Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY Fall ’11 Trend Wrap-Up

Sensory overload! There were so many noticeable trends at the the fall ’11 shows, it took us longer than usual to compile them all. Many are not really new so the good news is that you already may own some of what came down the runway (think fur or faux fur, sequins and feathers). So without further ado…here are the trends from New York!

Apparel:

Fur: Donna Karan, Dennis Basso, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Tracy Reese, Nonoo, Rebecca Minkoff, Luca Luca, What Goes Around Comes Around, Carlos Miele, Tommy Hilfiger, Moncler, Alice + Olivia, Carmen Marc Volvo, Luca Luca, Moncler, Costello Tagliapietra, Nonoo, What Goes Around Comes Around

Plaid: L.A.M.B., Narciso Rodriguez, Tory Burch, DKNY, Nicholas K, Tory Burch, Betsey Johnson, Libertine, Norman Ambrose, Binetti, Alice + Olivia

Left to right: Tory Burch, Rachel Roy, Libertine

Mixing patterns: Rachel Roy, Oscar de la Renta, Chris Benz, Libertine, Carlos Miele, DKNY, Betsey Johnson, Libertine, Gary Graham, Naeem Khan, Jen Kao, L.A.M.B., Alice + Olivia, Mara Hoffman, Gary Graham, What Goes Around Comes Around, Tory Burch

Boxy Menswear: Trias, L.A.M.B., Yigal Azrouel, DKNY, Rachel Roy, Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger, Callula Lillibelle, Marc Jacobs

Tweed: Max Azria, Trias, Behnaz Sarafpur, Tory Burch, Libertine, Callula Lillibelle, Norman Ambrose, Chris Benz, Lela Rose, Vivienne Tam, Christian Siriano, Mara Hoffman, Moncler, Libertine, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta

Left to right: Rebecca Minkoff, Gary Graham, Vena Cava

Maxi skirts: Tracy Reese, Nicholas K., L.A.M.B., Nanette Lepore, Marc Jacobs, Gary Graham, Mara Hoffman, Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, Cynthia Rowley, Rebecca Minkoff, Costello Tagliapietra, Vena Cava, What Goes Around Comes Around

Embroidery: Naeem Khan, Norman Ambrose, Carmen Marc Valvo, Pamella Roland, Mara Hoffman

Fringe: Jen Kao, Vivienne Tam, Cushnie et Ochs, Vivienne Tam, Ruffian, Alice + Olivia

Feathers: Naeem Khan, Yigal Azrouel, Oscar de la Renta, Pamella Roland, Cushnie et Ochs, Sachin + babi, Tibi, Binetti, Lela Rose, Norman Ambrose, Luca Luca, Mara Hoffman, Alice + Olivia

Lace: Nanette Lepore, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Norman Ambrose, Carmen Marc Volvo, Betsey Johnson, Binetti, Christian Siriano, Alice + Olivia, Marc Jacobs,

Exposed Hardware: Mackage, Betsey Johnson, Herve Leger, Rebecca Minkoff

Cut Outs: LUBLU Kira Plastinina, Cushnie et Ochs, Bibhu Mohapatra, Nonoo, Vena Cava, Marc Jacobs

Polka Dots: Marc Jacobs,

Tiering: Irina Shabayeva, Zac Posen, Nicholas K., Pamella Roland, Chris Benz , Betsey Johnson, Christian Siriano

Embellished Collars: Irina Shabayeva, Tory Burch, Naeem Khan, Ruffian, Yoana Baraschi, Betsey Johnson

Pencil Skirts: Oscar de la Renta, Jill Stuart, Max Azria, Elene Cassis, Adrienne Vittadini, Donna Karan, Toni Francesc, Tommy Hilfiger, Trias, Callula Lillibelle, DKNY, Lela Rose, Christian Siriano

Left to right: Cushnie et Ochs, Max Azria, Nanette Lepore

Leather: Jill Stuart, Max Azria, Elene Cassis, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Cushnie et Ochs, Tracy Reese, Rebecca Minkoff, Vena Cava, Mackage, Tommy Hilfiger, Herve Leger, Pamella Roland, Chris Benz, G-Star Raw, DKNY, Cynthia Rowley, Luca Luca, Christian Siriano, Vena Cava, Gary Graham, Simon Spurr, Ralph Lauren

Pegged Ankle Trousers: Jill Stuart, Max Azria, L.A.M.B., Adrienne Vittadini, Yigal Azruel, Rachel Roy, Libertine, Cynthia Rowley, Tommy Hilfiger, Trias, DKNY, Rebecca Minkoff

Tuxedo Looks: DKNY, Tory Burch, Ruffian, Nonoo, Ralph Lauren

Long Vests: Tibi, DKNY, Maz Azria, Tommy Hilfiger, Jill Stuart, Nonoo, Michael Kors

Tiny Pleats: Tracy Reese, Jill Stuart, DKNY, Alice + Olivia, Vera Wang

Capes: Michael Kors, DKNY, Jill Stuart, What Goes Around Comes Around, Tommy Hilfiger, Tracy Reese

Asian-Inspired: Pamella Roland, Ralph Lauren, Nanette Lepore, Oscar de la Renta, Vivienne Tam, Bibhu Mohapatra’ Alexandre Herchovitch

Sheer: Jen Kao, Mackage, Tracy Reese, LUBLU Kira Plastinina, Donna Karan, Yoana Baraschi, Binettei, Lela Rose, Nonoo, Luca Luca, Christian Siriano, BCBGMAXAZRIA , What Goes Around Comes Around, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta

Shine: Alice + Olivia, Jill Stuart, Yigal Azruel, Jen Kao, Elene Cassis, Tibi, Carlos Miele, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Callula Lillibelle

Sequins: Yoana Baraschi, Betsey Johnson, L.A.M.B., Jeremy Scott, Alice – Olivia, Pamella Roland, Nanette Lepore, Irina Shabayeva, Jenny Packham, Callula Lillibelle, Binetti, Behnaz Sarafpour, Norman Ambrose, Alice + Olivia, Michael Kors

Velvet: Jen Kao, Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta, Chris Benz, G-Star Raw, Callula Lillibelle, Binetti, Betsey Johnson, Vivienne Tam, Cynthia Rowley, Binetti, Nicholas K, Ralph Lauren

Wide-legged pants: Nonoo, Tory Burch, What Goes Around Comes Around, Vena Cava, Michael Kors, L.A.M.B., Prabal Gurung

Colors:

White: Nanette Lepore, Herve Leger, Max Azria, Vivienne Tam, Binetti, Alice + Olivia, Libertine, Nonoo, Michael Kors

Left to right: Nicolas K, Yigal Azrouel, Costello Tagliapietra

Green/black: Nicolas K, Yigal Azrouel, Moncler, Libertine, Nonoo, Vena Cava, What Goes Around Comes Around, Costello, Ralph Lauren

Gold: Tibi, Jenny Peckham, VPL by Victoria Bartlett, Jen Kao, Naeem Khan, Bibhu Mohapatra, Irina Shabayeva, Norman Ambrose, Alice + Olivia, What Goes Around Comes Around

Cobalt: Cushnie et Ochs, Rachel Roy, BCBG, Yigal Azrouel, Libertine, Oscar de la Renta

Beige/Camel: Dennis Basso, Michael Kors, Elene Cassis, Tory Burch, Herve Leger, Max Azria, Toni Francesc, Trias, Donna Karan, VPL by Victoria Bartlett, Jenny Packham, Norman Ambrose, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Gary Graham, Alive + Olivia, Moncler, Libertine, Nonoo, Vena Cava, What Goes Around Comes Around

Navy: Vivienne Tam, LUBLU Kira Plastinina, Carlos Miele, Libertine, Nonoo, Vena Cava, What Goes Around Comes Around, Marc Jacobs

Grey: Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Adrienne Vittadini, Nicolas K., Tibi, Moncler, G-Star Raw, Callula Lillibelle, Behnaz Sarafpour, Luca Luca, Moncler, Alice + Olivia, Moncler, Libertine, Costello Tagliapietra, Nonoo, Peter Som

Left to right: Callula Lillibelle, Tibi, Jill Stuart

Red: Michael Kors, BCBG, Luca Luca, Naeem Khan, Callula Lillibelle, Max Azria, Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Tibi, Peter Som, Pamella Roland, Carlos Miele, Moncler, Irina Shabayeva, Luca Luca, Alice + Olivia, Moncler, Libertine, Costello Tagliapietra, What Goes Around Comes Around, Jill Stuart, Ralph Lauren

Orange: Costello Tagliapietra, Jill Stuart, Luca Luca, Toni Francesc, Carlos Miele, Carmen Marc Volvo, Luca Luca, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Vena Cava, Alice + Olivia, Moncler, Libertine, Costello Tagliapietra, Vena Cava

Neon: Jeremy Scott, Tibi, Betsey Johnson, Libertine

Yellow: Alexandre Herchcovitch, Moncler, Yigal Azrouel, Toni Francesc, Libertine, Alice + Olivia, Moncler, Libertine, Costello Tagliapietra

Olive: Max Azria, Trias, G-Star Raw, Tibi, Carlos Miele, Costello Tagliapietra, Luca Luca, Nicholas K, Libertine, What Goes Around Comes Around

Left to right: Elene Cassis, Narciso Rodriguez, DKNY

Graphic Black and White: Elene Cassis, DKNY, Tracy Reese, Narciso Rodriguez, Bibhu Mohapatra, Binetti, Libertine, Cynthia Rowley, Libertine, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta

Floral Print: Rachel Roy, Naeem Khan, Nanette Lepore, Chris Benz, Betsey Johnson, Lela Rose, Alice + Olivia

Accessories:

Left to right: Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, Dennis Basso

Fur Accessories: Dennis Basso, Adrienne Vittadini, Alice + Olivia, Elene Cassis, Vivienne Tam, Rebecca Minkoff, Pamella Roland, Costello Tagliapietra, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Peter Som

Knit Hats: Mackage, Tibi, Moncler, G Star Raw, Moncler

Ties: Yigal Azrouel, LAMB, Simon Spurr

Skinny Belts: Yigal Azrouel, LAMB, Elene Cassis, BCBG, Donna Karan, Michael Kors

Fur Collars: Mackage, Tracy Reese, Rachel Roy, Elene Cassis, Carmen Marc Valvo, Nonoo, Adrienne Vittadini, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren

Leather Opera Gloves: Mackage, Bibhu Mohapatra, Elene Cassis, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Trias, Irina Shabayeva

Head Wraps: Carlos Miele, Binetti, Mara Hoffman, Vena Cava

Floppy Hats: Tommy Hilfiger, Chris Benz, Irina Shabayeva, Callula Lillibelle, What Goes Around Comes Around

—Lauren Dimet Waters, Carol Calacci, Alia Rajput, Taneisha Jordan & Amanda Aldinger

Photos: NYmag, WWD, Kevin Kane, Sascha Knopf

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY Fall ’11. Video: Discussing Hair at Cushnie et Ochs Fall ’11 with Danilo for Pantene

One of the many a-MAZE-ing moments during this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York was the opportunity to sit down with Pantene celebrity hairstylist and living legend, Danilo. Having been a key stylist for Pantene in the Cuchnie et Ochs Fall '11 show, Danilo was generous enough to provide exclusive insight on how he created the artful and innovative hairstyle for the show. In the interview, he describes his immediate connection ot the Cushnie et Ochs Fall'11 collection and how organic the process was to form such a standout complementary look.

The hairstyle consisted of a sleek and slicked back chignon which was a little disheveled in the back, and topped off with the ingenius idea of weaving a single feather into the knot. The result was a look that not only added a distinct exoticism to the leather and metallic edge of the collection, but one that stood out among a host of other shows that boasted loose waves or intricate updoes. This was simple, no-fuss glamour.

To listen to him speak of a craft that he's honed so perfectly was a little hypnotic so the video is a little long (and yes I seem bumbling and nervous), but believe me, it's worth every second! But despite my nerves, it was soon easy to see why he's the favorite of Gwen Stefani, Katy Perry and a slew of other A-list celebs since his down-to-earth and easy-going manner made it feel like dishing with an old friend. And as much as I could have stayed there all day talking shop with the lovely Danilo, he had to race off and meet Gwen Stefani to dicuss the look he was creating for her Fall'11 L.A.M.B show. Sigh, just another day! Enjoy!

-Alia Rajput

Photo Source: NY Mag

WWD Declares Top Ten Things of Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Fall’ 11 (and They’re All Really Good!)

Altuzarra RTW Fall 2011

It's been almost a week since Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York ended. Now London is slowly drawing to a close and up next is Milan and then Paris. And like every season, now is about the time one begins to wonder, how the heck am I ever gonna remember anything from all these shows?!! Luckily, WWD has your back and has compiled what we consider to be a very articulate and yet quirky compilation of the ten best things to remember from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. As they put it, "So much happens in New York, but then the ship moves — London, Milan, Paris, boom, boom, boom — so that at the other end, with a few exceptions, New York can seem like a big, distant blur." And with the finishing touches being added to our MBFW Trends for Fall' list, we thought it no better time than the present to look back at some of the key moments that should not be forgotten.

On Designers: WWD lauded designers this season for getting back to their roots and taking a more organic approach to their collections. Norma Kamali, for example, personally created all her patterns for her Fall '11 collection, presented in the innovative way of featuring eight-foot foam board cutouts of models Lais Ribeiro and Darla Baker in her store. Other notables included Oscar de la Renta and Marc Jacobs who, as the article refers to them as "Partners in Opulence", decided to do what they did best—create luxurious, unapologetic collections chock full of couture-like shapes and unbridled embellishment. 

Norma Kamali RTW Fall 2011

On Clothes: It helped as were all lacing up our boots and throwing on our furs each day to see similar trends reflected back at us on the runways. WWD noted it's appreciation for collections that responded to the fact that, well, fall (and winter) is cold! Runways burst with luxe lines of outerwear—jackets, trenches, parkas oh my!—made from shearling, mohair, leather and wool. A few, like Joseph Altuzarra and Nanette Lepore, paired their outerwear staples with floaty dresses to remind us that what we wear underneath still counts.

On Parties: We attended Rebecca Minkoff's after party and a slew of others and heard stories of Rodarte's, Alex Wang's and Proenza Schouler's; but none was discussed more than The Great Michael Kors, who celebrated his 30th anniversary this year. Kors chose a pared down fete to mark the occasion, though once it was revealed that Judy Collins had done a rendition "Over the Rainbow", the party made as many front page headlines as the Royal Wedding.

Michael Kors and Carmen Kass at the Michael Kors 30th anniversary party

On Celebrities: We noticed this too and thought maybe it was just us but the amount of paparazzi frenzies brought on by celebrities in front rows this season was noticeably less. WWD realized it too (with a sigh of relief) that designers had eased up on the mania of trying to cram as many celebs as they could into their front rows. The ones that did attend, the article notes, were gracious and seemed to genuinely be there to enjoy the clothes and support the designers, rather than plug their latest project. And while the biggest frenzy I saw surrounded Amar’e Stoudemire at the Tommy Hilfiger show (paparazzi were literally stepping over Anna Wintour to get a shot of him), the article notes another few celebs that stood out, but for a different reason. Victoria Beckham's eponymous line of dresses (and now coats) and Mary Kate and Ahley Olsen's darkly hip The Row continue to wow editors and buyers alike, causing WWD to respond to their initial critics by saying, "Sometimes it's wonderful to be proven wrong."

Amar'e Stoudemire at Tommy Hilfiger

On General Behavior in the Tents: Let's face it—we're all a little more comfortable in Lincoln Center than we were in Bryant Park, tradition and all that malarkey notwithstanding. We're fed and watered more easily (thanks again Fiji Water and Diet Pepsi!) and the give of the flooring is much easier on the heels. But the one aspect we still can't do much about is, that's right, the dreaded restrooms. The most uncivilized and un-stylish thing in this most stylish and civilized of events (minus the throwing of elbows right before a show), WWD offers a word to the wise on bathroom attendee etiquette. "And speaking of out of the way, how about the women who think it’s fine to block a sink in the portable facilities at Lincoln Center to touch up their makeup? I cannot imagine breaking out the mascara wand in an unpleasantly fragranced Porta-Potty, but that may be my quirk. More importantly, I can’t go take my seat (show seat, not toilet seat) until I wash my hands, and you’re blocking the way. Move!" Let's face it, we've all been there. See you next season!

-Alia Rajput

Article and Photo Source: WWD

Trends Among Celebs In The Front Row. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall ’11

It's one thing to notice trends of Fall '11 among designers on the runway at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week—romantic lace, rainbow prints, and that 70s influenc—and quite another to notice trends among celebs who caught the shows from the front row. Still not sure if the celebs are calling out the trends of a year to come, or just paying homage to the designer they're watching but either way, the trends among A-listers at the shows were a perfect prediction of the upcoming trends forecast. So let's see what they wore:

Fur

Whether it was full or faux, fur was all the rage this season and quite frankly, I'm surprised so many stars wore a piece. I don't remember ever seeing this much fur on the runway, even amongst the boys (Bryanboy wore it three different times, mind you.)

Angie Harmon, Michael Kors

Johnny Weir, Isaac Mizrachi

Bryanboy, Marc Jacobs

Debra Messing, Michael Kors

Olivia Palermo, Rachel Roy

Rainbow Prints

Prints are always a fun addition to Fashion Week and this time, fun, funky, and loud colors prevailed in paint-splattered, polka dot, and flashy floral designs.

Gwen Stefani, LAMB

Rachel Roy, Naeem Khan

Liya Kebede and Karen Elson, Marc Jacobs

Kim Kardashian, Charlotte Ronson

Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Milly by Michelle Smith

Michelle Trachtenberg, Marchesa

The Veronicas, Alice & Olivia

Jewel Tones

Bright colors prevailed, for celebs who wanted to get noticed without risking too much pattern. While black was also in fashion, so were bright reds, cobalt blues, and lavish coral and tangerine.

Fergie, Molly Simms, Diane von Furstenberg

Emma Roberts, Michael Kors

Kerry Washington, Zoe Saldana, Kate Bosworth, Calvin Klein

Polka Dots and Prints From The '70s

The 70s are back in full swing! Besides showing up on the runway at shows like BCBG Max Azria, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, and a newly 70s style at Alice & Olivia, stars showed off their own 70s style in the form of their favorite designers: Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs, and even Badgley Mischka, who epitomized the 70s look with their minidresses.

Alexa Chung, Rag & Bone

Leighton Meester, Marc Jacobs

Vanessa Hudgens, Alice & Olivia

Vanessa Hudgens, Anna Sui

Jill Stuart, Jill Stuart

Rumer Willis, Badgley Mischka

Photos: Wireimage

—Simona Kogan

Rebecca Minkoff and Smirnoff Vodka Throw One Rockin’ Fashion Week Party!

As a four time veteran of covering Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, I can say now with complete conviction that it is hard work. But it is not, however, without its reward. Sometimes after a long day of shows, one likes to kick back, have a cocktail and maybe even dance a little. Luckily, those options abound in the city that never sleeps, but nowhere was it more luxurious than on a particular night in the city's Meatpacking District, compliments of designer Rebecca Minkoff and Smirnoff vodka.

The night started with a chauffeured car picking up my colleague Taneisha and I at the Lincoln Center tents, fresh from the last show of the evening. We then made our way over to Griffin, a gleaming oasis of leisure nestled among the shops and designer showrooms of the Meatpacking District. The interior of the club was a study of Baroque-looking opulence, all gilded edges, lush curtains and mirrors on every surface—very modern day Versailles. Guests mingled on banquettes or crowded around the centerpiece of the room, a miniature ferris wheel featuring prominent styles of Rebecca Minkoff handbags.

After checking out the bags, we bellied up to the bar and indulged in a Minkette, a pink and juicy Smirnoff cocktail that seemed perfect for the occasion. But little did we know, there was more tasting to be had! After chatting briefly with the friendly Smirnoff vodka girls, cute and clad in black and pink Smirnoff tees, they asked if we wanted to try the Smirnoff People's Challenge. They told us the Smirnoff People's Challenge is a taste test that travels to parties all over the country putting Smirnoff vodka head-to-head against other premium vodkas to determine which is the best on the market. We thought, um why not?!!

So they gave us our choice of pairing the Smirnoff with either Ketel One or Grey Goose. Taneisha chose Grey Goose, I chose Ketel One and we both had a blind shot of each. Taniesha said her first shot was Smirnoff vodka, I said my second one was. And guess what? I was right! Apparently, I'm more of a vodka connoisseur than I thought (though I'm not sure that's such a good thing!) It was a fun experiment to participate in, never really thinking before on how different premium vodkas taste. But there's definitely a difference!

After our taste test we relaxed the rest of the night and jumped into the dance party, compliments of DJ Becka Diamond. Lady Gaga's new song, "Born This Way" had just come out so there was plenty of movement on the dance floor! At one point, we even climbed up to the balcony to take it all in and remind ourselves of just how lucky we were to be there. Thank you again Rebecca Minkoff and Smirnoff!

View from the balcony at Griffin

SCS party girls: Me with Taneisha

-Alia Rajput

Photo Source: Second City Style

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY Fall ’11. L.A.M.B. Likes To Show It All Off

Summary: Designer Gwen Stefani sure knows how to put on a show. For her Fall 2011 L.A.M.B. runway show collection, Stefani decided to not just show one but six different themes ranging from tailored mod 1970's pieces, to loosely draped black dresses and jumpsuits, to military inspired tailored menswear and as womenswear.

The music pumped throughout the room, playing up the themes and getting the crowd amped for the next showing, even sounding an alarm to let everyone know the scene was changing. The screen behind the models even had video accompanying the different collections, which was just as fun to watch with the models in the foreground. Even the hair varied in style from the bun atop slicked hair to pompadours to faux angled bobs. It was almost hard to keep an eye on everything at once.

One thing that did murmur throughout the crowd that even though the show was good, why stretch out to several completely seperate themes for a runway show? These could have themes that were used for one season and then fully developed per piece. But otherwise, there could be no doubt that Stefani is a show(wo)man.  

Color Palette: slate grey, bordeaux, forest green, khaki, noir, burgundy, raven, brown, tan, taupe, navy, rouge, gunmetal, ivory, natural, light orange, cherry red

Fabrics & Textures: tweed, wool, denim, leather, twill, khaki, silk chiffon, mohair, houndstooth, cotton, ponte, yarn, boiled wool, crepe, cashmere, gauze, knit, matte jersey, chiffon

Key Looks: Wrap trench coat in khaki boiled wool with leather harness, menswear inspired cufflink shirt in cotton with menswear tie, davalry twill menswear cropped pant with wide cuff with NEVA in burgundy with NEVA shoe in burgundy; 70's inspired leather motorcycle jacket, yarn dyed striped v-neck vest, stretch leather legging with NIRAN shoe in black/black and HEMINGFORD bowler in riveria;  Matte jersey halter jumpsuit with NATHAN shoe in black.

Shop L.A.M.B. here!

-Taneisha Jordan

Photos: WWD

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY Fall ’11. LUBLU Kira Plastinina – Everyday Classics

Summary: For a line only three years old and a designer just turning 18, LUBLU Kira Plastinina made a great Fall 2011 showing the Lincoln Center this February. Inspired by her own lifestyle, Plastinina designs pret-a-porter clothes for the girl who is always on trend. The simple silhouettes with an air of femininity shows with feathered skirts and sheer insets. You can see that though the design aspect is there, the designer still has a bit more to learn. The concepts are basic and with a little more work can be fully developed into something a bit more dramatic. The designer's next showing at Fashion Week can definitely prove to be much better.

Color Palette: white, black, navy, midnight, slate grey, cherry tomato red, violet

Fabrics & Textures: leather, cotton, chiffon, modal, wool, spandex, satin, chiffon, silk, feathers

Key Looks: Basic navy jumpsuit with rolled cuffs; Slate grey wool coat with sheer dress, bandeau spandex top and underwear; Black leather sleeveless mini skirt dress with black feathers.

-Taneisha Jordan

Photos: Sascha Knopf

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY Fall ’11. Naeem Khan – Exploring the Female Form

Summary: Drama. Extravagance. Beauty. Of course, these are words to describe every collection of Naeem Khan. Coming up with new ways on how to create glitz and glamour every season seems effortless on Khan's part. The blouson gowns and trumpet skirts were a light touch when compared to ostrich feathered or beaded embroidered dresses. Describing his own collection as "an exploration of artistry, technique, and heritage coming together to re-define the glamour of the cosmopolitan woman," everything about each piece is a ode the decadence of beauty.

Some may seem to think this collection was a bit over the top with over embellishing but I personally enjoyed the show. For Khan, fashion is a moving art-form and is something that should be fun. The extremes could be a bit too much for some but for a designer like Khan, I think it was just right.

Color Palette: red, ink blot, ivory, black, gold, silver, paisley, jet

Fabrics & Textures: satin, patent leather, embroidery, wool crepe, organza, chiffon, tulle, crystal, beading, ostrich feather, dolman, jersey, fringe, silk georgette, charmeuse, satin twill, metallic, sequin, chiffon

Key Looks: Strapless trumpet skirt gown with mulit-colored floral threadwork; Paisley chiffon strapless gown with ostrich feathers; V-front chiffon caftan with pleated back and gold paisley beading

-Taneisha Jordan

Photos: NY Mag

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY Fall ’11. Abstract Basics at Elene Cassis

Summary: Inspired by the night Manhattan skyline, Elene Cassis brought a variety of sheath dresses with timeless graphic elements. Bold black and white prints brought out the simplicity of the ensembles without overpowering each piece. "My clothing line ELENE CASSIS features classic and timeless designs that embody the essence of modern elegance, inspire self-confidence and celebrate the graceful curves of the female form," Cassis said of her line. Though it did get a bit repetitive with all of the dresses and same basic color palette, it was nice to see that not everything was exactly the same.

Color Palette: black, white, slate grey, warm grey, wine, tan, brushed steel

Fabrics & Textures: boucle wool, fox fur, leather, mink fur, silk, jersey, lamb, suede

Key Looks: Black leather and lamb suede jacket with black leather pencil skirt; Grey silk blouse with ow and pleated cuffs and collar; Black mink shirt sleeve top with black and white silk jersey dress.

-Taneisha Jordan

Photos: WWD

Celeb Drenched Front Rows. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall ’11

If you're a pop culture fanatic like me, then New York Fashion Week Fall '11 has been a slice of heaven for you! Many an A-list star has made an appearance, some even heading to repeated shows one after the other (I knew Vanessa Hudgens and Fergie were fashion freaks, but I didn't know they would be heading to runway after runway after runway.) And so I ask again, is there something in the water? Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has been celebrity-drenched this time around and Second City Style is in on it.

Angelica Huston, Bette Midler, Debra Messing, Emma Roberts at Michael Kors

Four lovely ladies—one in red, one in white, one in blue, and one in fur, man the front row at the Michael Kors 30th anniversary show. This runway was by far the most celeb packed of the show with A-listers like Angie Harmon, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Michael Douglas also in attendance. But where oh where was devoted Michael Kors fan Jessica Simpson?

Katrina Bowden, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Lynn Collins, and
Tika Sumpter at BCBG Max Azria

Four beautiful ladies in a row.  The biggest name is obviously Jennifer-Love Hewitt (although Katrina Bowden fans would beg to differ) and she's also the one clad in a stand out read.  Tika Sumpter, a new face on Gossip Girl, is starting to recognized though, especially now that she's a repeat showgoer at NYFW.

Petra Nemcova, Rosario Dawson, Rose Byrne, Bella Heathcote,
and Oliva Palermo at Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger always draws a crowd, but never one like this, with 5 beautiful ladies in a row, each with their own amazing (and different) sense of style. Check out Petra Nemcova in the white blazer, Rosario Dawson in sequins, and Rose Byrne in a plaid secretary blouse.

Kellie Pickler, Kelly Osbourne, Rumer Willis

Badgley Mischka are known for beautiful adult gowns and their collection this time around was perfect for dinner parties and Oscar red carpet dresses. That's why I'm surprised to see the celeb front row so young and so…not likely to wear gowns.  Would have liked to see Eva Longoria or Julianne Moore.

Vanessa Hudgens, Fergie at Anna Sui

Vanessa Hudgens and Fergie brought paisley prints…and A-list status to Anna Sui!

Karolina Kurkova, Elsa Pataky, Heather Marks at Herve Leger by Max Azria

Love what Max Azria's doing with the Herve Leger bandage dress brand but would have liked to see more A-listers here. Still, it was nice to see supermodel Karolina Kurkova (with a beautiful new blond bob) show her support.

Sofia Coppola, Kirsten Dunst at Rodarte

Sofia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst are not shy about their passion for Rodarte and its not surprising to see Dunst at the show–she's always a fixture at Rodarte presentations. On a side note, I'm totally hating on Sofia Coppola's haphazardly put together ensemble. Guess she's checking Rodarte as a director, for future movie costumes?

Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones at Michael Kors

It was so nice to see these two showing their support for Michael Kors…and so nice to see Michael Douglas up and about. Catherine Zeta-Jones looks so classy in her white coat. This pair have definitely upped the ante at Fashion Week this year.

Other Pairs

Gabrielle Union, Mena Suvari at Christian Siriano

Bryanboy, Tavi Gevinson at Y-3

Say hello to your favorite fashion bloggers! They were in almost every front row including Marc Jacobs. 

Joan and Melissa Rivers at Elie Tahari

Our favorite pint-size pair who love to hate showed up at Elie Tahari, which ironically is one of the mor conservative, classic lines. Guess they do know what they're talking about when they do those E! Fashion Police reports.

Christina Hendricks at Carolina Herrera

WOW! I am consistantly blown away by Christina Hendricks and she makes plus-size women stand up and cheer! Not that I would even call her plus-size, but she is voluptuous in a few places if you know what I mean…but really there are no words. This is just beautiful all-around.

Stars With Their Pal, The Designer

Rachel Comey with Olivia Palermo

Vanessa Hudgens with Jeremy Scott

Photos:Wireimage

—Simona Kogan