RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour V

DAY V
February 15, 2010

Halston's ever evolving and much anticipated makeover of recent seasons was presented in a mirrored room, as models lay down the fashion law (literally) in solid color frocks with plenty of structure.  Zac Posen mixed tailored cuts with soft materials...right down to the furry shoes!  Marc Jacobs gave us something to talk about with his clever runway presentation, featuring a fleet of models boxed up in paper...though in my opinion, the collection itself was drab and shapeless in shades of grey with calf length skirts and loose tops.  My pick for today's Look du Jour comes instead from the mind of New York's own Donna Karan.  Her collection of black, black and more black felt strong and city chic as usual - and while it may not be breaking new ground,. this look is a dramatic take on a classic pairing of white blouse and black pants.

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour IV

DAY IV
February 14, 2009

"The Tents signaled and defined the moment that American Fashion became World Fashion"

          -Paul Wilmot, Paul Wilmot Communications

There was plenty to love this Valentine's Day: DKNY went back-to-school cool, while Thakoon flirted with fur from head to toe.  Both DVF and Rachel Roy married menswear with femininity, playing with the contrast of hard and soft and VPL was bold with spandex, color-blocking and texture (including human hair?!)  But my Look du Jour for day IV is from Benhaz Sarafpour's self inspired, tweed heavy and tailored collection.  Charming and classic with a touch of quirkyness:

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour III

Day III
February 13, 2010

"The inception of the Tents at Bryant Park in 1993 was a defining moment for fashion and the city of New York"

          -Yeohlee Teng

Peter Som returned to the runway with a bang, bringing us a marvelous melange of bright colors, prints and textures.  Alexander Wang will have us pining for pinstripes come fall, and Helmut Lang did black-and-white right, along with several shades of grey...  But my pick for the day is from Georges Chakra's evening-wear collection, which was a divine display of glamour with surprising back detailing like like a gown resembling a backward tuxedo.  The look below is an interesting interpretation of oversized separates - tied up in the back with a touch of shine.  Please forgive the photo quality, as I couldn't yet find his reviews online - and the photos are my own from the show.

GEORGES CHAKRA

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour II

DAY II
February 12, 2010

"Whether it's raining or snowing or the most beautiful day in New York City, I always look forward to getting inside the tents and settling into some good fashion."

          -Jim Moore, GQ

Rag & Bone went mad about plaid, Preen brought on the cacoon coats, and Wayne was simply fabulous with fur.  Yigal Azrouel brought his trademark comfort and softness to a more tailored collection showing a parade of pleated pants, and Ruffian double, triple and quadrupled up on double breasted coats and jackets.  But my pick for the day is from Cynthia Steffe's school-girl heavy collection: this wearable cape plus mini-skirt duo is perfect with over-the-knee socks - 2010's answer to the over-the-knee boot trend of  2009.

CYNTHIA STEFFE

-Natty

RUNWAY RECAP: Look du Jour I

Every season I declare that Fashion Week in New York City is better than Christmas: the stockings are silk and cashmere, Anna Wintour is much more chic than Santa, and what could be a better gift than the latest collections from our favorite designers? 

Thursday kicked off New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Fall 2010: the last to be held in Bryant Park before moving uptown to Lincoln Center in the September.  I'll be following the shows, recapping my favorites, and highlighting a "Look du Jour" all week long. And in honor of Bryant Park's last hurrah - I'll also include a quote from the fashion community, on their memories of the all important venue.  Think of it as "7 Days of Fashion" - like the "12 Days of Christmas" but with more stilettos and less partridges.

DAY I

February 11, 2010

"Bryant Park put the term 'The Tents' on the map and gave them a whole new meaning - one of unparalleled glamour and prestige that will forever be an integral part of fashion history"

          -Nina Garcia, Marie Claire

We had drapey color blocking from BCBG Max Azria, and layers, layers everywhere at Richard Chai's new contemporary line - Richard Chai Love.  Jen Kao rocked the runway with short and sexy styles in leather, fur and sequins, while Erin Wasson's collection brought a lighter palette to her typical silhouette of skinny pants and oversized sweaters.  In their third design season, Cushnie et Ochs showed a divine play on textures, with chunky knits and feathers sharing the runway.  But my favorite Look du Jour for Day 1 comes from ever cool design duo, Vena Cava.  Their collection of high waisted culottes and vintage feeling accessories are sure to be seen all around town next fall.  I adore the combination of modern lines and old school glamour in this darling LOOK DU JOUR!

VENA CAVA

-Natty

NATTY NEWS: A Royal Loss

Fashion week is always full of shocking news, though it usually centers around groundbreaking collections or fashion faux-pas.  Yesterday however, the fashion world was rocked by news of a much more grave nature.  Lee McQueen, founder and designer of Alexander McQueen and secondary line, McQ, was found dead in his London home.  At age 40, Lee hanged himself: one week after his mothers death, 2 years after his best friends suicide, one month before his own birthday, days before London Fashion Week, and the night before his McQ presentation in New York Fashion Week.  Anna Wintour had this to say:

"He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen's influence was astonishing -- from street style, to music culture and the world's museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss."

Needless to say, the fashion industry now mourns the loss of one of the most talented and innovative designers of our time.  But his unique creations will forever maintain his memory...

-Natty

INSPIRATION STATION: For the Love of Fashion

Whether or not you have someone special in your life, there are plenty of reasons to love this Valentine's Day.  Here, my Valentine to Fashion:

-Natty