Sep 18

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Nanette Lepore

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imageA recurring theme I’ve seen at Fashion Week this year is the resurgence of bright colors and an overall feeling of optimism. And who better to demonstrate the powers of optimism than the eternally cheerful clothes of Nanette Lepore? Case in point: some of the models couldn’t resist sneaking a smile when walking down the runway! Lepore’s spring 2010 collection featured bright pinks, oranges, and blues in a mix of playful printed dresses and striped knits. One of the standout looks was a strapless white cocktail dress with spatters of color that looked like they came from a package of multi-colored highlighters (but in a good way!). I can picture some of Nanette’s faithful celeb clientele like Blake Lively, Katherine Heigl, Taylor Swift, and Freida Pinto wearing many of Lepore’s outfits next spring. I was totally inspired by the beauty looks with the models’ hair pulled back without slicking down the flyaway hairs. Add a bright aqua eyeshadow swiped along the lower lash line and a pink-orange lipstick and you’re good to go. Check out my slideshow to see some of my favorite outfits from the show.

Trends: bright sherbet hues, pattern mixing and matching, textures
Celebs: Nigel Barker, Karen Duffy, Lauren Conrad, Lili Taylor
Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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Sep 18

NYFW Backstage Beauty: Andy & Debb

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imageWith a pop of spring color on the lips and a clean French twist, Andy & Debb’s spring 2010 show didn’t disappoint. As I spent time backstage, I became inspired by the almost dual personality given to each girl. The look described a daring sophisticate. I spoke with hair stylist Danilo, makeup artist James Kaliardos, and Dashing Diva’s Pattie Yankee, to discuss how they created the looks for this show.

Click here to find out how you can get the looks!

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Sep 17

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Max Azria

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imageBackstage at the Max Azria show, there was a poster up on the wall which read: “Be Strong. Be Confident.” These commandments definitely came to life on the runway, both in the attitude of the models and the amazingness of the clothes. The Max Azria Spring/Summer 2010 collection merged clean sophistication with a rebellious attitude. Dresses crafted from crepe, chiffon, and silk georgette were slashed and deconstructed, as noted in the program, “to reveal the understated beauty of clean lines and sleek sophistication.” The pared-down palette got an occasional kick with flashes of delicate beading and metallic cages. While this collection was heavily dress-oriented, there were also some incredible separates thrown into the mix. I especially loved the silk georgette beaded tops. While I loved pretty much every look, the final few really sent my heart aflutter. There was a long white-crepe deep-V dress that was so sexy yet so elegant, a black crepe slash dress that was too hot to resist, and two beaded numbers (one in white, the other in black) that were so stunning, you’ll just have to see for yourself in the slideshow!

Color Palette: black, nude, white, grey, taupe
Celeb Sightings: Lucy Liu, Mickey Rourke, Nastia Liukin, Kelly Rowland
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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Sep 17

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Twinkle by Wenlan

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imageDesigner Wenlan Chia of Twinkle by Wenlan described her Spring 2010 collection as “the spirit of Yoko Ono with the attitude of Blondie.” Known for her colorful knits and playful accessories, Chia’s latest collection at New York Fashion Week was more about the flashes and pops of color rather than wearing them all at once. I can definitely see the bohemian meets ’80s looks on her celeb clients like Lauren Conrad, Mischa Barton, or Kate Hudson! From easy going separates fit for the beach to sweet and innocent dresses that can go from brunch to the dance floor, Twinkle has got you covered for any occasion. One of my favorite looks included a black and white cardigan with a tie front as well as a black and white geometric print tunic top. Beauty looks sure to be on trend next spring are a dewy face, a bright tangerine lip, white nails, and tousled bed head hair. Click on my slideshow to see some of my favorite looks from the show!

Trends: Geometric prints, black & white, monochrome
Celebs: Reshma Shetty, Yin Chang, Alex McCord

Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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Sep 17

ARISE: AFRICAN PROMISE COLLECTIVE SPRING 2010

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imageMaking a presence at New York Fashion Week for the second straight season is the ARISE African Collective. The four presenting designers included Jewel by Lisa, returning designer Tiffany Amber, Eric Raisina Haute Textures and David Tlale. Pairing Africa’s top design talent with the world’s most wanted models of color makes for one of the most exciting runway events of the week. Famous faces, bright colors and lots of sparkle were all part of the ARISE African Collective Runway presentation. To see behind-the-scenes pics and a glance at their hot catwalk creations, click on over to our friends at Essence!
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Sep 17

NYFW Backstage Beauty: Rosa Cha

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imageInspired by the colors of the Rosa Cha Spring 2010 collection, hairstylist Edward Tricomi and MAC makeup artist Philippe Chancel created a fresh, feminine look for the runway. The hair was styled into chic chignons and the makeup was kept minimal. From bright bandeaus to an iridescent glow, the two pros shared with me how to recreate this summery look.

Click here for a step-by-step guide to get the hair and makeup looks.

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Sep 17

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Jill Stuart

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imageFor her Spring 2010 runway show at New York Fashion Week, Jill Stuart presented a futuristic collection that also paid homage to the bold spirit of the ’80s. This collection had a very strong borrowed-from-the-boudoir theme- sheer fabrics and panels, corsets, lace, and dresses so short they looked like lingerie all added to the va va voom vibe. It wasn’t all about the vamps and vixens though- there were plenty of softly draped white dresses that were definitely on the more wearable end of the spectrum. However, these too were sexed up with killer lace-up boots that looked like corsets for your feet. This collection was marked by micro-minis (like seriously micro), second skin pants, strong shoulders, sequins, metallics, and oversized studs, all of which added to the sexy, edgy, rocker vibe. My wishlist included a black shimmery backless halter, a studded strapless dress, a metallic draped micro-mini, and a pink zebra striped sequined dress that seriously caused my jaw to hit the floor. Click on my slideshow to see more!

Colors: black, white, pink, blue
Celebs: Rachel Bilson, Nicky Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Amanda Bynes, Shenae Grimes, Nigel Barker

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Sep 17

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Christian Siriano

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imageAs demonstrated by Christian Siriano’s stunning Spring/Summer 2010 collection, the youngest-ever winner of Project Runway is still fierce as ever! While his Fall 2009 collection took inspiration from Egyptian pharaohs and the sandy banks of the Nile, this time around he took his audience on a trip to what looked like a Tahitian beach sunset with his satiny tan suits, orange gradient gowns, and sparkly aqua hues. Shimmering steel-blue pinstripes and cascading tiered ruffles gave the collection a distinctly oceanic vibe along with a polished femininity, and every piece seemed to boast a “Christian” signature, from the sand-and-sky color palette to the My Fair Lady-esque floppy hats. If that wasn’t a challenge for the other PR graduates to step up their game, I don’t know what is! Click on the slideshow to browse the dazzling collection!

Color Palette: white satin, tan, taupe, midnight blues, burnt orange
Celeb Sightings: Tim Gunn, Alessandra Ambrosio, Mena Suvari, Tori Spelling, Kelly Rowland
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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Sep 16

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Rebecca Taylor

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imageBright colors, edgy metallics and fluid lines seem to be the theme this year at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010, and Rebecca Taylor’s collection on day five was one of our favorites, showcasing a variety of sweetly feminine and totally modern takes on this year’s current and upcoming trends. Shiny silvers, asymmetrical ruffles and girly floral prints were punctuated with exaggerated silhouettes, giving the runway a flirty look that reminded one of a nautical space-age. Looser fits were contrasted by body-con dresses and legs were all over the place in pouf and pencil minis, tailored shorts and satin sheaths, giving the models a look of cabana-chic. Check out the slideshow to see more Rebecca Taylor favorites from her Spring/ Summer 2010 runway collection!

Celebs: Mena Suvari, Tiffany Amber Theissen, Marissa Miller, Gabrielle Union
Trends: one shouldered looks, floral prints, metallics, shorter hemlines, ruffles

Photo credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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Sep 16

NYFW Backstage Beauty: Julie Haus

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imageFrom skincare to nails, backstage for the Spring 2010 Julie Haus collection was all about grunge, rocker chic. In one corner, hairstylist Oscar Blandi was creating a tousled, slept-in look while celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann was applying a smudged finish to the gunmetal shimmer. On the other side, Stila makeup artist Sarah Lucero was focusing on creating a messy yet pretty eye, and Bethany Wojtech for Arcona was going over how the all natural skin care line is perfect for the models’ skin during fashion week as they go from show to show (something that I had always wondered!).

From the skin to the hair to the makeup to the nails, we spoke to all the experts. Click here to find out exactly how to replicate the looks!

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