Jordan Dechambre-Childers, managing and fashion editor of M: Milwaukee's Lifestyle Magazine, and Bjorn Nasett, magazine stylist and hair stylist at Beauty, are on the scene at NYC Spring '09 Fashion Week Sept. 5-12. Watch for daily updates on the hottest trends as they hit the runway.
Fashion Week has rolled out the red carpet once again to present the spring 2009 collections. The atmosphere is part trade show, part circus and -- curiously -- like the Olympics. Photographers, journalists, society babes, celebs and the like descend on Bryant Park at 42nd Street and 6th Avenue for a week of parties, runway shows and revelry.
Jordan headed out early to Michael Angel, who sent out his models with sleek hair, barely there makeup and rich, charcoal encrusted eyes. Blue-hued metallics, one-shoulder dresses, tapered-leg pants and Swarovski crystal shoulder pads emerged as major trends in his chic collection.
At BCBG, we saw wearable but predictable looks from Max Azria. Jumpsuits, Grecian-inspired dresses, juicy pink and tangerine detail colors and high-waisted pants and skirts graced the runway. Next, the Perry Ellis show presented a fresh take on men's sportswear, with the use of nylon fabrication and unexpected colors like pinks and soft purples, mingling with traditional plaids and windowpane checks. White aviator sunglasses also emerged as the hot frame for the season. The only misstep was polka dots. Note to Milwaukee males: linen shorts with pink polka dots are never the right choice.
After Perry Ellis, we ditched the tents and checked out Yigal Azrouel in Chelsea. The clothes were light and breezy, but the silhouettes seemed out of proportion. A little bit Mrs. Howell for our taste. But, in the end, there were a few lovely pieces that will be in a store near you next spring. Although the fashion industry is taking a stand against using rail-thin models, evidently not all designers got the memo. One of Yigal's girls was so thin, Jordan almost threw a Luna bar at her. Bjorn restrained her, of course.
Back at the tents, up-and-comer Rubin Singer learned quickly how to put on a fabulous show. The standout piece was a navy gown with an eel-skin corset in a coordinating shade of blue. Singer's clothing hugs a woman's body in all the right places, and plays with proportion for a flattering fit. Feather headpieces topped off the theatrical mood of the show.
In the Meatpacking District, we checked out the Liz McClean show at the Bumble and Bumble salon. Bjorn describes her designs as "granny goes punk!?" Sheer dresses, leggings, peek-a-boo black lace bras (a la early '80s Madonna) and military influences dominated. A true downtown dweller, McLean tattood her model with peace signs and even sent one out with an Obama button on her vest. Wearable looks? For the very young and bold.
Later, the Nicole Miller show boasted a mosaic print theme -- from the runway itself to the looks that graced it.
The Venexiana by Kati Stern show was a lush dream of gowns and evening dresses, done in more than 60 looks. Many encrusted with Swarvoski crystals, the stunning gowns were a true crowd pleaser.
After a few cocktails at Beauty Bar in the East Village, where Bjorn's best friend Crystal takes over DJ duties on Friday nights, a long day came to a much-needed end.
Jordan kicked off Saturday morning with prep school fav Lacoste. A plethora of models strutted their stuff in classic sportswear, with even Lacoste golf bags making their way down the runway. Tennis pro Andy Roddick was quick to rush backstage after the show, either after a must-have sweater or, most likely, one of the young models.
The mood changed as we headed to the hip Charlotte Ronson show. Ronson, of course, is the sister of Lindsay Lohan gal-pal and DJs Samantha Ronson and Mark Ronson. The Ronson siblings and Lohan herself (in a Charlotte Ronson dress, of course) were there to cheer on Charlotte, as well as stylist-to-the-stars Rachel Zoe. Ronson's fashion is as expected -- young, hip and for the fashion adventuress. Deconstructed corset dresses, mini skirts, boyfriend blazers and motorcycle vests all found a place in the collection.
The Toni Maticevski show was a pleasant surprise. The young designer created a collection of haute couture pieces that are red-carpet ready. Later, at an after party for the show, he confided to us that he's not concerned about being the darling of the fashion world; he'd rather have the people who wear his clothes feel as passionate about them as he does. And it showed in the silk, lace, beads, fringe, hand-dyed fabrics and organza that make up his creations. This show was the best so far, and we are hard-pressed to think another designer will be more impressive this week.
As Bjorn headed to MoMA, Jordan checked out Andy & Debb and top swimwear designer Rosa Cha. We re-teamed for Alexandre Herchcovitch, which was barely worth our time. Drab colors and shapeless pieces were a recipe for disaster. We ended the night on a high note, though, with Rock & Republic's well-produced runway show, which drew a star-studded audience with Ashley Olsen (or was it Mary Kate?), singer John Legend, Chase Crawford and others.
If R&R has its say for spring '09, we better start dieting now. The looks came in two sizes: short and shorter. Skin-tight jeans for men and women, as well as barely there mini skirts and dresses, caused a commotion. The looks were hot, young and made for the beautiful elite. You can bet the designers will add a few inches in every area to make the designs wearable for mass production.
Stay tuned for tomorrow, when we'll report on these collections and more: Tracy Reese, Miss Sixty, Tibi and Tuleh.
