Fashion’s Night Out has designed a new collection of T-shirts, it includes a tank top, long and short sleeved tees and a unisex hoodie.  You can get yours online or in many major department stores.  Forty-percent of the proceeds from the sales will go to the New York City AIDS Fund.  The tank is priced at $20, and the hoodie for $60.  Ladies, the tank would go perfectly with a great pair of jeans.  This event has gotten so huge that you will have no problem finding these pieces in stores.  Get into the spirit of the evening, and support a worthy cause.

We are about one month away from the official start of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City.  The Spring 2011 season will make its debut in the new site located at Lincoln Center from September 9th to September 16th.  There are exciting changes in store for invited attendees.  Lincoln Center has four rooms – Box, Stage, Studio and Theatre instead of the three that were at the Tents.  That’s in additon to all the digital upgrades designed to make the registration, credential and seating process a lot smoother.  Make sure you’re fully rested for all the shows, there are over 90 designers scheduled to show their collections.  Check out the schedule listed below.  Who are you looking forward to see this season?

Preliminary schedule of events:

September 9, 2010

• 9:00 AM Nicholas K, Studio
• 10:00 AM Project Runway, Theatre
• 10:30-11:30 AM Toni Maticevski, Box*
• 11:00 AM Richard Chai, Stage
• 1:00 PM Ruffian, Studio
• 2:00 PM Christian Siriano, Stage
• 2:30-4:00 PM Bensoni, Box*
• 6:00 PM Farah Angsana, Studio
• 6:30-7:30 PM VERRIER, Box*
• 7:00 PM Concept Korea, Theatre
• 9:00 PM Richie Rich, Studio

September 10, 2010

• 9:30-10:30 AM Tadashi Shoji, Box*
• 10:00 AM BCBGMAXAZRIA, Theatre
• 11:00 AM Duckie Brown, Stage
• 12:00 PM Michael Angel, Studio
• 1:30-2:30 PM Buckler, Box*
• 2:00 PM EDITION Georges Chakra, Stage
• 3:00 PM Ports 1961, Theatre
• 4:00 PM Alexander Berardi, Studio
• 6:00-10:00 PM Fashion’s Night Out
• 8:00 PM Academy of Art University, Theatre

September 11, 2010

• 10:00 AM Lacoste, Theatre
• 10:30-11:30 AM Binetti, Box*
• 11:00 AM Cynthia Rowley, Stage
• 1:00 PM Prabal Gurung, Studio
• 2:00 PM ADAM, Stage
• 2:30-3:30 PM Yoana Baraschi, Box*
• 3:00 PM Vivienne Tam, Theatre
• 4:00 PM Mik Cire, Studio
• 6:00 PM Charlotte Ronson, Stage
• 7:00 PM Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Theatre
• 9:00 PM Venexiana, Studio

September 12, 2010

• 10:00 AM Derek Lam, Stage
• 10:30-11:30 AM Timo Weiland, Box*
• 11:00 AM Lela Rose, Studio
• 1:00 PM DKNY, Off-site
• 2:00 PM Rebecca Taylor, Studio
• 2:30-3:30 PM Rebecca Minkoff, Box*
• 3:00 PM Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Stage
• 4:00 PM Diane von Furstenberg, Theatre
• 5:00 PM Trias, Studio
• 6:30-7:30 PM Global Glam Collection, Box*
• 7:00 PM Custo Barcelona, Stage
• 8:00 PM Tommy Hilfiger, Theatre
• 9:00 PM Vassilios Kostetsos, Studio

September 13, 2010

• 8:30-10:00 AM William Tempest, Box*
• 9:00 AM Jenny Packham, Studio
• 10:00 AM Carolina Herrera, Theatre
• 11:00 AM Carlos Miele, Stage
• 12:00 PM Diesel Black Gold, Off-site
• 1:00 PM Tracy Reese, Studio
• 2:00 PM Donna Karan Collection, Off-site
• 2:30-3:30 PM TONYCOHEN, Box*
• 3:00 PM Monique Lhuillier, Stage
• 4:00 PM Yeohlee, Off-site
• 5:00 PM Herchcovitch;Alexandre, Studio
• 6:00 PM Betsey Johnson, Theatre
• 7:00 PM Perry Ellis, Stage

September 14, 2010

• 9:00 AM Elie Tahari, Studio
• 9:00-10:30 AM Monique Péan, Box*
• 10:00 AM Badgley Mischka, Theatre
• 11:00 AM Vera Wang, Stage
• 1:00 PM Rosa Cha, Studio
• 1:30-3:30 PM Bibhu Mohapatra, Box*
• 2:00 PM Max Azria, Theatre
• 3:00 PM Dennis Basso, Stage
• 6:00 PM Luca Luca, Studio
• 6:30-7:30 PM Sophie Theallet, Box*
• 7:00 PM Tibi, Stage
• 8:00 PM Narciso Rodriguez, Theatre
• 9:00 PM Toni Francesc, Studio

September 15, 2010

• 8:30-10:00 AM Bill Blass, Box*
• 9:00 AM Tory Burch, Studio
• 10:00 AM Michael Kors, Theatre
• 11:00 AM Nanette Lepore, Stage
• 1:00 PM General Idea, Studio
• 1:00-2:30 PM Adrienne Vittadini, Box*
• 2:00 PM Gottex, Theatre
• 3:00 PM Milly by Michelle Smith, Stage
• 5:00 PM Odd Molly, Studio
• 6:00 PM Anna Sui, Theatre
• 6:30-7:30 PM Mackage, Box*
• 9:00 PM Zang Toi, Studio

September 16, 2010

• 10:00 AM Ralph Lauren, Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
• 11:00 AM Ralph Lauren, Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson Street
• 11:30-1:00 PM Andy & Debb, Box*
• 12:00 PM Isaac Mizrahi, Theatre
• 1:00 PM Davidelfin, Studio
• 2:00 PM Argentina Group Show, Stage
• 3:00 PM Calvin Klein Collection Women’s, 205 W 39th St, Ground Floor
• 4:00 PM Calvin Klein Collection Women’s, 205 W 39th St, Ground Floor
• 6:00 PM J. Mendel, Studio
• 6:30-7:30 PM Rebecca Moses, Box*
• 7:00 PM Naeem Khan, Stage
• 8:00 PM L.A.M.B., Theatre
• 9:00 PM IVANAhelsinki, Studio

*Designer Presentation

There is talk that American designer Zac Posen may show his Spring 2011 collection in Paris.  It’s been reported by WWD that he takes issue with his time slot for New York Fashion Week in September.  Posen said no decision has been finalized, but he believes “doing a fashion show in New York with today’s climate, is difficult.”  He goes on to say he wants to go to Paris “where they understand my clothes.”  The rumor is reminiscent of when Marc Jacobs considered leaving for Paris a few seasons back.  Hopefully Posen and the CFDA will work out this matter and New York will keep this talented designer.

Zac Posen to Show in Paris? [Elle UK]

       New York Fashion Week – Jason Wu Fall 2010

  London Fashion Week – Matthew Williamson Fall 2010

     Milan Fashion Week – Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2010

    Paris Fashion Week – Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2010

After viewing most of the collections from fall 2010, it was easy to spot the array of dark colors.  Of course that was predictable because we are dealing with the colder months.  Last year I had written about the classic little black dress after the fashion weeks were over.  We decided to write about cocktail dresses this year, but with only one condition, the dresses could not be black.  It should go without saying that this was a challenge for the fall season.  The search was a great re-cap of all the collections shown this past month.  There were so many beautiful gowns, but we were looking for cocktail dresses.  Color and and lightness were selected to combat the cold dark days of winter.  These dresses fit the bill perfectly:

Jason Wu’s dress was beautiful in an elegant print.  The model brought the dress to life, and she looked like she could have danced all night.

Matthew Williamson is a favorite of Fashion Rollcall, but this dress was a stand-out in London.  The one-shoulder and draping gave it a beautiful silhouette.

Dolce & Gabbana definitely brought the sexy to this group of dresses.  The designers gave us curves, and so did the city of Milan for fall.

Yves Saint Laurent was an elegant and artistic choice in Paris.  The delicate ruffles surrounding the upper body gave this dress a sophisticated retro look.  That was further enhanced by the long black gloves that extended to the upper-arm.

A funny thing happened in Milan and Paris during fashion month, it became fashionable to cast models with curves on the runway.  Two notable fashion houses took this step, and we applaud them both; the trail blazers were Prada in Milan, and Louis Vuitton in Paris.  The move towards curves have been gaining momentum, with in demand models like Lara Stone being sought after for advertising campaigns and editorials, but it has reached a new high.  Victoria’s Secret’s models were called to the rescue in Milan for Prada’s runway show, along with Lara.  Even their former Angels were called into action in Paris at Louis Vuitton.  It’s too soon to know if this trend will cross-over into Spring 2011.  Let’s not be naive, this was marketing; only the sales numbers will reveal just how brilliant.  We should not focus only on the sales of the clothes, but the accessories too.  Those who approve of this move may vote with their dollars, and purchase a Prada or Vuitton bag over other brands for fall.  Should it be a financial success, we may see other brands make the leap.  Even if this phenomena ends with the Fall 2010 season, it has left a permanent mark on all of us who witnessed the fashion industry embrace womanly bodies.

Chloe’s Fall 2010 collection was a nostalgic visit to the 1980′s with all the sensibilities of the 21st Century.  The collection reminded me of Catherine Deneuve and Jacqueline Bisset, these women personified sophistication in the ’80′s.  Chloe gave us sophistication, and so much more.  Luxury took center stage; the fabrics were so rich and plush, I could easily imagine the feel of them against my skin.  Each pant was cut perfectly, and thus had an amazing fit.  Several jumpsuits came down that catwalk in knits and silks, and a couple had me rethinking my stance on that one piece wonder.  The eighties were the height of power dressing for women, and Hannah MacGibbon has restored its luster.  There was a sea of neutrals, camel, tan, taupe, gray, beige and brown, but each piece was extremely strong.  One of my favorite looks was the brown leather pant and brown blouse with a bow, it was powerful yet sexy.

Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2010 runway show was a reunion of the supermodels in Paris.  Laetitia Casta, Bar Refaeli, Adriana Lima and Elle Macpherson walked the runway, and they looked fantastic.  Curves were in fashion this season in Paris.  These clothes were made to fit the bodies of real women; they had a grown-up femininity about them, nothing girlish.  We could have been transported back into the 1950′s with the longer hemlines, beautiful coats and elbow length gloves.  Yes, the 1950′s in Paris or was it Italy?  The fountain in the middle of the runway was the perfect backdrop.  Romance was in the air, and in the pieces.  Lovely plaids and prints were in abundance in fall colors.  The music was dramatic, and the scene cinematic; we were at the movies.  It was not all about the supermodels and scenery though, nothing could take away from those gorgeous shoes and bags.  The accessories were befitting of the Vuitton name.  Flats played a large role in the show, and the collection still managed to maintain its sensuality.  The bags were the jewels displayed in all their majesty, and they will be the best friends to every Louis Vuitton woman in the fall. 

Celine brought chic and luxury to the runway with its Autumn/Winter 2010 collection.  Phoebe Philo created pieces that every young professional woman will yearn for come fall.  The color palette was simple and clean; black, white, cream, and camel, but that was where the simplicity ended.  It was elegant and modern without the harsh lines.  Leather  was featured heavily, but it was soft and appeared to have movement.  The use of lace and silk brought a vulnerability that would have been missing around all the leather and modern shapes.  It was not an overly conservative collection, several of the blouses were updated with tails, and some of the sweaters were sprinkled with sequins.   Celine proves that beautifully made clothes can rival mini skirts and skin any day of the week.

John Galliano proves he is a master of showmanship in his Fall 2010 runway show.  At first the models looked like exotic princesses fresh off a Disney screen, but upon closer inspection, they appeared more like femme fatales.  Is it possible to covet practically everything he sent down the runway?  The answer is a resounding, yes!  Each piece was crafted beautifully, it was nothing short of Parisienne grandeur.  It pays to be a showman.  The first two looks were of two of the chicest coats I’ve seen this season; they were not only chic, but at the height of sophistication.  My reaction to this show was instant, I was pulled in.  The looks were exotic, the music was tribal, but that could not disguise the influence of Paris in this collection.  Most of the fabrics were light and airy, a sharp contrast to the cold winters, but desireable nonetheless.  All the textures and patterns struck the right cords.  He gave us a mix of autumn colors in pumpkin, mustard and gray, as well as white, pink and black.  Let’s give Galliano credit for a production that was worthy of Broadway.  Everything was done to perfection, right down to the elaborate hair that could have rivaled most hats, and the makeup that gave the models olive complexions.  We cannot forget the hats that were as stylish as every other piece in this collection.  Every woman wants choices when it comes to her wardrobe, and she will have plenty of stunning options at John Galliano for fall 2010.