I quickly jetted over to the Promenade for the
Andy & Debb show.  What an incredible body of
work! The show was complete with classic
glamour, fabulous separate pieces, and striking
pleated-looking cuffs.  Satin, sequins, and shine
dominated the runway. Neutral, clean, simple
palettes were preferred by the creators.

The pieces were very wearable and reflected a
comfortable glamorous feel for the Spring. The
youthful apathetic beauties walked the catwalk
portraying the innocent ambivalent mantra of the
present generation.
My last show for day two ended with Verrier.
The Verrier collection took us way back to the mod era
full of floral pieces and high waisted skirts. The 80’s
were in full effect as well, with a full assault of shine
and glimmer.  

Unflattering baggy dresses appeared in awkward
colors. Verrier included an assortment of sheer
peasant tops, lace hoodies, and baby doll dresses.
The progressive woman from the 21st century could
find herself empowered and feminine by the business
skirts and jackets shown.
On Sunday, I went out to support Style
360 and viewed the Walter Collection
which was a true breath of fresh air; it
was the definition of Spring and
Summer. Loads of color was present
on this catwalk. Floral prints
dominated. Loose free flowing dresses
graced our vision. The show felt like a
botanical garden full of exotic and
enterprising garments. Gorgeous long
haired Venus-like models lightly
galloped down the runway.  Walter’s
shoes of choice went from patent
leather red and black pumps, to
Grecian flat teal and royal blue smooth
leather sandals. Before the show, I
asked designer Walter Baker how he
felt as he waited to reveal his
collection. “I am truly excited; this is the most fabulous collection I
have ever completed!” He also went on to say, “I’m presenting
beautiful, gorgeous prints on wonderful bodies!”

I also asked Baker, why he chose to show so many dresses in this
collection?  He responded with, “Well, it’s the easiest thing to wear.
A woman does not have to think about it, just put on a beautiful
dress and they’re good to go. Long or short it’s all fabulous!” Walter
also confirmed that skirts are making a come back this season.  
“Absolutely! “short but not too short high waisted, great for tucking in
blouses," says Walter. "And of course pleated skirts, romantic and
flirty.”
Backstage with LU Style Award
Winner and Walter Collection
designer, Walter Baker
The Shumaq show in the Altman Building created an
atmosphere of ample excitement behind-the-scenes.
A bevy of beauties were being primped and prepped before
the show began. Hair stylists (Ryan with Antonio Prieto
Salon), make-up artists (Chichi), and industry folks were
busily moving about to see the Spring/Summer collection
jump off. Designer, Vanessa Barrantes, a very personable
and super sweet girl was inspired by her recent trip to
Sayulita, Mexico. Barrantes shared that her inspiration
came from the magical beaches, enchanting jungle hikes,
and bustling open air markets of the country. Barrantes
also revealed that she felt quite nervous as she anticipated
the start of her show, “I feel a little stressed. I guess I am
nervous”, as she lets out a chuckle. Her collection provided
a natural organic ready to wear carefree feeling. Although,
there was a lot of energy and excitement behind-the-
scenes, the show provided an air of serenity and quiet
passive artistry.  
The absence of color was not a true statement for
the House of Cassette’s Spring 2009 collection.  
Black was the dominating force and color
throughout the show providing the strongest
presence of the Spring collections. For the
uninhibited, around the way girl, this collection was
the answer to coming correct! Cassette’s line
included loose fitting shirt dresses and cakelike
jackets with hoods that gave the feeling of freedom
and control. Sexy sweetheart-topped dresses and
low-front revealing dresses were a stand-out. Guys
were hip and confident looking in tapered shorts,
bow ties, and cardigan sweaters. Gentlemen will
be stylishly cool liking in paper boy hats with band
collared shirts and hanging suspenders. A splash
of color appeared at the close of the show, skinny
bright hot colored jeans snuck out on the catwalk,
they were adorned by both male and female
models. When creative designer, Peter James Lee,
was asked about any pre-show jitters, he
exclaimed, “Crazy, crazy, emotional, just trying to
keep it all under wraps….after a hard day at work I
always looks to my design team to unwind and for
support.” The show closed as a warm family affair,
as Lee was joined by his supportive design family.

IT'S A WRAP
Fashion week was a thrilling and tumultuous
experience of amazing fabrics, enterprising
concepts, creative designs, and lots of fabulous
faces! I’m looking forward to appearing sleek,
stylish, and comfortable next Spring…bring on the
heat!  Until next time, this is Frederico fashionably
signing off!
The
Scene II
On the Runway at New York Fashion Week
Spring 2009 with Frederico Nogueira
By Frederico Nogueira, Model & Runway Correspondent &
Travis Bolden, Staff Photographer