While most of the major shows take place in the "tents" set-up in midtown's Bryant Park, some of my fave shows were off-site. James Coviello held his intimate show at the Prince George Ballroom in Chelsea. The ultra feminine cardigans, tie-neck blouses and pencils skirts immediately reminded me the costumes Jurnee Smollett wore in The Great Debaters. And the hair at another Chelsea show, ThreeASFOUR (braids cascading into a bun) was so refreshing in a sea of shows with boring, safe hair dos. I predict that some celebs will recreate this hair on the red carpet.
ThreeASFOUR
James Coviello
Speaking of celebs and hair, there were plenty out and about during NY's fashion week. Rihanna (sans bob) debuted her new do and made it out to the BCBG Max Azria and Proenza Schouler shows -- in the front row of course. Sidebar: are y'all feeling the Marc Jacobs bag named after Miss Ella? I hope she's getting a cut. Marc Jacobs apparently started his 7p show at 7:17p!!! This is indeed news since his shows typically begin at least an hour behind schedule. Celebs also packed the front row for Rock & Republic. I however was booted to watch the show on a monitor. Genevieve Jones (I'm still in awe at how sister girl became a socialite) sat with Hollywood hipsters like Sophia Bush to view what was a lot of hype for nothing. One of the few lines that shows menswear and womenswear, it lacked cohesiveness. But, this purple gown was a plesant surprise! I predict teeny boppers across America will be wearing the A.B.S version for their proms in a few months.
Marc Jacobs "Rihanna" Bag
Rock & Republic Gets Glam
The always a party Baby Phat show was full of celebs again this season. (Joss Stone, Tyra Banks and Vivica A. Fox) But, a little birdie informed me that the fashion director of a premiere magazine was booted from the front row because of a seating dispute. Said fashion director was made to feel like a second class citizen before she and her staff just existed the Roseland Ballroom. (to the left, to the left) This might not seem like such a big deal except that Star Jones was also in the front row and was of course treated like royalty. No offense to ole’ girl Star but she doesn’t cover fashion for her gig. She is there to get her picture taken. The folks that view the shows for their actual jobs, i.e. mag editors, buyers and stylists have become chopped liver for celebs at the shows. Tsk, tsk. Oh and there were no looks worth mentioning shown at Baby Phat. And even if there were, they wouldn't be available in stores come August. Just expect the same recycled embellished denim and screen printed tees for your tween-aged niece.
In keeping with the latest philanthropy trend, Madonna partnered with Gucci (haven't they been busy?) for a black-tie gala that was a definite highlight of fashion week this season. Anna Wintour, Diddy, a very pregnant Jennifer Lopez, Nelly Fertado, Rihanna (who performed) and Timbaland were all in attendance. Over 5 million dollars was raised for Malawi, the birthplace of Madonna’s youngest son. I think my invite was lost in the mail...
Another highlight was Robin Roberts walking in the Isaac Mizrahi show. A breast cancer survivor who recently completed chemo, Roberts exposed her bald head on the runway wearing a red sequined frock. Talk about style going way beyond clothes. Go Robin!
Survivor Robin Roberts Struts The Runway
My favorite show (that I actually viewed personally) was Tracy Reese. I honestly prefer Tracy's spring collections over her fall lines because of the color and print usage she has become notorious for. But this season she didn't disappoint with sweet ruffled tops, menswear inspired trousers and jewel-toned beaded blouses. Tracy's collection was also filled with these adorable beret meets headband concotions that are super-cute. (I hope they actually make it to stores. Often the accessories from from runway shows aren't sold at retail and are more like props.) And Tracy's show is sorta like a homecoming for the Black press. I always have a good 'ole time. A close second to Tracy would have to be Vivienne Tam who was in a Disney state of mind when designing her fall line. She incorporated Mickey Mouse (yes you read correctly) into several of her pieces. I thought it was a fun way to update clothes that we've honestly all seen before. I read that she was inspired by 2008 being the year of the rat in Chinese culture. Whatever her inspiration was, I love it. If fashion designers can't take chances then who the heck can?
Tracy Reese
Vivienne Tam
Read on for additional trend highlights for fall 2008.
the color purple - It was simply everywhere. Even Calvin Klein’s black collection was peppered with at least one violet-hued dress. It looked especially new when paired with emerald green like at Tracy Reese and James Coviello.
waist management - Defined waists will be even more prevalent next season.
get shorty - Hemlines are shorter stopping just at the knee for many designers. Perfect since there was also lots of opague hoisery on the runways.
Black Boys Rule! - Mr. Combs only used Black models for his Sean John menswear show (The first in years). The looks were very grown and sexy -- fitted pants and jackets, clean lines, not a hoodie in sight.
Have Diddy and Bethann been talking?
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
2 comments:
BB. Thank you, thank you!!
You always keep me in the know, MJ has a Rihanna bag? It's growing on me
And glad to hear Diddy did all Black models.
But dont tease us! Who was the booted editor??
Ha, ha CJ! I have to be "pc" here but I will add that the booted editor from the Baby Phat show is the fashion director at a women's lifestyle magazine you know very, very well...
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