New York Fashion Week - Fall / Winter 2008

The Green Effect…I was really pleased to hear of the small efforts designers, make up and hair companies and artists have done and plan to do, to be a bit more environmentally conservative this year at New York’s Fashion Week. From recycled make up brushes used by celeb makeup artist Gucci Westman, to recycled water bottles distributed by Aveda. They also claim to manufacture their products using wind energy.

Stella McCartney, Donna Karen and Ralph Lauren are associating themselves in efforts to use more fabrics made of pineapple plants and bamboo. Rag & Bone are in the process of creating paper bags with plastic windows to transport their clothes as opposed to full plastic coverings used by most designers. We can all do a little something!

New York fashion week is in progress and we’ve been checking out as many shows as possible. Here’s a little of what we made out from the madness!

2008-09 Fall Fashion Trends…

Proenza Schouler, Preen, Oscar de la Renta
Sequins- Sequins were seen scattered throughout last year have seem to stick this year. Seen at Oscar de la Renta, Proenza Schouler, Preen and Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, Oscar de la Renta

Outerwear- Designers stepped up traditional and blah outerwear. Fur trims and metallic accents enhanced daytime coats. Tweeds were seen throughout and beautifully done at Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors and Narciso Rodriguez.

Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Vera Wang
Standouts- Vera Wang showed great balance and variety, all of which exuded fall.Michael Kors used rich color combos with sophisticated camel and grey bases.

Phillip Lim 1-3
Positive Changes- Phillip Lim transformed his style to a more sophisticated and mature silhouette with refined cuts and rich accents.

Baby Phat 1-3, Oscar de la Renta 3-6
Inspirations- Russian Cossack hats, Soviet cuts in suits and outerwear seen at Donna Karen and Asian inspirations with origami pleats and oriental patterns also seen at Donna Karen as well as Oscar de la Renta. Pleated ruffled florals offered a wow effect on evening wear at Marchesa. A 1920’s feel from Baby Phat radiated an amazing collection with stunning dresses, great hair and jewelry to match.

Milly, Oscar de la Renta, Tibi

Our Favs- A flapper dress at Milly and Tibi’s entire dress collection was sensational with stunning colors, flowing fabrics and complimenting designs! Oscar’s dress was also a standout!

Hottest Hues- Jewel Tones (colors are still in!)- Amethyst, Emerald, Sapphire and Topaz.

Safe Staples- Grey, Brown, Camel and Black

Accent Colors- Neons, Yellow, Green

Hottest Fabric- Velvet, Tweed

Badgley Mischka, Badgley Mischka, BCBG Max Azria
Accessories- Clutches, Riding Boots and Over-the-Knee Boots

Baby Phat, Badgley Mischka, Badgley Mischka, Betsey, Johnson, DVF, DVF

Jewelry- Big and bold necklaces were seen over sweaters and dresses. Statement jewelry to not only add the perfect touch but to also MAKE the outfit using all types of necklaces, bracelets and rings. Think thick snake chains, long colorful beads, fabulous and outrageous cocktail rings. View similar jewelry at PortiaJewelry.com

Oscar de la Renta

Here to stay-

Sequin

Wide legged pants

High-waisted pants and skirts

Pencil silhouettes

70’s inspirations

Feathers

Belts

Maxi Dresses

Plaids

Baby Phat, BCBG Max Azria

Make up – natural faces, teal eye liner, silver and light brown metallic eye shadow seen at BCBG plus red stained lips.

Baby Phat, Michael Kors, Vera Wang
Hair- Loose flowing curls, Big Hair at Vera Wang and loose chignon Tippy Hedron- like twists at Michael Kors