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

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

Video Credit: Pillow Talk Media

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

Check out the fashion show with b.michaels Spring 2009 collection at b michaels Spring 2009 Collection/a>

New York Fashion Week: Nicole Miller 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Video Credit: Coutorture.com

Betsey Johnson’s Spring 2009 Line (source)

It is my firm belief that Betsey Johnson and Patricia Field are cut from the same cloth, so to speak. Case in point:

Betsey Johnson, Floral Dress Vs. Patricia Field for HSN Floral Dress

In case you didn’t know, Patricia Field was the stylist for “The Devil Wears Prada” and more importantly, “Sex and the City,” and just recently launched a new line at HSN. When I saw Betsey Johnson’s Spring 2009 line, it didn’t surprise me to see that there were many similarities to their newest lines. In truth, I always thought that Betsey Johnson and La Field had very similar tastes, so it only makes sense. What blew my mind was the Pat Field beat Betsey to the punch. At least just on the circa 1989 floral print tiered dress front.

But I digress…for the most part, the show featured pure vintage Betsey’s Johnson, with a glut of designs that wouldn’t realistically transfer from runway to real way. But that’s not what fashion week is really about, is it? If you want something sensible to wear to work, then go to Target. But if you want inspiration, the avant-garde, and yes, a little taste of something innovative and exiting, then look to the Betsey Johnson’s and John Galliano’s of the world.

What we can take away from the Betsey Johnson Spring 2009 line: bold florals, cute derbys, flounce, flounce and more flounce, tiered skirts and metallic ankle-wrap wedges for Spring. Just leave the hyper-color bobbed wigs to the Britney Spears of the world, and you’ll do fine.

New York Fashion Week: Charlotte Ronson Spring 2009

Video Credit: Coutorture.com

Erin Fetherston, Spring 2009 Collection (source)

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; I love Erin Fetherston. I am cursing myself for not snagging anything from her Target line, and I always look for her new stuff every fashion week. La Fetherston has Parisian roots in her fashionista training, which clearly come through in her designs. Her clothes make me want to frolic in the fields surrounding Versailles with Kirstin Dunst, and to later have a lovely pic-nic with the Jolie-Pitt clan by the river Seine. But that’s another blog all together.

Back to the matter at hand…so pastels for spring aren’t exactly a groundbreaking idea. There’s no doubt that every other designer from Nanette Lepore to Max Azria will dabble in lighter palettes for sprint. What I love about Erin’s line is the metallic elements, vintage prints and flounce upon flounce upon flounce. Seriously, I had a “Peaches N’ Cream” Barbie doll in the 1980’s that had this beautiful peach dress, and I think that Erin may have had the same one. Observe:

Peaches N’ Cream Barbie (source)

So, the lesson learned from the Erin Fetherston show:metallic floral or 1970’s bohemian fashionista prints and pastel chiffon are totallly in for spring. If you are like me and can’t afford the couture stuff, save yourself a thousand bucks and take thee to the thrift store for vintage prom/bridesmaids dresses. The more flounce, the better. Just be sure to wear a slip under the transparent stuff, okay? Nipples are only acceptable on the runway.

New York - Today I was kindly introduced to the B. Michael’s Couture collection. This hip, stylish, and kingly designer out of New York sure has his teeth in the big apple. I was keenly amazed by the beauty of his couture collection. Especially his Signature Fall 2008 Collection.

The designs were full flowing, with black ensembles accentuated with contouring designs. And black skirts amazingly splashed with mustard. Moving on to the more exotic features of red jackets, cleverly showing buttons featured on the back. To beautifully designed trousers and floor length skirts. The materials glowing in silver and gold metallic materials, were beautifully laced with patterns of large flowers. The collection keenly moved onto evening gowns. Featuring reds, cobalt blues, and whites. Michael’s has touched on the exotic and transcended it to the sophisticate. Certainly a collection to keep your eyes on in the near future. Especially with his Spring 2009 Collection being featured at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, Friday September 5th. I will most certainly be keeping tabs on his latest collection.

Video footage from the B. Michael Fall 2008 Collection

The very exquisite venue for the runway presentation of B. Michael’s advanced American couture, will reveal a story and ambiance of Mystery, Intrigue and Romance. B. Michael Couture is worn by very high profile socialites and celebrities. The loyal following consider the designer a well kept secret known only to the very elite wearers of American couture. The breath of the following extends to the award winning recording/film artist Beyonce to the legendary actress Cicely Tyson and Cate Blanchett.

Source: B.Michael Couture

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