Fashion Week 2

photo by Jason Szenes/EPA

This is my second segment on New York Fashion Week! Read on for thoughts on highlighted design collections and ways to incorporate their style into your own wardrobe!

Tuesday, Feb. 17
Day Shows: Badgley Mischka, Rodarte, Derek Lam, Diesel
Night Shows: Halston, Max Azria, Baby Phat, Narciso Rodriguez

Max Azria:
The high-end fashion line Max Azria has been a showstopper since it’s creation three years ago. I mean, I suppose we couldn’t expect less from the passionate fashion duo; Max and Lubov Azria do more than their fair share in the realm of fashion—along with their namesake line, the Azria design team is behind looks for BCBG and Herve Leger. Still somehow, they always have fresh ideas.
For Fall 2009’s closet, MA is texture. Clothing made of lace, suede, heavy felt, and flowing mesh materials were mixed and matched and plentiful, accompanied by sharp, geometric leather jackets to maintain structure. To fit into the MA’s runway line-up, mix up the cuts of your clothing, not just the texture. Try new, loose-fit bodysuits and uneven hem-lengths (mini-skirt front hem, floor-length back hem was one unexpected, but successful look). Look for zippers on everything from leggings and pumps to leather jackets and vests. One favorite color featured in MA fall line—a goldenrod yellow.

Wednesday, Feb. 18
Day Shows: Nanette Lepore, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta
Night Shows: Marchesa, Anna Sui, Proenza Schouler

Every piece in Anna Sui’s runway collection is fabulously flattering, unique but not unnecessarily flamboyant, and completely wearable—even in Lawrence, Kansas.
Anna Sui mixes and matches her pieces, creating a hot, rockabilly style. She places patterns and hues successfully side-by-side by sticking to a core fabric or color group. Anna Sui’s fall line looks fun to wear, and it seems to cross over into several decades. Younger girls can liven up the already frilly, funky patterned outfits with bright hats and boots (for example, her model walked in a deep-purple, knee-high boot), and those afraid of “dressing too youthfully” will be safe in the versatile ensembles worn with a more neutral jacket or trouser addition.


Thursday, Feb. 19
Day Shows: Vera Wang, Tommy Hilfiger, Isaac Mizrahi, Calvin Klein
Night Shows: Zac Posen

Zac Posen—How does he do it? The designer makes sheer dresses look warm and shapeless, completely modest coats desirable. His tailoring is impeccable, and each piece of his runway collection seems perfectly structured. Zac Posen’s Fall 2009 color palette is subtle (not to say it is lacking color). His 30s style dresses, grey and lavender paisley frocks, short and long ruffled baroque hemlines—it all seems to just belong.
To get in on some of Posen’s old-school Hollywood glamour, search for two-piece outfits—same pattern, same fabric. Add a modern edge with funky cufflinks, hair barrettes, and bold make-up.
Also—check out the patterned coats in Posen’s collection. With coats like those, you may just sweat through dinner, claiming you run cold, just to wear the fun colors and designs a bit more.


Friday, Feb. 20
Day Shows: Project Runway, Ralph Lauren

If you follow Project Runway and are still sulking about the absence of Season Six, check out the three secret designers and their runway debut at Bryant Park. Admittedly, putting No Names on a catwalk where, oh…Oscar de la Renta, Armani, Proenza Schouler…Big Whigs…have been is a bit cruel. Despite the designers’ efforts, there is still some learning to be had. The designer’s all have apparent talent—Designer 1 incorporates endless new cuts into the collection, Designer 2 has a ruffle knack, and Designer 3 hones in on big city, versatile black fashion pieces. Perhaps—if the show’s network battle ever ceases—perhaps we will get to watch the sewing stars uncovered.