NY Fash Week Fall '09: Chado Ralph Rucci

February 20
2pm
Tent

Why it's hot: Ralph Rucci is considered the best American designer today and the only American currently invited to show haute couture in Paris.

The key trends, colors, shapes: hammered satin suits, architectural lines, short laser-cut jackets, narrow pants, 60’s style tunics, and slouchy fur tops.

Which Celebs we spotted: Hamish Bowles and Fabiola Beracasa

Where to buy: Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue
-Jackie Medler

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Tadashi Shoji

February 20
noon
Salon

Why it's hot: Jewel tone frocks with an 80’s twist. The runway debuted a collection of clean lines and petal motif for fall 09.

The key trends, colors, shapes: cinched waistlines, ruffled and sculpted shoulders, off-the-shoulder neck lines, short poufy hems, petal motif, jewel-tones, and large jewel necklaces.

Which Celebs we spotted: Fabiola Beracasa

Where to buy: Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue
-Jackie Medler

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Ralph Lauren

February 20
10 & 11 am
275 Hudson Street

Why it's hot: RL captured classic silhouettes in most elegant fabrics. Nothing on the runway deemed unexpected from typical Ralph Lauren, but the new designs are still to die for! We all bow down to the guru of perfectly tailored chic.

The key trends, colors, shapes: neutral color palette, lace, embroidered suede coats, fur trims, perfectly tailored men’s trousers, silk and wool vests, patchwork, ruffled chiffon collars, heavy wool tweeds, silk and chiffon gowns, and each model was adorned with lovely crystal drop-down earrings.

Which Celebs we spotted: Blake Lively

Where to buy: Ralph Lauren, major department stores

-Jackie Medler

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Project Runway

February 20
9am
Tent

Why it's hot: The mystery of guessing the designers for each hot design kept us intrigued, although somewhat confused. The legal battle over the rights to Runway between Weinstein Company and Bravo left onlookers unable to place any of the talented designers with a their collection. Great clothing was left unnamed and more unfortunately unofferable to excited fashionistas.

The key trends, colors, shapes: tight and fitted pants and tops, gathering, jet black leathers, neutral tones, mini and floor-length hem lines, ultra tailored jackets, romantic gowns, silks, chiffons…all we can say is to each designer his own.

Which Celebs we spotted: Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors, Ali and Dina Lohan, and Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte
-Jackie Medler

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Zac Posen

February 19
8 pm
Tent
Why it's hot: Because the line is so feminine and strong that every woman will feel like a queen…

The key trends, colors, shapes: Romantic, dark reds, beige, earth tones, metallic, Victorian, flowy dresses, see through fabric, grays, oranges, one shoulder dress, fluffy, purple, thin fishnets, extravagant collars, bows, silk, floral print, ruffles, browns, folds, silvers, beaded tights, fur trims, sharp shoulders, streamlines suits, puffed sleeves, gloves, luxurious and full.

Celeb Spotting: No celebs spotted but we are pretty sure they were there!

Where to buy: Go to www.zacposen.com to find online and on-ground retailers!
-Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Custo Barcelona

February 19
7 pm
Promenade

Why it's hot: Because in the economic situation the world is in, Custo brings us a little light in dark times.

The key trends, colors, shapes: Eclectic, colorful, luminous, ethnic, vibrant graphics, intricate embroidery, cultured, textured, contrasted, blue, animal print, color block, plaid, glitter, romantic, scarves, purple, see through, low cut, lace, tights, cutouts.

Celeb Spotting: It’s almost the end of fashion week and everyone’s getting tired because nobody spotted any celebs.

Where to buy: Go to www.custo-barcelona-store.com to shop this wonderful line! Or look up the store nearest you!
-Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Christian Siriano

February 19
6 pm
Salon

Why it's hot: Because he’s fierce of course!

The key trends, colors, shapes: Gold, ruffles, wool hats, Egyptian/Cleopatra inspired, plush style, black, metallic, one shoulder, vacultural, diverse models which we love, extreme orchid hats, classic, streamlines shapes, dark chocolate browns, whites, the colors of the desert.

Celeb Spotting: Tori Spelling, Mark Indelicato, Katrina Bowden, Julia Alison

Where to buy: Go to www.christianvsiriano.com to shop this Project Runway designer!
-Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Calvin Klein Women’s Collection

February 19
4 pm
205 w. 39th street

Why it's hot: Because the line is feminine yet assertive and that’s today’s woman in a nutshell.

The key trends, colors, shapes: Futuristic, tough, texture, felted jackets, blazer, laser-cut dresses, skinny ruffles, shimmer, gray, black, splashes of acid yellow-green, feminine, oversize coat, woven.

Celeb Spotting: Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley

Where to buy: Go to www.calvinklein.com to find stores or shop online!
-Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Ports 1961

February 19
3 pm
Promenade

Why it's hot: Did you see the invite? A strip of parchment-looking paper printed in faux-Hindi script and tied, via gold ribbon, to a silk-screened sheet of crinkly fabric. On the back of the parchment, ancient Egyptian ladies wearing large scarves stand around. It was very multicultural and that’s always hot.

The key trends, colors, shapes: India inspired, black, beige, brown, gold, grey, pink, purple, silk sari dresses, lamé, layers, brocades, jacquard, tapestry tweeds, smoky green.

Celeb Spotting: No celebs spotted at the show.

Where to buy: Go to www.ports1961.com to shop Ports 1961 online or to find the store closest to you!
-Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Rebecca Taylor

February 19
1pm
Salon

Why it's hot: Rebecca Taylor will make us look good and for anyone who’s cold…she has fur coats!

The key trends, colors, shapes: Ruffle-edged dresses & blouses, leopard-print skinny pants, brocade skirts, thin sweaters, beaige, wine, light blue, femine, layering, puffy fur vests & coats, floral prints, blues, teals, blue sequin, high-waister pants.

Celeb Spotting: Tori Spelling, Khloe Kardashian, Mena Suvari and Erin, Whitney Port’s bff on The City.

Where to buy: You aren’t going to need those fur coats while shopping R. Taylor. Go to www.estore.rebeccataylor.com and shop from home!

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Brian Reyes

February 19
11 am
Promenade

Why it's hot: Because the designer provides us with almost perfect asymmetry. And he let the models walk the runway barefoot for the ‘run of show’ after a few Manolo-incidents.

The key trends, colors, shapes: Wearable suit pieces, impeccably tailored dresses, Lee Angel jewelry, black, beige, body-conscious, blue, cutouts, sparkle, sophisticated, ballerina skirt coats, streamlines trench coats, suit pants, above the knee skirts, gold accents, clutches.

Celeb Spotting: Rachel Bilson, Ivanka Trumps, Fern Mallis

Where to buy: Visit www.brianreyes.com to find a Brian Reyes retailer near you. For online shopping, go to www.saks.com.
- Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Tommy Hilfiger

February 19
10am
Tent

Why it's hot: Tommy always stays faithful to his luxe Americana brand!

The key trends, colors, shapes: Equestrian references, riding boots, fedoras with riding strap details, capes, trench coats, body-conscious dresses, camels, navies, blacks, ivories, plaids, magenta, metallic, prep school jackets, cutouts.

Celeb Spotting: Diane Kruger, Joshua Jackson, Selma Blair, Zoe Saldana, socialite Genevieve Jones and Natasha Bedingfield

Where to buy: Go to www.shoptommy.com to score these great outfits!
- Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Alexandre Herchcovitch

February 18
4pm
Salon

Why it's hot: We love the new spin on 1920’s rebellious flapper style. The futuristic bad girls of the Roaring Twenties were splashed with short hems and dangerously shiny designs.

The key trends, colors, shapes: sequins, beading, flapper-style dresses, short hems, gloves, tights, military influenced jackets, over-the-knee boots, big headbands, and clutches.

Celebs we spotted: Kayne West, Gossip Girl’s Nicole Fiscella, and Natasha Bedingfield

Where to buy: Shop - 94 Orchard Street New York, NY 10002 212.375.0304
-Jackie Medler

NY Fash Week Fall '09: 3.1. Phillip Lim

February 18
3pm
Tent

Why it's hot: 3.1 Phillip Lim rocked our core to the London Sixties. The wearable undertone of all the runway pieces proved why Lim is a remaining force in fashion.

The key trends, colors, shapes: ruffles, silk blouses, skinny boot-leg pants, fluttery Ossie-Clark like dresses, Mongolian fur chubbies, peaked shoulder tuxedo jackets, paisley jacquard, draped pullovers, and breakaway coat hems.

Celebs we spotted: Kayne West, Vogue European Editor-at-Large Hamish Bowles, and Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Roberta Myers

Where to buy: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Barneys.
-Jackie Medler

NY Fash Week Fall '09: 1909 Victorinox

February 18
2pm
Celeste Bartos, 42nd St and 5th Ave

Why it's hot: The contemporary and spirited collection broadened the Victorinox brand beyond performance outerwear with all its focus on function. The “Amish teen in New York” theme was felt throughout the entire collection.

The key trends, colors, shapes: athletic suits, tapered ski pants, long johns, padded outerwear, groovy patterned shirts, austere vests, tailored jackets and trousers, and varsity themed pieces.

Celebs we spotted: designers Marc Jacobs and Steven Cox
-Jackie Medler

Luxe Links! Luxury Stories from Around the Web!

Factio Magazine checks out Roger Vivier Couture Heels (worth £30,000)

Pink is the color of optimism at Bloomacious. Be inspired by the pink statement.

SheFinds shows us what to wear to a fashion show (without PETA).

Runway To Retail discovers a handbag designer (loved by Angelina) and her new spring collection, The Tulum Series.

Tracy Porter shows us how to live with luscious pattern, in our wardrobes and in our homes!

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Michael Kors

February 18
11am
Tent

Why it's hot: it's that classic chic with an edgy twist.

The key trends, colors and styles: this collection is a combination of the classic MK neutral look and a punch of hot neon pink, green and orange colors. The one shoulder dresses and shirts along with the big sleeved tops were big for this collection. It's about extremes for fall '09. The pops of bright colors really brings this collection to life.

Celeb Spotting: Heidi Klum, Molly Sims
-Katie Davidson

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Nanette Lepore

February 18
10am
Promenade

Why it's hot: mixing and matching patterns has never looked so good.

The key trends, colors and styles: warm bold colors gave this collection the intensity it deserved and layering different fabrics and prints brought out the bold fashionistas look in the garments. Patterns such as leopard print were paired with silk florals to give a diversity that made a statement. Different style jackets and dresses were the main focus in this collection. Each piece of this collection had it's own flair that allowed the audience to see a variety of things that in the end all made sense.

Celeb Spotting: Dreama Walker
-Katie Davidson

NY Fash Week Fall '09: J.Mendel

February 18
9am
Salon

Why it's hot: This collection has an understated fierceness.

The key trends, colors, styles: sophisticated chic, this collection features a lot of basic pieces that are spiced up with different combinations of fabrics such as; faux fur, leather, tweeds and silks that provide for a textured interest. Colors in the range of the basic blacks and greys and whites with a punch of warm colors throughout some pieces. Short jackets, structured A-line dressed and tailored pants helped give this collection that sophisticated chic feel.

Celeb Spotting: Kim Raver, Fern Mallis
-Katie Davidson

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Domenico Vacca

February 17
8pm
Salon

Why it's hot: There are very few tailors that can proclaim themselves "the finest in the world." Domenico Vacca has this right.

The key trends, colors, shapes: red, leather, sequined dresses, snake skin, paper accents on dresses, tuxedo, contemporary.

Celeb Spotting: Forest Whitaker

Where to buy: Go to www.domenicovacca.com to find where you can get these amazing creations!
- Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Tibi

February 17
7 pm
Promenade

Why it's hot: Tibi designer Amy Smilovic explained that her collection was "about a light-hearted moodiness influenced by the Russian fairytale 'The Tale of the Firebird.'" Hot if you ask us!

The key trends, colors, shapes: Fur hats, paisley, yellow, navy blues, teals, whites, folklore, one shoulder dresses, harem pants, tuxedo skirts, feathers.

Celeb Spotting: Just because no one was spotted, doesn’t mean that they were not there of course!

Where to buy: Go to www.tibi.com to find locations; domestic, international and online!
- Chloé van der Wel

Social Networking Fashion Week Style

Social networking has completely changed the way we do fashion week, and every other media outlet covering the shows for that matter. With constant twitter updates (our instant gratification hook-up to fashion week gossip from some of the biggest publications) and immediate image postings, we know what's going on inside the tents, backstage and front row with the click of a mouse. Now you can check out some of the coolest updates from the fall '09 shows and get an inside look at the photos without running from show to show!

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Narciso Rodriguez

February 17
9 pm
Tent

Why it's hot: Rodriguez’s theme for this show was urban warrior and we can all relate to that in everyday life.

The key trends, colors, shapes: Camouflage print, black, white, flashes yellow and pink, lace, cutouts, turtleneck, X-nec, exposed zipper details, hardwared belts, tough sex appeal, triangles, camouflage lace over layers.

Celeb Spotting: Kanye West, Claire Danes, Julianna Margulies, Jessica Seinfeld.

Where to buy: Visit www.narcisorodriguez.com and go to the separate ‘today’ section to find out where you unleash the urban warrior in you!
- Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Max Azria

February 17
6 pm
Tent

Why it's hot: Because the runway is wood, just as with the Herve Leger show! Max Azria is still going for it again! And the models didn’t fall/slip this time! Hooray!

The key trends, colors, shapes: Body conscious, wearable, dark, drapey, wide and sharp shoulders, bandage, black, detailed, jewel tones, blue, green, turtlenecks, eggplant, leggings, sheer, lace, mustard, long and flowy gowns, sparkly beading.

Celeb Spotting: Whitney Port, Mark Indelicato.

Where to buy: Go to www.maxazria.com to see the beautiful collections and the store locater!
- Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Pamella Roland

February 17
1 pm
Salon

Why it's hot: Because the designer is being recession friendly! At least, in whatever way that’s possible in the world of high-fashion.

The key trends, colors, shapes: Velvet, sequins, pin-stripes, plum, emerals, blueberry, platinum/gold beading, silver fox, mink, suede, wool coats, fur cuffs, cranberry-colored, python-skin trench jacket, chiffon vest...

Celeb Spotting: Paris & Nicky Hilton, Amanda Bynes, Kelly Pickler.

Where to buy: Visit http://www.pamellaroland.com/ to shop these garments!
-Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Matthew Williamson

February 17
11 am
Promenade

Why it's hot: Because Matthew Williamson is one of the kings of color and pattern mixing.

The key trends, colors, shapes: Lots of color, lots of sparkle, lots of fur, coral, teal, burnt umber, oversized wool coats, drapy dresses, narrow leather trousers, beaded accents, shine, ombre coats, fur puffballs and beige.

Celeb Spotting: It was an early show! Kristen Bell, Rachel Zoe, Eva Longoria, Nina Garcia, Santogold.

Where to buy: Go to www.matthewwilliamson.com to find out where you can find the store nearest you!
-Chloé van der Wel

NY Fash Week Fall '09: Badgley Mischka

February17
10 am
Tent

Why it's hot: Because it’s 10 am and a bunch of celebrities are here! This show has to be good!

The key trends, colors, shapes: Metallic gown, bold bright colored dresses, oversized sweaters, pencil skirts, roomy tops, sleek overcoats, one-shoulder, bold shoulders, sapphire, garnet, onyx.

Celeb Spotting: Khloe & Kim Kardashian, Kelly Pickler, Kat DeLuna, Jessica Stroup, Mark Indelicato.

Where to buy: Go to www.badgleymischka.com to find stores, online and onground.
Chloé van der Wel