Jordan Dechambre-Childers, managing and fashion editor of M: Milwaukee's Lifestyle Magazine, and Bjorn Nasett, magazine stylist and hair stylist at Beauty, are on the scene at NYC Spring '09 Fashion Week Sept. 5-12. Watch for daily updates on the hottest trends as they hit the runway.
As the weekend rolls on, so does Fashion Week. And with a back-to-back day of shows, Jordan headed out early to take in one of her favorite designers, Tracy Reece. Reece, known for her feminine and flattering dresses, is a design staple in celebrity closets. The show -- inspired by the chandelier -- lit up the stage with rosette-adorned frocks, florets, eyelet fabrics and of course, chandelier earrings.
But the show-stopper was pale oleander floral trench that spoke to the romantic side of fashion and the sophisticated nature of today's woman. Next it was on to Terexov, who boasted a world map print theme and color scheme of pink, yellow, orange and cornflower blue. The designs were both feminine and wearable -- a good combination. Trench coats and rosettes were ever-present (who knew the Carrie Bradshaw flower would make such a resurgence?). Perhaps the collection biggest surprise was a shredded color paper dress, which added a hint of couture.
While Jordan took in Terexov, Bjorn checked out the Abi Ferrin show downtown. The looks were fresh and vibrantly colored, with tailored flirty dresses and separates, including a five-way top that was wrapped and tied to create different looks. Also present in that collection were short shorts, and of course, the ubiquitous jumpsuit.
Later that evening, Jordan and Bjorn headed to Akiko Ogawa, who showed separates -- including hand-dyed gradient leather jackets and pants. The room was heavily scented with fragrant roses, and the collection focused on soft hues that ranged from persimmon to white. While not for everyone, some of the looks liberally borrowed from the '80s aesthetic. Sleeveless double-breasted jackets, anyone? Jordan loved the collection, but couldn't help but chuckle at the rosette eye patch one model fearlessly flaunted.
Later, Bjorn was back downtown to view the Tuleh collection. The designer named each of the 40 looks, from "Zip" to "How are you?" In all, 40 unique models strutted the catwalk. Couture dresses with intricate details and thoughtfully hand-dyed fabrics reigned supreme. Gorgeous evening gowns in chiffon mingled with sequined slacks and gradient over-dyed blouses.
The shoes also were a patent dream with wedges, flats and towering platforms in the hues of the rainbow. The only drawbacks were the handbags that seemed like an over-zealous craft project with too much ornamentation.
Still in Bryant Park, Jordan and her friend Michelle took in the star-studded Miss Sixty show. Gossip Girl Blake Lively, Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, stunning actresses Rosario Dawson and Monet Mazur and Heatherette designer and former club kid Richie Rich were all in attendance. Known for its body-hugging denim, Miss Sixty took over the runway with downtown chic looks like cropped jackets, graphic prints, fringed bags, newsboy caps and even visors.
Later, Bjorn, Jordan and Michelle headed to the Bryant Park Cellar, where the crew sipped champagne and mixed vodka cocktails with make-up maven Jane Iredale herself in the VIP area while the DJ spun hits from '60s rock to '80s alternative. Unfortunately, too much champagne caused Jordan to miss her 9 a.m. Twinkle show, so the crew set out at 10 a.m. to view the Caravan collection downtown. The collection, sponsored by Tide, featured all washable garments. While the Rock the Vote Ts were fun and timely, the rest of the seven designers' collections fell short. Laura Bell Bundy, star of Broadway's "Legally Blonde," acted as a guest model.
Jill Stuart created a stunning collection that showed in the ornate NewYork Public Library Astor Hall. But, once again, the celebrities stole the show with "Lipstick Jungle" star Lindsay Price, Michelle Trachtenberg and Zoe Salada keeping the paparazzi busy. Stuart loves chiffon, and the spring collection is no exception, with the models flowing through the vintage building in the romantic fabric.
Sergio Davila added a few female designs to his almost fully menswear collection, but all the attention was on the men's clothing, which were mostly lightweight knits. A rope detail running down the side of several pants and shorts gave a nautical feel to the collection.
We traveled back downtown to check Jordache's new collection, which is targeted to the 'tween audience. Classic denim, both high and low waist, made it down the runway. (Based on this collection, we don't expect a major resurgence of this '80s line acid wash, yikes!)
Back at the tents, Ports 1961 was one of our favorite shows. The models, in copper painted eyebrows, wore a mix of ethnic-inspired dresses and separates that were both couture and wearable. The highlight, however, was a surprise concert by the Cowboy Junkies that delighted us and fellow runway-watchers Brandy, Bryan Adams and sexpert Dr. Ruth.
We ended the night with swimwear collection Gottex, which kicked off the night with a nautical theme. Models in gold anchor embellished bikinis and one-pieces looked amazing, but the last look -- a flowy and light bridal dress swimsuit with gold leaf details around the neckline and on the straps took the traditional beach wedding to another level.
Check in with us Wednesday, when we'll report on Cynthia Steffe, Nanette Lepore, Max Azria and more.
