3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2009

phillip_lim1Phillip Lim showcased a very futuristic approach in his vision of Britain in the 1960s. Backed by a live performance from singer Lissy Trullie, the feminine swinging frocks and masculine charcoal and leather palette conveyed a chic and glamorous capsule of the era.

Powder trenchcoats, buttoned cream leather gloves, and pastel pantsuits were prim and classy. Revolutionary jackets were updated with ivory wool and silver trim, and ruffled high collar blouses dazzled in magenta and goldenrod, both shown over spice tapered trousers. Sheer floral A-line dresses, a strapless fur-embellished tank, and this cropped blazer blessed with the Midas touch bestowed the right amount of flair to the black jackets and heavy outerwear.

The streets and narrow alleys of London were kept alive with black & silver stripes over burgundy tights, lace wristlets, sequined tanks, and jumbo gold-studded leather handbags, all topped off with a short bob and sleek bangs. Christian Louboutin provided the red-bottom soles for both men and women. The dangling gold chain, open-face pocket watch is the only (perfect) thing missing in this very sophisticated line.

– Tiffany Chang

See more looks from the Phillip Lim show below


Rebecca Taylor Fall 2009

Rebecca TaylorFor Fall 2009, Rebecca Taylor delivers a glorious interpretation of “imagery from Northern European fairytales” by utilizing lilac and minty pastels, luminescent layers of chiffon, and luxurious jewel tones.

Field flowers are translated into lively magenta dresses with ruched sleeves while the Scandinavian sea is captured with diagonal ruffle separates as well as hues of smoky quartz and navy. Metal and stud embellishments decked out everything from cashmere sweaters and coats to champagne slinky tanks. Fair isle cardigans and grey flannel brought warmth to all the metallic jacquard pieces. Large leather clutches and fur cropped jackets provided an edgy feel to this very romantic and feminine collection.

Playful and flirty elements materialized with a deep-V, silk ruffle blouse tucked into loose houndstooth trousers and a lovely wool and mohair cobweb vest shown over a swinging skirt. Leopard print also appears on slim cigarette pants and pencil skirts. Chunky Lucite necklaces added depth against delicate textures.

– Tiffany Chang

rebeccataylor2

Zac Posen Fall 2009

Zac PosenFive Steinways and draped lamé dresses decorated Zac Posen’s catwalk on Thursday night of Fashion week. His 40’s goddess glamour inspired collection held several Hollywood red carpet potentials, much like his collections as of late. Posen’s ability to create a show so A-list packed, both with models and celebrities, is uncanny. Due to the star studded event, tent security would not let anyone without a physical invitation pass, and the sign-in table mandated picture I.D. The amped up security proved to be worthy of the attendees, who got both a classical concert and a fashion show in one.

Uber-trendy young Hollywood starlets such as Rachel Bilson and Joy Bryant flocked together with fashion giants, stylist Patricia Field and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. The models glided down the runway in beautifully draped and structured ensembles, some more architectural than others, but kept lines all looking fluid. Most of the collection was shown in neutral tones with flashes of bright, shiny color and lots of cocktail jewelry. The proportions of a gray portrait collared dress were fun and reminiscent of soap opera extravagance, all shoulders and body hugging. Another number made in the gray rippled sheer had a sweet hint of bright purple underneath, visible slightly through the body and peeked out at the bubble hem.

There was one sparkly number than caught the attention of this writer in particular. When a gorgeous hybrid of gold-silver lamé with a built up collar and plunging neckline came down the catwalk, you could almost hear the stylist’s pens circling this piece on their programs. One could almost place bets on this piece ending up on one of Rachel Zoe’s celeb clientele. Mr. Zac Posen, with the looks of this production, if you design, we will come regardless of the ridiculously tight security measures.

R. Em

Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
See more photos from the Zac Posen show below

Richard Chai Fall 2009

Richard Chai Photo by Stevyn Llewellyn
Richard Chai Photo by Stevyn Llewellyn

For Fall 2009, Richard Chai delivers a collection that would not be out of place in downtown galleries and studio lofts, where tan leather, cool charcoals, and sleek pantsuits make a perfect transition from work to lounge.

Olive parkas and fluffy spotted feather coats mixed well with the cool concrete tones. Slouchy pants and wide-legged trousers kept prim turtleneck sweaters and lamb shearling looking comfortable and gritty. There was a very masculine approach to the sculpted blazers and leather vests with turned up collars – although the dove-grey draped separates and those all-over print suits in Poppy and Confetti were definitely very flirty elements. Bright hues do come to play, seen in the fuchsia tank dresses. Also noteworthy are the scruffy open-toe lace up boots, which added a very grungy appeal.

– Tiffany Chang

RIchard Chai photo by Stevyn Llewellyn
RIchard Chai photo by Stevyn Llewellyn

Nanette Lepore Fall 2009

Photo by Stevyn Llewellyn
Nanette Lepore Photo by Stevyn Llewellyn

“Opulent Magpie” provided the inspiration for Nanette Lepore’s Fall 2009 show, where print on print is divine. Crimson tribal carvings, tie-dyed tartans, purple plaids and dark paisleys juxtaposed wonderfully against sequined tops and soft bubble-sleeved sweater cardigans. A slightly ruffled and nonchalant Gretel (sans Hansel) took center stage today, with windswept curls and nude lips.

The treasure trove of accessories was absolutely enticing. Lepore featured leopard belts and black tights with silk patchwork skirts, floral blouses over leather gloves, and animal print platform heels with satin red ties. Piles of fine chains, chunky jewels, and feather chokers complemented the sorbet, ginger gold, and berry palette.

Sporting orangeade and fuzzy grape berets over flimsy dresses brought a bohemian vibe. The surface contrast of merino wool showing over shimmery silk crepe, as well as blousons with sheer black sleeves tucked into tweed geometric print shorts, was quite alluring. Nothing was toned down – even solid black pieces were gussied up in a whimsical way with the polished “trenchdress” and velvet trimmed form-fitting blazer.

– Tiffany Chang