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Second City Style / February 20, 2012 6:00 pm
Summary: Like the pieces themselves, Rachel Roy described her Fall ’12 collection in a structured, yet minimal way: “Strong linear architectural silhouettes balanced with natural elements.” Roy achieved this juxtaposition through the layering of textures like chunky knits with silk crepe, leather with tweed and wool with satin. The vibrant, water color palette also helped to create a naturalistic aesthetic, as bright and varied as their names suggested: Moss, Eucaplyptus and Winter Rose. Of course, Roy went above and beyond merely titling her show about nature- several of the pieces featured sustainable fabrics and eco-friendly processes.
I personally loved the colors of the collection. Splashed across the natural light of the Alice Tully Hall atrium, the purples, oranges and blues seemed lit from within. Even the darker, more “fall-like” palette of “soil”, “willow” and “landscape” seemed soft and playful instead of flat. The only thing I really didn’t love about the collection was how some of the looks were styled as if as a spring show, but with a knit collar thrown on for good measure. Sleeveless dresses with nary a cardigan in sight were warmed only by a snood or collar. I felt like for all the great separates that were accounted for, as well as the desirable accessories like woven leather clutches and leather suede gloves, we could have seen more outerwear or just heavier pieces in general. Even if do like to embrace the beauty of nature, we are still in New York after all.
Color Palette: Black, sapphire, citrine, landscape, eucalyptus, granite, steps print, crown molding print, pine, chestnut, willow, soil, foliage, winter rose, garnet
Fabrics and Textures: tweed, crochet, confetti knit, double face, leather suede, chunky tape knit, silk cotton, tweed boucle, pony suede, washed silk, double face quilted, lambskin, jacquard, wool, wool/satin, sustainable flannel, woven leather, wool punched needle leather, shearling, leather mix, merino knit, jersey, satin, angora knit, rose fiber knit, silk organza, silk wool, silk crepe, satin back double face
Key Looks: Foliage angora Knit cardigan, Soil wool Interlock jersey full skirt, Winter rose padded glove, Winter rose print silk cotton shirt dress, Foliage shearling collar, Garnet multi woven leather clutch, Landscape tweed architectural beaded dress, Crown molding print washed silk dress, Eucalyptus chunky tape knit snood, Soul double face magnet mini dress, Willow wool interlock jersey button neck top, Pine/landscape reversible shearling vest, Garnet silk wool petal dress, Chestnut padded leather suede glove
–Alia Rajput
Photos: NYMag
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Simona Kogan / February 20, 2012 3:12 pm
Dita von Teese at Zac Posen
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall ’12 in New York has come and gone, and this time the top celebs made their front row appearances towards the end of the week which is notoriously known for the best shows such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez. Second City Style highlights the A-listers who got us excited with their great and not-so-great looks while taking in the collections.
The gorgeous burlesque star Dita von Teese was at the tents throughout the week, but she made her most beautiful, most colorful, and most elegant appearance in Zac Posen‘s glamorous front row. Dita, who’s known for wearing form fitting dresses, pencil skirts, black, and lace, looked divine in this fuschia colored frock with embellished shoulders and a mermaid hem that hit at the knees.
Julianne Moore at Reed Krakoff
We were surprised to see mega-star Julianne Moore at the Reed Krakoff show, but not surprised by her chic appearance, which is both age appropriate and dominating. Check out that green blag as a pop to the overall black.
Blake Lively at Noon by Noor
We were also surprised to see Blake Lively at the Noon by Noor show, but not surprised but her stunning appearance (she always looks fabulous and with every fashion designer and a collection of Louboutins at her disposal, who wouldn’t.) This white tuxedo dress is not one of her best looks, but it is innovative, and we love that she will try anything once!
Ashley Greene at DKNY
Not surprised by Ashley Greene‘s appearance at DKNY and Donna Karan. She’s a Donna Karan fan for a long time, and now she’s a DK spokesperson, too!
Emmy Rossum at Donna Karan
This dress looks well fitted to Emmy Rossum‘s petite frame, but it’s nothing special. Black never hurt anyone, but in this case, it doesn’t help much either. It’s great that she showed up to Donna Karan, though as did Adriana Lima, who also wore black. Is black all the rage all of a sudden?
Uma Thurman at Tommy Hilfiger Women
Oh Uma, you can do no wrong! Here she is at Tommy Hilfiger‘s women’s show looking as gorgeous as ever in navy blue.
Whitney Port at Mara Hoffman
Whitney Port showcased her own line at New York Fashion Week, but she also made an appearance at Mara Hoffman. She says the designer has prints that are fun and a great outlook on color. Love that skirt, Whitney! Can I borrow it?
Whitney is always well versed in the style department. She’s a risk taker, too!
Courteney Cox at NewbarK
Courteney Cox isn’t much of a style star and she was way boring in this knit sweater and skirt combination at the NewbarK presentation. You almost can’t notice the navy blue color blocked stripe in the asymmetrical number. Glad she made an appearance, though, and with daughter, Coco, no less!
Camila Alves and Maria Menounos at QVC
Both of these ladies were at a few shows this season. The new fashion star title may have to go to Camila Alves, though. This lady is so stylish with leopard print pumps at QVC, a bright blue Yigal skirt with a slit at the Yigal Azrouel show and a canary yellow dress at Monique Lhuillier. Yet she’s never overdone and never over-the-top. There’s a quiet power that we just love.
Dakota Fanning and Natalie Portman at Rodarte
In what might be the oddest pairing at New York Fashion Week, Dakota Fanning sat next to Star Wars creator George Lucas at the Rodarte runway show. This picture, however, is not an odd pairing and we love that Natalie Portman left the baby at home to support one of her favorite brands. Since Rodarte’s presence in Black Swan and perhaps, even before, Portman has been a fan of their youthful fashion. We’re digging Dakota’s sharp shoulders and Natalie’s knit sweater and also her more rounded look. She did just have a baby after all.
Molly Sims and Zoe Saldana for Rock & Republic for Kohl's
Zoe Saldana made an appearance at Prabal Gurung and Molly Sims was a frontliner at Diane von Furstenberg. We loved that they teamed up for the Rock & Republic for Kohl’s collection and that Sims has a superb maternity style!
Ashanti and Michelle Williams at Falguni & Shane Peacock
Falguni & Shane Peacock are notoriously known for their out there looks and their graphic pieces that cater to music stars, who like to make a statement on the stage or red carpet. Ashanti certainly made quite a statement here in this sheer and graphic body suit, that covered up in all the right places, but still made you say WHOA when you saw it in person.
Gloria Estefan and Claire Danes at Narciso Rodriguez
If red and black weren’t on the runways, they were on the front row celebs. Gloria Estefan and Claire Danes (above) and Rooney Mara and Emma Stone (below) are all about minimalist looks that shout from the rooftops. We approve.
Rooney Mara and Emma Stone at Calvin Klein Collection
Below, more of the big names that were surprise appearances at the shows. The Olsen twins at J Mendel wore matching black sunglasses. Shenae Grimes was in spandex and brights at both Betsey Johnson and Emerson. Coco Rocha was at just about every collection, and she opened and closed Zac Posen too! Viola Davis may have been shopping for an Oscar dress at Vera Wang and tennis Maria Sharapova hit up Marc Jacobs and Vera Wang. We love that geometric print jacket. Badgley Mischka had a good turn out with dedicated fan Kelly Osbourne leading the pack and Marchesa brought out ladies like Stacey Keibler, Bar Refaeli, and Petra Nemcova. Nina Dobrev was at her first Fashion Week ever! And perhaps the best front row lineup–Angelica Huston, Debra Messing, Amber Heard, and Jessica Alba at Michael Kors!
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen at J Mendel
Shenae Grimes, Cory Kennedy, Coco Rocha at Betsey Johnson
Viola Davis, Anna Wintour, Maria Sharapova at Vera Wang
Coco Rocha, Nina Dobrev, Ashley Green at DKNY
Louise Roe, Selita Ebanks, Kate Mara, Nikki Reed at Tracey Reese
Erin Andrews, Angela Simmons, Kelly Osbourne, Joan Rivers, Kate Mara, Shay Mitchell at Badgley Mischka
Petra Nemcova, Bar Refaeli, Stacey Keibler, Adepero Oduye, Jenna Dewan, Taylor Momsen at Marchesa
Angelica Huston, Debra Messing, Paula Patton, Amber Heard, and Jessica Alba at Michael Kors
Photos: People.com, Washington Post
– Simona Kogan
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Second City Style / February 16, 2012 3:00 pm
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Amanda Aldinger / February 15, 2012 11:00 pm
Summary: For Fall, Emerson designer Jackie Fraser-Swan was “inspired by an antique art piece that incorporated an image of a porcelain doll, known as the ‘Dresden Dolls’ which originated from Desden, Germany…” This was parlayed into Germany’s devastation during WWII, especially the role of women and their involvement in the army throughout the 1940s.
There is a subversive tone to this collection that aligns itself well with Fraser-Swan’s inspiration. A very dark, mostly black, collection, there are glimmers of seduction amidst tailored blazers and trousers: lace bodices, high slits and sheer ruffled fabrics embrace femininity while showcasing the shape of the female body. Not too risque, there is a chic playfulness in a sheer printed top and ruffled bandeau bra. A sheer black ruffled cardigan and skirt is paired with a high-cut black bodysuit — the look is elongated in a maxi skirt, with a hint of lace peeking out from the top of a black blazer.
There is a gothic tone to this collection that embraces the darkness of its inspiration, but an array of fabrics and textures (especially the hints of plum leather) keep the collection fresh and not too morose. Fraser-Swan is adept with details, pops of which were a pleasant surprise throughout.
Colors: Lime, black, white, plum, green, eggplant, plum, metallic champagne.
Fabrics and Textures: Sheer, knit, ruffles, gathering, ombre, wool, faux fur, brick prints, neoprene, lace, houndstooth, gathering, denim, floral prints, asymmetry, ultrasuede, silk, faux fur, pleating.
Key Looks: Ombre wool poncho, lace slip maxi skirt; Abstract print chiffon cape, lace slip, abstract print chiffon slip; Metallic champagne lace bomber jacket, eggplant wool trousers.
— Amanda Aldinger
Photos: NYMag
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Taneisha Jordan / February 15, 2012 10:00 pm
Summary: You can expect the extreme extravaganza that is The Blonds. And their Fall/Winter 2012 collection did not disappoint. The theme was “Live Fast, Dye Blond,” obviously a motto they’ve lived with their entire life. This was just the first time that Phillipe and David Blond decided to incorporate it into the show.
Electric “Tron”-like motorcycles decorated the runway at this star-studded event as crystal and chain encrusted leather motorcycle jackets came out to incorporate the hard edge biker feel. Because The Blond do their best to put on a show, many of these items wouldn’t be great for working in a corporate office. With the leopard print and distressed denim, you can take some of these key elements and incorporate them into your wardrobe.
So what’s the harm in pretending? Maybe some day you’ll have an occasion where you’ll end up wearing that tribal printed jumpsuit with the Swarvoski crystals…
Color Palette: silver, red, black, gunmetal, fire, pave, leopard, thriller, gold, diamond, navy
Fabrics & Textures: spike hardware, jewel-encrusted, mongolian fur, leather, jewel chain detail, crystal, paillette, metal mesh, embroidery, denim, raccoon fur, hematite crystal, distressed denim, bleach denim, Swarvoski crystals
Key Looks: Fire crystal corset; Leather paillette jumper, black metal mesh cape, black leather lion waist cincher; Gold metal mesh tank with chain and crystal detail, distressed jean with chain detail
- Taneisha Jordan
Photos: NYMag
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Taneisha Jordan / February 15, 2012 9:45 pm
For The Blonds Fall/Winter 2012 show, the designers knew that they wanted a biker edge. Achieving this look is actually easier than it appears. Playing up heavily lidded eyes and bold lips, this look will be a great addition and put a little more “party” in your normal nighttime makeup.
Designers Phillipe and David Blond called in MAC key artist Kabuki to transform the models into a biker gang. “They wanted large ‘speed demon’ eyes with a smoky look,” Kabuki said.
Mac artist Kabuki hard at work
First, the face is primed with both Studio Sculpt Foundation and Studio Fix Concealer to make the skintone perfect and Studio Fix Powder to set. The skin is matte as to not compete with the eyes and lips of this look. Next, the skin is contoured with a brown “Bone Beige” Sculpt Powder under the cheek bone for a chiseled look. A pop of shiny Vanilla pigment is applied along the cheekbone as a highlight and Well Dressed blush is added to give some light.
Eyes are large, smoky and black as midnight. First, the lids are rimmed with Feline Powder Kohl Pencil to carve the cat-eye shape for the eye. Carbon Kohl Pencil was then added to buff out the cat-eye shape and make it look less harsh. Blacktrack Fluid Eyeliner is used to fill in the shape on the eyelid. Club Eyeshadow, a green-brown pigment, is added all around the lid in a slight cat eye shape. Highlights of strategically placed iridescent green-gold pigment gives the eyes its panther-like intensity. Pure Show Super Slick Liner was also added to give the eyes more shine. Spiky lashes in #7 Eyelashes are added to give the eye extra dimension and finished off with Opulash Mascara.
For lips, the look was to keep them deep and velvety matte. The lips were first lined with a maroon burgundy lip pencil and then blended with Redd Lip Pencil applied in the center. Both of these are added and then blended into a blood red color at the center of the lips.
The cutting of the blond ponytail!
Hair was kept very simple. Because the girls were walking in custom Blonds motorcycle helmets, the models’ hair was wrapped and pinned under a wig cap. The helmets were placed on and a long platinum blond ponytail was added to the top and custom cut.
Nails from CND were a big hit. Between the leather nails and custom Phillipe Blond imprinted nails, all of them had a bright splash of color. Some of the darker gold and brown nails were derived from the tribal print directly from the collection. There were also crystal nails and red and black nails. Cues were taken from Micheal Jackson’s “Thriller”.
- Taneisha Jordan
Photos: Second City Style
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Amanda Aldinger / February 15, 2012 9:00 pm
Summary: Mixed with bursts of shaggy fur and mismatched exotic prints in eye-popping colors, Vivienne Tam‘s AW12 collection is a veritable explosion of color and patterns, imbued with a metallic sheen that gleams throughout.
In what is becoming a strong motif this season, Tam exhibited particular strength in her outerwear — the collection’s gorgeous, multi-colored coats in various proportions standing out as particular favorites. A magenta velvet coat creates a bold statement with its generously oversized grey fur collar. A camel version is equally chic but a bit more subdued, reducing the black fur lapel’s volume for a look that is effortless and clean. Straight-lapelled jackets that hit the knee are scattered throughout the collection in diagonal geometric patterns of various color schemes. With fur, without fur, patterned, monochromatic, ombre — Tam has successfully created a glamorous coat for every moment and every woman in this collection.
The silhouettes of the pants were another standout component of each look: from oversized and flowing wide-legged cuts, to sleek, slimming metallic ankle-length trousers, there is strength in their shape that emanates confidence and a unique approach to styling.
At moments this collection is a lot, but the individual pieces are divine and the designer’s Himalayan inspiration rings strong. Tam produces a strong collection each season, and this is no exception.
Colors: Red, black, plum, burgundy, magenta, camel, cream, brown, purple, sky blue, fuchsia, tan, pink, navy, cerulean, green, pale pink, burnt sienna, baby blue, teal, seafoam green, forest green, mint, white, marigold.
Fabrics and Textures: Satin, silk, fur, appliques, shearling, leather, stripes, metallics, tweed, brocade, wool, paisley, prints, draping, layering, ombre, color blocking, velvet.
Key Looks: Red and black ombre wool coat with a feathered collar, over a striped plum, burgundy and red striped tunic with silk red cropped trousers; Magenta velvet coat with an oversized grey fur collar, highwaisted silk brown skirt and a blue scarf; Shearling cream coat with black leather panels, black and brown silk ankle-length trousers with a blue cropped blouse.
— Amanda Aldinger
Photos: Style.com
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Alia Rajput / February 15, 2012 5:00 pm
Summary: Milly by Michelle Smith has always been one of our favorite go-to’s for young-luxury, downtown fashion. And it seems this season, Smith has been looking toward the future of her label, literally. The bright and candy-colored collection boasted a wealth of futuristic fabrics and cutting edge material manipulation. The label’s signature girly/preppy aesthetic was heightened with laminated check tweed, technical taffeta and lurex cloque. Eye-popping shades like shocking pink, teal and chartreuse became almost 3D against the stark black and white background just about every piece.
The bold color-blocking, innovative textures and fusion of old with new really did seem to provide a peek into the next generation of Milly. But Smith also made sure to include some more sophisticated fabrics, like leather and silk, to keep the dynamic of the line both luxurious and grown up. All in all, I enjoyed the playfulness of the colors, the bounce and movement in the fabrics and appreciated Smith’s forward-thinking efforts. Fashion is moving on and it’s important for designers to keep looking forward as well.
Color Palette: heliotrope, clover, charcoal, black, check print, ecru, winter white, shocking pink, navy, ivory, teal, chartreuse, zig-zag print, red, multicolor, garnet, lace print, geometric print, colorblock, silver, tangerine, dot print, aspirin dot print
Fabrics and Textures: laminated tweed, merino wool, wool, bonded wool, leather, jacquard wool, resin chain, mesh, intarsia, twill, wool crepe, silk georgette, paillettes, tech nylon, ponti jersey, quilted chintz, shearling, silk twill, haircalf, tech twill, lace, mohair, taffeta, silk/wool organza, crystal, cloque, poly/cotton, lurex, taffeta, jacquard
Key Looks: Heliotrope laminated check tweed jacket, Charcoal/black bubble dot wool cloque infanta skirt, Heliotrope tech taffeta Infanta corset dress, Clover wool ponti jersey circle skirt dress, Winter White bonded wool back-pleat coat, Shocking pink silk twill zig-zag print shirt, Shocking pink silk/wool lace print dress, Chartreuse brushed wool crepe scallop shell top, Lurex cloque dot cocktail dress with aspirin dot tulle bodice
-Alia Rajput
Photos: NYMag
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Simona Kogan / February 15, 2012 4:19 pm
With all the fur I saw on the runways this Fall/Winter 2012-2013 season, I almost wondered if that’s ALL the celebs would be wearing in the front row. And while I did see a fur vest on one very stylish Olivia Palermo, it was other unexpected trends that did it for me among the celebrity-studded arrivals at shows like Michael Kors, Monique Lhuillier, and BCBG Max Azria. Many of them, for example, wore bright colors, something I thought was appropriate for Spring 2012 and not for Fall. But even with the weather being colder in February, celebs like Camila Alves and Debra Messing did not hesitate to throw on the bright colors.
Renee Zellweger at Carolina Herrera
While she has missed the show once or twice, actress Renee Zellweger is typically a front row fixture at Carolina Herrera’s runway presentation, and often uses the designer’s fine ladylike taste to dress her for major red carpet events. The pink and cranberry color combination of this top and pencil skirt is most likely Carolina Herrera and it fits Zellweger to a T.
Diane von Furstenberg and Barbara Walters
I can say without a doubt that Diane von Furstenberg was probably the best dressed designer on the runway this season in her yellow top, fuchsia belt, and black skirt. Even more stunning is Barbara Walters’ vibrant orange coat, green top and blue pants (a big change from her typical conservative skirt suit attire.) Even more, more stunning, the fact that Barbara Walters joined media heavyweights like Diane Sawyer and Anderson Cooper in the front row for an anchor person spectacle in the front row at DVF.
Jenna Dewan and Kristin Cavallari at Rachel Roy
Jenna Dewan left the hubby at home to hang out with Kristin Cavallari at the Rachel Roy show. We love the dresses, they fit the gals perfectly, and the orange-white two tone dress is nice on Dewan…until we notice that her shoes match the skirt and the whole thing just becomes too much!
Nina Dobrev and Camila Alves in Monique Lhuillier
It’s pretty cool that Camila Alves has started coming out of Matthew McConaughey‘s shadow after two kids. We know that being his partner has made her super famous, but she is a beauty and she can totally work it to her advantage. She also seems super sweet. Another celeb that seems super sweet is Nina Dobrev, who became a front row fixture this season at her first New York Fashion Week. For some reason, Monique Lhuillier decided to dress up her celeb attendees in bright, bright colors, a strange twist considering her Fall 2012 collection is completely and totally black, red, gold, silver and purple. Not a neon color in the slightest. The girls do look darling, though.
Dakota Fanning at Marc Jacobs
Dakota Fanning looked darling in ice blue in the front row at the Marc Jacobs show for Fall/Winter 2012-2013. Still, despite the dress being really, really special (it IS MJ after all,) we think the collection this season totally outdid her. In fact, it totally outdid everybody and blew us out of the water. See for yourself here.
Maria Sharapova at Marc Jacobs
Also at Marc Jacobs, one sparkly Maria Sharapova, who was in the front row for more than one show this season. Not quite as appealing as Dakota Fanning but nice, nonetheless.
Leighton Meester at Vera Wang
Was Leighton Meester really wearing Lovestruck at the Vera Wang show? She tweeted she was, and she is the face of the Vera Wang fragrance so it would make sense. But we didn’t get a whiff just to be sure. Did you? In any case, it’s obvious that Meester is wearing a custom made something or other from Vera Wang’s newest Fall/Winter 2012-2013 line. If you saw the collection on the runway, you would see for yourself. Bright and interesting color combinations, but unfortunately not as amazing as other Vera collections. But at least she’s not making a gown this time for one Kim Kardashian.
Snooki and Angela Simmons at Bebe Black
I know not all of us are fans of Snooki’s fashion sense but we’ve got to hand it to her–for a girl that likes to walk around in fur Uggs, this outfit is fairly covered up, nice, and still statement-making in that bright blue way. Also, kudos to the interesting padded jacket worn by Angela Simmons with more blue, a bag this time, and for looking nicer than a lot of other celebs at bigger named shows. This fashion show is for Bebe Black presented by the retail brand Bebe.
—Simona Kogan
Photos: People.com, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
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