The runway was lined with sparkles and gold for Jenny Packham’s Fall 2011 collection.  Metallics ruled this catwalk in full-length gowns and micro-minis.  Each piece was fully embellished with lustruous beadwork or dazzling sequins.  The collection was very youthful with  a bit of edge.  Some of these pieces would be right at home on the Grammy’s red carpet or any other less formal awards show.

Carlos Miele had vibrant colors, luxe furs and one-piece jumpsuits on his runway for Fall 2011.  The colors cobalt blue,  chartreuse and red played a central role in a sea of black pieces.  Each look was beautiful, and made in luxurious fabrics like silk, satin and chiffon.  The furs increased the richness and decadence of the collection.  Several of these gowns should take their turn down the red carpet because of their beauty and unique designs.

The looks at Binetti were exotic and regal for Fall 2011.  This presentation had it all – sequins, feathers and beading in lustruous fabrics.  Dark colors permeated the collection with ivory, silver and gold mixed in for balance.  The exhibit was very Nights of Arabia meets high fashion.  Colorful embellished fabrics signified the opulence of the entire collection.

 Nautica will have the men casual and rugged for the Fall 2011 season.  The collection comprised mainly of outerwear - blazers, jackets, vests and coats in neutrals like tan, gray and blue.  They were accented by pops of red to amp up the style factor.  These looks were chic enough for the city, yet relaxed enough beyond.

Farah Angsana gave us luxurious furs, rich colors and beautiful beading for Fall 2011.  The gowns came in jewel tones like amber, ruby and amethyst.  Some were adorned with beadwork and sequins with a glamorous effect.  They dazzled in various styles and length.  The white translucent dress was the showstopper, it was fully embellished with strategically placed crystals.

Christian Siriano gave us darker hues for Fall 2011 mixed in with olive green and dusty pink.  The collection had both day wear and evening gowns, but it was the latter that created the most interest.  Some of the dresses were voluminous with a fairy-tale quality.  While others were sleeker, but maintained their own element of drama.

 We are inching closer and closer to a Tom Ford womenswear launch for fall 2011.  We are also learning that all is fair in love and fashion. Ford has hired womenswear designer Caroline Tixier from Givenchy, and accessories designer Pablo Coppola from Alexander McQueen.  It appears he wants nothing, but the best for his ready-to-wear line.  The fashion world has been anticipating this launch for years, and there is a lot of excitement.  Hiring designers from two of the top fashion houses in Europe will only add to the buzz that usually surrounds a Tom Ford project.  What will the well-dressed man send down the runway to satisfy the well-dressed woman?  That will be the question on the industry’s lips until the line is unveiled.  Everyone expects him to recreate the magic he made at Gucci, and from this latest move, he intends to.

Tom Ford Secretly Poaching McQueen and Givenchy for His Own Women’s Design Team  [The Cut]