Lela Rose’s Fall 2010 collection transitioned well from day to evening.  The Lela Rose woman will have plenty to choose from in the fall; she will have easy daytime separates, and dresses just right to slip into as she leaves the office in the evening.  The highlight of the collection were the ‘liquid mercury’ jumpsuit and ‘liquid mars’ draped one shoulder dress.  They were a wonderful deviation from the usual fabric selection for fall, and gave Lela Rose an edgier and futuristic feel.  Colors like flame orange, green, cobalt blue and purple livened up a usually gray autumn.  The hair was a bit tousled in front and twisted in an up-do in back.  The make-up followed a similar contrast of heavy eyes and neutral lips.  Both were in keeping with the day to night theme of the collection.

Twinkle by Wenlan’s Fall 2010 collection was a staple of black and cream with pops of purple, fuchsia and olive green sprinkled throughout.  The jackets came in tweed and shantung, and it was nice to see tweed more relaxed and  shantung a little more structured.  Mini dresses and leggings revealed it was a collection for the twenty-somethings.  The dresses are perfect for the girl who wants to look great without trying too hard, or if she’s simply not into ruffles.  It may be the antidote to ribbons and lace, but it has just the right feminine touch.

ADAM’s Fall 2010 collection offered chunky knits soft as a cloud to snuggle up to during the cooler autumn days.  The scarves paired with the sweaters create the illusion of that desired layered look, that says luxury.  It’s done just right to be worned straight from the runway and onto the  streets.  Adam Lippes has tapped into the way women want to dress when the dress code calls for casual with a twist of savvy chic.  It’s a youthful and sporty collection that will be appealing because of the shearling inspired coats and fabulous sweaters.  Skirts, dresses and pants also came down the runway, but the jackets and knits made the collection.

Michael Angel’s Fall 2010 Collection was a succession of bold graphic prints that looked like paintings on black canvas.  He managed to keep the bold shapes feminine and figure flattering.  The collection is cohesive and daring.   Some of the pieces were sheer with peek-a-boo cut-outs that are not meant for shrinking violets.  It will be a favorite among a youthful crowd with little  inhibition, and an abundance of self-confidence.

The Christian Siriano Fall 2010 Collection far exceeded expectations.  It was a celebration from beginning to end.  Even the room had great energy, and it was amped up by the thumping music.  All of this was just a preview of the dresses to come down the runway.  Siriano must have gotten the memo about the blizzard beforehand, and knew we were in a defiant mood as far as our dress code was concerned.  Glamour was the theme of this show, you need only look to the perfectly coiffed hair and painted red lips.  The dresses were made for celebration.   The gray multi-tiered dress with one-shoulder literally elicited an unexpected gasp.   Both the gray and pink dresses were received with spontaneous applause. 

An evening with Mara Hoffman Fall 2010 Collection was a visit to the future.  The models stood on plexi-glass stands that were at least two feet in height, they also wore five inch heels.  They towered over the guests, and they took on the alien form that was intended.  We examined each look and each girl with unveiled curiosity, and they did not disappoint.  Bold prints and bright colors were the the central theme of the collection, think fuchsia and neon green.  There were also the mix of black and white stripes and prints to balance out the collection.   My favorite dress was multi-colored with a plunging neckline and hemline (photo below).  Hair and make up played a key role in this sci fi drama, gray streaks were prominently placed front and center on their hair.  Glitter sparkled above and below the eyes.  The headbands completed the look.  All of this played out in a packed house in a very relaxed and festive atmosphere.

Ports 1961′s Fall 2010 collection boasted a line so tempting, it made me nostalgic for fall.  That was before I remembered the blizzard like conditions awaiting our departure from the Tents.   There’s something so instinctly natural about the Ports woman, and that makes her incredibly sexy; from the wind-swept and unruly hair, to the neutral lips and eyes.  She is truly effortless.  The fabrics were luxurious, especially the satin.  One dress was as fluid as a bottle of cognac gliding down the runway. 

Heartbreak within the fashion community today as we learned of the untimely death of designer Lee McQueen of Alexander McQueen.  Shock and disbelief were the sentiments of the day.  We lost a creative genius who leaves behind a void.  He was only 40 years old when he took his own life.  His death took us especially hard in New York because today marked the first day of fashion week, and it was also supposed to be the day McQueen’s McQ line debuted in New York for the first time. 

Lee McQueen was a London born designer who showed his line in Paris.  He had the ability to tailor suits to the perfect specifications of the body.  McQueen was also a master at putting on a runway show, you watched for the spectacle as well as the collection.  Each year he would out-do himself, it was theater and we watched with excitement.  His spring 2010 collection gave us a glimpse of the future, and we eagerly anticipated his next show.  Sadly, it will never be, even if the show does go on. We should not focus on his death, but on the wealth of wearable art he has left behind.

A year ago Marc Jacobs wanted few celebrities at his fall 2009 runway show.  For Spring 2010 two of them managed to get in, Lady Gaga and Madonna.  One of whom was not invited, uh, Madonna.  The same rule apply for fall 2010, and it appears that the rule will be strictly enforced.  “When Marc says “no” he means NO! NO CELEBRITIES!,” says Marc’s business partner Robert C. Duffy on Twitter.  An invite to his runway show is a much desired commodity for editors, buyers, stylists, and yes, bloggers.  Celebrities may not be welcomed, but Marc Jacobs is granting front row access to all when he streams his runway show live this season. 

Marc Jacobs Shuns Celebs From Front Row [Harper's Bazaar Austrailia]

Related: Designers Live Stream Shows During New York Fashion Week

It appears the Internet is playing a starring role in New York Fashion Week.  Several of the top designers are live streaming their runway shows this year.  Among them are Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Calvin Klein, Ports 1961 and Isaac Mizrahi.  The move towards live streaming the shows online has been a growing trend from previous seasons, and momentum is building.  Will this shift jeopardize the week set aside for the fashion industry to congregate under one tent?  That remains to be seen, but until then here’s a schedule of the shows to watch online:

Alexander Wang – February 13th @ 5:oopm EST – Showstudio.com

Calvin Klein – February 18th @ 3:00pm EST – calvinkleincollections.com

Isaac Mizrahi – February 18th @ 12:00pm EST

Marc Jacobs – February 15 @ 8:00pm EST – marcjacobs.com

Ports 1961- February 11th @ 3:00pm EST – vogue.com

Rodarte – February 16th @ 12:00pm – Showstudio.com