2009 Spring New York Fashion Week

Amid the Oscars and Ralphs, there is always new blood debuting at New York Fashion Week. I was already familiar with the house of Hanii Y, and was curious what the designer's first official presentation would entail. I also had the chance to meet the designer Hanii Yoon — who is half of the other design house Y & Kei, where she designs with her husband. It's a little confusing, but her vintage-inspired, crisp clothes aren't. They are sharply cut, colorful, and above all, unique. And you have to hear about her inspiration for her "Sleepwalking Park" collection — it's really interesting stuff . . .

This is your first time showing at New York Fashion Week. What made you decide to finally present?

When I studied in San Francisco (at FIDM) it was my dream. Donna Karan inspired me to become a big New York designer.

What is your inspiration for Spring?

Sleepwalking. I experienced the "White Nights" in Copenhagen, when the days and nights are bright — it's always day. When I experienced this it was like a dream and day and night blended together. That whole experience made me feel like I was sleepwalking the whole time. The blurring of colors and images, I mixed bright colors with monochromatic colors, masculine with feminine, hard and soft, the varying points are all put together. These (the white pillars in the pictures) are sort of like the trees. We created a white world out of this white night inspiration. This dream-like park, or forest, started with nature. It's fantastical, but also artificial.

To read on and to see more of the clothes, read more

One of the sweetest people I met during New York Fashion Week wasn't an editor or photographer, it was Lindsay Price of Lipstick Jungle (and the original 90210!). We sat down and talked shoes, the second season of the hit show, and what fashion really means — girl had some keen insight into clothes! The second season of the fashion-filled show premieres Sept. 24, and I can't wait to see Lindsay in action.And let me just say: the famous New York Saks shoe department is the ideal place for two girls to meet and chat. We were there to celebrate the designer shoe collaboration in honor of The Wizard of Oz. Rubified slippers by designers like Jimmy Choo, Betsey Johnson, and Moschino were sprinkled around the party and on display all week at the Bryant Park tents. Here's what Lindsay had to say . . .

Welcome to the Saks shoe department! What a great place to meet you in.

Yeah! We actually had our premiere party here, and that was amazing. We shot here too, right along this wall of glass bubbles.

So I see you are wearing Yves Saint Laurent Tribute sandals. I have to ask: Are they comfortable?

They are surprisingly comfortable I have to say. I've been wearing them about an hour, so we'll see.

To read the rest of my exclusive interview, to see Lindsay out and about at New York Fashion Week and to see more ruby slippers, read more

Amongst the bevy of cute animal prints and flowy fabrics in Rebecca Taylor's Spring collection were some amazing handbags, shoes, and jewels. These confections were actually from her newly launched accessories line, debuting in stores come Spring.

“It’s something that we’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” said Taylor. “Every woman loves shoes and handbags. We didn’t want to start it unless it was in a very meaningful way.”

Taylor's collection, priced from $300 to $400 for footwear and $150 to $300 for jewelry, will encompass the designer's pretty-meets-urban style. Boots and flats have a funky edge, while bags and jewels are embellished with crystals and sequins such as the handbag seen here.

The collection will be sold at select online retailers and Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

To see more accessories from Rebecca Taylor, read more

On a dreary Fashion Week day, I popped into the Elise Overland Spring presentation. It was an evening function, so glasses were being sipped and — oh look, it's hottie Jamie Burke, blush — Safari-inspired clothes were being modeled. Elise Overland is no newcomer, and her clothes continue to receive praise and press alike. I caught up with the designer, who was chatting with friends Courtney Cox Arquette (who was friends with the show's stylist) and Laura Dern.

What was your inspiration for this Spring?

My inspiration was a trip to the Sahara. I wanted to capture those cool, nighttime earthy colors. A more romantic palette.

Were there are any big challenges this time around?

Not really, I think there are just constant challenges as a designer. Merchandising the collections is one.

Who do you envision wearing your clothes?

A strong woman, she can be any age; it's more of an attitude. She has a bit of a rock 'n' roll edge. She's sophisticated.

To read the rest of my exclusive interview and to see more of Elise's Spring collection, read more

While this season's winner is still to be determined, Project Runway alumnus Christian Siriano has since moved on to show his debut collection at New York Fashion Week. Simply put, Siriano did not disappoint. The boy genius pulled out all the stops turning his gift of ruffling, tufting, and ruching into a romantically hip collection.White cotton blouses were embellished with ornate sleeves while neon colors splashed off hues of gray. Thanks to Siriano's ornate folding technique, stiff organza magically turned into elaborate dresses and structured sheer blouses. I especially fancied the ankle skimming pants and liquid silk tops. In the words of Heidi Klum, “Not too many from the show actually pull off a Fashion Week show, and he did.”

To see more from the Christian Siriano's Spring/Summer collection, read more