Anna Sui – Eclectic and refined. I never thought I’d be able to parallel those two in the same sentence. With Anna Sui, anything is possible. She is a visionary; a dream maker. And she manages to capture these fairytale-esque happy endings through her collections. With the help of feathers and romantic whimsical embellishments, I can see why she is such a prophet. I’d love to feel the materials she used in my own hands. To don a dress by her would be an extraordinary dream come to life; to say the least.
Chris Benz – Bright lights, big city. I adore the congruent use of electric blue hues within this collection. An American favorite, Chris Benz never ceases to amuse and tantalize us with his seductive, yet crisp creations. He knows his way around fabric and dominates it like no other. Some cult supporters of the line? Taylor Momsen (of Gossip girl fame) and Bridget Helene (of The Fashionista Diaries fame.)
Lorick – Seen prominently on Gossip girl, this line is definitely one to watch. Minimalism at its best. However, by adding simple touches of color here and there; a simple pop of red from a scarf or burst of blue from a brooch is how this house arouses delight. I like to think that many of the cuts and lines found in this collection are homage to the 1950’s- when classic, fitted dresses were all the rage. Classic, as they say, never goes out of style. And with the world changing at such a rapid pace, it’s a comfortable notion to know that some designers still have the knack and the know how for the classic.
Matthew Williamson – I’ve always had a fondness for his use of soft colors, such as his infamous slew of pastels, showcased all at once. His designs are a kaleidoscope of wondrously imaginative collaborations. Be it with simple stripes or bold buttons; through the details, I am able to see his thoughts jump off the canvas in turrets of color. I see a touch of Marc Jacobs in his work, polished and taken to the next level.
Proenza Schouler – And who do we spot sitting front and center for this show? Why Mary Kate Olsen and Nicole Richie of course; two of my own personal muses. I sigh as I look through their latest collection, wanting, vying for every piece. I always wait for what they have to showcase next, wait with bated breath. You see, their creative combinations of color, idea and design are always something remarkable. Remember the many folds in their dresses from the fall/winter 2008 Collection? All of which stemmed from an idea about how a paper airplane is folded from a single sheet of paper; genius! I’d give a standing ovation if I could only be there; right now, front row and center, canoodling with Nicole and MK!
Vena Cava – Also, a favorite among the Gossip girl crowd. Black, grey, black? Check, check, check. Drab? Not at all. Sophisticated? Very much so indeed. By infusing some strokes of peachy pastels into the mix, this melting pot of style doesn’t have to be an acquired taste; the evidence is enough to speak volumes. These creations meld just as well with the
Preen – Caught me completely by surprise and left me in awe over the nonchalant, yet elegant designs amidst its eighties appeal used in all of the intricate details. Another designer sheds some light this season on how black, white and grey can still appeal to the masses, and just as easily manage to stay elegant but never stray away from the modern touches.
Ruffian – From the moment I saw the blood red runway to the body stocking accents, I felt my heart begin to thump. I adore the soft lines, crazy feathered skirts, flamboyant accents in color and sexy vamp red (almost black?!) lipstick. The messy, uncombed- yet cool, hair is the last page to this beautiful love story.
ADAM – Lithe, ethereal, effervescent. I applaud the use of smooth as well as clean lines, pastels and the ever present spring touches (both in color and in fabric.) If ever I dreamed of a real live Ready To Wear line for my Barbie dolls, way back when, this would have been it!
Diane von Furstenberg – The zippered ankle booties and leather leggings have my heart hammering at first look. And at second, all I can see is Russian luxe at its very best. The full coats and furry hats, the touches of elegance that only Diane von Furstenberg can nail, the kind a savvy, fashion forward woman falls in love with; a love that stays with her.
Images for my collage all from [NYmag.com] Thank you to StardustandSequins for the paint brushes!
Just as the crisp winter air starts to die down, just a little, the models, Socialites, and Celebrities start coming out in droves; dressed in their best, for Fashion Week. I decided to talk a little about my favorite Collections thus far.
Abaeté -
Crisp, sleek lines. I love how this season is all about the black, grey and white canvas. Yet, by mixing in a few well placed and funky accents, like diamantes, ruffles and chains; and very similarly to the way Balmain and Rodarte did in their previous collections, you too can easily lend a hand at evolving the designs into something modern and marvelous; with a much appreciated twist.
Alexander Wang -
Always current. Always cool. It seems that with each collection, he gets smarter and the all more inspired! I love his crazy cut outs and sleek body conscious designs. I envision turning his pair of cut out leggings (up above) into a wondrous cat suit. Can you only imagine?
Monique Lhuillier -
Gothic glam. Raspberry red and black. Glorious. Genius! The look is part Old Hollywood and part 90's Gothic. I love the unexpected mish mash of lace, full skirted frocks and fishnet gloves. The bows on the toes and layered chain necklaces are the frosting that top off this decadent cake.
Luca Luca -
The Vampy, yet reserved, Vixen steps out of her house in elegance. I'm reminded of the greats: Audrey Hepburn, Tippi Hedren, Lauren Bacall. Red has always been the color used best for attention seekers, love and luxury. Fitted skirts and jackets are also looks to watch out for in this collection. Old
My only wish? To one day get to be there, and see it… live!!!
Images for my collage are from: [NYmag.]
