New York Fashion Week Trend Report

Hey Glamazons!

So you stocked up on Red Bull, threw on your fur, strapped on your Louboutins and survived Fashion Week chaos alongside Ferocia and I. And we love you for it!

After the last show at Bryant Park ends (which was Tommy Hilfiger, fyi), the “Empire State of Mind” song fades and the models change into regular duds and go home, it’s time for editors to pick the trends of the season. Well, those who are unlucky enough to not be attending the London and Paris shows (I always laugh at the scene in “Devil Wears Prada” where Emily is dying to go to Paris Fashion Week. That’s so me!).

Here’s a preliminary roundup of the standout trends we saw at New York Fashion Week. Tell us what’s your favorite and what you’d never wear in a million years!

-FUR

PETA, don’t hate me. From colorful fur coats at Zac Posen to fur-trimmed jackets at Marc Jacobs, fur is the most luxurious way to stay warm next Fall. And the opulent material is no longer just for coats.

Fur-trimmed booties, purses and blouses were everywhere on the runway, like the fab fur-trimmed gloves at Brian Reyes. Designers like Marc Bouwer showed faux, PETA-friendly alternatives, which offer a guilt-free way to be lavish. Check out our faves:

Zac Posen

Michael Kors

Marc Jacobs

Stephen Burrows

Marc Bouwer

Boy by Band of Outsiders

Brian Reyes

-MILITARY DETAILING

When financial strife hits, fashion responds with clothes for work in strong, utilitarian silhouettes. The sharp shoulders of the 1940’s were an answer to the financial strife of the Great Depression and the need for women to work during World War II.

With recession-induced panic spreading at a fever pitch, and today’s war on terror, there is no better time for fashion to embody a brave, valiant spirit. Military looks accomplish just that. From Deola Sagoe, who presented at the Arise Magazine fashion show, to Vivienne Tam, power ruled the runway for Fall. Salute!

Deola Sangoe, Arise

Nanette Lepore

Vivienne Tam

-VELVET

Rich, opulent textures made their presence known on the Fall runways, but none was as important as velvet. The fabric was reborn in silhouettes that ranged from short and sexy (Alexander Wang) to long and luxurious (Nanette Lepore). A velvet blazer at L’Wren Scott offered a practical way to wear the look for day. Whether going to the office or hitting the red carpet, there are plenty of ways to rock Fall’s fabric du jour.

Alexander Wang

Marc Jacobs

Rachel Roy

L’Wren Scott

Nanette Lepore

-WIDELEG PANTS

Though cigarette pants, tights and even some leggings were a staple on the catwalk, everyone’s talking about the reemergence of the wideleg pant.

Fluid, oversized pants made a triumphant return to the runway paired with everything from suit jackets to knits. The new twist? Experimentations with color at Malandrino (orange) and 3.1 Phillip Lim (gold) that refuse to go unnoticed.

Rebecca Taylor

3.1 Phillip Lim

Charlotte Ronson

Malandrino

-PATCHWORK

DKNY promised to present patchwork in their Fall 2010 sketch, and boy, did they deliver! The patches from Grandma’s quilt got a modern and sophisticated update on chunky sweaters at Yigal Azrouel and short, fitted dresses at DKNY. Rodarte had a particularly artful spin on the trend with colors and prints all weaved into one stunning blouse. Grandmas, don’t try this at home.

DKNY

Rodarte

Yigal Azrouel

-CAMEL

While designers didn’t shy away from an occasional pop of color, most collections were rooted in understated tones, like gray and camel. The latter is a warm and rich staple that looks clean and sophisticated without feeling drab. Michael Kors showed almost an entire collection of camel looks (in line with his safari theme) while newcomer LaQuan Smith‘s collection presented the neutral color alongside oceanic tones of blue.

Zac Posen

3.1 Phillip Lim

Michael Kors

Boy by Band of Outsiders

LaQuan Smith

-LEGS!!

I don’t like pants, and apparently, many Fall 2010 New York Fashion Week designers share my sentiment. More than ever, several collections skipped pants altogether sending dresses, shorts and skirts down the catwalk.

Of course, I find this thrilling but it presents a dilemma: how does a sexy girl brave the cold with her legs out during the Fall? Designers like Alexander Wang and Elie Tahari have the perfect solution: legwarmers and thigh-high boots…for the fashionista who wants to stay warm while looking hot.

Alexander Wang

Elie Tahari

Vera Wang

L’Wren Scott

Rag & Bone

-GRAFFITI PRINTS

What once was a pastime for urban rebels has become a legitimate work of art. Heralded for its gritty yet artful flair, graffiti prints are being embraced by designers like Tory Burch and J Brand for Proenza Schouler. 

Coupled with trend-focused silhouettes, 90’s-esque graffiti looks make a chic yet creative statement that shoppers are sure to love. And city girls, like me, who loved graffiti all along will be happy to wear their support on their sleeves, literally. See our top looks below:

Tory Burch

Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler

Diesel Black Gold

What do you think of our favorite Fall New York Fashion Week trends? What are your favorites? What are you tired of seeing? What would you never be caught dead in? Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Fashion Week: Zac Posen Fall 2010

The Fashion Gods love me. The day after Valentine’s Day, I woke up to an email inviting me to cover backstage at the Zac Posen Fall 2010 show—and started jumping for joy. This was better than chocolate, champagne and a dozen roses, since I’ve been smitten with the young designer for as long as I can remember. (Anyone who reads this blog is fully aware of my love for Zac…and yes, in case you were wondering, he knocked my boy toy out of the park and took the title for my Valentine this year).

I flew to the Altman Building on 18th Street faster than you can say “Posen” and was ushered downstairs and through a long corridor to backstage. The scene was chaotic with hairstylists, media, celebrities, models and make-up artists all scrambling hurriedly in preparation for the show. Check out Ferocia’s rundown of the backstage beauty looks here and some pics I snapped backstage of the scene below.

Sessilee Lopez getting her makeup done.

Zac Posen and head MAC makeup artist, Stephane Marias

Zac Posen greeting Alek Wek backstage.

The man of the hour, Zac Posen, showed off his charming, boyish good looks as photographers snapped away minutes before the show—which was styled by his true Valentine, boyfriend Christopher Niquet. Meanwhile, celebrities like Miss J of America’s Next Top Model, Veronica Webb and legendary supermodel, Pat Cleveland (whose daughter Anna walked in the show and is Posen’s new muse) chatted and smiled for the photogs.

Veronica Webb interviewing Miss J for her talk show.

After leaving the backstage area and securing a spot in the Standing section (Yes, I stood in my studded boots with a sprained ankle to see the show. Clearly, I’m a fashion addict), I mingled with friends until it was finally time for the show to start.

Celebrated hip-hop violinist, Miri Ben-Ari, stood to the left of the runway and gave a rousing rendition of songs by rapper, Styles P of the Lox, and Run DMC. While Ben-Ari’s electric violin filled the room, backed by a thumping beat, Alek Wek, Sessilee Lopez, Anna Cleveland and Coco Rocha (who closed the show), stormed the catwalk. I love that Zac directed the models to bring some life and personality to their strut, smiling and flirting with the crowd as they walked. Sessilee Lopez even modeled with her hands on her hips, swaying them from side-to-side. (I met her backstage and she’s a sweetheart! And totally, my new favorite model. She KILLED the Arise show, which I’ll fill you in on later). All in all, it made for a youthful, fun, flirty show!

The front row was just as star-studded with industry legends, Sex and the City wardrobe stylist, Patricia Field, American Vogue’s Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, The Washington Post’s Robin Givhan and Elle Magazine’s Joe Zee absorbing the fashions. Oh and a Glamazon Blog fan, Joy Adaeze of www.fashiondivalicious.blogspot.com  made sure to say Hi to us at the show. Check out her fabulous blog! 

And now for the Fashion: The collection was fresh, vibrant and lavish with luxurious, colored furs, bright, flouncy skirts, swing coats and sleek pantsuits! The 40’s style trousers were a study in exquisite tailoring and proportions. The colors were vivid and energetic with hot pink, purple and mustard hues invigorating muted camel tones. Posen experimented with texture with fur booties (a trend on the runway!) and velvet dresses and suits.

While his Fall 2009 collection (which I also had the pleasure of attending) centered on opulent, lavish gowns, Fall 2010 is decidedly wearable by comparison. My educated guess is Zac ventured away from more elaborate designs in an effort to curb recent financial troubles, as chronicled by the February 3rd New York Times article blasting the designer’s business management. With a new collection for Target on deck, and the affordable line Z Spoke, Zac should be back to economic stability in no time.

What do you think of the collection, Glamazons?! Do you miss Zac’s gowns or are you on board with his new “wearable” looks? 

Kisses,

Coutura

FIRST LOOK! Zac Posen for Target

Hey Glamazons,

When I announced Zac Posen’s collaboration with Target in November, I knew the collection would be remarkable—but with a beautiful printed gown, a bevy of cocktail dresses, a suit and even some shimmery swimwear, Zac went beyond my highest expectations. Seriously. It’s so beautiful I would sacrifice my light bill to buy everything in the collection. And they’re practically giving the clothes away for prices like $45; it’s unbelievable.

Okay, I know I’m biased when it comes to Zac (I will go on forever about his beautiful Fall 2009 show that my boss gave me her ticket to), but the attention to detail is exquisite in this collection! The uberchic designs, the immaculate lines, the ladylike silhouettes (it will fit your body perfectly), the charming prints, the sexy lipstick red color?? This collection is a must-get. Glamazon stamp of Approval all the way!

Behold the beautiful pieces below and tell us what you have to have when it’s in stores from April 20th to May 30th.

Kisses,

Coutura

Pictures: Fashionista.com.

Angels In The Big Apple

I know, I know, I’m slightly late with this post so you’ve probably read all about the 2009 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that happened this past Thursday night in New York.

But seriously Glamazons, I (Ferocia) have been running on fumes for the past couple of weeks and booked a last second flight back home to chill out and catch my breath for a second. (City life can get pretty harsh sometimes! Not that I’m complaining about it, but it’s good to take a break every now and again.) So, with that said, apologies for not posting earlier, but I was busy packing and jumping on a plane. Now that I’m settled, read on to get my opinion of the show!

You all should know by now about my secret obsession with the Victoria’s Secret Angels and I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to the show (thanks to the lovely AJ from VS Beauty…she seriously rocks my world!) Despite the dreary weather, I headed over to the site super excited! There were several other beauty editors/directors in attendance (including my lovely friends Erica Metzger from Ladies Home Journal; Heather Muir from Seventeen; April Franzino from Good Housekeeping and Leah Wyer from Cosmopolitan.

(from l to r) Erica, Heather & April

Leah Wyer (beauty director at Cosmopolitan magazine)

While waiting for the show to begin, I spotted several celebrities walking into my section in search of their seats including Russell Simmons (who brushed right past me!) and fashion designers Zac Posen and Christian Siriano (whom I love, love, love!). Further down across the way I spotted marketing guru Steve Stoute (whom I’ve been secretly obsessed with meeting since I moved to the NY three years ago!), Jay Z (looking dapper in a black suit complete with bow tie; probably in preparation for Diddy’s birthday party which was also happening that night) and Dr. Dre. Singer Keri Hilson looked waltzed in looking atothemazing and actress Michelle Trachtenberg looked pretty, but very pale (ew).

Jay -Z and Dr. Dre at the VS Show 2009

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg at the VS Show 2009

It was while waiting for the show to begin that I started to think about last year’s show in Miami and how there was something missing about this year’s show versus last year’s. (I was also fortunate enough to attend the show last year, click here to read all about it!)

This year, there was no electricity in the air; no buzz. Granted, there was plenty of noise due to the mosh pit of teenagers near the stage that (I heard) were specially flown in to dance and yell in the hopes of making the crowd of jaded New Yorkers seem alive on television. Maybe it was the rain outside…or maybe it was the fact that I was extremely tired. I don’t know…there just didn’t seem to be as much excitement this year. I think Miami (or any other tropical city) are the perfect sites for this type of show….I mean, beaches, pools and sunshine go hand in hand with beautiful, half-naked women, wouldn’t you agree?!

The show itself was pretty awesome! This year’s musical guest were The Black Eyed Peas and one look at Fergie’s legs and ass in those fish nets was enough to make me want to start squatting on the spot! (Her and Beyonce’s bodies are my inspiration to hit the gym haha).

The Black Eyed Peas performing at the VS Show 2009

The first performance was “Boom Boom Boom” (one of my fave work out songs!) and was complete with glowing neon colored-clad background dancers and flashing neon lights. I couldn’t help but to bop along in my seat (that beat is infectious!). I also loved the huge blow-up polka dotted dog that was in the middle of the stage during the PINK section of the show.

Other than the Black Eyed Peas’ musical performances, the surprise of seeing Heidi Klum walking (she just popped out a baby! granted she wasn’t as naked as she usually is presumably because she’s still on a hardcore workout regime to get tight again, but she still looked gorge!) and the fact that I got to hang out again with my beauty editor friends, I didn’t really find anything else too intriguing about the show.

VS Angel Heidi Klum works the stage at the VS Show 2009!

Chanel Iman looked cute (as usual) and Sesilee Lopez looked fierce in those green thigh high boots and matching lingerie set (I’d kill for a stomach like hers!). I was excited to see Liu Wen walk in the show..she’s the first Asian model to do so and I hope that the VS brand continues to keep adding a more diverse roster of models to the show roster.

Chanel Iman shows off her ‘ass’ets at the VS Show 2009.

Missing VS Angels this year were Karolina Kurkova (who just had a baby) and Adriana Lima (who’s still pregnant).

VS Angel Alessandra Ambrosio gives a new definition to the “hot” in hot pink during the VS Show 2009!

I did manage to snap a couple of pics on my camera phone (shhh! We weren’t supposed to take any pics during the show haha)

Pretty pink and green scene from the VS Show 2009

All of the models came out at the end of the show.

Did anyone else attend this year’s show? If so, what did you think? Let us know.

And don’t forget to watch the show when it airs on CBS Thursday, Dec. 1 at 10/9 central!

xo

Ferocia

NEW!! Zac Posen’s Affordable Line Z Spoke

Hey Glamazons,

He’s made a name in the fashion industry designing awe-inspiring gowns for the rich and famous, but Zac Posen’s latest venture appeals to the “Lower East Side girl.”

The collection, worthy of Manhattan’s trendy, downtown crowd, is “Z Spoke,” Posen’s new diffusion line for Saks Fifth Avenue. Compared to his eveningwear line which can cost up to $12,000, “Z Spoke” starts at a mere $78 for a t-shirt and can cost up to $675 for a dress, via WWD.com.

A sophisticated line of dresses, separates and sportswear, “Z Spoke” signifies a trendier, more youthful direction for the designer. The significant elements of his design aesthetic, however, remain the same: quality craftmanship, ladylike charm and the perfect, feminine silhouette (no one knows a woman’s body quite like Zac.)

Zac is adamant about differentiating between his diffusion lines and the many high-end collaborations with retail giants launching as of late. “It’s not Zac-for-less, it’s not the little sister collection at all,” Posen told WWD. “The dresses — that’s something I can do with my eyes closed. This is about a new identity.”

This new direction for the designer is sure to be as popular as his collection of gowns, which I saw firsthand at the breathtaking Fall 2009 show (an evening I will never forget!). Check out images from “Z Spoke” below and let me know what you think!

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: WWD.com.