Spring 2010 RTW

I'm left feeling that this fashion week did not showcase the greatest of collections. As a matter of a fact some of the collections were very safe and ho-hum. Rachel Roy presented a collection filled with strong suits and wrap dresses/skirts. The collection featured a lot of grays but there were surprising bursts of color. The suits implied strength but with a sexy element. The draping on the dresses, skirts, and pants were versatile. Brilliant yellows, blues, and fuchsias brightened up the runway in cohesive combinations.

Photos: NY Mag

Rootz Underground

I checked out Rootz Underground, this week at Pulp Live. The band consists of a lead vocalist and five instrumentalists. The lead, Stephen Newland, has a stage presence and voice that immediately invokes thoughts of Robert Nesta Marley, the contemporary edition. The instrumentalists - Jeffrey Moss-Solomon, Colin Young, Leon Campbell, Paul Smith, and Charles Lazarus produced cohesive sounds that had the crowd rocking. The crowd was a nice mix of Black, White, Chinese, and other ethnic races.
The heavy the Roots Rock, Dub, and Revolutionary influences are obvious in the content of their music. The performance was full of energy and musical motivation vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed the set and it was a nice change in scenery, from the usual rey-rey and stush crowds.

"How much longer will we waste away by the side of the road? How much longer will they enslave my mind, even my body and soul....Some youths say them a soldier, still I really wonder what they're fighting for".

Check out the band's website for a free download of their album: Alive.

Spring 2010 RTW Day #3

The day 3 collections definitely didn't pack a punch, but there were a few pieces that were hits. Lacoste, presented a true Ready to Wear collection that put a sporty and chic emphasis on Spring in a polo shirt kind of way. Day wear was mixed in with convertible pieces that could be transitioned to night. The models were dressed as inspired by the US Open - in fitted polos and short shorts. The explosion of yellow at the end made me remember that the season is on the verge of changing, Fall-Winter-Spring 2010.



Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. collection could be described as Punk-Fun. ModelS rocked harem pants, lace stockings, off the shoulder tops, and 80s hair.







Other Collections Presented: Ohne Titel, Richard Chai, Karen Walker, Adam, United Bamboo, Jenni Kayne, L.A.M.B., Alice + Olivia, Erin Wasson x RVCA, and rag & bone

Photos: NY Mag

Spring 2010 RTW Day #2 (con't)

I loved the tweed suits, belted dresses, and feathers, of Jason Wu's collection. The first thought that came to my mind when I saw the suits was that they were fit of the first lady, Michelle Obama. After all he is the master behind Michelle Obama inauguration ball gown. In particular, the hair art and head wear displayed in the collection were a compliment to the ruffled detail in the garments. The head pieces remind me of a period when hats and gloves were a staple fashion accessories in a woman's outfit.






Other Collections Presented: Nicole Miller, A Detacher, Costello Tagliapietra, Luca Luca, Cushnie et Ochs, Preen, Cynthia Steffe, Ruffian, and Yigal Azrouel

Photos: NY Mag

Spring 2010 RTW Day #2

It seems as though the opening day collections for Fashion Week had a little more umph than presented in the second day. A few collections and scattered pieces were the highlight of today's shows.
Cynthia Rowley's collection was comprised of blurred floral patterns, creamy yellows with bold black, and bobby socks! The pastel yellow draperies were soothing on the eyes and complimented the blues and grays of the collection.



Charlotte Ronson's collection emitted an 80s flare with roped headbands, leather shorts, and waist belts. Knotted broad leather belts drew attention to the waist and studded belts were on point and paired with a variety of looks.

Photos: NY Mag

Spring 2010 RTW Day #1

The first day of fashion week kicked of a with a mix of bold prints, vibrant colors, and architecturally inspired designs. BCBG Max Azria's collection showed off much of these characteristics in their playful but sultry dresses, not to mention the little mesh number.


The swimwear pieces in Rosa Chá's collection offered cute high waist bikini bottoms, convertible pieces, and a cute swimsuit I'd like to call Creamy Tangerine.

My favorite collection for the day by far was from Ports 1961. Tia Cibani incorporated romance, Asian influence, and soft silks that illuminated the room in this outstanding collection. Soft, pastel like tones were spiced up with bold red and orange tones. This collection set the stage for the remaining Spring 2010 showcases.

The full Ports 1961 Spring 2010 collection.

Photos: NY Mag

All Eyes and Lights on the runway please...

The tents are up and the designers, critics, and enthusiasts are in store for seven full days of all things fashion courtesy of the Mercedes-Benz Spring 2010 Fashion Week. There are over 100 designers slated to present their collections beginning September 10, 2009 in Bryant Park. For those of us without a ticket, thank goodness for up to the time media coverage.

Photo: MB