Marc Jacobs and Lady Gaga cover the Fall 2010 issue of V Magazine.  Also featured are Liya Kebede and Andre Balazs among other prominent names in the annual New York issue.  Fashion photograher Mario Testino captured the images of these amazing talents on film.  If you had any doubt that this was the New York issue, a partially dressed Gaga with her own interpretation of Lady Liberty’s crown and torch should clue you in.  The cover is very artistic, bordering on genius.  If I were a betting woman, I would bet that Lady Gaga was, um, wearing a Marc Jacobs gown.  Marc Jacobs is the fashion designer with leading man good looks, and he gives us his best side profile as he sits on a television set that could have come straight out of the 1950′s. 

Model Liya Kebede and hotelier Andre Balazs are obviously channeling uber-chic Upper-East-Siders in their spread.  The two are dressed up to the nines for a shopping trip that included an apparent stop at Michael Kors’ boutique.  Testino’s tell tale sign that this was a scene from the streets of New York would be the trash bin on the corner with an empty pizza deliver box inside.  The spread includes other famous names like Chloe Sevigny, Marina Abramovic and Debbie Harry to name a few.  Nicola Formichetti styled this amazing photoshoot.

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.

J. Mendel’s Fall 2010 collection was all about luxury, think luxurious mink stoles, jackets and vests.  The furs were divine, and the gowns breath taking with wonderful movement.  All the ruching on the dresses were done to perfection.  It was a youthful collection, and that point was reinforced by the hemlines that fell at mid-thigh.  J. Mendel was one of a few designers who deviated from the longer hemline trend for fall 2010. 

Sequins goes well with fur, just like champagne goes with strawberries, a delicious combination.  The colors ranged from black, brown, forest green, pewter, blue and red to a blue and black print so delicate that it did not overtake the design of the gown.  A presentation was the right setting for this collection because it gave you the ability to view it for an appreciable amount of time.  There was no stodginess in the styling, slouchy mid-calf boots and booties were paired nicely against the glamourous dresses and furs.  J. Mendel will appeal to young Hollywood, and the red dress was a show stopper that will likely be worn by a lucky starlet on Oscar night.

Davidelfin’s Fall 2010 collection had a parochial vibe from beginning to end, but there was nothing provincial about it.  Upon careful inspection, I noticed the red soles on the models’ feet, they were wearing Louboutins.  Even the Gossip Girl crew wouldn’t mind abandoning their designer duds and donning Davidelfin’s runway looks.  As far as the designer is concerned, it will be a very bright fall.  He used yellow, black-and-white plaid with a pop of hot pink.  There were great blazers and mini skirts for the ladies and shorts for the guys.  The sexy school girl look has always been a societal favorite, and these pieces will only enhance it; the designer has even thrown the guys into the mix as well.

My first thought upon seeing Toni Francesc’s Fall 2010 collection was of  Lieutenant Uhura of Star Trek.  Yes, it was futuristic sexy.  The collection had strong structured shoulders, some even angular like the hair.  Visual projections onto the walls completed the sci-fi effect.  All of that could not distract from the beauty of the clothes.   Mini skirts are still on trend as far as Francesc is concerned.  Separates were a big part of this collection like jackets, skirts and pants.  The leggings looked like they came from a dark glistening pool, and most of the fabrics had an iridescent shine.  He used a neutral black, brown and gray color palette that’s usually a staple for fall, but the fabric sheen and silhouette compensated for the absence of color.  The make-up mimicked the colors of the pieces; the models had dark eyes and a shimmery gold mouth.

Tibi’s Fall 2010 collection will give the younger set something to cheer about come fall.  It’s for the 20-something woman on the brink of finding herself a more grown up look without sacrificing youthful style.  The prints give the collection depth, simple solids would have voided the pieces of personality.  In this case, the fabric selection was on par with design.  The texture and unruliness of the hair went perfectly with the prints.  Teal, bronze, black and gray were the background players behind the prints.   Sequins were sprinkled within, along with a touch of  fur and leather.  All-in-all, a fun collection with the right amount of grown-up mixed in. 

Vivid colors and prints took center stage at Thuy’s Fall 2010 runway show, and what a treat.  Midway through the show I found myself coveting fur warmers worn on the models’ arms.  The show took on a very Russian aristocracy vibe back during the days of the Czars.  It was a collection chock full of rich and vibrant colors like true reds, burgundies, gold and bronze to complement luscious prints.  Thuy was a far departure from the usual gray and tan of fall.  The Thuy lady has quite a selection of dresses, skirts and jackets to choose from, and I imagine that’s the way she likes it.  If winter could look more like Thuy’s vision, I would not be so opposed to the blustering cold and early dark days of the season.