral shirt dress after the jump was one of the pieces I enjoyed from the show.
My favorite was Carmen Marc Valvo’s dress, too bad Katie Couric puts on such an annoying show of “OMG, like I can’t believe I’m DOING THIS! I’m a serious journalist!” Yeah, right. Joining Ms. Couric were Jenni Garth in Badgley Mischka, Brittany Snow in Marchesa and Tori Spelling in Betsey Johnson, among others.
Check out our gallery of the fashions by clicking on the image below.
From:Pictures: 2012 British Soap Awards - Best dressed, Michelle Keegan, Jennifer Metcalf and more