Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York Spring 2009 (September 5-12, 2008) was an
exhilarating and chaotic week of fashion’s finest designers presenting their point of view
for the coming season. The FashionQandA.com editorial team was present and in
attendance at some of the biggest shows of the affair, previewing designer collections in
the tents at Bryant Park and throughout Manhattan. Here are our catty catwalk notes.
exhilarating and chaotic week of fashion’s finest designers presenting their point of view
for the coming season. The FashionQandA.com editorial team was present and in
attendance at some of the biggest shows of the affair, previewing designer collections in
the tents at Bryant Park and throughout Manhattan. Here are our catty catwalk notes.
The return of the tents to Bryant Park is like the yin and yang of fashion. Fashionistas are so excited to see them
go up and feel a bit of desperation when they come down. But no worries, they will rise again in February 09.
go up and feel a bit of desperation when they come down. But no worries, they will rise again in February 09.
Catty on the
Catwalk:
Fashion Week New York Spring
2009 Runway Report
Catwalk:
Fashion Week New York Spring
2009 Runway Report
Carmen Marc Valvo once again hits the mark with his Spring 2009 Fashion
Show. It was every bit as glamorous and beautiful as one would expect. Valvo is
truly one of America’s top designers. This is one show that stood out in a week
of shows that barely caught my attention.
As people filed into their seats, you could feel the excitement in the air. The
music was playing, people were chatting and amazing outfits were being seen.
Cameras started clicking as Emmy Rossum walked the runway and took her
seat. They kept clicking until guests stopped clapping and the show ended.
Once again the end of the show heralded a standing ovation for Valvo. This year’
s collection consisted of twisted jersey tops, flirty blouses, amazing cocktail
dresses and skirts. Also, added to the runway this year were some beautiful
bags and jaw dropping bathing suits. Geometry was all over this collection.
Squares were the form of choice. Valvo used them on almost every design that
came down the runway. They were presented with ribbons, paten leather
squares sewn into skirts and basket woven into dresses. The use of the square
(in my opinion) brought a new sophistication to his designs.
His collection was dramatic, crisp, and beautiful and what every woman wants
to wear. The color palette consisted of safe green, white, shimmering creams,
black and of course silver. Think elegant, timeless and fluid. Without a doubt
this is evening wear, day wear and bathing suits that women will want to wear
this spring. No matter where a woman is off to, she will look perfect. You can
never go wrong in Carmen Marc Valvo design. I salute him and say brava to his
RTW Spring 2009 collection.
Show. It was every bit as glamorous and beautiful as one would expect. Valvo is
truly one of America’s top designers. This is one show that stood out in a week
of shows that barely caught my attention.
As people filed into their seats, you could feel the excitement in the air. The
music was playing, people were chatting and amazing outfits were being seen.
Cameras started clicking as Emmy Rossum walked the runway and took her
seat. They kept clicking until guests stopped clapping and the show ended.
Once again the end of the show heralded a standing ovation for Valvo. This year’
s collection consisted of twisted jersey tops, flirty blouses, amazing cocktail
dresses and skirts. Also, added to the runway this year were some beautiful
bags and jaw dropping bathing suits. Geometry was all over this collection.
Squares were the form of choice. Valvo used them on almost every design that
came down the runway. They were presented with ribbons, paten leather
squares sewn into skirts and basket woven into dresses. The use of the square
(in my opinion) brought a new sophistication to his designs.
His collection was dramatic, crisp, and beautiful and what every woman wants
to wear. The color palette consisted of safe green, white, shimmering creams,
black and of course silver. Think elegant, timeless and fluid. Without a doubt
this is evening wear, day wear and bathing suits that women will want to wear
this spring. No matter where a woman is off to, she will look perfect. You can
never go wrong in Carmen Marc Valvo design. I salute him and say brava to his
RTW Spring 2009 collection.
 |
The name Zac Posen normally puts a chill into my spine. He is one of my
favorite designers and I don’t often tire of seeing his gowns float down the
runway. In the past I have loved his collections to the point of wanting to be
a woman so I could have a piece. Who wouldn't’t want to show up at an
event in one of his frocks? Posen’s RTW spring 2009 collection made me
think of a woman who goes from work right out to party. A woman who
makes it her business to attend and be seen at the best parties in her
given city.
Don’t get me wrong, it was still a great spring showing. The collection
sizzled with super short skirts, leather and suede biker jackets, beautiful
fabrics and even animal prints. Who knew that animal prints truly are here
to stay? I do have to admit I was not impressed with some of the overly
padded dresses. It seemed like either models put a few inches on or just
had been poorly tailored. As always Posen’s over the top evening wear is
going to hit the red carpets in a matter of moments. However, I can’t help
wonder why he limits himself to only evening wear. In the past he has
always proclaimed to be a big dreamer. So why not set his sites on the
next level of fashion?
American Express and Mr. Posen collaborated on this special showing of
his collection. It was a great opportunity for people to have access to a high
wattage event, because most people unless they are press or celebrities
often don’t have opportunity to go to fashion week show. Many people out
there love fashion but don’t have the chance to see these clothes up close
and personal. Andre Leon Talley introduced the collection and Mr. Posen,
afterwards hosted a Q&A for guests of the show. The range of questions
disappointed me. A crowd was sitting there with a fashion god and they
asked some very unfashionable questions. That all being said, it was a
great event and I would gladly attend again.
favorite designers and I don’t often tire of seeing his gowns float down the
runway. In the past I have loved his collections to the point of wanting to be
a woman so I could have a piece. Who wouldn't’t want to show up at an
event in one of his frocks? Posen’s RTW spring 2009 collection made me
think of a woman who goes from work right out to party. A woman who
makes it her business to attend and be seen at the best parties in her
given city.
Don’t get me wrong, it was still a great spring showing. The collection
sizzled with super short skirts, leather and suede biker jackets, beautiful
fabrics and even animal prints. Who knew that animal prints truly are here
to stay? I do have to admit I was not impressed with some of the overly
padded dresses. It seemed like either models put a few inches on or just
had been poorly tailored. As always Posen’s over the top evening wear is
going to hit the red carpets in a matter of moments. However, I can’t help
wonder why he limits himself to only evening wear. In the past he has
always proclaimed to be a big dreamer. So why not set his sites on the
next level of fashion?
American Express and Mr. Posen collaborated on this special showing of
his collection. It was a great opportunity for people to have access to a high
wattage event, because most people unless they are press or celebrities
often don’t have opportunity to go to fashion week show. Many people out
there love fashion but don’t have the chance to see these clothes up close
and personal. Andre Leon Talley introduced the collection and Mr. Posen,
afterwards hosted a Q&A for guests of the show. The range of questions
disappointed me. A crowd was sitting there with a fashion god and they
asked some very unfashionable questions. That all being said, it was a
great event and I would gladly attend again.
 |
On September 11, 2008 Depesha the Russian Lifestyle Magazine held a party and
runway show to celebrate the first printing. It was quite an affair that drew many people
from the fashion world. The event was held at Mansion Ultra Lounge on 10th Avenue in
New York City. It’s a cavernous space decorated with Murano Glass Chandaliers,
velvet banquets and massive bars.
Depesha’s event started as a cocktail party, with pounding tribal music, champagne
flowing and the crowds arriving. Once the room was at capacity, we were treated to
several runway shows. The designer featured was Russian Duo Delirius who
presented their Spring 2009 Collection. It was without a doubt an interesting
presentation. It reminded me of 1980s over the top fantasy fashion. The clothing was
one part 80’s prom, one part costume, one part masquerade and one part Victorian.
The models were provided by a dance school and brought a new way to strutting down
the runway. All and all it was an interesting presentation. I am not sure that clothing
would go over well here in the States but in a country where over the top is the rule it
will be on every red carpet.
The magazine is 155 pages of luxe fashion, photos, art and articles all presented in a
bi annual form. The only downfall for me was that the text was in Russian. I realize it’s
a Russian lifestyle magazine but if they want to be an international publication, they
may want to consider using a second language. All of that said, it is an impressive first
edition. Without a doubt this maiden voyage will help put them on the map. It’s the first
luxury magazine to take the Russian society by storm. Here is a toast to Depesha and
their first printed publication.
runway show to celebrate the first printing. It was quite an affair that drew many people
from the fashion world. The event was held at Mansion Ultra Lounge on 10th Avenue in
New York City. It’s a cavernous space decorated with Murano Glass Chandaliers,
velvet banquets and massive bars.
Depesha’s event started as a cocktail party, with pounding tribal music, champagne
flowing and the crowds arriving. Once the room was at capacity, we were treated to
several runway shows. The designer featured was Russian Duo Delirius who
presented their Spring 2009 Collection. It was without a doubt an interesting
presentation. It reminded me of 1980s over the top fantasy fashion. The clothing was
one part 80’s prom, one part costume, one part masquerade and one part Victorian.
The models were provided by a dance school and brought a new way to strutting down
the runway. All and all it was an interesting presentation. I am not sure that clothing
would go over well here in the States but in a country where over the top is the rule it
will be on every red carpet.
The magazine is 155 pages of luxe fashion, photos, art and articles all presented in a
bi annual form. The only downfall for me was that the text was in Russian. I realize it’s
a Russian lifestyle magazine but if they want to be an international publication, they
may want to consider using a second language. All of that said, it is an impressive first
edition. Without a doubt this maiden voyage will help put them on the map. It’s the first
luxury magazine to take the Russian society by storm. Here is a toast to Depesha and
their first printed publication.
 |
The Republic wasn’t Rocked!
"The Skinny Bitch,"... Isn’t that something we call someone when we
are out at night? Not Rock and Republic–for one of the major denim
companies it’s the name of their painted on super tight jeans.
Let me set the scene for you. The runway was black glazed, the music
was pumpin’ rock and the models were tall, gorgeous, tight bodied
and strutted the runway for all it was worth. Front row sat Brandy, Mary
Kate Olsen and a bevy of B-list socialites from New York City. This year’
s presentation felt like being inside that hot new club that everyone
wants to be part of. But once inside you wonder … was it worth it?
My opinion is that the republic was not truly rocked. As in years past the
color pallet was black and white. Rather then pops of color, this year’s
add on was acid washed. As someone who lived through the 80s I can’
t say I was overly excited to see that. Do we really need super tight acid
washed jeans? The rest of the collection featured super short bandage
dresses, sheer sweaters, stripped leggings and cropped leather
jackets. One of the highlights of the collection was the sky-high
stilettos. They were a dangerous height and nothing less then amazing.
The show was fun and a great way to start off fashion week. However,
unless you are super tall, super thin and have attitude all of the time
this collection misses the beat. It certainly did not make me think of
spring 09.
"The Skinny Bitch,"... Isn’t that something we call someone when we
are out at night? Not Rock and Republic–for one of the major denim
companies it’s the name of their painted on super tight jeans.
Let me set the scene for you. The runway was black glazed, the music
was pumpin’ rock and the models were tall, gorgeous, tight bodied
and strutted the runway for all it was worth. Front row sat Brandy, Mary
Kate Olsen and a bevy of B-list socialites from New York City. This year’
s presentation felt like being inside that hot new club that everyone
wants to be part of. But once inside you wonder … was it worth it?
My opinion is that the republic was not truly rocked. As in years past the
color pallet was black and white. Rather then pops of color, this year’s
add on was acid washed. As someone who lived through the 80s I can’
t say I was overly excited to see that. Do we really need super tight acid
washed jeans? The rest of the collection featured super short bandage
dresses, sheer sweaters, stripped leggings and cropped leather
jackets. One of the highlights of the collection was the sky-high
stilettos. They were a dangerous height and nothing less then amazing.
The show was fun and a great way to start off fashion week. However,
unless you are super tall, super thin and have attitude all of the time
this collection misses the beat. It certainly did not make me think of
spring 09.
 |
Calling all drag queens, Patricia Field, downtown divas and everyone in
between; if you are looking for things bedazzled, bold and over the top
beautiful, you should have attended The Blondes spring 09 fashion
show. Once again it was a jaw dropping success. It’s not often that I
trek downtown for event during fashion week. As in years past I knew I
would find an amazing outfit, catch a cab and say to the driver, “18th
Street please.”
between; if you are looking for things bedazzled, bold and over the top
beautiful, you should have attended The Blondes spring 09 fashion
show. Once again it was a jaw dropping success. It’s not often that I
trek downtown for event during fashion week. As in years past I knew I
would find an amazing outfit, catch a cab and say to the driver, “18th
Street please.”
I have to say I was without a doubt impressed and awed. Not that
designer's David and Phillipe need my opinion. They have a client list
that includes Beyonce, Alicia Keys and other major music and film
stars. Needless to say, with a client list like that they need to outdo
themselves season after season. This season was no exception.
designer's David and Phillipe need my opinion. They have a client list
that includes Beyonce, Alicia Keys and other major music and film
stars. Needless to say, with a client list like that they need to outdo
themselves season after season. This season was no exception.
 |
Their spring 09 show was held at the Prince Georges Ballroom on 18th Street in New York City. The room was teaming with drag queens, east village boys, fashionistas, a few
preps and really everything in between. The music was loud, the seats were full and there was constant clapping. The collection that the Blondes sent down the runways for
spring was over the top club wear. Dresses that looked like sexy walking disco balls, flowing florescent frocks and hats that would make the derby more fun then ever was just
part of the night. Beaded boustieres, blond hair galore and a most amazing star designed mini dress you ever have seen made up the other half.
You certainly have to give these boys credit. Their designs are part club wear and part drama. If there was ever a reason to grab your friends and go out on a Saturday night this
line is it. If you walk into a room with any of their designs on, you are going to be the girl of the moment at the club. Here is to another season of sparkle and sass.
preps and really everything in between. The music was loud, the seats were full and there was constant clapping. The collection that the Blondes sent down the runways for
spring was over the top club wear. Dresses that looked like sexy walking disco balls, flowing florescent frocks and hats that would make the derby more fun then ever was just
part of the night. Beaded boustieres, blond hair galore and a most amazing star designed mini dress you ever have seen made up the other half.
You certainly have to give these boys credit. Their designs are part club wear and part drama. If there was ever a reason to grab your friends and go out on a Saturday night this
line is it. If you walk into a room with any of their designs on, you are going to be the girl of the moment at the club. Here is to another season of sparkle and sass.
Preppy and a fun with a dash of Hilfiger is how I would describe the
spring 09 collection from Trovata. Blazers, seersuckers slacks and
buffalo plaid were abundant.
Without a doubt this seasons collection was more refined and mature.
It’s good to see that designer John Whitledge is growing into his role.
This year’s show was held in the former Tunnel Club Space on 10th
Avenue. After the schlep cross-town, it was disappointing to find a
space that was white, bare and without air conditioning. Oh and to
enter the show we had to step up into the back of an old school bus. I
later learned the designer plans to drive cross-country in it and peddle
his collection. I will give him credit for attempting to be green and
having the bus converted to run on vegetable oil. Ah, the things we do
and the places we go during fashion week.
For the preppy at heart, his collection was not disappointing. It was
simple and paired down with pieces you would grab out of your closet
for a picnic or even a lazy walk around town, but definitely not things I
see people wearing in the city. Whitledge sent ankle length sheer shirt
dresses, structured jackets and low waisted dresses down the runway
for women. For men we saw lose trench coats, structured jackets and
Keds. As the models came down the runway, they dipped their crisp
white Keds into paint and left tracks as they walked back and forth. All
and all it was a decent collection. Without a doubt, Whitledge is on the
right track with this RTW collection. At the very least, this year the
models have shoes on for a change.
spring 09 collection from Trovata. Blazers, seersuckers slacks and
buffalo plaid were abundant.
Without a doubt this seasons collection was more refined and mature.
It’s good to see that designer John Whitledge is growing into his role.
This year’s show was held in the former Tunnel Club Space on 10th
Avenue. After the schlep cross-town, it was disappointing to find a
space that was white, bare and without air conditioning. Oh and to
enter the show we had to step up into the back of an old school bus. I
later learned the designer plans to drive cross-country in it and peddle
his collection. I will give him credit for attempting to be green and
having the bus converted to run on vegetable oil. Ah, the things we do
and the places we go during fashion week.
For the preppy at heart, his collection was not disappointing. It was
simple and paired down with pieces you would grab out of your closet
for a picnic or even a lazy walk around town, but definitely not things I
see people wearing in the city. Whitledge sent ankle length sheer shirt
dresses, structured jackets and low waisted dresses down the runway
for women. For men we saw lose trench coats, structured jackets and
Keds. As the models came down the runway, they dipped their crisp
white Keds into paint and left tracks as they walked back and forth. All
and all it was a decent collection. Without a doubt, Whitledge is on the
right track with this RTW collection. At the very least, this year the
models have shoes on for a change.
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By Colin Megaro
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