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.

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2010

Celine Spring 2010

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2010

Christian Dior Spring 2010

Today the skies were blue, and the sun was shining brilliantly.  Spring is finally here, okay it’s not official yet, but work with me.  It felt like we were stuck in a never-ending winter, but now that it’s here, it’s time to trade-in our bulky coats for lighter gear.  What could be more perfect for warmer weather than the trench?  The spring 2010 trench is nothing like your mother’s jacket; it’s been updated and re-worked to make us fall in love all over again with this classic wardrobe staple.

Burberry Prorsum started with the classic trench, and they never cease to amaze us with their ability to remain a dominant force in this market.  The draping on this trench is stunning.  It’s so beautiful, that it could be worn as a dress.  I love the proportions, especially the three-quarter length sleeves.

Celine removed the sleeves from this classic coat, and made it look like a desirable shirt dress.  It’s both sleek and modern.  A jacket like this will have you yearning for a few raindrops just so you can throw it on and go.

3.1 Phillip Lim brought us the fun vinyl trench in fire engine red.  You can tell this sporty coat was made to get wet in the rain.  If the rain doesn’t cooperate, then you have the option of a water balloon fight.  Hey, you have to take it out for a test drive. 

Christian Dior’s leather trench is super sexy and sultry.  The tan color is the only thing traditional about this hip-length beauty.  Take this one out day or night, and it will show that you are a card carrying member in the business of personal style.

It appears the Internet is playing a starring role in New York Fashion Week.  Several of the top designers are live streaming their runway shows this year.  Among them are Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Calvin Klein, Ports 1961 and Isaac Mizrahi.  The move towards live streaming the shows online has been a growing trend from previous seasons, and momentum is building.  Will this shift jeopardize the week set aside for the fashion industry to congregate under one tent?  That remains to be seen, but until then here’s a schedule of the shows to watch online:

Alexander Wang – February 13th @ 5:oopm EST – Showstudio.com

Calvin Klein – February 18th @ 3:00pm EST – calvinkleincollections.com

Isaac Mizrahi – February 18th @ 12:00pm EST

Marc Jacobs – February 15 @ 8:00pm EST – marcjacobs.com

Ports 1961- February 11th @ 3:00pm EST – vogue.com

Rodarte – February 16th @ 12:00pm – Showstudio.com

 Lady Gaga in Armani Prive

 Rhianna in Elie Saab Couture

Ciara in Givenchy Couture

Red Carpet Looks:

Couture came to the Grammy’s this year, and its arrival signaled a look towards the future.  We were granted a preview of the future of fashion in the new decade, and all is well.

Lady Gaga set the bar for the evening.  Her Armani Prive gown was designed and built to stimulate our visual senses.  Gaga was orbited by perfectly manicured glittery strips that could double as a shield to keep away intruders.  So that’s what it looks like to have the world revolve around you.  Let’s not forget the tights and shoes which brought the singer’s look to greater heights. 

Rhianna could have been the heroine in any sci fi film with this Elie Saab Couture gown.  Her hair and make up were flawless, and perfectly completed the look.  The structured shoulders gave this gown its futuristic vibe, and all traces of the last decade evaporated.

Ciara made a bold choice with this selection.  If Rhianna was the heroine, Ciara was the gorgeous villainess in Givenchy Couture.  It is sheer lace and textured with just enough embellishments.  The look says welcome to the future, and the future is badass.

Alice is the new diffusion line we have been anticipating from Temperley London.  You will be seeing a lot of stripes on shorts, blazers and dresses.  Many of the pieces are perfect for the warmer weather, and they include a great trench that will come in handy during those April showers.  The spring 2010 collection will be available in stores in early February  and online at www.alicebytemperley.com.  Temperley’s lower-priced line will range from $93 to $ 710.  It’s definitely easier on the pocketbook than the ready-to-wear line.  Alice is also a younger alternative to the original.  The line will be sold at Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Net-a-Porter.

Alice [Vogue London]

Alice by Alice Temperley, Revealed! [Racked]

The Givenchy couture collection will be the choice of a new generation of couture connoissieurs.  There was  no predictability here, only modern and timely pieces.  Its youthful vibrancy was a break from the more expected couture aesthetic.  For these reasons, Givenchy made our Rollcall list during Couture Week.  The collection boasted wonderful shapes, colors and textures.  Black and white, and fleshtones opened the show, then an explosion of color followed; various shades of blues, emerald green and purple lit up the runway.  The next generation does not want to play dress up in there mother’s couture.  They seek to be daring without being gimmicky, and Riccardo Tisci delivered. View the entire collection here.

Elie Saab’s spring 2010 couture collection is perfection.  A parade of stunning gowns came down the runway in the palest blue, lavender, yellow and flesh tones.  They ranged from the ethereal to the tulle lined confections with exquisite detailing.  The neutral color palette lends a sophistication to an already elegant collection.  Some of the gowns floated down the runway as if they were ready to take flight.  Beautiful lace, lovely appliques and seemingly translucent fabric permeated the spring collection.  Oh, and the beaded gowns are definitely ready for their red carpet close-up.  View the entire collection here.

Emma Watson is starring in Burberry’s spring 2010 ad campaign and she is joined by her brother Alex.  Emma is all grown up, and is a long way from Harry Potter.  Burberry’s creative director Christopher Bailey was going for a ‘cool’ vibe in this campaign, and I would say, ‘mission accomplished’! 

Ms. Watson is a combination of brains and beauty, the 19 year old attends Brown University when she is away from her day jobs.  Famed fashion photographer Mario Testino was called upon to bring Bailey’s vision to fruition.  Burberry continues to be relevant in the 21st century because of it’s willingness to adapt with the changing the times.  The actress is an astute choice in keeping on that path to the future; she is fast becoming a young style icon in her own right.

Versace is hoping you will flip for their new ad campaign starring model Georgia May Jagger.  She is the new face of Versace, and the young daughter of Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger may be just what the label ordered.  The Spring 2010 ad displays an upside-down Georgia with her bag draped over her in what appears to be an unmade bed.  Her hair and make up are flawless, in total, she is very polished.  Even so, there is definitely a youthful and edgy vibe to this campaign.  It’s not even overtly sexy.  Perhaps Donatella Versace is targeting a younger demographic.

Tights are definitely on trend this season, and no one loves them more than Sarah Jessica Parker.  The actress wore a pair of Chanel striped tights from the spring 2010 collection on The Today Show last week while doing press for Did You Hear About the Morgans.  The edgy tights balanced her girly crocheted Chanel look; a cross between bondage and sweet.  In October of 2008 Ms. Parker selected a pair of two-toned Chanel tights with a one-shoulder dress and cardigan for the Chanel Mobile Art event.  These tights looked more like a combination of biker shorts and stockings, and placed an exclamation point on a well-proportioned outfit.  Both looks were fun, daring and unconventional.  You should expect to see these pattern and textured tights everywhere this season and the next.

Sarah Jessica Parker Goes On A Textured Tights Kick  [Glamour.com]

Two-tone tights, uneven hem and a granny-style cardie… SJP adopts Carrie’s kooky style  [Daily Mail]

December 2009

October 2008