Michael Kors F/W 09

Michael Kors presents an all-American glamorous collection. Notable American designer Michael Kors gave us a luxurious dose of all American sportswear glamour for his fall collection. He always finds inspiration from films or always seems to have a theme for his collections but this time around he took his cue from reality. He presented clothes that were perfect for the Michael Kors clientele giving each piece a good injection of fine tailoring with a hint of sex appeal. He added a good quantity of the luxury aspect by throwing in lavish fur in the mix to kick the glamour factor to a whole new level. Adding to the main color scheme of black, gray, and tan fall colors he channeled the 1980’s to infuse a neon color scheme of shocking pink, caution orange and acid green. The neon colors were displayed in a shredded fox fur coat, knit scarves, furry hats and also in a few complete looks. The men’s pieces were very subtle with hints of neon displayed in scarves, ties and sweaters. The Michael Kors look is for any individual whether it is working in the corporate world or just simply walking down Fifth Avenue.

The show was held at the Bryant Park tents with soundtrack from the 1980’s British music talent Pet Shop Boys. Supermodel Carmen Kass opened the show in a black double breasted trench with storm-flaps paired with ankle boots and a bold gold chain choker. A perfect town and country look that would work for the new British clientele looking forward to shopping at London’s first new Michael Kors flagship store set to open in April on New Bond Street. The focus of the collection was on the elegance and tailoring of each piece giving it a luxurious undertone. Classic silhouettes were perceptible giving a nod to the 1980’s in pieces such as the pointed origami sleeves and the gabardine cigarette trousers that gave an illusion of an elongated look. The luxurious touches were seen in the black leather strapless seamed dress and the shredded fox fur coats.

The added accessories were luscious with the stunning gold chain chokers that injected a dose of opulence to each look. The scarves and ties that were offered in neon bright colors adjoined some enthusiasm into the men’s look. The furry hats that were offered in shocking pink, caution orange and acid green were incredible.

The whimsical neon colors put a smile on a lot of the audience’s face when they saw the shocking pink coat, acid green furry hat and a shocking orange sweater. The black leather and shocking pink strapless dresses were also favorite pieces that stood out in the collection. Each piece had great tailoring and good quality that could stand the test of time and last for many winter seasons.

Michael Kors has unquestionably satisfied the need for a luxurious all-American look with a hint from the 1980’s. Kors may not be avante garde or theatrical but he offers clothes that are practical and entirely ready to wear. The Michael Kors individual has a strong attitude ready to take on a distressed with luxurious style and maybe a fox fur coat. –Brent Billiman, New York City, USA.


Stan Honda Photo: Model Carmen Kass for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Isabeli Fontana for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Vlada Roslyakova for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Heidi Mount for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Terron Wood for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Alana Zimmer for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Tanya Dziahileva for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Carmen Kass for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Yulia Kharlaponova for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Lily Donaldson for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Coca Rocha for Michael Kors F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model for Michael Kors F/W 09

Rodarte F/W 09

Rodarte displays an avante garde interpretation of futurism. American designing duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy, who are sisters, presented a collection that had an avante garde touch of sci-fi and alien like commotion with great emphasis on texture and structure. They have also managed to stay true to their trademark aesthetic of mesh and match style. The encouragement for this idea was from Dutch photographer Ari Marcopoulas, who had his photos displayed on the show program. The images from Marcopoulas are black and white photos of city streets, stones, desert landscape and desolate debris. This stimulated the Mulleavy team to create a reinterpreted organic patchwork of pieces all made from deluxe fabric scraps of Lurex, lace, leather and netting. The pieces in the collection consisted of mostly of soft grays, apple green, pewter, silver and gold. Pale gray leather was printed and manipulated to look like veined gray stone. Little lizard belts, tops that were crisscrossed and shag wool boleros gave it that sci-fi feeling. The luxurious fabrics and handmade construction gave this collection couture like quality.

The show was held at the Gagosian Gallery on West 24th Street in Chelsea. The sci-fi sensation was perceptible on the backdrop with materials composed of fiber glass, raw planks and tin foiled that was molded to look futuristic. The soundtrack was solemn with music from Joy Division. Supermodel Sasha Pivovarova opened the show in a gray silk chiffon mini dress, resembling gray stone, was paired with light gray thigh boots with crossed leather lacing. There was a great number of assorted tunics with the organic patchwork gave it an avante garde appeal. Each look had a toughened up look with a metallic material that almost made it seem like sturdy indication of steel.

The makeup also added a gorgeous alien chic appeal to the look of the models that had the palest makeup with pale purple lipstick and tight pulled back hair. The Mulleavy sisters collaborated with the genius of sky-high heel designer Nicholas Kirkwood to make the striking thigh boots that came in light gray, pewter and black.
Admired pieces in the collection were the taut leather biker jackets that had lace and Swarovski crystals and lace that was entirely hand-stitched. The shag wool boleros were also very appealing and one of the most innovative pieces in the collection.

Kate and Laura Mulleavy have managed to present a thriving collection with couture like elements and an avante garde appeal. The Rodarte woman is ready to take on the future with great style and an amazing pair of Nicholas Kirkwood thigh boots. –Brent Billiman, New York City, USA.


Stan Honda Photo: Model Jourdan Dunn for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Sasha Pivovarova for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Heidi Mount for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Jessica Stam for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Kamila Filipcikova for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Yulia for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Coco Rocha for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Alexa for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Marina Peres for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Kasia Struss for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model for Rodarte F/W 09


Stan Honda Photo: Model Jules Mordovets for Rodarte F/W 09

Marc Jacobs F/W 2009

The night club era of the 1980’s excites Marc Jacobs. Leave it up to celebrated American designer Marc Jacobs to throw the soiree of the season at New York Fashion Week. He presented a magnificent show that referenced the 1980’s clubbing era with the excitement and fun of getting dressed up. Jacobs reworked that idea and finished every piece with luxurious expensive fabrics which of course catered to the prosperous Marc Jacobs clientele. There were bright fluorescent colors such as canary yellow, bubblegum pink and tangy blue. These colors made reference to the late artist Stephen Sprouse who was known for pioneering the 1980’s uptown sophistication in clothing with downtown punk and receptivity. The sensibility from Jacobs in this collection longed for the fun times in New York which might have been due to the fact that he now lives in Paris full time. He gave us the essential party dresses in full flaring skirts with monster shoulders that came in floral brocades and metallic leather. A golden crushed velvet mini-skirt, a pink fuchsia dress paired with green tights might have been pieces that could have made an appearance at clubs like Paradise Garage and the Palladium. Every piece had a nostalgic touch referencing an era of fun times and creativity.

The show was held at the historic 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue in southern Manhattan. The venue was completely dark without the lavish setting instead the models walked on carpet trailed by a spotlight making this show all about the clothes rather than the staging. This was the show of the season and this time around it was completely exclusive with a guest list of only 500. There was no typical distraction from celebrities and the everyday people but consisted of a crowd of professionals, the press and buyers. Model Kamila Filipcikova opened the show in a simple grey cardigan sweater with a silk print scarf that was placed in between the collars of the sweater and was paired with charcoal trousers and a back half of a kilt. A started with a suttle hint from the 1980’s but when there was realization of the comeback from that era it was evident with the large Thierry Mugler inspired wide shoulders on the jackets, shirts and dresses. Dresses with a sweetheart neckline and puffed-out skirts in colors of bubblegum pink, canary yellow and black gave a 1980’s a flashback of the fun during those times.

This show was all about the amazing hair and Jacobs had a cast 60 models that all had different hairstyles that were either crimped, quaffed, backcombed into a beehive and hair buns stacked 30 centimeters (12 inches) high. The makeup referenced Duran Duran’s Rio cover album with metallic blue lips and kohl rimmed eyes. The shoes were also exceedingly eclectic with over the knee boots, patent shoes with rounded bows and silver balled heels. The irresistible padded bags were offered in purple, green and mauve.

The admired pieces in this collection were the wide shouldered jackets that came in black satin and gold jacquard. There was also the Jodhpur shaped trousers made in teal and purple completed in luxurious silk that were appealing. The puffy party dresses in bubble pink and lime seemed like a lot of fun and were great piece to feel good in.

Marc Jacobs has surprised us with collection that referenced an era in time when people enjoyed themselves and had fun with fashion. This successful collection was all about the clothes rather than the distractions that surround it. Perhaps this was a nostalgic kiss to the era that no longer exists. The Marc Jacobs woman is ready to have fun and enjoy herself with electrifying clothes this next winter season. –Brent Billiman, New York City, USA.


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Anastasija Kondratjeva for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Elsa Sylvan for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Irina Kulikova for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Kamila Filipcikova for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Natasha Poly for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Heidi Mount for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Natasa Vojnovic for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Lily Donaldson for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Eniko Mihalik for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Kim Noorda for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Jac for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Daiane Conterato for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Anna Selezneva for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Uliana Tikhova for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Ines Crnokrak for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Hanne Gaby Odiele for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Amanda Laine for Marc Jacobs F/W 2009

Alexander Wang F/W 2009

A thrilling medieval and glam rock influence permeates Alexander Wang. American designer Alexander Wang recently won the CFDA Women’s Wear Fashion Award and is currently the new phenomenal designer in New York at the moment. With that said, Wang presented a vibrant and cutting edge show that was quite extraordinary. His influence with this collection was inspired from medieval armor and glam rock. The medieval idea was used in the embellishments of the clothes and on some looks were metallic pieces were reminiscent of armor. On a few looks there was the glam rock element with Swarovski crystals and metal studs. The main color palette of this collection was black with hints of purple, gray and white. The luxurious touches were seen in fabrics of Australian merino wool, crocodile, bonanza and leather. Each look was very body conscious fitting the model for a hand in glove perfect fit. This collection had a more grown up aspect for Wang with the tailoring and luxury combined with a rock and roll edge.

The show was held at the historic Roseland Ballroom in the Theatre District on West 52nd Street. The venue had a rock and roll sensation with a red velvet theatre curtains for a backdrop and lighting fit for a rock concert with “Thriller,” from Michael Jackson playing on the soundtrack for the show. This show was the most talked about of the season brining in major critic from Europe to attend. Supermodel Natasha Poly opened the show in a black tailored jacket with sleeves embellished with cubed metal rivets paired with black calf length leggings and black leather ankle boots. The rocker enthuse pieces were vastly cutting edge with a body conscious fit and unique cut outs. There were the matador pants with studded metal trim that gave it that medieval and rock and roll sensation.

The one shouldered purple and black bandage dresses were the most coveted pieces in the collection that were cut perfectly in high tech finished silk jersey. There were also the luxurious touches of Australian merino wool and crocodile that were stunning. Added metal studs and crystal embellishments gave each piece an edgy look that was chic but still maintained that glam rock sensation.

Alexander Wang has presented a triumphant collection inspired from the elements of medieval armor and the glam rock impression. The hippest new designer of the moment with this collection Wang truthfully lives up to his new reputation. The Alexander Wang women this next fall winter season is self confident with an edgy attitude. –Brent Billiman, New York City, USA.


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Edita Vilkeviciute for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Anna Selezneva for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Anja Rubik for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Natasha Poly for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Karlie Kloss for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Freja Beha Erichsen for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Karolin Wolter for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Liu Wen for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Tao Okamoto for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Kim Noorda for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Lily Donaldson for Alexander Wang F/W 09


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Isabeli Fontana for Alexander Wang F/W 09