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No single collection this season at Fashion Week New York Spring 2009 took my breath away. Of course, seasoned vets like Badgley Mischka,
3.1 Phillip Lim, Carlos Miele, Dennis Basso and Carolina Herrera among others served up their usual, amazing clothes for the celebrities that
can afford them and their A-list fashionista clientele that covets them.
I believe many designers played it safe by creating collections in which most, if not all, designed garments are intended to be purchased by
buyers. In an economy that refers to Wall Street as the 'Shock Market', one tends to be more cautious, to maintain or drive revenue rather than to
create clothing that makes you think. But, what can I say, I am a woman who enjoys some experimental fashion every now and then. Diversity is
the spice of life after all. I attended a diverse array of shows spanning designers from Australia, Russia, Italy, and there were of course a few born
and breed Americans. I invite you to experience a runway seat next to me.
3.1 Phillip Lim, Carlos Miele, Dennis Basso and Carolina Herrera among others served up their usual, amazing clothes for the celebrities that
can afford them and their A-list fashionista clientele that covets them.
I believe many designers played it safe by creating collections in which most, if not all, designed garments are intended to be purchased by
buyers. In an economy that refers to Wall Street as the 'Shock Market', one tends to be more cautious, to maintain or drive revenue rather than to
create clothing that makes you think. But, what can I say, I am a woman who enjoys some experimental fashion every now and then. Diversity is
the spice of life after all. I attended a diverse array of shows spanning designers from Australia, Russia, Italy, and there were of course a few born
and breed Americans. I invite you to experience a runway seat next to me.
Parsons School of Design alum Tracy Reese is a sophisticated designer with the intelligence to understand what the Tracy Reese woman wants to wear. When I need an amazing dress
for a cocktail event or a special occasion, I rely on Reese to deliver a frock that is pretty, feminine and chic. Reese's Spring 09 show was held to a packed crowd in the main Tent of Bryant
Park, a step up from last season's spot in the Promenade. The collection was colorful and dainty, with lace and silk free flowing on the runway. I loved the movement in this collection, each
piece felt like a journey of lovers being swept away in the midst of a starry night. This collection had a very romantic vibe. The sound system was even blaring tunes with words like, "Love
makes you beautiful." Many of the pervading colors we saw on the runways for Spring 08 such as purple, green and yellow will be back in full swing next season, as was evident in Reese's
collection. So ladies, do not go overboard by throwing everything out from last season. One accessory trend that I loved was the cascading earrings that models donned and which gave
these girly designs just a bit of edge and confidence.
for a cocktail event or a special occasion, I rely on Reese to deliver a frock that is pretty, feminine and chic. Reese's Spring 09 show was held to a packed crowd in the main Tent of Bryant
Park, a step up from last season's spot in the Promenade. The collection was colorful and dainty, with lace and silk free flowing on the runway. I loved the movement in this collection, each
piece felt like a journey of lovers being swept away in the midst of a starry night. This collection had a very romantic vibe. The sound system was even blaring tunes with words like, "Love
makes you beautiful." Many of the pervading colors we saw on the runways for Spring 08 such as purple, green and yellow will be back in full swing next season, as was evident in Reese's
collection. So ladies, do not go overboard by throwing everything out from last season. One accessory trend that I loved was the cascading earrings that models donned and which gave
these girly designs just a bit of edge and confidence.
I had the pleasure of going
backstage at Reese's show where
singer/actress Brandy was in
support with Reese's mother Pat,
who was all smiles from start to
finish at her daughter's Spring 09
show.
backstage at Reese's show where
singer/actress Brandy was in
support with Reese's mother Pat,
who was all smiles from start to
finish at her daughter's Spring 09
show.
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WILLOW, a line based in The Land Down Under, has become synonymous with elegance and
contemporary style. Designed by Kit Willow, WILLOW launched at Mercedes-Benz Australian
Fashion Week in 2003. A regular on the New York Fashion Week scene since 2005, the designer
departed from showing in the tents, as she did in February, for a more intimate setting, and
showcased at the Altman Building on 18th Street in Chelsea. I chatted with Willow at the
presentation and asked her what is the single most pervading design detail one can expect to see
in each of her collections, and she confessed, "Draping." Draping was clearly evident in many of the
long flowing evening gowns she presented.
Inspired by the French dance troupe known as the Ballet Russe, the collection was fit for a red
carpet star. I am confident that you will definitely catch one of her many celebrity clients, such as
Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Katie Holmes, Cate Blanchett or Kate Bosworth sporting pieces from
this collection at an awards event. Her spring 2009 color palette consisted of off-white, gold, orange,
tawny browns and chestnut cremes, zebra print and geometric prints in violet and saffron. Although
the models where just standing, you could ask them to come down off the platform to observe
WILLOW's beauty and craftsmanship up close and personal. The fabric selection was of course
made from the finest silk, chiffon, and silk jersey, which gave each garment's structure added value.
I am a huge fan of WILLOW, her aesthetic is just so pleasing, you have to admire her genius.
contemporary style. Designed by Kit Willow, WILLOW launched at Mercedes-Benz Australian
Fashion Week in 2003. A regular on the New York Fashion Week scene since 2005, the designer
departed from showing in the tents, as she did in February, for a more intimate setting, and
showcased at the Altman Building on 18th Street in Chelsea. I chatted with Willow at the
presentation and asked her what is the single most pervading design detail one can expect to see
in each of her collections, and she confessed, "Draping." Draping was clearly evident in many of the
long flowing evening gowns she presented.
Inspired by the French dance troupe known as the Ballet Russe, the collection was fit for a red
carpet star. I am confident that you will definitely catch one of her many celebrity clients, such as
Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Katie Holmes, Cate Blanchett or Kate Bosworth sporting pieces from
this collection at an awards event. Her spring 2009 color palette consisted of off-white, gold, orange,
tawny browns and chestnut cremes, zebra print and geometric prints in violet and saffron. Although
the models where just standing, you could ask them to come down off the platform to observe
WILLOW's beauty and craftsmanship up close and personal. The fabric selection was of course
made from the finest silk, chiffon, and silk jersey, which gave each garment's structure added value.
I am a huge fan of WILLOW, her aesthetic is just so pleasing, you have to admire her genius.
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A designer worthy of immense recognition is b. michael. Known in the
industry as 'New York's best kept secret,' b. michael's career in fashion
spans over a decade. His designs appeared in movies, were spotted on the
runways of not only New York, but also Beijing and London, featured on and
in fashion editorials for high-profile celebrities such as Halle Berry, Beyonce
and Cate Blanchett. b. michael has been a member of the prestigious
Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) since 1998.
With so many achievements, it is surprising that b. michael is not a
household name. But, not to worry, this designer is a man with a plan. His
plan for Spring 2009 is to have women be seen and gravitate towards crisp
and clean lines. The collection showcased a pastel scheme of colors
reminiscent of Easter with a splash of polka dots and paisley. A flair for the
fabulous, no b. michael collection would be complete without a few long,
'look at me' evening gowns. The finale gown pictured right was regally
elegant with a timeless silhouette. b. michael is a permanent fixture in the
world of fashion, so just learn to love him because he is not going anywhere
anytime time soon.
industry as 'New York's best kept secret,' b. michael's career in fashion
spans over a decade. His designs appeared in movies, were spotted on the
runways of not only New York, but also Beijing and London, featured on and
in fashion editorials for high-profile celebrities such as Halle Berry, Beyonce
and Cate Blanchett. b. michael has been a member of the prestigious
Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) since 1998.
With so many achievements, it is surprising that b. michael is not a
household name. But, not to worry, this designer is a man with a plan. His
plan for Spring 2009 is to have women be seen and gravitate towards crisp
and clean lines. The collection showcased a pastel scheme of colors
reminiscent of Easter with a splash of polka dots and paisley. A flair for the
fabulous, no b. michael collection would be complete without a few long,
'look at me' evening gowns. The finale gown pictured right was regally
elegant with a timeless silhouette. b. michael is a permanent fixture in the
world of fashion, so just learn to love him because he is not going anywhere
anytime time soon.
Runway
Rewind
Your access to the Tracy Reese, Willow &
b. michael Spring 2009 shows at MBFW New York
Rewind
Your access to the Tracy Reese, Willow &
b. michael Spring 2009 shows at MBFW New York
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By Qianna Smith
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