LONDON FASHION WEEK ROUNDUP

London Fashion Week was literally a blur.  It was over before I knew it but the clothes left a lasting impact.  For instance, Christopher Bailey for Burberry Prorsum's collection blew me away this season.  The designer put a twist on his classic trenches by playing with different colors, fabrics, prints, and patterns (stripes anyone?).  He also took a step outside this realm with some very fashionable parkas although I don't know who will be wearing these for Spring.  Colorful beaded tops paired with tea length skirts and tribal prints rounded out this collection.  And I can't say enough about the accessories that came in the form of oversized tote bags, open-toe booties, beaded platform wedges, and wide belts.  

FASHION WEEK ROUNDUP: PART II

A look from Marchesa

Here's a few more collections from some of my favorite New York designers.  Carolina Herrera debuted her line full of fun cheery bird prints in green, yellow and red.  Her gowns were adorned with graphic patterns, geometric shapes and even origami folds.  My favorite looks were a slinky red floor skimming column with black and white bars gracing the front and a silky, belted emerald green banger with matching cuffs.

FASHION WEEK ROUNDUP: PART I

New York Fashion Week has just wrapped up leaving in its wake a bunch of new collections for Spring.  Here are some of my favorites starting with Michael Kors.  On the heels of a strong Fall collection, Kors keeps the momentum going into Spring with a showing I will call Safari chic.  Who else can transform a tie-dyed garment from juvenile to swank or make a caftan sexy with a neckline that plunges down to the navel?  There were unconventional animal prints like giraffe and zebra stripes on flowing silhouettes, feathers and earth tones to balance out the collection.  All of this is a testament to why this designer has been around for the past 30 years and is not going away anytime soon.

CATHERINE MALANDRINO READY TO BUY FALL/WINTER 2011

While designers were getting ready to display their new looks for next year's Spring season for Fashion Week, Catherine Malandrino decided to take a step back and show looks for Fall.  This was a smart move considering most designers show their collections months before they appear in stores.  Why not display what's available now so customers can get a jumpstart their Fall wardrobes?  

ASTONISH MAGAZINE LAUNCH PARTY AND FASHION SHOW BY PHUONG MY

To kick of New York Fashion Week I attended a launch party for ASTONISH magazine featuring a fashion show by Phuong My.  Staged on the top floor of the Gansevoort Hotel on Park Ave with views of the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, models swarmed the runway in Spring looks from the Vietnamese designer.  Oversized bows, ruching at the shoulders, and flower embellishments were all a part of this collection.  Phuong's finale dresses were unique with their accentuated waists channelling Marie Antoinette and the days of panniers and petticoats.

BILLBOARD SUMMER BLOWOUT

Swizz Beatz

Billboard threw a summer bash to end all summer bashes at Pier 36 in lower Manhattan.  Guests got to enjoy free Slurpees and hot dogs from 7 Eleven, chapstick from Nivea, and a rousing performance from Swizz Beatz. LMFAO, and surprise guest, Estelle.  

MIAMI SWIM FASHION WEEK 2012

Poko Pano

As temperatures soar in New York, the scene was cool in Miami during Swim Fashion Week.  Veteran designers like Brazilian Poko Pano and celeb favorite Mara Hoffman as well as newcomers like editorial darling Tavik Swimwear graced the runway with their barely-there bikinis, one pieces, and cover ups.  A few trends emerged this season that I look forward to seeing on the beach including tribal looks, animal and graphic prints, and color blocking.  Suddenly lounging by the pool will be a lot more stylish.   

PARIS COUTURE WEEK

Couture Week in Paris brought out some dazzling pieces from top designers like Chanel, Elie Saab, and Armani Privé.  Designer Giorgio Armani was heavily influenced by the recent tragedy in Japan when creating his collection.  His work displayed rich colors and interesting origami inspired shapes especially with his headwear.  Meanwhile Karl Lagerfeld took the iconic Chanel tweed to a new level by making it neon.  He also played with proportions by adding peplum and shook things up with feathers, fringe, and sheer skirts.

LOOK WE LOVE: KERRY WASHINGTON

photo courtesy of instyle.com

Kerry Washington is stunning in this color blocked Gucci creation she wore to the Mary J. Blige Honors Concert.  Despite the fact that her dress dips daringly low in the front, Washington keeps it classy with bronze strappy heels, an oversized clutch, and a simple braided 'do.  This outfit, part of the Spring 2011 collection, will be sure to turn heads.

photo courtesy of style.com

RIP THE RUNWAY VIEWING PARTY

Rip the Runway hosts Mehcad Brooks and Selita Ebanks

Last night I attended a viewing party for BET's Rip the Runway at Katra Lounge.  The annual runway show combines the latest in fashion with some of the hottest musical talent.  This year designs by Rachel Roy, WISB, Tennille White, Man vs. Machine, LaQuan Smith, and Lila Nikole graced the stage with performances by Keri Hilson, Lloyd, Melanie Fiona and more.

But back to the party.  Surrounded by models from the show, I was able to watch it all unfold on the big screen while sipping on cocktails from Fragoli and nibbling mini cupcakes from Tonnie's in Harlem.  Even though the crowd was a bit noisy, everyone was enthusiastic to watch the show at times cheering like it was a football game.  Overall it was a good way to end an otherwise dreary Monday night.

Aminah Benjamin, casting director for Rip the Runway and LaureLuxe designer Laurel DeWitt

Cupcakes by Tonnie's

Two ladies in one of this season's hottest trends: sparkly metallic dresses

PARIS FASHION WEEK FALL 2011

Christian Dior

John Galliano, former creative director at Dior and fashion legend is out.  Fired just days before his runway presentation amidst allegations of an anti-semitic rant at a cafe in Paris, it was obvious that Galliano would not be present during Paris Fashion Week.  But the show must go on and indeed it did.  There was something for everyone from the deepest of purples and blues, to the palest pinks and yellows, to virginal white.  Floor skimming overcoats and bulky furs to tiny baby doll dresses and sheer fabrics graced the runway.  And for the hopeless romantic, a duo of dresses adorned with frills and bows were made to order.  The collection is a testament to the talent of the scandal-plagued designer whose future in fashion is as uncertain as who will replace him at Dior.

Lanvin

The show commenced with a Zorro moment complete with a black cape and wide brimmed hat paired with a thigh length skirt and bare legs.  Alber Elbaz, the creative force behind Lanvin, decided to play with proportions this season as evidenced by a black turtleneck dress, puffy up top yet form fitting below, and a beige showstopper with oversized sleeves and a cinched waist. The finale dresses came in bright, juicy colors and fun shapes sure to appease any body type. 

Viktor & Rolf

Spiky shoulders, scaly arms, and a shirt that resembled bat wings were all a part of the craziness that was the Viktor and Rolf show.  The model's faces were painted devil red adding to the  over the top presentation.  The looks seemed stiff and unwearable (i.e. a coat with two black pinwheels decorating the front and a raised collar suitable if you were a vampire but not for the everyday woman).  However there were a few frocks with dainty pleated skirts and an enlarged rose print covering the bodice that were very pleasing to the eye. 

photos courtesy of style.com

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FALL 2011 PART 2

Marc Jacobs

This season the designer had me seeing spots.  Covering everything from pantyhose to skirts, to hats, even a fur collar, Jacobs brought out the dots in full force.  For Fall his look is modest with skirts falling past the knee and the decolletage covered.  But the sleek silhouettes still show off the woman's body even if it is not showing a lot of skin.

Michael Kors

Celebrating 30 years of fashion is no small fete and Michael Kors did it in a big way.  His collection was a testament to why his career has had such longevity.  Rich, supple furs, plunging necklines, and thigh-high slits oozed sex appeal but in an understated and sultry way that not too many people can pull off.  But when you've been in the game as long as Kors,  some things just come naturally.

Photos courtesy of style.com