Paris - Paris has always be know for its fashion week to be alongside the edgy. Accustom to their particular designers. Competing with London - who is also a primary for-runner for innovative fashions. Well this Spring 2009 collections have been no exception. When viewing the Paris collections, one has to keep an open mind. And see the couture in the clothes. Paired with the deeper meaning evolving in the garments.

I chose Anne Valérie Hash to review. For her clean and simple colors. But complex designs and form. Her clothes have a feminine way with draping. Once again, as seen with Carolina Herrera’s designs for Spring 2009 - the Greek theme has once again come seeping through. Toga dresses fall fluidly from twisted straps, whereas silks seem to be fitted quite nicely into short dresses.

In the midst of all that softness were a few structured pieces: a round-shoulder jacket shown with trousers burdened by superfluous straps. And a handful of far simpler and more successful little dresses. The collection was a hit in the softness department, focusing on the tactile nature of the fabrics and how they fall on the body. But a miss with the choice of models, as well as hair and make-up.

Source: Style.com

Popularity: 3% [?]

New York - We can’t do fashion week without covering one of the most classic designers - Carolina Herrera. Her gorgeous gowns fully flowed with bright spring colors in full bloom. Showing off in reds, yellows, blues and greys.

The collection - colorful in nature. Is purely inspired by the flower blossoms of the season. Although all the gowns are somewhat uniform in design. There is only one thing that separates them from each other - color. We see bold reds, yellows, and blues, streaming in unison down the runway.

Each particular gown, uniquely defined with a different cut. A slight delicate ruffle here. An off the shoulder piece there. The gowns have the perfect movie star inspired theme. And I am quite sure that we will see many A-Listing actresses wearing her 2009 collection to the Oscars. But with the new wave, comes the old wave. The collection also deeply inspires from the Greek mysticism. Especially with the off the shoulder cuts, and the full flowing nature of the gowns.

But somehow, it all just ties together like a perfect bouquet. Then things jazz up a little with the greys. Almost adding an exotic touch to the collection. It’s like putting an orchard amongst the roses. But it works. We finish the collection with whites, to wash out all the purity in the color. Finishing the collection with pure elegance.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Popularity: 4% [?]

New York - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kick started with b. michael’s firing up the runway. And he has kept his promise of offering us more glam than ever. With great cuts and perfect lines. Sensuous and sexy fifty inspired fashions. And delightfully accented dresses with poker dots, bold geometric fabrics, and his usual classic chic - stark black.

From the top, orange and pink mauves could not have been more greatly appreciated than in a bold geometric design using silk. The dress flows beautifully, adding a little roaring twenties gatsby into the models stride.

When I see this next outfit, I just want to be sitting down to afternoon tea. The design is very high couture, with the beiges and strong plush hat accenting this to be the perfect Ascot wardrobe. Very dreamy.

My third choice of dress is delightful in oceanic blue, with two contrasting colors beguiling each other. To create the perfect Zen moment. It’s almost like drawing water in a Japanese inspired garden - the perfect cut in color - is the perfectly drawn stroke in the sand.

Hot to trot in poker dots and snappy heels. Yes girls, it’s time to get your bee-hives up with a lot of hairspray. In this surely well rounded 1950’s inspired number.

Stiff colors and scarf’s for the sophisticate women. Accented with great lines, and exotic patterns. Once again we are seeing the Zen trend sparkling through.

My favorite of the collection. We see the best of b. michael here in this stark black cocktail dress. Tighting up the waist with a beautiful corset stylization. And the cleverly accented signature mark of b. michael’s geometric pattern. And frill cuts ties up pure sophistication to his spring 2009 look.
b. michael’s has transformed, created, and conquered the runway. And has brought back the romance to fashion. And for that my friend we applaud you.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Popularity: 4% [?]

New York - Were going live to New York with the hottest model celebrity news. Were talking Vogue TV with IMG models, promoting the crème de la crème at Mercedes-Benz fashion week. The evening’s Model.Live event sponsored by EXPRESS honored the show’s stars, Austria Alcantara, Madeline Kragh and Cato Van Ee.

Looking sharpe - models Madeleine, Austria, and Cato strut their stuff at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Spring 2009. Hosted at The Bowery Hotel on September 3, 2008 in New York.

Well you are probably wondering what is Model.Live? Well move over Tyra Banks, with America’s Next Top Model. Here we see real life, with real models, at real agencies. Not that I haven’t been guilty of watching a few re-runs of ANTM myself, and rooting for the all the fashion model hopefuls.
But Vogue. TV alongside one of New York’s top fashion agencies - IMG.

Actress Becki Newton and model Cato Van Ee attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2009

Have launched something even more to the life of the model. This innovative, hip and stylistically worldly online series. Takes each of our model stars and brings real life hopes, dreams, and inspirations - to everday life. The girls are simple, yet intriguing to watch. And yet very inspirational.

The Model.Live Trio

We hear their truth, and how they were scouted by their talent agent. And what’s even more delightful is to watch Madeline celebrate her 16th birthday straight out of Brazil. So if you want real life model stories, and you’re a model realty TV regular. Than you’ll love tuning into Model.Live.

Source: Model.Live, Vogue TV, IMG, Wire Image

Popularity: 4% [?]

With fashion week just around the corner I know that we are all curious about what’s out there for Spring 2009. Questions like is Justin Timberlake the new Gwen Stefani? Will goth be the new grunge? Here’s everything you need to know—to be in the know—before New York fashion week even starts.

William Rast Is the New L.A.M.B.

Gwen Stefani is taking things to a new level with her savvy brand L.A.M.B. But copycat Justin Timberlake is hoping for a similar business fashion model success with William Rast, a denim collection that’s been expanded to include men’s and women’s ranges designed by Johan and Marcella Lindeberg.

Joseph Altuzarra Is the New Boy Wonder

Joseph Altuzarra’s only a few years out of school, Altuzarra doesn’t even have a Web site yet—although he has an internship with Marc Jacobs and stints with Proenza Schouler and Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy under his natty belt. His precocious debut is being shown by appointment in New York next week.

Nicholas Kirkwood Is the New Christian Louboutin

Nicholas Kirkwood is ready to step into being in control. As he’s landed a gig making shoes for Pollini, where the appointment of Jonathan Saunders as ready-to-wear director has made it one of Milan’s must-see shows. Celebrities such as Selma Blair have been spotted in his architectural stilettos and platform heels.

Source: Style.com

Popularity: 4% [?]

Versace’s opts for “black and slick” at the fall fashions

Ok, so we are all tired of the current economic crisis hitting the US. And especially with the gas and oil prices reaching their limits. But who would have thought that this would affect the fashion designs at the fall runway shows? These fall fashion trends are going slick, shiny and black. Quite the influence considering the mounting global obsession with Oil. While governments argue, our trendy haute couture designers see this as the perfect opportunity to jump on the band wagon, and deliver what the economics are saying. Oil or bust.

We see Alexander Wang, Kai Kühne, and Roksanda Ilincic all enhancing the devilish look of the modern oil trend. With black leather, silks, patent leathers, and even materials that look like plastic bags. The price tag might even seem more reasonable. Compared to exorbitant fuel costs. But one thing is for sure. And that is you will have more mileage out of your designer wear.

Lanvin seems to have everything under control. With the “all wrapped up in a plastic bag” look

Malandrino seals the deal in oily velvet black

Alexander Wang goes for oil baroness par sophisticate

Source: Style.com

Popularity: 5% [?]

Miami - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week has kick started. And it sizzles with bikini fashion galore, direct off the runway.

Luli Fama swimwear 2009 collection by designer Lourdes Hanimian during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim show in Miami July 20 2008.

The designs for next season are fun and full of bold prints and exotic cuts and patterns. This one piece bikini ensemble exudes sexy and fun chic. As well as having the hip hugging buckle accent and gold circle chain necklace. Now I actually love this piece. It combines both the bikini and swimsuit. Now that is clever design, accenting the best of both worlds -”the bikini-suit”.

Lourdes Hanimian keeps colors bold, red, and very direct

Red’s keep the bikini very attractive and direct. The bikini is also accented with gold hoops and ties. I love this piece, and the bright color is perfect for the season.

Maritima swimwear 2009 collection

Proof that tie die never goes out of fashion. Brazilian designer Benny Rosset gives us quite the eye full of color. Reverting back to the bashful sixties popularity of this sinful, yet delightful design. Tie die goes haute couture for sure. Only in Rio!

Maritima swimwear 2009 - Hot out of Brazil

Pistol Panties swimwear

Pistol Panties isn’t shy in this itsy, bitsy, poker dot bikini. Superb design, fun and delightful!

Pistol Panties swimwear

Pistol Panties keeps their designs geometric and clean. This fun and delightful bikini is super sexy, and has the perfect fit for many body types with a secure bikini top that isn’t going anywhere!

Source: AP Associated Press, Reuters, Yahoo!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Keeping in the theme of our Brazilian beauties this week -aka Camilla Alves. Our fashion celebrity today is Gisele Bundchen.
This dazzling bombshell is the face of more than 20 brands internationally and has appeared on more magazine covers than any other supermodel.

Gisele Bundchen - the highest paid supermodel ever - according to Forbes magazine.

Gisele don’s the cover of Harpers Bazaar.
Never fashionably late. Looking chic in this summer cocktail dress.

Gisele for Vogue Eyewear

Looking hotter than ever, Gisele towers over everyone at the Vogue Eyewear red carpet. She sizzles in snake skin pumps, and a beautifully fitted white summer dress.

Get this Gisele look with the Jessica Simpson Peep-toe sling back pump. Available at Victoria’s Secret.

These colorful collections of snake skin pumps, offers an array of dress ideas. And is hot for the summer. These will look great with any cocktail dress. And adds the perfect accent to any summer dress.

And get that perfect fitted white dress also from Victoria’s Secret.

Strapless dress from Victoria’s Secret

Simple and sexy this beautiful white dress will have you dressing like Gisele in no time. And is the perfect accent to those snake skin pumps!

Source: Google, Victoria’s Secret

Popularity: 3% [?]

STORM model Behati Prinsloo has landed the coveted of all contracts…

Victoria’s Secret.

Storm’s hot commodity - Victoria’s latest Behati Prinsloo

This top model will follow in the footsteps of the other Victoria’s pantheon - ‘queen of talk” Tyra Banks, german model Heidi Klum, and brazilian bombshell Gisele Bunchen.

Behati Prinsloo gets sassy on the runway in Zac Posen

Ah yes, the young Namibian model will soon be gracing the covers of the Victoria’s Secret billboards and high energy runway shows. This 19 year old may be young - but her resume speaks volumes. She has walked fashion shows for Prada, Paul Smith, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Versace, and many others. Damn!

Behati Prinsloo at Victoria’s Secret runway show

She will be the new face of the Victoria’s Secret Pink line. According to Victoria’s Secret who see’s her as the “next big spokes model” for the entire brand. Well it looks like we’ve got another rising star on our hands.

Source: Vogue.com, Google images, Wikipedia, Victoria’s Secret

Popularity: 5% [?]