Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2014

It's been forty years since Diane Von Furstenberg created the iconic wrap dress that's become a staple in many women's wardrobes.  She celebrated with an exhibit that opened earlier this year, The Journey of A Dress, in Los Angeles.  Her fall 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week was a continuation of her journey.  The collection was full of bold patterns and metallic wrap dresses with deep-v necklines throughout.  Patterns seemed to have a 70s inspiration synonymous with the days of Studio 54 when she was in the early days of her career.  Annie Clark of St. Vincent performed through the runway show closing with with models all wearing gold metallic dresses and dancing to the music on stage.  

STYLE | MICHAEL KORS - SPRING 2014

Michael Kors runway show at New York Fashion Week presented a collection that was the perfect combination of sophistication, elegance and classic American style.  His show is usually one of the highlights of Fashion Week and Kors didn't disappoint with his spring 2014 collection.  It was perhaps one of my favorites.

The show opened with a female model wearing a white blazer and sheer fluid skirt.  Her counterpart wore a beige trouser and top with a double breasted white jacket.  They were a perfect pair. It felt like they were heading to a resort and going to sit down for an afternoon drink filled with relaxed conversation.   Throughout the show there were delicate georgette blouses with bows, pleated skirts and below the knee hemlines which all made for the femininity of being a woman.  Kors paired a snake printed top with a pencil skirt and a snake a-line skirt with a navy crop top that offered just a small peek at the model's midriff.  The double breasted short suit was a modern take on a safari inspired look.

Kors said that this collection was a complete contrast to his last one which was much more urban and very sharp.  This time it was more about being soft, relaxed and learning to slow down the fast paced life we live.

(SCROLL BELOW FOR FULL RUNWAY SHOW)

STYLE | NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

Naomi Campbell struts down the runway at New York Fashion Week to round-out Diane Von Furstenburg's
runway show for spring 2014. (Photo: AP/Jason DeCrow) 

This year New York Fashion Week was surrounded by talk about whether the shelf life of runway shows was over.  The New York Times published an article questioning the relevancy of Fashion Week.  More and more fashion insiders have been expressing discontent at the chaos surrounding the events.  Too much focus has shifted from the garments to 'which celebrity is in the front row'.  What started out as Press Week in the 1940s has turned into a chaotic mix of celebrities, bloggers, street style photographers and people who just desperately want to be part of the action.   (CLICK HERE TO READ NYTimes article)

All in all, it was a whirlwind ride of over 300 collections shown at New York Fashion Week for spring 2014.  Despite the chaos, designers had the opportunity to show the world what will be in stores next spring. With so many collections it can be difficult to pull out what the big trends were.  Especially when many designers have their own design aesthetic.  Some of the significant trends we saw included black & white, mesh fabrics, lace details, crop tops, white leg trousers, graphic prints and patterns, fringe, sheer and of course denim.

Calvin Klein, Phillip Lim and Herve Leger were among the designers to mix fringe into their collections.  It was done in a way that was modern and never borderlined on tacky.  Meanwhile graphic patterns were seen at Diane Von Furstenberg, Ralph Lauren and Zimmerman.

Herve Leger spring 2014 collection mixed in fringe into its sexy runway show.

Thom Browne's Elizabethan references were focused on the clean palette of white mixed with hints of black and grey.  Details using stiff white lace, pleated silk and pearl-like buttons were important in this collection while models were done up with hair and makeup that was enough to spook anyone.

Thom Browne's spring 2014 collection was full of Elizabethan refrences. 

Black and white looks from the NYFW runway. Photo Getty Images

Derek Lam spring 2014. (Photo Imaxtree & Alessandro Lucioni)

The athletic look of netted mesh was a trend embraced on the runways of Vera Wang, Rachel Zoe and Nanette Lepore.  Not just for jerseys and casual clothing, it was mixed in with other textiles to create a more sophisticated look yet maintained a relaxed feel.

Vera Wang spring 2014 collection.

Nanette Lepore spring 2014. 

When it came to beauty, it was a mixture of barely there makeup with the bold and beautiful.  Bright orange lips were the highlight at Rag & Bone, Prabal Gurung and Marissa Web.  It was clear that Salmon, melon and tangerine orange will be bringing a punch of citrus to our cosmetic bags next spring.

Sheer fabrics in organza, lace and chiffon were leaving little to the imagine on some runways while others carefully had panels of sheer with fabric that covered just the right places.  Emphasizing the waistlines, legs and other body parts, sheer is definitely a trend for spring.  

And let's not forget the crop top of this past summer.  Once again it will be a key item for the season next spring and summer.  Get your abs ready to show off your midsection.

Jason Wu, spring 2014. 

Lacoste spring 2014 collection.

Lela Rose organza dress with a romantic feel for spring 2014 collection. 

Crop top trend. Narciso Rodriquez spring 2014.
(Photo: Imaxtree and Alessandro Lucioni) 

Other Reading:
The New York Times: Is New York Fashion Week Near the End of The Runway?

STYLE | (Video) New York Fashion Week Trends

BEAUTY | Orange You Beautiful

Rag & Bone. (Getty Images)

 New York Fashion Week is well under way and there is no shortage of trends starting to pop up at all the shows and in the streets of New York.  One beauty trend making a statement is the color orange.  Orange lips were on most of the models at the Rag & Bone show.  Dark skin, light skin and bronze skin - all shades had the bright matte painted orange lip on the runway.  Scoot down to the Suno show and orange painted nails were also the highlight.  The color of choice was Maybelline Orange Fix.

This citrus colour is not for the shy and introverted.  Wear this and you'll have all eyes on you everywhere you go.

Rag & Bone show. (Getty Images)

Rag & Bone (Getty Images)

Suno show backstage where model shows off the orange manicure. (Getty Images)

NY Fashion Fall/Winter 2012

The fall chill is already being felt in most parts of the country but the warmth of fashion is enough to have anyone embrace the winter chill.  Designers at New York Fashion Week showed a range of styles for fall 2012 earlier this year.  This video features a wrap up of the highlights from FashionTV.

Marc Jacobs had funky large hats that made me think of the mad hatter of Alice in Wonderland.  Models strutted in shoes with jeweled buckles, oversized coats, skirts and jackets.  Brocades, prints and Scottish inspired checks were also prevalent in Jacobs collection.  

One of the great things about New York is that it has its own distinctive American flavor yet, every designer is able to present a uniqueness that makes them stand out from the others.

My personal favorite from NY Fashion Week was Diane von Furstenberg.  She always manages to create effortless style for the modern woman.  Check out the video for more.

Tadashi Shoji Spring 2013

Tadashi Shoji's spring 2013 collection was feminine with sheer lace, and translucent layers.  Known for his creations worn by many celebrities, his work has been seen on the likes of Tyra Banks, Kate Beckinsale and Katy Perry. 

Victoria Beckham Spring 2013

Victoria Beckham takes her moment after her spring 2013 showing at New York Fashion Week.
(Photo: Getty Images)

This past Sunday (Sept 9, 2012), Victoria Beckham proved once again that she is not just another pop star who ventured into the fashion arena.  She is a true bonafide designer.  Beckham, who catapulted to worldwide fame as a member of The Spice Girls, has often said that she designs clothing that she would actually wear.  Her attention to detail and creating items that frame a woman's figure are what she's known for.

Victoria Beckham spring 2013. (Photo: Peter Michael Dills - Getty Images)

For her spring 2013 collection models wore shirt-dresses, light a-line skirts and lingerie-inspired pieces.  Color was reduced to a minimum with black, white and light neutrals being the focus with a few pops of color.  Fabrics were lightweight and very feminine; perfect for spring.  She told the New York Daily News, "It's the first time I've gone so delicate, but I wanted the design elements."

NYFW: Michael Kors Spring 2013

Michael Kors collection for next spring was absolutely delightful.  It was classic American style at its best.
Simple, clean lines, bold color and geometric patterns were core in his line for spring.  It was a mix of city lifestyle with hints of the traditional American style of Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren.  Color-blocked pants were paired with rugby-striped tops.  Red, green, yellow and navy combinations on silhouettes reminiscent of 1960's mod style.  Overall a very straight-forward collection that's well suited for the modern woman or man.  

Photo: firstVIEW

Photo: firstVIEW

Photo: firstVIEW

Photo: firstVIEW

Watch this video for the full collection.

Diane Von Furstenberg Brings Google Glass to the Runway

Diane von Furstenberg wearing Google Glass

Diane von Furstenberg will forever be known as the designer who brought women the figure-flattering wrap dress nearly four decades ago.  This weekend she presented her spring 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week.  

Not only did she show a beautiful collection for next season but she also introduced fashion's finest to Google Glass, the latest hi-tech glasses that Google has introduced.  Models wore them while strutting down the runway.  Even the designer herself came out wearing a pair with orange detailing at the end of the show.  

Even though the glasses have been dubbed as looking geeky, they are being hailed as the next thing.  Google co-founder Sergey Brin made an appearance on the runway with von Furstenberg.  She pulled him out of the audience to join her in the finale.  He told the Hindustan Times, "Beauty, style and comfort are as important to Glass as the latest technology. We are delighted to bring Glass to the runway together with DVF."

You might be asking what exactly is Google Glass anyway?  It's a product that Google is still developing and plans to have on the market by 2014.  Worn like glasses, they have functions very similar to smart-phones.  With only a piece of glass over the right eye, they have the ability to take photos, check calendars, record video and much more.  Each pair worn on the runway was designed to match the colors in the model's outfits.  Some models even turned on the device to record footage during the show.  DVF plans to release the video as a short film on Google+ this week.    

As innovative as the new product is, it didn't take away from the collection DVF presented for next season.  It dubbed with the name 'Palazzo'; the color palette of brights like blue, coral, yellow and green were both confident and full of life.  A mixture of caftans, draped dresses and layering, the clothing was soft and fluid with layers framing a woman's figure.  

Photo: Filippo Fior/Gorunway.com

Photo: Filippo Fior/Gorunway.com

                           

Photo: Filippo Fior/Gorunway.com

                           

Photo: Filippo Fior/Gorunway.com

                          

Photo: Filippo Fior/Gorunway.com                           

Photo: Filippo Fior/Gorunway.com

                       

Photo: Filippo Fior/Gorunway.com

                       

Photo: Filippo Fior/Gorunway.com

                       
www.dvf.com


Watch the runway show below:

Zac Posen Spring 2013

Naomi Campbell in Zac Posen (Photo: graziadaily.co.uk)

(Left to right) Coco Rocha, Karlina Kurkova,
Zac Posen and Naomi Campbell
Photo: Patrick McMullen

Zac Posen brought the super in model as Naomi Campbell strutted down the runway for his spring 2013 show at New York Fashion Week yesterday.  Before stepping on the runway, Campbell, who just joined twitter tweeted, "About to walk the @ZacPosen show at #NYFW...you ready for me?"

Coco Rocha and Karolina Kurkova were also power players on Posen's runway.  The clothing was all about ladylike style.  He brought back the pretty details of femininity in a woman with pretty cocktail dresses using tulle, taffeta and organza.  Full fluid skirts, trumpet hems, peplums, delicate patterns and details like ruffles, pintucks and tiers dominated the collection.  Of course the body-hugging silhouettes of the slim skirts and dresses were also looks that certainly bring love to the female form.

Coco Rocha who rarely does runway these days closed the show in the gown.

Watch the runway show in the video below:

Derek Lam - Spring 2013

Even though fall is just around the corner, spring has already sprung at New York Fashion Week.  Derek Lam brought the unexpected for spring.  The rich colors of yellow, blue, green and reds were more autumn than spring.  Details were simple yet complex.  Several elements were at play throughout.  Assymmetrical lines, pleated hems, boxy cuts and geometric shapes catch the eye.  This collection is for the modern city slicker.  

Leather was a key fabric, unusual for spring/summer, made into tailored crop tops paired with perfectly cut skirts.  Although it's hard to imagine donning leather in the mid-summer heat, it was light and movable which makes it seem slightly wearable for that season.   

Jason Wu Spring 2013

Jason Wu has been fashion's darling over the last few years.  The Taiwanese-Canadian designer continues to produce clothing that looks great both on and off the runway.  The spring 2013 runway show at New York Fashion Week opened with black items that complemented a woman's body.  From the classic shift silhouette to the flared skirt with pretty details at the hem.  The mix of black and white was also a classic combination that is both timeless and sophisticated.  Minimized peplum details on the pencil skirts were both modern and retro.

This collection was certainly sexier than he what he's done in the past.  He mixed leathers, lace and harness detailing to create some of the looks he says were inspired by photographer Helmut Newton.   

Watch the video below where he spoke about what inspired him this season.

www.jasonwustudio.com

Body Conscious Dressing: Herve Leger at NY Fashion Week

Herve Leger is best known for its famous body hugging 'bandage style' dresses made famous by supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford who were often seen wearing the dresses.  The last few years fashion has seen a revival of this bandage style from high end to the lower priced knock-offs.  Today at New York Fashion Week the collection for spring 2013 was still true to the label's tradition of body conscious dressing. 

Leger, which is now owned by Max Azria, showed a collection that was inspired by the south.  With details that took references from traditional patchwork, appliques and quilting, it was smart and very sexy.  The silhouette's hugged a woman's curves and some included this season's flared trumpet style skirt.  But for the most part all the dresses were snug on the body with no room for any error.  You definitely can't eat that second piece of cake wearing one of these garments.  

Click here to view the full runway show. 

Behind The Scenes with Zang Toi

New York Fashion Week features some of the world's best designers.  Even though most runway shows are done within 15 minutes, it takes months of preparation to get a collection together.  Watch as Zang Toi gives a behind the scenes look at what went into creating his latest line.

The award-winning designer has been in the business for over 20 years.  Originally from Malaysia, he studied fashion at Parsons School of Design.  It wasn't too long after launching his label that he was recognized by one of fashion's most powerful, Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief of Vogue magazine.  He's dressed some of Hollywood's best known including Eva Longoria, Fergie and Farrah Fawcell.

Toi will show his spring 2013 collection during New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week on Sunday September 9th.

New York Fashion Week: Nicholas K

 

 New York Fashion Week is underway and designers are showing us what's coming for spring 2013. Even though we are getting ready for the cool, crisp fall weather, it's still fun to see what we might be wearing next year.  Silhouettes were fluid and I saw some hints of mid-east influence in some of the garments including scarves wrapped over model's heads like those worn by women in the middle east.  Check out the latest video of Nicholas K's collection for next season.

Fashion's Night Out

It's New York Fashion Week and tonight is the fourth annual Fashion's Night Out.  It's the night when those both in the industry and those who love fashion shop and attend exciting events to celebrate.  Editors, models, designers and many celebrities will be on hand for what started in New York and has become a worldwide phenomenon.

It was first created to help boost the dropping sales of retailers in the business and now it's a major event that fashionistas look forward to.

For more details on events check out the website at www.fashionsnightout.com

Katie Holmes the Designer

Photo: gossipboulevard.com

Unless you haven't turned on a television in the last few days, you already know that Katie Holmes has been top of the headlines with her pending divorce with Tom Cruise.  But that's not the only thing that's been happening in her life.  She remains focused on her career.

She is hard at work preparing to show her clothing line Holmes & Yang at New York Fashion Week for the first time.  The label was launched in 2009 and she co-designs it with Jeanne Yang, her stylist and friend.

Holmes & Yang is currently available at Barney's, Harvey Nichols in London and Hong Kong and at Montaigne Market Paris.  Their spring 2013 collection is highly anticipated.  The clothing line features style you would often see Holmes herself wearing; simple, chic, and classic, with pieces that can easily be transitioned from day to night.   

Katie Holmes with her business partner
Jeanne Yang.  (Photo: Getty Images)

Holmes recently told Elle magazine that she was entering "a new phase" and "coming into her own." 1  Every American designer aspires to show at New York Fashion Week.   This will certainly set the stage to move her business into a new direction which will put her brand on the fashion forefront. 


  If you've never seen any of her fashions take a look at the video below with items from the current spring/summer 2012 collection.
What do you think?  Does she have what it takes to stand the test of time?  We've seen so many celebrities jump into the fashion game.  Her partnership with Jeanne Yang may be just what she needs to stay on top.

Sources:  Elle Magazine July, 2012, 
1. Yahoo! News

Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2012



Diane von Furstenberg Fall/Winter 2012-13. (Photo: PRPhotos.com)

 Diane Von Furstenberg is one of my favorite designers.  Her work always makes a woman look and feel glamorous and beautiful.  Even if it's the simple wrap dress she's famous for.

Her fall/winter 2012/2013 collection proved why her label has so much longevity.  With simple silhouettes that convey effortless style the pieces evoked a modern women; from off-shoulder dresses to printed jumpers and plenty of color.

To view the entire runway show click the link below.

Click here to watch the entire runway show.

Photos: PRPhotos.com