Net-a-Porter's new Runway By Designer feature is the closest we're going to get to shopping directly from the runway. Choose your favorite designers, say Stella McCartney or Bottega Veneta, and peruse their Fall '07 runway shows. When you see a look you like and are willing to put your money on, click on it and bring it home. Now you're on your way to being the cyber version of Anna Wintour or Corine Roitfeld. Not a bad place to be!
Rockabilly hair can best be described as a modern take on the bun—but it has more height, added texture, and just a little bit of edginess, since the look doesn't require every single hair to be in place.
Lately we've been talking about the spring 2008 looks, but we shouldn't forget that the first day of fall is actually tomorrow! This chic hairstyle appeared on the runways of Nathan Jenden and Billl Blass (see the gallery) for the Fall 2007 New York Fashion Shows and is appropriate for day or night.
The look can easily be created at home by following these five simple steps. To read them, read more
I am so sensitive to color, which you may have picked up from my runway reviews. So I was torn while viewing the New York Fall collections. I have been loving greys lately, and red is an all time favorite, but brown and orange? Just not feeling those right now. Maybe by the time Fall rolls around...Can't wait to see what colors will pop up in Europe.
Chili Pepper
Orange
Greys
A couple more, read more
This time around New York Fashion Week did not wow me. Some new trends emerged (high waist, plaid, slim silhouette), but too many lingered (metallics, 80s, somber colors). Alas, it's always an exciting whirlwind of fashion. On to London!
The High Waist
Plaid
Headgear
Two more, read more
On Friday evening, many, many designers, fashionistas, and do-gooders gathered together in New York City's Roseland Ballroom in support of trying to help end the atrocities of genocide taking place in Darfur. Since it was the finale of Fall 2007 Fashion Week, the theme of the event was a grand fashion show appropriately titled, Designers for Darfur.
The hosts of the evening were Lydia Hearst Shaw (shown) and Malcolm Harris of Mal Sirrah. The sponsor was Steve Madden who not only presented, but he also provided all of the footwear for the models.
The show was beautifully orchestrated and went off without a hitch. Some highlights were: a long flowing yellow dress with a jewel accent, a stunning floor length turquoise evening dress as well as the adorable children walking the runway. All of the clothing was created in Africa's colors; red, green, black/yellow.
All the items from the show are being auctioned off on ebay right now. All profits will go toward the Save Darfur Coalition so please check it out!
Here is the list of the generous designers involved in the show: Chado Ralph Rucci, Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Carmen Marc Valvo, Naeem Khan, Zero Maria Cornejo, Donna Karan, Heatherette, J. Mendel, Lyn Devon, Jason Wu, Tuleh, Jeremy Scott, Catherine Malandrino, Perry Ellis (Menswear designer), Marc Bower, Jenni Kayne, Nanette Lepore, BCBG Max Azria, Malo, Alice & Olivia, Mike & Chris, Luella Bartley, Carlos Miele, Hollywould, John Bartlett (Menswear designer), Romania Kapadia (Menswear designer), Judith Leiber (handbag designer), Skapparin, Edun, Neil Beiff, Bonnie Young (only children’s designer), Frank Trapiano, Hanni Y, Ericson Beaman, Tori Nichel, Shannon Stokes, Gustavo Arango, L.A.M.B., Elisa Jiminez, Romona Keveza, Joseph Aboud (menswear), Julie Haus, Zang Toi, Mary Ping, Sue Wong, Maggie Norris Couture, Allison Mezey, Charlotte Ronson, Nancy Gonzalez, Chris Aire (fine jewelry designer), Jill Stuart, Derucuny, Y&Kei, Tracey Reese, DDC Lab, Luca Luca.
To see more from this show, read more
Friday night, Alice + Olivia designer Stacey Bendet really shined as she debuted her Fall 2007 Collection on the last day of fashion week.
The look was very fresh and could take you from business to cocktail. I adored the white flirty number with crystals on the top and I especially loved the brown tight turtle neck paired with the high waisted multicolored skirt (shown) - very 60s indeed.
As for the hair, I've got the inside scoop! I spoke with the hairstylist Fabrice Gili from Frédéric Fekkai, about how he created this look:
Begin by adding a bit of Fekkai New Coif Foaming Milk to the hair (this product is coming soon). Next create a deep side part. To get the right angle, take a comb and line one side up with the end of your eyebrow and the other side up with the middle of the crown of your head. The part needs to be pointing upwards so that you can create volume at the crown.
Next, back comb the back of the crown (tease it) for lift. Then make a low ponytail and tease just the center of the loose hair. If you are feeling fun, feel free to add a little bit of glitter or sparkle along the center of the part!
Lastly, mist a little bit of Glossing Sheer Shine Mist, $22.50, all over your hair.
To see the rest of my New York Fashion Week Fall 2007 coverage click here.
To see more looks from Alice + Olivia, read more
Zac Posen is a young Hollywood favorite with his 40s inspired tailoring and luscious evening gowns. This Fall collection showcased about half of what he does best, and the other half felt forced; an attempt to create something new that just looked awkward. I do feel he completed the task he set out to do: create a collection that is "clean, charming and (with) strong femininity."
I loved some of the sharp tailored suiting - a cropped olive green tuxedo jacket paired with a high waisted pocketed full skirt. Not much of a suit girl, this makes me want to be! There were plenty of party dresses and Oscar worthy gowns in fun colors like purple wine, green moss and burnt ochre and classic black. A couple of them had elaborate ruffles that looked a tad too underwater fantasy to me. A refreshing white knee length dress with the perfect amount of ruffles was a pleasant surprise. The worst piece from the collection: a confusing burgundy fur coat with ruffles - bleh.
To see more of my New York Fashion Week Fall 2007 coverage click here.
To see more Zac, read more
Vera Wang's last couple of collections have been stellar. The woman with roots in bridal, has definitely proven she can deliver wearable ready-to-wear with the same elegance.
However, I was left a little depressed after viewing this somber collection. The fabrics were gorgeous: embroidered tulle, metallic brocade, and glossy duchesse satin, but the looks were a hodgepodge of asymmetry, ruffles and tailoring. Too many ideas usually makes for a sloppy presentation. The color palette was dull - the most interesting color was a burnt ochre satin, but this is also a difficult color for many to wear.
There was some residual layering from seasons past and silhouettes still managed to be slim. There were a few standout dresses, but they were so because they weren't cluttered with additional pieces and the (awful) netting that was draped over some looks. I did find some creativity in the styling of scarves; scarves worn as hoods and interesting tying techniques. Most looks were accompanied by long, scrunched leather gloves that made models look slightly reptilian.
To see all of my coverage from New York Fashion Week Fall 2007 click here.
To see more of this collection, read more
I was happy to see less metallics on the Fall runways - but don't get me wrong, they will linger. I've stated I'm over metallics but this Kate Spade purple metallic handbag that debuted yesterday caught my eye. Though it doesn't look like the most functional bag - with the thick ruffled handle and drawstring closure - I love the purple metallic! So, undecided. You?
To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.
Badgley Mischka unveiled a decadent, wearable collection fit for an uptown princess, or Hollywood ingénue. A perfect balance of day and evening, there was something for everyone to covet.
Day pieces were varied; wide legged trousers, knit turtlenecks, tweed suits and expertly cut mini dresses. I didn't really mind the neutral palette of rich tans, browns and greys because everything looked so freakin' luxurious. A favorite look was a cropped fur jacket with elbow length sleeves paired with slim pants.
Evening was stunning, as to be expected. Floor grazing gowns swept the runway and I won't be surprised if we see one at the Oscars later this month. I questioned the heavy duty metallic silver one though; it was too blinding to admire the craftsmanship. Most of the gowns' necks were adorned with signature precision beading and nuanced graphic beaded patterns. The flowing plum gown was delectable - it made my day.
To see the rest of my New York Fashion Week Fall 2007 coverage click here.
To see more of this collection, read more
