I remember those days, not so fondly, when my mom begged me to ditch my grade school middle part for more "ladylike and sophisticated" side parted locks. So, imagine my delight when this season, the runways were riddled with middle-parted strutters who rocked this look in a totally fashion way. And, this school girl era look isn't the only bit of nostalgia walking the runways, the side braid also made a major comeback on the catwalk- a great way to mix the innocence of these childhood locks with the on-trend harshness of the season's rocker trends. 
Fun, sophisticated, fresh, a bit bizarre and totally unique were some of my initial reactions to the Argentine designers collective show at Bryant Park this past Thursday. Of the five designers that showed, two really stole the show. First, designer Benito Fernandez's collection was absolutely sublime. A montage of silks, chiffon and feathers, there was not one color that the collection shied away from. A boho/gypsy peasant chic, the designer's portrayal of Argentine culture was flawless and fun. Designer Cardon also stood out from the rest sending beautifully nostalgic traditional Argentine pieces with an updated edge down the runway. Reminiscent of a Ralph Lauren country look with a bit of South American flair, the collection included linen tunics, suede vests, old world leather jackets, and linen pants that told the story of Argentine culture.
While the overarching details of the Chocheng show were beautifully constructed, the collection in its entirety seemed a bit below par. Last season, as the recession was really starting to sink in, a lot of designers played it safe at their fashion week venues, hoping to appeal to their largest customer base. But this season, designers (excluding Chocheng) seem to be coming out of the recession slump and serving up some really exciting pieces. Unfortunately, the Chocheng show seemed to be stuck in that mentality of simplicity for the sake of preservation. Although I will say that there were a few pieces that worked as Chocheng's saving grace, hopefully the designer will get on board with something a bit more exciting for fall 2010.
Celebrities couldn't cram through the doors fast enough at Jill Stuart's SS2010 show at the New York Public Library. Among others, all of the Real Housewives of New York, Kim Kardashian and Kelly Rowland were front and center. But, we were all a bit shocked by the designer's drastic departure from her vintage, rock-bohemian roots. Right on par with the studded cool that seems to be showing up across the board, Stuart's collection didn't leave much to the imagination. While cat-walking down the marble corridors of the library, even the models looked a bit uncomfortable as they subtly tugged at their micro-minis to avoid giving the camera pit an unwanted shot. A fun and daring collection in theory, I'm not too confident that it will translate to the customer who doesn't make their living on a street corner.
Although I previously was not too familiar with designer, Toni Maticevski (and frankly still don't know how to pronounce his name) I was captivated by the duality of the whimsical and sophisticated nature of his collection. Sheer bandeau skirts gave the collection a youthful sophistication as they were paired with silk cardigans or Linen jackets. But, the real show stoppers were Maticevski's interpretations of a wonderlandish naivite that is learning to rebel. I was particularly blown away by a whimsical silk and jersey skirt with tulle overlary paired with a charcoal paint splattered cap sleeve top. The combination of fairytale and city reality were beautifully mixed in this look and, I think, stands as a symbol of the collection. 
Andy + Debb's show was all about simple silhouettes and classic looks but, not without a touch of newness. Take their cream pleated skirts matched with a classic button front sleeveless linen top. But, to update the look, the designers have chosen a metallic linen and added an origami like pop up collar. These kinds of details were what took the collection from familiar to a modern, updated take on what today's "classic" is.
I absolutely loved Charlotte Ronson's SS2010 show. Another designer to yet again confirm that the studded rocker look is a keeper. With a color palette of greys, light pinks and other muted neutrals, Ronson showed a mix between ethereal and urban. Silk cigarette pants and frocks were beautiful in motion as soft tulle-like bunches of fabric were attached to the hip to catch the wind as the models strutted down the runway. Transparency was another high note for Ronson, using lace and other sheer fabrics to take an otherwise fall looking piece and make it more spring appropriate. A wide studded belt was added to a variety of the looks giving these innocent colors and fabrics an ironic hard edge. External studded shoulder pads, loosely bunched transparent leggings, jump suits, and braided headwraps gave the collection a more eclectic feel - a departure from many of Ronson's previous collections.
Nikki Hilton, enjoying the show front row at Charlotte Ronson
While I was initially underwhelmed by the first few looks to strut down the Cesar Galindo SS2010 runway, the show quickly gained its footing and sent some really great spring staples down the runway. I walked away thinking about the fabrics that perfectly accented the silhouettes they created. A creme hooded ensemble was a great representation of the collections wistful yet structured aesthetic. Thin metallic fabrics were draped into the perfect cocktail dresses and one hot pink floor length number screamed Michelle Obama.
On a cold and dress-unfriendly windy day at Bryant Park, the Rosa Cha SS2010 swimwear show was a much needed escape. A collection that bleeds red, white and blue, each peace was very reminiscent of 50's classic glamour. Chanel Iman kicked off the show where thick head wraps, sheer swimsuit overlays and strapless jumpsuits ruled the runway. One robe-like wrap dress really caught my eye - its loose draping and vented sleeves were sartorial genius. Can't wait for summer 2010!
I remember those days, not so fondly, when my mom begged me to ditch my grade school middle part for more "ladylike and sophisticated" side parted locks. So, imagine my delight when this season, the runways were riddled with middle-parted strutters who rocked this look in a totally fashion way. And, this school girl era look isn't the only bit of nostalgia walking the runways, the side braid also made a major comeback on the catwalk- a great way to mix the innocence of these childhood locks with the on-trend harshness of the season's rocker trends. 
