Michael Angel’s Spring 2011 collection had his signature of bold prints which were guaranteed to grab ahold of your imagination.  This season the designer ventured into geometric shapes when it came to the cutting and folding of the fabric.  The collection had an Asian inspired theme that gave it a calming quality even with the vibrant prints.  One jacket is reminiscent of a kimono, just look at the sleeves and overall shape.  Even the skirts could be that of a Samarai as the slits slanted to the side with an asymmetrical hem.  Each model was given an androgenous look to maintain the simplicity of the collection.

Nicholas K was the first show to be held in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s new home at Lincoln Center, and the label did not disappoint.  Beautiful ayering and stripes were on order for Spring 2011 on this runway.  The draping on these casual chic looks was enviable.  Rugged boots only drew more attention to the well-made pieces in the collection.  It was a great way to start the season.

Sparkle, sequins and gold dominated Elie Saab’s Couture Fall 2010 collection.  The gowns floated down the runway in beautiful fall colors of red, gold, taupe, seafoam green and a print so lovely it brings to mind the frescoes in Italy.  We saw draping, beading and oragami pleating that was simply breathtaking on the breezy silk chiffon.  Saab opted for full on glamour and opulence with his fabric selection.  Only the construction and careful attention to details rivaled those choices.  The collection is reminiscent of the fashion from the television series in the 1980′s, Dynasty, but it’s the updated version for the 21st century. 

The simplest way to sum up Christian Dior’s Fall 2010 Haute Couture show is to deem it a lesson in perfection, but that barely covers the colors, shapes and magnificence of the collection.  It was a bouquet of splendor on display for all to admire.  Many connected instantly with the collection because it was daring and bold, yet at the height of femininity.  We also marvelled at John Galliano’s ability to bring the Botanical Garden to the runway.  There is genuine excitement about this show because it was like attending an art exhibition of one of our favorite artists.  Dior’s Fall 2010 collection lived up to our preconceived notions of haute couture, and in true showman fashion, Galliano has left us wanting more. 

Gucci held its spring 2011 menswear runway show in Milan ealier this week.  There were a mixture of suits, casual slacks, blazers, leather jackets and denim in the collection.  The pants were sexy in a slim cut and we saw plenty of shorts, but the accessories stole the show.  Spring 2011 may become known as the season of man bags, and Gucci had a lot of them. 

Michael Kors delivered a Resort 2011 collection that was clean, simple and chic.  The designer was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the CFDA Awards this week for his 30 years in the fashion industry.  He has consistently delivered inspired work and this collection was no different.  Neutrals in taupe, white and black with a splash of tangerine would describe the color palette.  I felt a vibe of the most sophisticated safari.  Animal prints were used as subtle accents for variety and visual interest.  The shapes and colors readily provides an air of simple elegance to collection.

Oscar de la Renta streamed his Resort 2011 runway show live online yesterday.  Great styling brought the collection to life, and it was as elegant as the resort pieces.  The opening looks had a nautical all-American vibe that resonated.   Stripes and the colors red, white and blue were bountiful.  Beautiful neutrals with pops of color were sprinkled throughout.  Sparkles were also well represented on the runway right down to the shoes once we got to the formal looks.  One-by-one cocktail dresses sauntered down the runway.  Let’s not forget fantasy gowns that could have stepped out of a fairy-tale romance. 

Dior showcased it’s Resort 2011 collection in Shanghai over the weekend.  They had beautiful gowns in lovely pastel colors that are reminiscent of sorbet.  One-by-one, gowns in colors like raspberry, peach, lemon, orange, grape and lime floated down the runway.  The collection was very lady-like and feminine with beautiful accents of sequins through-out.  Wonderful details of ruffles and tiered-layers highlighted the ethereal nature of the pieces. 

Part I

Part II

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2010

Vera Wang Spring 2010

Michael Kors Spring 2010

There is nothing like the perfect little black dress.  It is a must have in every woman’s closet.  Chic and sophistication are two words that comes to mind when you think of this wardrobe staple.  Luckily Michael Kors, Vera Wang and Phillip Lim have updated the LBD for spring 2010.  They’ve managed to keep it chic, while making it more relaxed for the warmer weather.

3.1 Phillip Lim added oragami pleatings in taupe and lavender.  The pleatings create visual interest, and instant sophistication.  Vera Wang inserted a beautiful print at the neckline.  The print elevated it from traditional to modern.  Michael Kors went for a more overtly sexy cut-out at the waist and straps.  It is the most daring of the three, but go ahead, don’t be shy.  There is a LBD for everyone this season.  Each designer had their own interpretation of the little black  dress for spring, and they gave it a little more personality.

       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.