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.

It appears Matthew Williamson was inspired by ancient Rome, both military and Parliament, for his Fall 2010 collection.  His first looks had the signature Williamson aesthetic.  Somewhere during the middle of the runway show the Roman look appeared, and it was an unexpected surprise.  The fabric and draping were the central players; the collection as a whole came in cobalt blue, gray, pink, mustard and Williamson’s signature prints.  One look at the sheen of the gold and bronze, the one shoulder draping and the shoes, and you will be taken back to Rome in ancient times.  Of course the metallic fabrics were more like the armour of the army.  Think back to Julius Ceasar, Mark Antony and Cleopatra.  The fabric choice was very luxurius and the draping created the visual interest.  Hemlines remained tastefully at mid-thigh, so most women will be able to wear these looks without becoming victims of fashion.

Matthew Williamson designed a spring/summer 2010 menswear collection that will be available in February.  Expect to see his signature all over it: color – check, prints – check.  Cashmere and silk permeate this collection in the form of sweaters, T-shirts and scarves in bright pink, green and blue.  It’s a casual collection that is expected to get more formal next season.  Harrods will carry the line, along with Matthew Williamson’s flagship stores, and it will also be available online.  So think luxurious fabrics and eye-popping colors when you think of this line because that is Williamson’s aesthetic.  Surely you would not expect anything less.

Williamson Men [Vogue London]

The Matthew Williamson Man Is Not Afraid to Wear Pink [Racked]

The year 2009 is drawing to a close, and we are about to head into a new year.  Before we get into 2010, let’s look back at a few of the highlights on Fashion Rollcall in 2009.  It seems fitting to take a look back at some of the images that excited us most about style and fashion.

Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama at The White House dinner.  Mrs. Obama is wearing a beautiful sequin Naeem Khan gown.  She radiated glamour that evening. Michelle Obama Dazzles in Naeem Khan at State Dinner

Robert Pattinson and his cast thrilled us in Twilight and Twilight: New Moon.  The vampire story captured the imagination of millions in 2009. ‘New Moon” and the Talented Mr. Robert Pattinson

Alexander McQueen gave a runway show in Paris during Fashion Week Spring 2010 that we will not soon forget. Alexander McQueen’s Runway Show: A Visit to the Future

Michelle Obama caused a splash during her overseas visit to Britian.  She gave emerging designer Junya Watanabe quite a boost when she donned the designer’s cardigan on the world stage. Her Style Showdown

Sarah Jessica Parker and the cast have assembled once again, and we are looking forward to Sex and the City 2 in May 2010.  The excitement can hardly be contained.  The ‘Sex and the City 2′ Designer Label Breakdown

Arlenis Sosa made the May cover of Vogue Germany in 2009, and she was also named the new face of Lancome’s Laque Fever line. Having A Model Year

Matthew Williamson and several other well established designers returned to London Fashion Week. Their return rejuvenated London Fashion Week. Designers Revive London Fashion Week

Designer Jil Sander teamed up with Uniqlo to bring us +J.  They brought us the minimalist aesthetic of Jil Sander at an affordable price. Jil Sander’s +J for Uniqlo is Almost Here

Nicole Richie was extremely busy in 2009.  The mother of two has a maternity line, jewelry line, and she now has Winter-Kate, her own celebrity fashion line. Nicole Richie’s New Clothing Line: Winter Kate

Michelle Obama offered great dating advice in Glamour magazine.  The First Lady made our list a few times because of the effect she’s had on the fashion industry during tough economic times.  She has been a great support to many young designers and several well- established ones, and we recognize her efforts. Michelle Obama Lands ‘Glamour’ Cover

Matthew Williamson Spring 2010

London Fashion Week is enjoying a major resurgence.  British designers are returning to London to show their collections again; they are breaking the pattern of showing in New York, Milan or Paris.  The city’s fashion week revival is long overdue because of its wealth of emerging and innovative talent.  Burberry Prorsum, Matthew Williamson, Pringle of Scotland, Jonathan Saunders and Antonio Berardi all returned for spring 2010, and will make an encore appearance for fall 2010.  Fashion Week is from February 19 – 24, 2010 and the excitement can hardly be contained.  “The British Fashion Council is delighted that all five have confirmed they will show in London this February and we look forward to working with them to attract leading media and buyers to London Fashion Week.”  The excitement is not limited to the UK, the fashion industry as a whole rejoices.

London Life [Vogue UK]

In anticipation of fashion week in the four major fashion capitals, I thought it would be interesting to hear the designers speak about their clothes and inspiration.  Today we will hear from Matthew Williamson.  His explosive use of color in his designs has singled him out for praise.  It’s easy to spot a Matthew Williamson piece, think bold color and prints in a sexy and feminine cut.  In this video interview from Net-A-Porter.com, Williamson discloses his mother’s role in his decision to become a fashion designer.  If you are a fan, you will want to see this interview.  It’s always thrilling to see someone who is passionate about his work, and this is evident in Mr. Williamson.

Thakoon for Target

The economy has affected us all, and it has even influenced our shopping habits.  We’ve all heard the talk of a ‘V’ shaped economic recovery, suggesting that once we’ve hit bottom, we’ll trend upward without looking back.  While I’m usually an optimist, I’m more inclined to believe that we are in a ‘W’ shaped recovery where we will hit bottom twice before trending upward to a full recovery.  With this in mind, we must be mindful of our budgets, but still remain fabulous and stylish.  Mixing our wardrobe with higher and lower-end pieces has never been more essential for the woman who loves fashion.  Here is a list of the top five collaborations of high-end designers and mass market retailers.  They are:

• 1. Karl Lagerfeld- H&M
• 2. Jimmy Choo- H&M
• 3. Proenza Schouler- Target
• 4. Matthew Williamson- H&M
• 5. Thakoon – Target

Matthew Williamson’s collection has finally arrived at H&M, and this collaboration has made our Rollcall list this week.  Watch the video as the designer discusses his craft and the Matthew Williamson signature of relaxed glamour, color and femininity a week prior to the launch.  The collaboration worked because he was allowed creative freedom, and he looked back at all his work over the last eleven years to create this line.  You can see photos of the launch of Matthew Williamson’s line at H&M today in Manhattan by clicking the link. [The Cut]

Related Post: High End Designers at H&M.