Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring ’12 Trend Wrap-Up

DKNY, Chado Ralph Rucci, Pamella Roland

We’re all still catching our breath from the whirlwind of last week’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring ’12. And now that the fashions have been documented, the beauty looks noted and our favorite pieces mentally filed away, it’s time to start discussing those runway trends! Spring ’12 had a few surprises in store for us, nestled between the traditional florals and vibrant colors. We delved into bold graphic patterns, shimmied in feathers and fringe and even caught sight of a little springtime velvet (who says it’s only for the cold?!) so now that we have time to stop and take a breath, we’ve compiled all the trends we saw, whether they were expected or seen for the first time, right here. Enjoy and it’s never too early to start shopping!

COLORS

White: DKNY, Herve Leger, Narciso Rodriguez,  Chado Ralph Rucci, Jeremy Laing, Pamella Roland, Kaelen, Sachin + Babi, Odilon, Yeohlee, Emerson

Black: Herve Leger, Elie Tahari, Carmen Marc Valvo, Zang Toi, Norman Ambrose, Ohne Titel, Sachin + Babi, Emerson

Black and White: Libertine, Rafael Cennamo, Naeem Khan, Joy Cioci, Chris Benz, L.A.M.B.

Cream: Son Jung Wan, Chado Ralph Rucci, Carmen Marc Valvo, Tadashi Shoji

Oyster: Rebecca Taylor, Son Jung Wan, Douglas Hannant

Beige/Nude: Christian Siriano, Son Jung Wan, Herve Leger, Elie Tahari, Zang Toi, Yeohlee, Douglas Hannant, Tadashi Shoji, Candela, Naeem Khan, Ohne Titel, L.A.M.B

Gray: Sachin + Babi, Yeohlee, Son Jung Wan, Emerson

Rebecca Taylor, Nanette Lepore, Chris Benz

Yellow: Rebecca Taylor, Alice +Olivia, Nanette Lepore, Jill Stuart, Joy Cioci, Chris Benz, Tibi, Rebecca Minkoff, Badgley Mischka, Leanne Marshall, Sally Lapointe, Rachel Roy, Ohne Titel, Callula Lillibelle, L.A.M.B., Sachin + Babi, Odilon

Chartreuse: Joy Cioci, Christian Siriano, Cut25

Cobalt Blue: DKNY, Cut 25, Badgley Mischka, Luca Luca, Zang Toi, Nanette Lepore, Milly, Naeem Khan, Ohne Titel, L.A.M.B.

Turquoise: Blue Theory, Tracy Reese, Carlos Miele, Rachel Roy, Badgley Mischka, Carlos Miele, BCBG, Callula Lillibelle

Navy Blue: Son Jung Wan, Katya Leonovich, Zang Toi, Alexander Wang, Sachin + Babi

Red: DKNY, Narciso Rodriguez, Jeremy Laing, Improvd, Milly, Costello Tagliapietra, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Ohne Titel, Callula Lillibelle, L.A.M.B.

Joy Cioci, Elie Tahari, Rebecca Minkoff

Orange: Joy Cioci, Narciso Rodriguez, Elie Tahari, Nanette Lepore, Jeremy Laing, Jill Stuart, Rebecca Minkoff, Costello Tagliapietra, Carlos Miele, Badgley Mischa, L.A.M.B., Sachin + Babi

Pink: DKNY, Alice +Olivia, Nanette Lepore, Naeem Khan, Pamella Roland, Badgley Mischka, Tadashi Shoji

Coral: Christian Siriano, Alice + Olivia, Tracy Reese, Tibi, Callula Lillibelle, Sachin + Babi

Fuschia: Naeem Khan, Badgley Mischka, Alice + Olivia

Metallics: Herve Leger, Elie Tahari, Norman Ambrose, The Blonds, Reem Acra, Cynthia Rowley, L.A.M.B., Sachin + Babi

Neon/ Brights: Nanette Lepore, Rebecca Minkoff, Narciso Rodriguez, Chris Benz, Ruffian, Luca Luca, BCBG, Milly

Lilac/Purple: ADAM, Anna Sui, Badgley Mischka, Cut25

Green: Milly, Badgley Mischka, L.A.M.B., Odilon

PATTERNS

Libertine, Narciso Rodriguez, Milly

Graphic/Geometric prints: Libertine, Cushnie et Ochs, Narciso Rodriguez, Chris Benz, Katya Leonovich, Alexander Wang, Alexandre Herchcovitch, BCBG, Milly, Reem Acra, Callula Lillibelle, L.A.M.B., Ruffian, Luca Luca, The Blonds

Florals: DKNY, Rachel Roy, Vivienne Tam, ADAM, Rebecca Taylor, Alice + Olivia, Yeohlee, Reem Acra, Cynthia Rowley, Tadashi Shoji, Costello Tagliapietra, Anna Coroneo, Rebecca Minkoff, Badgley Mischka

Cloud prints: Joy Cioci, Rebecca Taylor, Son Jung Wan

Sport: Alexander Wang, Alexandre Herchcovitch, BCBG

Animal Prints: L.A.M.B., Rebecca Minkoff , Elie Tahari

Patchwork: DKNY, Rebecca Taylor, Narciso Rodriguez

EMBELLISHMENTS

Son Jung Wan, Jenny Packham, Cynthia Rowley

Sequins: Son Jung Wan, Rebecca Taylor, Alice +Olivia, Vivienne Tam, ADAM, Norma Kamali, Zang Toi, Badgley Mischka, Jenny Packham, Chado Ralph Rucci, Callula Lillibelle, Sachin + Babi, Cynthia Rowley

Fringe: Ralph Lauren, Kaelen, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Tam, Rafael Cennamo, Naeem Khan, Son Jung Wan

Hand-beading: Naeem Khan, Jenny Packham, Herve Leger

Cut Outs: Herve Leger, Chado Ralph Rucci, Nanette Lepore, Narciso Rodriguez, Katya Leonovich, Carmen Marc Valvo, Sachin + Babi, Cut25

Jewel Embellishment: Zang Toi, Jenny Packham, Norman Ambrose

Polka Dots: Callula Lillibelle, Luca Luca, Rafael Cennamo

Embroidery: Callula Lillibelle, Rachel Roy, Zang Toi, Carmen Marc Valvo, Badgley Mischka, Chado Ralph Rucci

FABRICS

Narciso Rodriguez, Ohne Title, Chado Ralph Rucci,

Chiffon/sheer: DKNY, Christian Siriano, Jeremy Laing, Norman Ambrose, Rafael Cennamo, Carlos Miele, Cennamo, Alexander Wang, ADAM, Badgley Mischka, Emerson, L.A.M.B, Tadashi Shoji, Narciso Rodriguez, Ohne Title, Chado Ralph Rucci,

Silk: Cut 25:, DKNY, Rachel Roy, Rebecca Taylor, Son Jung Wan, Tibi, Reem Acra, Vivienne Tam, ADAM, Luca Luca, Carmen Marc Valvo, Chado Ralph Rucci, Zang Toi, Narciso Rodriguez, Tadashi Shoji, Costello Tagliapietra

Techo Fabrics: Cut25, Son Jun Yung, Chado Ralph Rucci, Cynthia Rowley, Narciso Rodriguez

Dark denim: Cut 25, DKNY, Porter Grey, Milly

Chambray: Joy Cioci, Elie Tahari, Porter Grey

Laser cut leather: Joy Cioci, Norman Ambrose, Tibi, Alexander Wang, Cynthia Rowley

Leather: Cut25, Son Jung Wan, Joy Cioci, Rachel Roy, Rebecca Minkoff, IMPROVD, Sachin + Babi, Ohne Titel, Callula Lilibelle, Emerson

Feathers: Rafael Cennamo, The Blonds, Christian Siriano, Ohne Titel

Velvet: Alexander Wang, Tracy Reese, Vivienne Tam

SHAPES

Cut25, DKNY, Rebecca taylor

Uneven Hems: Cut 25, DKNY, Rebecca Taylor, Narsico Rodriguez, Badgley Mischka, BCBG

Pant Suits: ADAM, DKNY, Candela, Tibi

Skirt Suits: Joy Cioci, Elie Tahari, Milly

Full Skirts: Rebecca Taylor, Nanette Lepore Tadashi Shoji

Sharp Jackets: Rag & Bone, ADAM, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, DKNY

Trenchcoats: ADAM, Elie Tahari, Milly, Cut25

Florals: DKNY, Rachel Roy, Vivienne Tam, ADAM, Rebecca Taylor, Alice + Olivia, Yeohlee, Reem Acra, Cynthia Rowley, Tadashi Shoji, Costello Tagliapietra, Anna Coroneo, Rebecca Minkoff, Badgley Mischka

Cloud prints: Joy Cioci, Rebecca Taylor, Son Jung Wan

Tea-dresses: Nanette Lepore, Milly, Pamella Roland, Jenny Packham, Jill Stuart, Cynthia Rowley,Yigal Azrouel

Skirts to the knee: Cut25, Son Jung Wan, Joy Cioci, Rachel Roy, Badgley Mischka, Nanette Lepore, ADAM

Leather Shorts: Cut 25, Rachel Roy, Tracy Reese, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Rebecca Minkoff

Anoraks: Cut 25, Rebecca Taylor, Gap, Cut25

Jumpsuits/Rompers: Cut25, DKNY, Son Jung Wan, Narciso Rodriguez, L.A..M.B.

Maxis: Alice + Olivia, Elie Tahari, BCBG, Vivienne Tam

Ruffles: Badgley Mischka, L.A.M.B., Katya Leonovich, Farrah Angsana, Alice + Olivia, Joy Cioci, Christian Siriano

ERAS

Son Jung Wan, Rachel Roy, ADAM

90s: Son Jung Wan, Sally Lapointe, Rachel Roy, Rag & Bone, ADAM, Narciso Rodriguez

80s: Cut 25
, Rebecca Minkoff, DKNY, Milly

70s: Son Jung Wan, Rebecca Taylor, Kaelen, Cynthia Rowley, Milly

60s: Alice + Olivia, Norma Kamali, Milly

50s: Carmen Marc Valvo, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Son Jung Wan

ACCESSORIES

DKNY, Norman Ambrose, Tracy Reese

Hats/Hair accents: DKNY, Alice + Olivia, Norman Amborse, Cut 25, Pamella Roland, Tracy Reese, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui

Cat eye sunglasses: Norma Kamali, Milly

Bright Colored Shoes: Cut25, Milly, Rebecca Taylor, DKNY, Nanette Lepore

Totes/Handbags: Rebecca Minkoff, Nanette Lepore, Elie Tahari, Zang Toi, Cut25, DKNY, Rebecca Taylor

-Alia Rajput

Photos: NYMag, WWD, Style.com

Meet My Newest Obsession: Atelier AZZA

The brand new Atelier AZZA by Azeeza Desai Khan is definitely the newest label I’m lusting lust over. The billowing silk gowns and slim cut separates, covered in intricate clusters of luxurious beadwork couldn’t be a more perfect pick for your next event. The emerging designer perfectly executed the silhouettes and showcased her flawless level of taste this season like a true pro. Azeeza let her Indian and Afghan heritage bring inspiration to her designs, while highlighting her love for European culture in order to create a very personal aesthetic dripping with cultural influences. The vibrant color palette was expressed in a unique and refreshing manner and when each look was combined with the luxe baubles of famed jewelry designer Ranjana Khan, the effect was truly breathtaking. AZZA’s first collection titled ‘Monarch’ was expertly crafted and impeccably styled to compliment the slightly minimal looks, which have just the right infusions of elegant high fashion and fresh street style. My ubertalented, and drop dead gorgeous friend Azeeza launched this beautiful collection at none other than Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week at the ‘Fashion for Compassion’ event. The amazing charity event held at the posh Ritz Carlton was the perfect chance to debut the newest hit produced by the Emmy nominated marketing maven. Her first outing as a creator and her launch into the design side of the industry couldn’t have taken flight faster! AZZA is quickly blowing up…gaining attention from NBC news, Vogue India, Wall Street Journal and so many more within a week of its launch. The US based label comes straight from a fellow Chicagoan, and I couldn’t be prouder! Definitely a brand to keep a close eye on, check it out at atelierazza.com.

-Alyssa Buishas

Photo credit: Errol Dunlap

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring ’12. DKNY and American Express Host Exclusive DKNY Resort 2012 Show

Donna Karan with Mary Alice Stephenson

Every time a Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week ends, our brains become brimming with styles and trends we’d love to try on – yet have to wait months before they pop up in the stores. So what if you held a fashion show where the pieces seen on the models are the exact ones that are currently in stores? That way you can run out and buy your favorite looks  right off the runway! This was exactly the idea behind the DKNY and American Express exclusive Cardmember Only Fashion Show, featuring the DKNY Resort 2012 Collection.

Held in the Lincoln Center tents on the last eve of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring ’12, us lucky guests knew that we would be treated to some fabulous DKNY fashion,  knew that the show’s soundtrack would be provided by singer Lykke Li and knew that the event’s co-host was acclaimed stylist and fashion expert Mary Alice Stephenson (who we adore!). What we did not know, however, was that the guest of honor for the evening was none other than Donna Karan herself! Karan came out to talk shop for a moment with Stephenson before the runway kicked off. Publicly known for her stance on holding runway shows within the same retail season, Karan explained she wanted to hold this special presentation for the sake of immediate availability, adding the looks were urban and chic and able to be worn right away for polished days and glamorous nights in the city.

Models walk against the bright backdrop of New York

She noted that the DKNY Resort 2012 Collection was created mostly in her signature black, pausing to tell an anecdote of her granddaughter who exclaimed out of exasperation after viewing Karan’s closet,”Grandma, don’t you EVER wear color?!” So Karan did add some neutrals and metallics in for good measure and, perhaps for her granddaughter’s sake, a few punchy bursts of pink and red. The most colorful thing of the evening was the backdrop against which the models walked, a splashy slide show of the New York landscape tinged in high-def technicolor. Karan sat alongside Stephenson and watched the show from the audience, a rare thing for any designer to do.

Donna Karan watches the DKNY Resort 2012 show from the audience

And the best part was, once the show was over you knew it wouldn’t be long before the looks wound up in stores and online. Sure enough, a few days later my favorite looks from the runway show were already live and I’m currently in the process of putting together my list of must-haves! Here’s a few of my top choices and shop the rest of the looks (available now!) at dkny.com. And a special thanks you to DKNY and American Express for a fun-filled Fashion Week finale!

The Cape Tunic, $395

The Sleveless Dress With All Over Sequins, $345

The Cheetah Print Shearling Coat, $2,400

-Alia Rajput

Photos: Second City Style, dkny.com

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2012. Beauty Trends On The Runway

Another season has passed at New York Fashion Week, and Second City Style was behind the scenes covering SS’12 beauty and uncovering the trends that made the biggest impact. Whether it’s perfect, healthy glowing skin, a bright red lip, or a bold brow, we have the looks that graced the catwalks.

BOLD BROWS
It’s hard to go a season without seeing a bold brow on the runway, but I can tell you it is one of my favorites. It is everything opposite of feminine, but somehow the designers always make it look wearable. At Proenza Schouler, Diane Kendal for MAC, called her bold statement brow look, a “Combination of Belluschi Architecture and cars of the fifties”. While at Altuzarra by Tom Pecheux for MAC, called his look “Elizabeth Taylor at the Gym”, who’s focus was a very dark brow, used molder Eye Kohl and Carbon Eyeshadow by MAC, to shape an define a very strong, yet feminine brow. At Donna Karen MAC’s focus was on the overall look but a structured drawn in brow was created. Charlotte Tilbury called the look, “a Sporty, sexy eighties Yasmin Le Bon”.

Red Lip (left to right): Anna Sui, Katie Gallagher, Joy Cioci )

RED LIP
Not a season goes by where some form of a red lip is not seen on the runways. It is a classic look that can be achievable no matter the season, and instantly brings life to any look. At Anna Sui Pat McGrath was inspired by Rita Hayworth, on her red-centric look with bold red lip, by applying CoverGirl Simply Ageless Blush in Lush Berry to both the cheeks and lips. At Katie Gallagher, Javier Romero for MAC called his look “A blood stream look… Sanguine sophistication,” using MAC Pro Basic Red Chromagraphic Pencil and Lasting Lust Pro Longwear Lip colour on the whole lip. At Joy Cioci, a neon red-lips were the focus, where lead artist Uzo for Nars’ inspiration was “a free spirited woman in pursuit of love.’

Healthy Skin (left to right): Doo.Ri, Diane Von Furstenburg, Carolina Herrera

HEALTHY SKIN
You can never go wrong with clean, healthy skin as a trend. At Doo.Ri Tom Pecheux called the look simply stated, “Goddess…”. At Diane Von Frustenburg, James Kaliardos kept the palette clean, by giving the models hydrated skin and lip conditioner lightly blotted on lips. Over at Carolina Herrera, the look created by Diane Kendal was referred to as “a fresh, Spring/Summer look” where model’s faces were left clean with only a little brown applied to the eyes.

Bold Eyes (left to right): Jeremy Scott, Holly Fulton, Rodarte, Marios Schwab, The Blonds

BOLD EYES
Bold, dramatic eyes could be seen on the runways this season, as it is quite the contrast to the fresh spring/summer looks. However, it brought a great balance to the fresh palettes and was pulled off effortlessly. Some of the highlighted looks included Jeremy Scott, where Val Garldand’s inspiration was “Daisy Duke goes to Paradise City”. With winged lined eyes at top and bottom  and black bold brows, the look was anything but soft. At Rodarte, James Kaliardos for Nars used, navy-blue, smokey eyes and lavender lips inspired by Van Gogh’s brushwork within his paintings, using ‘Night Fight Single Eyeshadow and Rue Bonaparte Large Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner.

Statement Lips (left to right); Jason Wu, Preen, Prabal Gurung, Jeremy Laing

STATEMENT LIPS
Statement lips appearedon the runway, in various colors, like deep purples and and bright reds. At Jason Wu, Diane Kendal for MAC paired a lip that was so bright it almost looked coral, with a clean face and nude eyes. At Prabal Gurung, Charlotte Tilubry, described her lip as ..”as an Orchid bursting from within,” using Magenta Chromagraphic Pencil slightly overdrawn, and MAC Pro Black, Burgundy, and Fuchsia Lip Mix. Backstage at Jeremy Laing, Second City Style got a glimpse into the inspiration for his look that was created by Hung Vanngo for MAC. The main focal point was the eyes, but they were paired with a gorgeous coral/orange mouth, that was created using Navel Cream Colour, and topped with Lip Conditioner.

Wet/Slicked Hair (left to right); Alexander Wang, BCBG Max Azria, Ports 1961

WET/SLICKED HAIR
Hair trends could be seen on the runways this season from updo’s to french braids to flowing hair, but slicked hair was also seen on the runways at several shows. At Alexander Wang Guido for Redkin gave the models a effortless high-shine, slicked hairstyle that she created to give them the look of a ‘nonchalant yet elegant downtown girl’. At BCBG hairstylist Neil Moodie for Bumble and Bumble drew inspiration from a “James Bond Girl”, and Bach’s famous ocean scene, where the blond beauty seductively comes out of the water. Very beachy I would say, but pairing wonderful with the hard and soft in Max Azria’s sporty spring collection.

Colored Hair (left to right): Narcisco Rodriguez, Thakoon, Peter Som

COLORED HAIR
Very rarely is hair touched in a way where it is the primary focal point, but at these shows the hair was the main ingredient. A shoe to highlight was Narcisco Rodriguez where the inspiration came from contemporary Korean artist Kim Joon; color-blocking and spring shades. Because of the splashes of color found in the collection, Global Creative Director Eugen Souldemin for Well Professionals, said he thought they should color the girls’ hair in the strongest color found in their outfit”. So at Narcisco Rodriguez, could be seen with not only orange, but blue hair as well. At Thakoon, colorful french braids with texture and volume in many colors were seen on the models. Odile Gilber for Kerastase said, “Thakoon’s collection is all about a color sotry and she wanted the hair to make a strong statement to accessorize the beautiful, bright clothing”. And that it did.

Wild Nails (left to right): Jen Kao, Ruffian, The Blonds, Wayne

WILD NAILS
One must not forget about nails. Instead of clean manicured nails we saw nails of all colors and shapes, that some may say were quite wild, but paired wonderfully with the looks backstage. Some of the standout nails included The Blonds, where manicurist Kristina Estabrooks for CND, created “Glitz & Glam” manicures for a collection inspired by 60′s Playboy glamour infused with razzle-dazzle spectacle we all know and love. The 20 sets of nail tips took over 100 hours of manual labor to hand detail, and included a “Stockings Series” of manicures portraying fishnets, lacy tights and sexy seams. Vintage cosmic-shaped glass was imported from Germany to shape diamond-decadent nails that shined out loud in the spotlight. At Jen Kao Wanda Ruiz created “Lethal Love” diffused, gradation manicures that attract the eye with bold shades, but like a poisonous frog, have dangerous undertones. These manicures were shaded using an airbrush tool, but can be re-created at home using CND Colours in Midnight Sapphire, Anchor Blue, Rouge Red, and Green Scene each combined with Inkwell and topped with Air Dry Top Coat while wet for an ombre finish.

—Kelley Epps-Woods

Photos: NARS, MAC, CND, Estee Lauder, Getty, Refinery29, Wireimage

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring ’12: Fashion Week Trends From Celebs In The Front Row: Ashlee Simpson, Mandy Moore, Sofia Coppola, Beyonce

Aside from Nicki Minaj’s leopard costume, blue and blond hair, and puff ball ensemble, celebrity style for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring ’12 in New York wasn’t too exciting this season.  Celebs didn’t make stark statements with their clothing and they didn’t take any risks. They did, however, hone in on the color trend, wearing garments in yellow, blue, white, gray, and black.  Those garments, on the other hand, were nothing exciting.  In fact, if I could pick one obvious trend that stuck out on celeb “fashionistas” through almost every single runway, it was the brightly-colored sheath trend.

Color Shift

At least one celeb (if not more) wore a form-fitting minidress in one color to just about every runway show during New York Fashion Week.  These dresses were typically made of nice fabrics, but did not include embellishments, unique textures, or take your breath away shoes.  They looked nice, but they just were.

Perhaps Gilmore Girl Alexis Bledel took the top spot in a beautiful royal blue at Nicole Miller.

Yes, we know Calvin Klein is known for its minimalism, but if Ashley Greene was supposed to choose a dress for the front row , couldn’t she have picked one in a bolder color?

British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae was all over the runways at New York Fashion Week, hitting up just about every show.  And she almost always chose a dress in one color to take the spotlight. While we like the jewel tone, it certainly didn’t do it for us.

At the Marc Jacobs show that wowed everyone when it closed New York Fashion Week, Sofia Coppola and Dakota Fanning appeared in the front row.  Sofia, a fashionista and Marc Jacobs muse, typically wows us at red carpet events.  Not so here, in this boring blue sheath.  Dakota’s floral print also leaves something to be desired–but at least it’s a pattern.

At Monique Lhuillier, Kelly Osbourne and Julianne Hough wore solid-colored dresses in gray and red. Surprised that Kelly, who was so fashionable at NYFW last year, decided she was tired of giving people something to talk about.

Mandy Moore looked pretty in a tangerine orange sheath. Orange was one of the “It” colors of New York Fashion Week.

It was nice to see such a well-known star like Ashlee Simpson supporting the bandage dress but couldn’t she have picked a more enticing one in a better color?

In one of the nicer Fashion Week styles, Beyonce jazzed up her surprise appearances to J. Crew and Theyskens’ Theory with a drapey and sparkly gold dress that fit around her baby bump.

Finally, also in boring colors like beige and gray, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Zoe Saldana hit up Michael Kors. With matching shoes AND bags no less.

It was when celebs tried to work color into their wardrobe that we saw fashion shine just a little bit more at New York Fashion Week.  After all, this season was known for its statement with pop art and lots of bright colors.  We saw them at shows like Anna Sui, Jason Wu, Tadashi Shoji, Marc Jacobs, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Then, we saw them on celebrities like Rose McGowan, Shay Mitchell, Alexa Chung, Leelee Sobieski, Kelly Bensimon and Solange Knowles.

Shay Mitchell at DKNY

Kelly Bensimon

Solange Knowles at Tracy Reese

Charlotte Ronson and Samantha Ronson

And while yes, we did see a few trends here and there, a few strange pairings (Jamie King and Emma Roberts, Anna Wintour and Nicki Minaj,) the ones that made a statement for us during New York Fashion Week were the celebs that stood out–not for outrageous fashion but for being fashionable.

Vivienne Tam

Yes, Diane von Furstenberg and Georgina Chapman look good most of the time, but we’re going to have to give the Best Dressed Designer Award to one beautiful Vivienne Tam.

Emma Roberts and Kelly Osbourne at Marchesa

Looks like Kelly’s back to fashionable form! We don’t know what happened at the other shows where she wore that boring gray dress, but she looks ultra-fashionable here in her white dress and graphic blazer. Emma Roberts is practically always a winner.

Corinne Bailey Rae at Tommy Hilfiger

Singer Corinne Bailey Rae joined Malin Akerman, Melissa George, Abbie Cornish and other stars at the Tommy Hilfiger women’s show but we’re pretty sure she looked the best out of all of them.  What I love about Corinne is that she always looks well put together, down to her makeup, and she frequently wears tie-neck blouses (this is her second one at Fashion Week.)

Mischa Barton at Naeem Khan

Anyone who saw Mischa Barton at the Naeem Khan collection and at Fashion Week parties said she looked better than ever! Not to mention that that white lace dress with the black ribbon belt is fabulous!

Olivia Palermo, Sophia Bush, and Emma Roberts at Tibi

Not only do all three of these girls look great, but their clothes seem to basically be in the same color family, which is interesting because the colors they chose are not at all in Tibi’s colorful Spring/Summer 2012 collection (except perhaps white!) Also loving Olivia Palermo‘s white tie-neck but you know I’m a fan of those!

Photos: Wireimage, People.com

–Simona Kogan

Events. MILK MADE’s View of the Intersection of Fashion and Technology

To end New York Fashion Week, Parsons held one of the biggest events of the season: a MILK MADE discussion panel between some of the top officials of the fashion world. The discussion was an in-depth discussion called Fashion & Technology: a look at how technology has changed the fashion industry as well as the everyday consumer.

The panel included fashion and technology influencers Stacy London, stylist of “What Not To Wear”, Tumblr founder David Karp, Vogue editor Lauren Santo Domingo, CEO of Theory Andrew Rosen, writer Derek Blasberg, designer Horacio Silva and moderator Parsons The New School for Design’s Dean of Fashion Simon Collins at MILK Studios Gallery. The line between bringing technology to fashion has always been a troubling road. Though fashion has always been about changing quickly, there has been a bit of hesitation about it’s integration to the mass society. That is where the connect between bloggers and rapid fire updates comes in as against the long-time lead with magazines.

With all of this technology and the accessibility of anyone communicating through blogging, there must be some sort of filter to figure out who exactly to start listening to. “Your message has to always be concise or there’s room for misinterpretation,” Blasberg explained. “As a culture, everyone’s so excited … but in a few years, anyone can have a voice but you’ll have to choose who you want to heard from. It’s easier and quicker to get credibility.”

It was once assumed not too long ago that the magazine was the forerunner in the deciding authority on fashion. “The magazine is god,” London said. Once it was decided that the print world would catch up with technology, all bets were off. “Credibility is following the technological trend.” It also helps that the reader that connect with a blogger faster than a Elle editor. “I think it’s more of an intimate experience,” Domingo said of this. “Contradictory that fashion about change but has been very, very stubborn to change,” Silva pointed out. “Like if fashion were to sneeze, the whole world would catch a cold.”

So what should the public be doing with this newfound information? And how should designers take this info and translate it into sales? And should they be taking their opinions into their designing process? The board was pretty set on the decision. “It’s not about democratization,” Lauren said, “it’s about sales.” Stacy felt that such a decision would completely change the direction of fashion. “Runway show is about the vision, about the art… You’re cutting out the experimental part.”

“The biggest thing indicates that we have the influential of choice,” Silva said. ” It’s about articulating your brand voice… It allows the brand to control the brand message.” Stylist and buyers is becoming an antiquated thing of the past. There is almost no need for the middle man with a long lead time. “It’s all about evolution,” Blasberg followed up with.

Be very watchful of the future. With this new change and influx of people trying to make themselves stand out, there will be more of a push of varying personalities. “Now that there’ll be more people and have more outlets, people will have to fight to differentiate themselves,” Blasberg said. “For the first time in a lot of years, [people are] being very proactive or investing in different levels. People have to be more innovative.”

- Taneisha Jordan

Photo: Second City Style

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring ’12. TRESemme’s Fashion Week Style Lounge!

TRESemme Stylist Jeanie Syfu explains the hair looks at the Tracy Reese and Rebecca Minkoff spring '12 shows

 every once in awhile. we are treated to some juicy, behind the scenes beauty dish from the fashion week shows. This season, TRESemme haircare, one of the official sponsors of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, generously invited a select few beauty publications to a relaxed evening of hair styling tips and tricks before the Narciso Rodriguez spring ’12 show. Held in an exclusive lounge just steps from the runway, the presentation featured TRESemme stylist Jeanie Syfu. Syfu had created  multiple looks this season for TRESemme, but she picked out the particular looks from both Tracy Reese and Rebecca Minkoff to spotlight the styling.

The Tracy Reese spring '12 hair look from the side

The Tracy Reese spring '12 hair look from the front

The Tracy Reese hair look for the spring ’12 collection was created around a retro theme of the 30′s, 40′s and 50′s. The centerpiece of the look was a 50′s rolled quiff on top, and loose waves on the bottom. For the waves, Syfu used TRESemme’s 24 Hour Mousse for the foundation of the style, running it all through blow dried hair. She then took 1 inch section of hair and bunched it up into her fist. She used a flat iron on the bunched up hair and then pinned it to the head. For the rolled quiff on top, Syfu used chopsticks and rolled the hair from bottom to top and pinned it on top of the head. She kept the top loose and asymmetrical for a modern take on the vintage style, and didn’t use any hairspray to maintain movement.

Syfu wrapped portions of hair into tightly wound coils and secured them with elastics

For the Rebecca Minkoff spring ’12 hair look, Syfu wanted a dramatic wave that was both romantic and editorial, channeling the style of Diane Keaton in the classic movie, “Manhattan”. To create the ethereal look, she rolled the hair up into thick coils and wrapped them with elastics. She then cut the elastics out of the hair and combed it out for an airy, fluffy look. Again, Syfu used no hairspray for a wind in the hair look while the models came down the runway.

Syfu demonstrates how she cut the coils out of the hair

The Rebecca Minkoff spring '12 hair look from the front

 Keep and eye out for these TRESemme trends and others on our continuing coverage of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring’12 runways!

-Alia Rajput

Photos: Second City Style

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY. Danilo Spring ’12 Hairstyles Round-Up!

Danilo going over NY Fashion Week hairstyles!

To round out Fashion Week, Pantene brought in celebrity stylist and Global Brand Ambassador Danilo  to talk about what we can expect in hairstyles for the spring season. “America is becoming more about the reality of hair as oppose to Europe,” said Danilo when explaining the current state of fashion hairstyles. He said that we would be seeing a lot of simple and easy to achieve looks for the next few years.

Cushnie et Ochs has a version of very stylish yet simple hairstyle that the duo presented at their Spring 2012 runway show. A favorite of starlets on the red carpet, this is the undone but done look. “Simple and chic and very real,” Danilo said of the look. “This season, there’s a movement to polish that effortless look.” To re-create the look, it just has to be washed and flat ironed to set the hair. Simple, smooth and sleek hair should be moving away from the face with a softer touch. “I wanted to create a modern sleek look that reflected the collection. The looks is smooth and shiny hair, but not lacquered or wet. We added volume at the top for modern flair and kept the hair soft.”

The hair from the Catherine Maladrino Fall 2012 Ready to Buy show was the one that everybody wanted to learn how to do on their own. Catherine Malandrino’s inspiration for her Fall ‘11 collection was a combination between the romance of Paris and the excitement and energy of New York City. Danilo explained that Malandrino wanted the “classic and iconic Pantene look” : bouncy, beautiful, expensive looking hair. The style is basically created by curling hair in two inch sections and brushing them out. The key is after hot ironing in the curls, they must be pinned in placed until they cool.

My favorite out of all the hairstyles was the L.A.M.B. presentation. Simplistic in nature, the hair is left pretty much at its natural state. All of the hair is brought up to the top of the head and placed in a ponytail. Then  a 22-inch drawstring ponytail with claw holders in a slightly different color is placed through the ponytail (there is a hole cut through the middle) and twisted around until all the hair is stacked upon the base to create what Danilo called “the yoga knot.” “Gwen wanted to portray an exotic beauty through her collection this season,” said Danilo. “This undone two-tone yoga knot, also known as a top knot, is edgy and not a perfect ballerina bun. The look exudes a modern coolness [factor] that today’s youth will want to wear day or night.” Danilo advised putting a piece of your ponytail around the base to bring the two together. “That way there is no disconnect between the hair,” he explained. “Also, keep a couple of pieces out so it doesn’t look ‘too done’.”

- Taneisha Jordan

Photos: Second City Style

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring ’12. Naeem Khan’s Colorful, Racy, Glamour

Summary: “Colorful. Racy. Glamour.” That’s how Naeem Khan describes his work, and for Spring 2012 that’s exactly the collection he showed. The theme of the season has wholeheartedly revolved around bold prints, and while perhaps in line with the trend, Khan’s brilliantly hued collection of voluminous gowns and dresses superseded the norm and did not disappoint.

The brilliant aspect of this particular collection is Khan’s ability to tell multiple stories while still keeping a cohesive vision. Not only did he show copious red carpet looks, like a body-hugging silver sequin gown with a feather-fringed bottom (a look, among many others, which elicited audience applause), but he incorporated the racy element into a series of flamenco-inspired dresses which evoked images of a sexy Latin dancer.

Khan’s gowns expertly embrace the female body without ever showing too much, and while some designers may struggle with that fine line between sexy and glamorous, Khan has it down to an exact, breath-taking science. The fluidity of his floor-length caftans, the gorgeous draping of his full-skirted ballgowns, and the smooth, sequined contour of his evening gowns each communicate a sensual, inspired moment filled with vivacity. Khan’s woman is the ultimate goddess — and this extraordinary collection of looks not only shows the designer’s immense skill, but his innate understanding of femininity. A truly special collection, indeed.

Colors: Navy, yellow, black, white, gold, metallic gold, orange, fuchsia, floral, red, rose, ink-blue, periwinkle, ruby, hot pink, taupe, rose, moss, mauve, nude, burgundy, metallic silver, dove grey, rose gold, pewter

Fabrics and Textures: Charmeuse, jersey, bugle-beading, floral print, organza, georgette, op-art print, chiffon, fringe, tiers, leaf beading, crystal-fringing, satin, faille, embroidery, rusching, caviar beading, basket weaving, linen, feather beading, ribbon, poppy beading, chantilly lace, tulle, wave beading, sequins

Key Looks: Fuchsia georgette flamenco gown with sterling silver draped bodice; white and gold fringed t-shirt with white tiered matte jersey trumpet skirt; black leaf-beaded one shoulder three-quarter length tulle dress; white georgette crystal-fringed beaded jacket and trumpet skirt with georgette blouse.

— Amanda Aldinger

Photos: NY Mag

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY Spring ’12. The Blonds And The Playboy Club

Summary: The Blonds can do no wrong when it comes to bringing the drama. And what’s better than for the glamorous duo to have a show presented by Playboy? Phillipe Blond and David Blond‘s Spring ’12 collection, sex appeal was the main course on the menu. Starting off the show with Phillipe Blond in a silk corset and a huge black laser cute Playboy bunny insignia, the show was pure fantasy.

As Jessica Rabbit’s theme “Why Don’t You Do Right?” played loudly over the laser cut bunnies that hopped down the catwalk in mirrored bustiers and crystal bodysuits covered in multi-colored fox puffs, the crowd went wild for every look. If nothing else, this collection can help you aspire to be the fairy princess (or sex kitten) you always wanted to be.

Colors: nude, baby pink, poppy red, white, gold, blue meridian, purple, black, cosmic, green

Fabrics & Textures: silk, crystals, mirror, fox puff, metallic, metal mesh, latex, iridescent, velvet, leather, suede, satin

Key Looks: White diamond cincher, ostrich feather sleeve nude crystal bodysuit with Christian Louboutin footwear; Red metal mesh dress with crystal detail with Christian Louboutin footwear; Cosmic crystal and tulle corset with Christian Louboutin footwear

- Taneisha Jordan

Photos: NY Mag