A few things come to mind when I think of navy: nautical, militant, prep, safe. One thing that isn't normally associated with the dark blue hue is edge. But I think every color can have its 15 minutes of edge and the Spring runways proved that navy is not boring and not reserved for uniforms and sports; navy too can be fresh, beautiful and edgy.
(L-R: Phillip Lim, Cynthia Rowley, Malo, Narciso Rodriguez, Naoki Takizawa)
One of the freshest, but more daring, trends of Fall is carrying over into Spring. I know some of you have been on the fence whether or not to delve into hat territory but maybe these floppy, funky, spunky or knit hats of Spring will sway you.
(L-R: Karen Walker, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Temperley, Michael Kors, Just Sweet)
Payless' designer shoe collaborations have been such a success in the past, that they're doing it again for Spring 2008. In addition to Lela Rose and Abaete who have worked with Payless for the past couple of seasons, Fab favorite Alice + Olivia has been added to the roster.
The shoes for Spring debuted at New York Fashion Week just last week: Alice + Olivia has six funky and modern styles inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Lela Rose has eight styles based on the two Hepburns (sporty Katherine and glamorous Audrey), and Abaete has shoes in bold Miami hues.
(L-R: Alice + Olivia, Lela Rose, Abaete, all for Payless)
Everything will be available to purchase come February, until then, check out more of styles, read more
While it's not necessarily new to our eyes, color gradation sure is cool. Innovative trends were lacking on the New York Spring runways, but color sure wasn't. Come next Spring, once all the bold offerings come into fruition, I guarantee it'll get you in the mood for hot weather once again, as if you need any convincing.
(L-R: Rebecca Taylor, Badgley Mischka, Diane von Furstenberg, Tadashi, Zac Posen)
It's no surprise to me that shorts have become a favorite hot weather option, what with the fusion of menswear and tailoring into today's fashion. We saw them this Summer, and I hope I shined some light on how cute and functional they can be. Get used to getting shorty because come Spring you will have a myriad of options...from bermudas, cuffed styles, denim, short shorts and color. You have roughly six months to think it over so don't think too hard!
(L-R: Tommy Hilfiger, Rachel Comey, Ronson, DKNY, Baby Phat)
As the New York Fashion Week adrenaline has subsided, and another Emmys has come and gone, I finally had a few minutes to reflect...poolside. Here are some deep thoughts and a fun summation of my recent New York Fashion Week experience. In the end, there were fashion highs and lows, but I survived and boy was it fun.
Until February!
In the recent past, much focus has been placed on model-related weight issues, but last week at New York Fashion Week, another issue came to light that needs to be addressed: the lack of diversity on the runway.
The dominance of white models on the catwalk is nothing new, and yet it's an issue that has been pushed to the side. As fashion photographer and "America's Next Top Model" judge Nigel Barker told WWD, "Everyone is always talking about the weight issue, I think they should be talking about race."
Another fashion week spectator said, "I see an Asian girl here and there, but it seems like it has always been that way. It seems like they can't have more than one or two, and it's the same with African-American models."
When I was attending shows, I noticed the same thing, with the exception of a few designers, Tracy Reese being one of them. Have you noticed this as well? How do you feel about it?
She cut her teeth at Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Gucci, and was design director at La Perla - the girl has some experience under her belt! Now, Icelandic designer Steinunn Sigurðar has branched out to do her own thing with her new eponymously-named line, Steinunn, which I got a chance to check out while I was in New York for fashion week!
The lady definitely has an affinity for shades of gray and black, triangular puckered detailing and bold ruffles. She cites her inspiration for her Spring 2008 collection as the volcanic landscape of Iceland and the sky and sea melting together on the horizon, which she translated into pretty gauzy ruffled tops, taffeta dresses, and bow-embellished skirts. It's very chic, feminine, but with a dark side, and a couple of Vogue editors were checking it out while I was there, if that's any indication...
To see more from Steinunn's Spring 2008 collection, read more
Burch devotees, fashion press, the NY social scene and Lance Armstrong all gathered at Christie's auction house to see Tory Burch's Spring offerings.
In a spotlighted, champagne flowing room, groups of models circled a platform while onlookers schmoozed and perused. Burch fans will rejoice for her signature tunics, cardigans and retro prints were abundant - some tribal prints in particular were super fun. Jeweled and beaded necklines and patent adorned handbags were Burch bonuses. Lovers of the cult Prima Reva ballerina flats will have something to look forward to: metallic T-strap flats and gladiators with her round gold emblem atop as well as colorblocked versions of the signature flat.
WASP style has indeed gotten a makeover!
Be sure to check out all my New York Fashion Week coverage!
To see lots more of Tory Burch, read more
Many have been on the fence about this trend, but if you haven't embraced it yet, Fab friends, it is time to get High & Waisted. I am a fan of the high waist - it can really accentuate a woman's figure - but I don't like overly dramatic high waists. A more conservative version for me please. Come Spring, there's high waists galore so hopefully you'll find your niche. To prepare yourself, check out some bright high waists at Phillip Lim, some quirky ones at Alice + Olivia and some sporty ones a la Cynthia Rowley.
(L-R: Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Temperley)
