Fashion Week highlights part III

You didn't actually think our Fashion Week commentary would be complete without checking in on the kids from this season's Project Runway, did you?

We have to admit, many things about this season left us scratching our heads, this more than all others: six designers showing at Bryant Park? The three finalists plus three decoys? Are you kidding me? The show started with 16 contestants ... and nearly a third of them make it to the tents? OK, we'd best not get started down that road. On to the fashions!

For the much-maligned Season 5, we're going to call it a showdown between Portland, OR–based Leanne Marshall and Korto Momolu from Little Rock, AR by way of Liberia. Both ladies have impressed us all season with their innovative uses of fabric, their attention to the tiniest details, and their impeccable tailoring. Since the whole PR show featured 60 looks (10 from each of the—ack— six designers), we're just going to focus on our top two.

Korto Momolu: The designers didn't get many opportunities to send classic eveningwear down the runway this season, and it's a pity, because it's where Korto really shines. We love this jewel green halter gown for its sophisticated, fluid lines and the interesting twist of using beading as part of the halter. Using a satin this shiny is always a risk because the fabric shows every little flaw, but here, there clearly aren't any. Bravo, Korto!

Leanne Marshall: After her distastrous showing in the second episode (and the dress that inspired the Project Rungay boys to dub her "Judy Noodles"), Leanne took off and never looked back; she's the only designer this season to win back-to-back challenges. The look at right perfectly embodies what Leanne does best: bend fabric to her will and let it do the talking. Often teased about her shy, quiet demeanor, Leanne calls herself "the silent fashion assassin"—and this season, she just may eliminate all competitors on sheer talent, proving that nice girls can finish first.

(Source: Project Rungay)

Fashion Week highlights part II

Even thought there was a refreshing shortage of florals at the Spring 2009 shows (As Miranda famously quipped in The Devil Wears Prada, "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking."), the masters of print patterns still had plenty to work with in adding flair to their already famous silhouettes.

Oscar de la Renta: The mark of a true master is the ability to wow us season after season without sacrificing his point of view, and no one does this better than Oscar. Of course we expect to see classic lines and feminine silhouettes, but this season, he kicked it up a notch (bam!) by using some eye-popping geometrics and, of course, his beloved ikat (a staple in Oscar's collections since Spring 2005). The silver maco bead embroidered strapless gown at right was the final piece of the show—good thing, since it's definitely a show-stopper.


Diane von Furstenberg: No one does prints better than Diane, and her hippie-inspired Spring 2009 line reminds us why she's the reigning queen. The show was awash in colorful patterns from ombrè to wild abstracts in purples, fuschias, oranges, and reds. And as far as we can tell, not a traditional floral in sight. Beautifully tailored and impeccably matched, each look was so expertly crafted that only in retrospect would one ask one's self, "Did she really mix an orange abstract trouser with a fuscia cardigan?"

(Sources: FabSugar and Coquette)

Fashion Week highlights part I

From what we've seen so far, you can forget about dreamy pastels and nap-inducing floral prints in Spring 2009 ... because next season, it's all about color, color, COLOR, baby!

Inspired by artist Bruce Nauman, designer Doo.Ri infused her spring line with bold pops of neon, from shocking pink to out-there aqua. "I was inspired by his work and his use of neon art," she told Fashion Week Daily. "I wanted to inject that through the colors, the fluorescents, on a background of gray."


Anna Sui chose to venture south of the border for her inspiration: pops of color amidst rich earth tones, embroidery, and colorful lace accents. Styled with bold, fun accessories including chunky beaded jewelry, straw hats and bags, and even cowboy boots, her models looked like they'd just returned from spring break in Cancun ... but in a good way.


Even the notoriously restrained Vera Wang couldn't resist getting in on the fun. "I wanted to play," she noted after the show. "There was toughness, but also magic kingdom pale neon colors. It was like being an artist; it's girly with a tough act. That's who I am." And play is exactly what she did, layering sheers over unexpected pieces like leather pants and even having some fun with menswear-inspired jackets and blazers. Nice to see our Vera breaking out of her comfort zone and exploring new territory while still staying true to her aesthetic.

Stay tuned for more highlights!

(Source: Fashion Week Daily)

Toto, I don't think we're at DSW anymore...

Remember the first time you saw The Wizard of Oz? Sure, there was something about a wizard and finding your heart's desire, but for the budding fabulistas among us, it was all about those shoes.

Next year marks the 70th anniversary of one of our most beloved films—and one of Hollywood's most fabulous costume pieces—and some of our most fabulous designers are marking the occasion in a very special way.

An exclusive group of designers—including Betsey Johnson, Diane von Furstenberg, and Manolo Blahnik—will be creating their own interpretations of Dorothy's magical slippers to debut during Mercedes-Benz Spring 2009 Fashion Week. From there the collection will embark on a limited tour before being auctioned off next fall to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

At right are some preliminary sketches from Betsey Johnson and Jimmy Choo, and we can hardly wait to catch a glimpse of the real thing.

(Source: New York Times)

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2008: Days 7-8

Zac Posen: Fashion's wunderkind marked a new stage in his evolution by giving us a high-flying Fal 2008 show that would not have been out of place in Paris or Milan. Set against a backdrop of erratically stacked chairs ("couture chaos," as one guest described it), Posen's show was all dresses, all the time, from this clever take on the jacket dress to floaty, fairy-tale ballgowns.


Rebecca Taylor: Who says florals are just for springtime? Known for her frilly, flirty, flouncy frocks, the designer remained true to form in a collection of ultra-feminine looks in muted tones with an occasional splash of red or plum. To keep things seasonal, Taylor paired her feminine dresses and tops with shearling vests, deconstructed wool jackets, and wool trousers.


Project Runway: In an unprecedented move, the Project Runway producers decided to send the final five Season Four designers—Rami Kashou, Jillian Lewis, Chris March, Christian Siriano, and Sweet P—to the Bryant Park tents. Fans of the show found few surprises but impressive looks aplenty, like this eye-popping '20s-inspired creation from the always theatrical Chris March. The most avant garde collection of the bunch came from enfant terrible Christian Siriano, who wowed onlookers with elaborately ruffled jackets, while frequent challenge winner Rami drew enthusiastic applause for his beautifully draped evening gowns in black, champagne, and espresso.

And with that, dears, our Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2008 comes to a close. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did, and we're already looking forward to Olympus Fashion Week in September.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2008: Days 5-6

Anna Sui: Ever have one of those crazy dreams, probably after a really spicy meal and too much wine, where Michelangelo is redoing the Sistine Chapel in sequins as Coco Chanel debuts her new rockabilly line? If so, you'll appreciate the eclectic genius behind Anna Sui's Fall 2008 line, which included Native American–inspired fringed jackets, patchwork kaftans, and floral-print velvet dresses.



Monique Lhuillier: She's known for her red-carpet elegance, and this season, she's kicking it up a notch. The classic Lhuillier lines are still there, but this time around it gets some extra pop from feathers, fringe, sequins, and gems. We love how she juuuuust approaches Over-the-Top-Ville without actually crossing the border, with creations like this gorgeous green strapless flapper-esque cocktail dress.



Badgley Mischka: "Naughty but nice" was the split-personality-du-jour at the dynamic duo's Fall 2008 show, for which the designers cited Bianca Jagger and C.Z. Guest as their inspirations. Ladylike refinement met in-your-face bad-girlness in their striking combinations of spunky cropped jackets over silk chiffon dresses and ladies'-club skirt suits in shiny snakeskin.


(Hat tip: Women's Wear Daily)

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2008: Days 3-4

Betsey Johnson: Everyone's favorite maven of quirky fun, Miz Johnson did not disappoint this time around, sending out a beatnik-inspired collection that would do Jack Kerouac proud. "It's lean, mean, rock 'n roll, and edgy," the designer proclaimed before the show of her skin-tight separates, billowy minidresses in outré prints, and up-to-there shorts in denim and leather.



Diane von Furstenberg: No one does timeless style better than La Furstenberg, yet each time she shows, she brings a breath of fresh air. Her Fall 2008 collection is based on a muse of her own creation, "a mysterious sort whose travels take her from Berlin to New York by way of Shanghai, with a Forties attitude and plenty of style," as described by Women's Wear Daily. This season's Bryant Park show saw DVF's signature feminine skirts and dresses paired with more structured elements such as form-fitting jackets, body-hugging sweaters, and narrow leather belts.



Natorious by Josie Natori: Josie chose this year's MBFW for the debut of her first-ever ready-to-wear line, Natorious. The 80-piece collection of "dressy basics," she told Women's Wear Daily, "is a natural evolution of everything we've been doing—a way of dressing that is easy yet glamorous." Her showing included unusual touches such as quilted ponchos and elaborately embellished silk tanks as well as simple, elegant pieces like this exquisitely embroidered black minidress in her signature black.

(Hat tip: Women's Wear Daily)

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2008: Days 1-2

Erin Fetherston: Erin told Fashion Week Daily that her Fall 2008 collection was inspired by Shakespearean goddesses, and indeed, her styles ranged from floaty, floral gowns reminiscent of fairy queen Titania to sassy minidresses with the air of a modern-day Juliet.


BCBG: For Fall 2008, Maz Azria kept things neutral, refined, and oh-so-polished. His beautifully draped silk, satin, and jersey gowns practically floated down the runway at Bryant Park, and the accompanying distressed-leather belts added just the right touch of edginess.


Heart Truth: The sixth annual Heart Truth runway show, which promotes awareness of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign, saw celeb models such as Heidi Klum, Joss Stone, and Sara Ramirez cruise the runway in dazzling scarlet spectacles designed by the likes of Badgley Mischka, Oscar de la Renta, and Tracy Reese.

Let the countdown begin!

The tents are up.

The lights are in place.

And we'll bet the butterflies are already fluttering in the bellies of designers hoping to send the Next Big Thing down the runway.

In case you've been missing the buildup, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, our first big look at the hot styles for Fall 2008, begins tomorrow at Bryant Park in New York City.

Some shows we're particularly looking forward to:

• Erin Fetherston (Fri 7pm)
• Tracy Reese (Sun 3pm)
• Carolina Herrera (Mon 10am)
• Badgley Mischka (Tue 10am)
• Monique L'Huillier (Tue 11am)
• Anna Sui (Wed 3pm)
• Rebecca Taylor (Thur 1pm)
• Project Runway (Fri 9am)

(Check out the entire schedule at the MBFW website.)

We're especially curious about the Project Runway show, as the show still has six designers left. What could our esteemed producers have up their sleeve this year?

So get your notebooks ready, ladies ... and stay tuned for our reviews of the biggest shows from the brightest stars!