New York Fashion Week Fall ’12 Trend Wrap-Up

Well we did it! We survived another Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Actually, we not only survived, we thrived. Our iron-clad team has now had enough seasons under our belts where we can work seamlessly together like a well-oiled machine. And good thing too, because Fall 2012 RTW Collections were chock full of eye-popping hues, luxe fabrics and even a few questionable trends that needed to be discussed as soon as they hit the runway (like bright-colored fur!). So now that we’ve had time for a breather, we’re back for our seasonal trend wrap-up!

Fall may still be months away, but the fall fashion we saw has us excited already! So to kick things off, here are a couple of things we learned: digital printing on fabric, neoprene and laser cut leather were a few of the edgier trends we can’t wait to try. The major color of the moment, orange, will maintain it’s place in the spotlight as swaths of silk, velvet and (again!) fur were all fashioned out of the citrusy hue. A couple labels known mostly for their girly, youthful aesthetic got seriously grown-up makeovers. Of course all of our trusty fall favorites were accounted for as well – velvet, tweed, wool, embroidery, embellishments of sequins and beads, decadent outerwear and, thanks to Lacoste, the option of ski wear as everyday fashion. Beauty looks included matte faces, bright red and deep purple lips, out-to-there hair and the coolest accessory of all – textured nails. Overall, each house had a story to tell and we listened intently so we could share it all with you. So bust out your pads and pencils and take notes! This is literally, the future of fashion.

COLORS

Black: Ruffian, Reem Acra, Christian Siriano, (pictured above); Herve Leger, Rebecca Taylor,  Emerson, Mara Hoffman, Joanna Mastroianni, Badgley Mischka, Haus Elkire, Donna Karan, Carmen Marc Valvo, Tracy Reese, Yigal Azrouel, Carlos Miele, Ralph Lauren

Black and White: Naeem Khan, Donna Karan, Alice + Olivia, Tibi, Mara Hoffman, Douglas Hannant, Narciso Rodriguez, Diane von Furstenberg, L.A.M.B., Tracy Reese, Lela Rose, Ohne Titel, Jenni Kayne, Oscar de la Renta

Cream: Lacoste, Doo.Ri, Michael Kors, Milly by Michelle Smith, Zac Posen, Carlos Miele, Ann Yee, Cushnie et Ochs, J Mendel, Reed Krakoff, Philosophy, Jill Stuart, Marchesa, Peter Som, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler

Green: Yigal Azrouel, Zac Posen, Alice + Olivia, Chris Benz, Bibhu Mohapatra, Ann Sui, Tracy Reese, Rebecca Minkoff, Tibi, Badgley Mischka, Rachel Zoe, Zero + Maria Cornejo

Beige/Nude: Carlos Miele, Nicholas K, Carmen Marc Valvo, Vera Wang, Reem Acra, Erin Fetherston, Ralph Lauren, Ann Yee, Whitney Eve, Herve Leger, Three As Four, Rachel Zoe, Vivienne Tam, Dennis Basso, Philosophy, Michael Kors, Jenny Packham

Orange: Narciso Rodriguez, Douglas Hannant, Dennis Basso (pictured above); Rachel Roy, Whitney Eve, Tracy Reese, Lela Rose, Reed Krakoff, Vera Wang, BCBG Max Azria, Cynthia Rowley, Rebecca Minkoff, Calvin Klein, Nanette Lepore, Carlos Miele, Rodarte, Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Phillip Lim

Gray: Dennis Basso, Donna Karan, Lela Rose, L.A.M.B., Ann Yee, Milly by Michelle Smith, Pamella Roland, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Thakoon, Marc Jacobs, Doo.Ri, Christian Siriano, Carmen Marc Valvo, Tibi, Rebecca Taylor, DKNY

Brown: Nicole Miller, Brandon Sun, Douglas Hannant, Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Lauren, Rebecca Taylor, Victoria Beckham, Reem Acra, Tommy Hilfiger, Costello Tagliapietra, Vivienne Tam, Cynthia Rowley

Metallics: Behnaz Sarafpour, Pamella Rowland, Badgley Mischka (pictured above); Emerson, Reem Acra, Joanna Mastroianni, Naeem Khan, Candela, Badgley Mischka, Chris Benz, Erin Fetherston, Vivienne Tam, Prabal Gurung, Ralph Lauren, Alice + Olivia, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Tracy Reese, Nicholas K, Anna Sui, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Philosophy

Blue: Milly by Michelle Smith, Imitation of Christ, Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Tracy Reese, Ann Yee, Oscar de la Renta, Elie Tahari, Ohne Titel, Cynthia Rowley, Catherine Malandrino, Anna Sui, Tibi, Zero Maria Cornejo, Tadashi Shoji, Carlos Miele, Prabal Gurung

Purple: Rachel Roy, Nanette Lepore, Honor, Ann Yee, Pamela Roland, Carolina Hererra, Tracy Reese, Sachin and Babi, L’Wren Scott, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Nonoo

Red: Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, The Blondes, Nanette Lepore, Pamella Roland, Chris Benz, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Chadwick Bell, Imitation of Christ, Sophie Theallet, Proenza Schouler, Victoria Beckham, Norma Kamali, Monique Lhuillier

Wine: Diane von Fursteberg, Tommy Hilfiger, Peter Som, Doo.Ri, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Elie Tahari, Nanette Lepore, Rachel Roy, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler

PATTERNS

Tribal Prints: The Blonds, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Naeem Khan, Mara Hoffman, Libertine, Vivienne Tam, Charlotte Ronson, Edun, Tibi, Anna Sui, Charlotte Ronson

Striping: Chris Benz, Alice + Olivia, Suno (pictured above); Lela Rose, Richard Chai LOVE, Honor, Rachel Roy, Naeem Khan, Jeremy Scott, Band of Outsiders, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Lacoste, Lauren Moffatt, Vivienne Tam, Gary Graham, Anna Sui, Ralph Lauren, Reed Krakoff, Son Jung Wan, Farah Angsana, Catherine Malandrino, Imitation of Christ, Y3, rag&bone, Whitney Eve, TSE, M.Patmos, Carolina Herrera

Floral: Richard Chai Love, Suno, Jill Stuart, Libertine, Rachel Roy, Whitney Eve, Haus Elkire, Vivienne Tam

Screen Prints: Doo.Ri, Cynthia Rowley, Chado Ralph Rucci, Monique Lhuillier, Anna Sui,  Zero + Maria Cornejo, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Costello Tagliapietra

Color-Blocking: BCBG Max Azria, Milly by Michelle Smith, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rachel Roy, Narciso Rodriguez, Band of Outsiders

Plaid: Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Ruffian, Douglas Hannant, Pamella Roland, Chris Benz, Oscar de la Renta, Cynthia Rowley, Ralph Lauren, Badgley Mischka, Timo Weiland, Karen Walker, Michael Kors, Norma Kamali

FABRICS AND TEXTURES

Leather: Rachel Roy, The Blondes, Nanette Lepore, Narciso Rodriguez, Chris Benz, Yigal Azrouel, Libertine, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Calvin Klein, Derek Lam, Alexander Wang

Mixed Fur, Knits and Textures: Dennis Basso, Son Jung Wan, 3.1 Phillip Lim (pictured above); Richard Chai LOVE, Brandon Sun, Badgley Mischka, Doo.Ri, Vivienne Tam, Narciso Rodriguez, Pamella Roland, Chris Benz, Alice + Olivia, Carmen Marc Valvo, Behnaz Sarafpour, Tracy Reese, Yigal Azrouel, Behnaz Sarafpour, 3.1 Phillip Lim

Chiffon: Katya Leonovich, Rebecca Taylor, Carmen Marc Valvo, Donna Karan, Badgley Mischka, Ann Yee, Erin By Erin Fetherston

Feathers: Falguni & Shane Peacock, Naeem Khan, Donna Karan

Embroidery: Son Jung Wan, Imitation of Christ, Naeem Khan, Donna Karan, Libertine, Doo.Ri, Behnaz Sarafpour, Cynthia Rowley, Jen Kao, Vera Wang, rag&bone

Velvet: Nonoo, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Tadashi Shoji, Badgley Mischka, Whitney Eve, Alice + Olivia, Libertine, Jeremy Laing, Oscar de la Renta, Timo Weiland, Suzanne Rae, Katie Gallagher, Ralph Lauren, L’Wren Scott, Rebecca Taylor, Josie Natori, Jason Wu, Lauren Moffatt, Sally Lapointe, Zspoke by Zac Posen, Concept Korea, Christian Siriano, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuiller, Catherine Malandrino, Anna Sui, Jen Kao

Silk: Jenny Packham, Ruffian, Haus Elkire, Narciso Rodriguez, Nantte Lepore, Tibi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Zac Posen, Donna Karan, Behnaz Sarafpour, Ann Yee

Sequins: Jenny Packham, Rebecca Minkoff, Naeem Kahn (pictured above); Chris Benz, Joanna Mastoianni, Badgley Mischka, Chris Benz, Alice + Olivia, Donna Karan, Whitney Eve, Erin By Erin Fetherston

Crystals: The Blonds, Naeem Kahn, Joanna Mastroianni, Behnaz Sarafpour

Lace: Nonoo, Behnaz Sarapouf, Sally LaPointe, Nanette Lepore, Alice + Olivia, Erin By Erin Fetherston

Lame: Tracy Reese, Sally LaPointe, Badgley Mischka

Tweed: Ruffian, Richard Chai LOVE, Vivienne Tam, Douglas Hannant, Ralph Lauren

Beading: Naeem Khan, Nanette Lepore, Badgley Mischka, Behnaz Sarafpour, Erin Fetherston, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Libertine

SHAPES

Sheer Cutouts: Jill Stuart, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Reem Acra, Emerson, Haus Elkire, Yigal Azrouel, Erin By Erin Fetherston, Tadashi Shoji, Jenny Packham, Anna Sui, DKNY

Sheer Overlays: Honor, Chadwick Bell, Tadashi Shoji, Honor, Chadwick Bell, Alexander Wang, Carolina Herrera, Jenny Packham, Reed Krakoff, Jenni Kayne, Peter Som, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Joy Cioci, Sally LaPointe, Rebecca Taylor, Jeremy Laing, Emerson, Vera Wang, Charlotte Ronson

Pleating: Richard Chai LOVE, Donna Karan, Behnaz Sarafpour

One Shoulder: Jenny Packham, Reem Acra, Donna Karan, Rafael Cennamo,  Monique Lhuillier, Ralph Lauren, Naeem Khan

Menswear as Womenswear: Donna Karan, Pamella Roland, Carmen Marc Valvo (pictured above); Elie Tahari, Cynthia Rowley, Ralph Lauren, Richard Chai LOVE, Tibi

Draping: Erin by Erin Fetherston, Doo.Ri, Costello Tagliapietra, Zac Posen, Vivienne Tam, Alexander Wang

Bustier/Corset: Christian Siriano, Catherine Malandrino, Reed Krakoff, The Blonds, Zac Posen

ERAS

80s: Lacoste, Katya Leonovich, LAMB, Proenza Schouler, Chris Benz, Whitney Eve, Emerson, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Nicole Farhi, Cynthia Rowley, Jason Wu

70s: Nicole Miller, Mara Hoffman, Douglas Hannant, Tibi, Suno, Cynthia Rowley

60s: Chris Benz, Anna Sui, Oscar de la Renta, Jenny Peckham, Cynthia Rowley, Victoria Beckham, Tibi, Emerson, Narciso Rodriguez, Peter Som, Yigal Azrouel, Milly, Jeremy Scott, Reem Acra, Anna Sui, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Cynthia Rowley

50s: Jill Stuart, Jenny Packham, Oscar de la Renta, Tibi, Alice+Olivia, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Jason Wu, Christian Siriano, Chris Benz, Cynthia Rowley, Catherine Malandrino, Monique Lhuillier, Milly, Oscar de la Renta

40s: Jenny Packham, Band of Outsiders, Rodarte (pictured above); Reem Acra, Emerson, Nonoo, Chadwick Bell, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tadashi Shoji, Yigal Azrouel, Suno, Victoria Beckham, Jason Wu, Monique Lhuillier, St. John

30s: Carmen Marc Valvo, Rodarte, Reem Acra, Alice + Olivia, Tadashi Shoji, Ralph Lauren, Christian Siriano, Jenny Packham, Monique Lhuillier

20s: Ralph Lauren, Lela Rose, Imitation of Christ, Behnaz Sarafpour, Nicole Farhi,  Reem Acra, Tadashi Shoji, Chris Benz

ACCESSORIES

Hats/Hair Accents: Ruffian, Milly by Michelle Smith, Marc Jacobs (pictured above); Yigal Azrouel, Joanna Mastoianni, The Blonds, Nicholas K, Chris Benz, Tracy Reese, Mara Hoffman, Donna Karan, Douglass Hannant, Tracy Reese, Carlos Miele, Alice + Olivia, Rachel Zoe, Betsey Johnson, Jenni Kayne

Leather Gloves: Milly by Michelle Smith, Reem Acra, Yigal Azrouel, Chadwick Bell, Rachel Roy, Narciso Rodriguez, Betsey Johnson, Prabal Gurung, Tommy Hilfiger, Chris Benz, Charlotte Ronson, Jason Wu, Douglas Hannant, Marc Jacobs, Pamella Roland

Sunglasses: Lacoste, Tracy Reese, Timo Weiland, Jason Wu, Alice + Olivia, Anna Sui, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catherine Malandrino, Jenni Kayne, Diane von Furstenberg, Jenni Kayne, St. John, Jeremy Scott, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Michael Kors, Betsey Johnson, Prabal Gurung, Reem Acra, Karen Walker

– Lauren Dimet Waters, Alia Rajput, Taneisha Jordan, Amanda Aldinger, Carol Calacci; Introduction by Alia Rajput

Photos; NYMag.com, WWD, Style.com

New York Fashion Week Fall ’12: Top Celebs In The Front Row Including Dita von Teese, Viola Davis, Blake Lively, Julianne Moore, Emmy Rossum and more!

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

Strut, The Fashionable Mom Show Video. Watch Lauren Walk The Show!

Strut, The Fashionable Mom Show Live Stream At 3pm EST. Watch Second City Style’s Lauren Walk The Show!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall ’12. Emerson Looks Back on 1940s Germany.

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

New York Fashion Week Fall ’12. The Blonds’ Deadly Sparkle

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

New York Fashion Week Fall ’12. Backstage at The Blonds

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

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall ’12. Vivienne Tam’s Exotic Metallic Gleam.

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

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall ’12. Milly by Michelle Smith: The Next Generation

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

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall ’12: Celebs in Bright Colors! Renee Zellweger, Camila Alves, Barbara Walters, Nina Dobrev, Dakota Fanning and More

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