Which F/W 2010 Collection Rocked The Runway At New York Fashion Week?

imageAfter months of anticipation and a week full of packed tents and fall-ready high fashion, New York Fashion Week is sadly coming to a close (well, kind of. . While the Fall/Winter 2010 collections across the board seemed to feature mainly muted colors and plenty of cold-weather separates, some runway shows succeeded in standing out over the rest. One of our favorites over at the Hive was Zac Posen, who took an unexpectedly more grown-up approach to his fall collection, as well as Diane von Furstenberg, with her shimmery prints and tailored blazers. Alexander Wang stands out in our minds for his unique lingerie-inspired collection, featuring lots of lace and cut-outs, while Rodarte’s detailed and textured pieces looked straight off the pages of Vogue. And don’t forget Christian Siriano, who once again stunned with his ballgowns; we love rooting for former Project Runway contestants who actually make a career for themselves! Vote below on which of our 5 favorites stole the show! Photo Credit: Imaxtree, Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
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New York Fashion Week F/W 2010: Koi Suwannagate

imageWhat do a Thai-born cashmere connoisseur and a San Francisco based shoe designer have in common? Koi Suwannagate and Martha Davis were both featured as Stylehive’s Next Big Thing, and their paths crossed in the Koi Suwannagate presentation during New York Fashion Week where all the models wore shoes by Martha Davis. Koi is best known for her work with cashmere and appliques. Her fall 2010 collection certainly did not disappoint. The collection was inspired by the Japanese kimono which was evident in the knots and drapes seen in her garments. A standout look was a cap sleeve cashmere sweater in black, cranberry, and chocolate gathered in a knot at the waist and paired with slim black trousers. Another favorite look of mine was a strapless dress with a bow-adorned black cashmere bodice and Tencel skirt. Accessories included chunky coral jewelry, knotted headbands and sculptural shoes. Take a look at my slideshow to see the looks!

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New York Fashion Week F/W 2010: Alexa Chung For Madewell

imageIt seems that some of my favorite fashion imports come from the U.K. Case in point: Topshop, Kate Moss, and now Alexa Chung. With her insouciant, down-to-earth style, it makes sense that Alexa Chung’s first fashion collaboration was with J.Crew’s younger sister, Madewell. The Alexa Chung for Madewell collection was unveiled at the Bowery Hotel in the Lower East Side, with models hanging out in various tableaux, sitting on park benches or standing by a vintage bicycle. The collection featured laid back looks such as boyfriend blazers, casual dresses with Peter Pan colors, and t-shirts with designs drawn by Alexa herself. Set to launch later in the year (along with the long awaited online store), prices range from $48 to $358. I even found Alexa’s pal Pixie Geldof acting as a model wearing a sheer blouse with velvet polka dots and denim overalls! Take a peek at my slideshow to see my favorite looks from the presentation and check out Madewell’s Facebook album for more pics!

Celebs: Daisy Lowe, Tennessee Thomas, Pixie Geldof
Trends: Velvet, polka dots, loose blouses

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New York Fashion Week F/W 2010: Tibi

imageI always look forward to the Tibi show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for a fresh take on trends and of course, lust-worthy styling ideas. This season, designer and founder Amy Smilovic explored the “appeal of opposites – masculine meets feminine, draping paired with structure, and neutral colors with high contrast brights.” The collection featured traditionally masculine styles such as military inspired jackets and tweed pants as well as flirty and draped silk dresses and sequined skirts. Leather belts went over everything from dresses, cardigans and even an aubergine fox fur coat. My favorite looks were the strapless dresses with sweetheart necklines layered over tissue thin long-sleeved t-shirts that instantly made for a more casual and everyday look. I was also charmed by the belts’ small leather pouches (just don’t call them fanny packs!). The high energy show had my feet tapping and my head nodding as every look came down the runway. Take a peek at my slideshow to see the collection!

Trends: Layering, belted waists, cropped trousers
Celebs: Olivia Palermo, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Oksana Baiul

Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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New York Fashion Week F/W 2010: Zac Posen

imageWhile Zac Posen’s show last season was all about the playful neons, his Fall/Winter 2010 collection featured a much more fall-friendly (and noticeably grown-up) palette. His downplay of color allowed him to instead amp up the texture and structured details, featuring panels of soft suede, shiny satin pleats, and tiered fur. With a focus on signature short dresses (made cool-weather appropriate with tights), the collection boasted pieces that were carefully structured (some even with corset-style boning) but still had loads of movement; his series of floaty satin skirts seemed to sashay down the runway. While the collection mainly displayed an uncharacteristic amount of restraint on the designer’s part, the unexpected fur boots and smudgy black eye makeup helped to keep the show from looking too “pretty” or put-together. Check out the slideshow for some photos of the collection!

Color Palette: cranberry, chocolate brown, saffron, black and gray
Celebs: Veronica Webb, Ellen von Unwerth, Patricia Field and Steven Kolb

Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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New York Fashion Week F/W 2010: Herve Leger By Max Azria

imageA Leger dress is always sexy, but this season’s collection by Max and Lubov Azria took the signature skintight dresses one level higher, incorporating futuristic inspiration with athletic touches that made certain pieces look as if they could dress figure skaters in Vancouver (with the proper alterations, of course). The designers experimented with shape, no easy feat given the challenges of working within the bandage structure, but the ideas were executed beautifully in the form of subtly ruffled tiers of fabric grazing the hips and textured embellishments. One particularly striking piece was a bandage dress done in the softest shade of gray, with just a hint of sparkle following the contours of the ruffles for a more elegant twist on the usual Leger fare. Coats and pants made an appearance as well, which made for a refreshing treat, done in a mix of textures to add dimension to the form-fitting styles. Click the slideshow to see my favorite looks from Herve Leger by Max Azria at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week.

Trends: mesh insets, ruffles, cutouts, lace-up detailing
Celebs: Sophia Bush, Jessica Szhor, Bryan Boy

Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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New York Fashion Week F/W 2010: Rodarte

imageComing from a sister designer duo that never fails to push the envelope, Rodarte’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was no exception to their whimsical style. Influenced by bordertowns, the collection took on an undone, peasant-like feel that still managed to look luxe with their use of contrasting fabrics and textures. While at first glance the collection looked piled-on and almost haphazard, unique details like alpaca trim, draped pearls, and frilled shoulders gave insight to a more structured aesthetic. Chunky knit sweaters were wrapped over filmy floral blouses and paired with heavily-fringed skirts and lace tights, while the occasional saturated prints brought life to the otherwise muted color theme. Neat pigtails with jeweled pins and pointe-shoe-inspired platforms courtesy of Nicholas Kirkwood completed the overall free-spirited yet feminine look of the collection. View the slideshow for a preview of the looks, then click over to Elle to see the entire collection!

Trends: chiffon, chunky knitwear, tweed, frills, wrap skirts, cropped pants, lace tights, fall florals
Celebs: Natalie Portman, Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore

Photo Credit: Imaxtree

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New York Fashion Week F/W 2010: Kardashians by bebe

imageThe Kardashian sisters made their Fashion Week debut, lending their signature flirty styles to a collaboration with Bebe. Set at Stage 37, curious fashionistas braved the snow to catch a glimpse of the clothes and of course, Kim Kardashian herself. Choosing to collaborate with party apparel expert Bebe was no surprise as their aesthetics blended seamlessly. Kim Kardashian herself sat front row wearing a hooded heather grey dress with a leather bustier from her own collection (which has already sold out!). As for the show, short and skin tight dresses in black, grey and fuchsia were dominant fixtures. The side cut-outs, low necklines, and one shoulder dresses (sometimes all on one piece!) will definitely make a sultry statement at any dance club. Other looks included boyfriend blazers and leather short shorts. For those of us who aren’t exactly blessed with Kim Kardashian’s tiny waistline, there are also some sexy wrap dresses too. Best part is, you don’t have to wait until fall to grab this collection as it’s available at Bebe now. Go quickly though, because it’s selling out fast! See the slideshow for a preview of the looks, and click over to Elle to see the entire collection!.

Trends: skin tight dresses, leather shorts, wrap dresses
Celebs: Kim Kardashian, JWOWW, Jay Manuel

Photo credit: Imaxtree

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New York Fashion Week F/W 2010: Diesel Black Gold

imageThe stories are true – New York Fashion Week has embraced the power of social media, from the large screen at Bryant Park with live Twitter updates to video feeds so people can watch from the comfort of home (or work, as the case may be). Keeping with the trend, the Diesel Black Gold show had front row seats for bloggers like The Sartorialist, Fashion Indie, and of course, yours truly. The first collection totally surprised me because I was fully expecting Diesel’s signature rock and roll style. This time, creative director Sophia Kokosalaki embraced a softer side by incorporating luxe silk, sheer organza, and even mohair. One of my favorite looks was a sheer, raw crystal-encrusted black blouse. Other standout looks included sheer tops and dress bodices with serpentine black lines running across the front and back. Of course, mainstays like fitted jeans, cool leather jackets with airbrushed skull designs on the back, and sleek dresses were in full force. As far as accessories, hard-hitting ankle booties, belts, and studded jewelry added original Diesel attitude to the collection. Take a look at my slideshow to see more!

Trends: Plaids, leather, skinny jeans, sheer accents
Celebs: Daisy Lowe, Leigh Lezark, Cory Kennedy, Amber Heard

Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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See The Best Dressed Models Off The Runway On ELLE!

imageWhen your job entails spending hours getting dolled up for a runway show that lasts mere minutes, it makes sense that you’d opt for simple basics (and flats) to get you through the parts of your day that aren’t spent on the catwalk. But seeing as being a model is a full-time job, looking their best even on their off time is essential. No wonder the ones shown here have mastered the art of the effortlessly put-together look! Take a cue from their outfits and you’ll see how to layer like an expert, what to do to make those neutrals look anything but, and just how powerful one swipe of red-hot lipstick can be. See the slideshow for my favorite looks, and click over to Elle for more style on the streets at fashion week in New York City!

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