Ports 1961′s Fall 2010 collection boasted a line so tempting, it made me nostalgic for fall.  That was before I remembered the blizzard like conditions awaiting our departure from the Tents.   There’s something so instinctly natural about the Ports woman, and that makes her incredibly sexy; from the wind-swept and unruly hair, to the neutral lips and eyes.  She is truly effortless.  The fabrics were luxurious, especially the satin.  One dress was as fluid as a bottle of cognac gliding down the runway. 

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.

A year ago Marc Jacobs wanted few celebrities at his fall 2009 runway show.  For Spring 2010 two of them managed to get in, Lady Gaga and Madonna.  One of whom was not invited, uh, Madonna.  The same rule apply for fall 2010, and it appears that the rule will be strictly enforced.  “When Marc says “no” he means NO! NO CELEBRITIES!,” says Marc’s business partner Robert C. Duffy on Twitter.  An invite to his runway show is a much desired commodity for editors, buyers, stylists, and yes, bloggers.  Celebrities may not be welcomed, but Marc Jacobs is granting front row access to all when he streams his runway show live this season. 

Marc Jacobs Shuns Celebs From Front Row [Harper's Bazaar Austrailia]

Related: Designers Live Stream Shows During New York Fashion Week

Noted London fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, is showing his diffusion line McQ during New York Fashion Week Fall 2010.  The secondary line is for a younger and more trendsetting crowd.  It is also more affordable than the Alexander McQueen ready-to-wear collection.  McQ will be presented at Milk Studios on Thursday, February 11th.  Practically everyone in the fashion industry will be clamoring for invites.  You can be sure we will make McQueen feel welcome in his New York debut.

Alexander McQueen’s McQ Line to Host Presentation at Milk Studios [The Thread]

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen are taking their label, The Row, to New York Fashion Week.  The high-end clothing line will make its fashion week debut in February.  These two are usually veterans of the front row.  They’re usually surrounded by photographers vying for a shot, and next month will be much of the same.  The Olsen’s have one of the most successful celebrity clothing lines currently on the market.  Their first presentation will be highly anticipated.  Take a look back at The Row’s portfolio from a few seasons back, and you will get a glimpse of what’s in store next month.

Mary-Kate and Ashley to Stage Presentation  [WWD]

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]