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.

So we’ve talked about the clothing trends and accessories for fall, but what about beauty?  Our face is a canvass afterall.  There are two primary areas for us to work with, the eyes or the lips.  We know a lady should never do both, unless she’s a geisha or on the second leg of her world tour.  Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I would like to focus on the lips because bold lip color is the beauty trend for fall.  The lip colors come in various shades of reds and burgundies, just choose the right hue for your complexion.  These colors will definitely brighten your face and mood during the winter months of cold weather and overcast skies.  Take a look at the video below to get your fall beauty fix. 

As we are gear up for the New York Fashion Week Spring 2010 shows, let us not forget that we are headed into the fall season.  That means darker and richer colors, heavier fabrics, and more voluminous cuts.  Oscar de la Renta offers jeweled toned skirts and tops that are perfect for the season.  Donna Karan’s floor length charcoal gray evening dress is a definite winner.  Emanuel Ungaro gives us bold colors that are not usual for fall, but you will crave them anyway.  There are beautiful examples of the fall trends we will be wearing this season in this video, take a look.  

So it’s Labor Day, the day we view as the last day of summer.  Now we can start thinking about our jackets for fall.  There are great options for fall 2009.  The military jacket will play a substantial role in your wardrobe this season; D&G, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Luella Bartley and Moschino all provide you with wonderful choices.  There are sufficient glamorous looks to keep you looking sophisticated and fierce as well.  Take a look at the video and start planning your list now.

Here is a backstage look at the work that goes into putting a show together at New York Fashion Week Fall 2009.  You’ll see how the designers, hair stylists and make up artists collaborate to create a cohesive theme.  The real action takes place backstage, that’s where you get to see the true personality of the individual.  In my experience, the designers are usually thoughtful and gracious, even if a little anxious about the show.  New York Fashion Week Spring 2010 is from September 10th to 17th, less than a month away.  I’m excited to see what’s new on the horizon next spring in terms of color, silhouette and texture.  Let’s not forget that September 10th is Fashion’s Night Out where stores will remain open until 11:00pm hosting events in all five boroughs.  Anna Wintour will be in Queens, in celebration of Fashion’s Night Out, signing T-shirts.  There’s plenty in store for us this season, just take a look back at last season’s moments.

Take a look at this video of everyday women daring to walk in the shoes from the runways of fall 2009.  It leaves you with an appreciation of the ‘balancing’ act the models must do for each show during fashion week in front of the cameras and a packed house.  These shoes definitely pose a challenge, and that’s saying the least.  They range from Manolo Blahnik, Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, John Galliano, Rodarte, and Herve Leger.  Of course many of these shoes are for the theatrical effect on the runways, and will never hit the stores for the consumer, or is that wishful thinking?  Either way, it was well worth seeing these contraptions, I mean shoes up close.  I’m just happy that no one was injured while filming this re-enactment.

New York Fashion Week is just around the corner, September 10 - 17, 2009.  The online registration for press started today.  There is no place like New York in the fall, and fashion week only adds to this incredible city.  It should be an extra special event this season because it’s the last time fashion week will be held at the Bryant Park tent.  The tent will be missed because it is centrally located in midtown.   I was never exactly clear on why some shows were held at other downtown venues; was it a lack of space or cost issue?  Hopefully Lincoln Center can accommodate all who wish to show in fashion week’s new home.  Last season we named Donna Karan the winner of our Showdown because of all the fabulous accessories, the belts and necklaces really added sophistication to the collection.  Take another look at some of the fall 2009 shows, and hopefully they will leave you wanting more in September.

Meet Alexis Mabille, a French fashion designer who is the new couturier in Paris.  He is only 30 years old, and has already worked with John Galliano and at Yves Saint Laurent.  His style is very romantic and feminine, his signature is the bow tie.  Mr. Mabille has his sight set on the younger couture buyer.   That is a good way to avoid direct competition with the older more established houses, but I wonder if the younger buyer will have the buying power to sustain this venture in the present economy.  Even so, his designs are fresh and pretty, and will be coveted.

Upon my first glance of the Elie Saab couture collection, I felt an incredible lightness and joy within.  The collection came in various shades of white, and it sent a message of hope, renewal and purification.  That alone won me over.  One’s state of mind is the key in all areas of life, and fashion is no exception.  The collection offered an escape from the current economic environment; it dared to will us out of a recessionary state of mind.  For this reason alone, Fashion Rollcall would have named Elie Saab to its Rollcall list for Couture Week fall 2009, but the dresses were heavenly as well.  Each one was lovelier than the next, and the models’ bodies and stance conveyed a feeling of sensuality in the dresses, and rightfully so.  One would feel beautiful in any of those looks.  The one shoulder trend was heavily represented; my favorite look was Grecian inspired with a long sleeve on one side and a cap sleeve on the other; it’s simply gorgeous.  Click here to view the entire collection.