I was flipping through the Harper's Bazaar March 2010 issue and came across Missoni's spring ad campaign and loved the family album images. They're so chic in their simplicity and casual construction- an ad campaign that truly exemplifies such a classic line. I want to come over for dinner!
I love Burberry's new Spring campaign with Emma Watson just as much as I was obsessed with the Fall images (I even tried to replicate Watson's hair color from the Fall ad on my own locks with little success). Spring 2010's camp series also features Watson's brother, Alex (left). I think they're set for next year's Christmas card photo. I am in love with this lavender-tinted, exaggerated puckered-shoulder trench.
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.
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 kicked off my fashion week SS2010 show schedule at Mikhael Kale's presentation. Although I don't usually get too into a presentation style showing, this presentation which was held at the Audi Forum presented a great juxtaposition between the collection's futuristic/edgy vibe and the surrounding luxury sports cars. As pedestrians pressed their faces against the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dealership, this kind of voyeuristic aesthetic worked as the models were clad in what looked like the love child of futuristic silhouettes and this kind of Americana biker edge. Incorporating a barrage of chain embroidery, long silk fringes, snake skin and gunmetal sequins, the collection definitely paid homage to the old and new with simultaneous nods to glam rock and space age ambitions. While the entire color palette eschewed a muted/pastel theme, which helped to further contrast with the designer's bold aesthetic, one in particular caught my eye - a sea green silk dress paired with a blue snake skin belt and topped off with a silver silk and sequin jacket was dripping with this urban cool vibe. While I wasn't too familiar with Mikhael Kale before, he's definitely on my radar now.
Although Charlotte Ronson's show is usually one of my favorite NYFW tickets, this year I was less than enthused about her 90's grunge meets prairie florals collection. Beanies, nose rings and hoodies galore, the collection definitely acheived its desired time machine effect, transporting all of us to the days (grade school for me) of baggy overalls, stringy hair and an affinity for Alanis Morissette and the Spice Girls. Thankfully, the collection's saving grace was Ronson's inclusion of transparent layering with barely there tea length skirts (just another bit of evidence that hemlines are falling across the board) and blouses.
