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.

Fern Mallis, VP IMG Fashion, Fashion Week Spring 2010

I really hate break-ups, but I do believe that we’ve reached the end of the road.  The stylish and fashionable have left the building, um, the tents at Bryant Park.  The tents been removed, and we will never again assemble there for New York Fashion Week.  The next time this set gets together, it will be at Lincoln Center, the new home of fashion week.  Fern Mallis is the organizer of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and she scouted locations for years until they decided on the new venue.  While we had a great time at Bryant Park, I predict that we’ll make new and better memories at Lincoln Center.

Fashion's Night Out, Macy's

Fashion’s Night Out makes our Rollcall list this week because it included the average consumer in on a mostly industry event.  The shows were great; we were treated to a bevy of beautiful collections, but Fashion’s Night Out was undoubtly the most exciting part of New York Fashion Week Spring 2010.  It was so successful that CFDA President, Diane Von Furstenberg has plans to make it a regular part of Fashion Week.  The evening generated great buzz and excitement for the entire week.  It would not be surprising if that evening has created enough goodwill with the consumer that it could be recouped throughout the Holiday Season.  The consumer has a longer memory than they are often given credit for, and they are more loyal as well.  The fashion industry gave back to the community last Thursday evening, and it will be rewarded.

Related Posts: Fashion’s Night Out in the City; Rachel Roy Showcases Her ‘Rachel Rachel Roy’ Line.

Rachel Roy- Fashion's Night Out

Beautiful, gracious and kind, these are the words I would use to describe fashion designer Rachel Roy.  She came out last night to lend her support to Fashion’s Night Out at Macy’s in Herald Square.  Ms. Roy’s new lower priced line, Rachel Rachel Roy was on display.  There were several models on a stage showcasing the new affordable line.  The designer was surrounded by customers and fans wanting to get a glimpse, or to take her photograph.  She was wearing a belted one shoulder print top and black leggings from her high-end Rachel Roy collection.  Rachel was very friendly and relaxed considering that the Rachel Roy collection is scheduled to show on Sunday; I’m looking forward to seeing it.

Rachel Rachel Roy- Fashion's Night Out

Rachel Rachel Roy- Fashion's Night Out

The first wave of Matthew Williamson’s collection for H&M has all, but sold out in stores.  There was only one lonely rack left with a handful of items in the store on 34^th Street and 6^th Avenue.  The success of Williamson’s line at H&M proves once and for all that there is a market for high end designers at the mass market level.  That is good news for Matthew Williamson and H&M, and it is good news for the rest of us.  Now, who will be the next high end designer to take the path of Williamson and Lagerfeld?  I’m not sure, but my wish list includes Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, and Oscar de la Renta.  A girl can dream, right?

Related Post: Matthew Williamson for H&M.