Paris Fall 07 II

1. Balenciaga:


Another great collection from Nicholas Ghesquiere. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't as crazy or visionary as his previous collections, but maybe it was crazy because it was super wearable and practical. It was young but still intended for a strong woman. I love the first look because it's relaxed and sophisticated, yet there's something slightly askew about it that lets me know this isn't your typical Polo/Preppy dressing. The second dress is pure Nicholas. I love the high contrast and the super awesome blue tights. I'm not so into those sandal things she's wearing though, what I did like, though, were his amazing primary color-sneaker-platform-sandal...
Can you believe these?

2. Ann Demeulemeester:

Ann's girl doesn't change from season to season. She is intelligent, strong and serious and almost always wears black. This look is so feminine and soft, yet somehow it retains the kick-your-ass attitude that Demeulemeester is known for. I love the asymmetric vest too. The prints are based on Kara Walker's work, which I think was such a nice, nerd-y detail.

3. Junya Watanabe:


This is absolutely fierce!
I can't believe I just used that word, but it's just true.
I loved the leather jacket in the first look. At first you think it's just a regular motorcycle jacket and then you realize all of the different details that take it to another level. The second look is just deliciously subversive. Very kinder-whore which I'm reeeally trying to bring back.

Paris Fall 07 I

Before we get started I just want to say that I absolutely love Paris.
Everything is just so amazing. I realized that I life for Paris and for New York.
But now, the City of Lights awaits!

1. Balmain:

I love the disco vibe of this outfit (complete with bell bottoms!). At the same time, it's really glamorous and relaxed.

2. A.F. Vandevorst:


I love everything about the first look. It's the first time that I've ever thought a jumpsuit thing looks awesome and modern. It's even a little bit sexy! I wish I could wear this to my job interview tomorrow. The second look, well fashion police be damned, I never thought a big blanket could look so luxurious and fabulous. This was a great, great collection. London designers should take note that you can be avant-garde and experimental wihout sending costumes down the runway.

3. Viktor & Rolf:


This was such an amazingly wearable collection, a real step forward for them I think. I mean, we all know that they are incredibly smart and talented, but don't you just want to see what lies beneath the surface? How they think women should dress in real life, not the Viktor & Rolf reality. I chose the first look because I think that if they're going to use a schtick, then they should make it be relevant to what they're doing. This was just a cool idea and I was really thrilled to see such a gynormous dress. The second look was so polished and ladylike and I'm completely in love with it. I love the subtle draping on the shoulder and the stark contrast between the shiny skirt and the matte blouse. Those shoes however, make no sense at all.

4. Wunderkind:


This was another great collection (but aren't they all in Paris anyways?). That first look is SO Parisienne chic it's not even funny. I love the brown and military green together, yet somehow they don't look drab at all. Actually, wait, those are pants? Hmm... I don't know if I like it as much, but I'm just going to pretend it's a skirt and love it just the same. The dress is really weird, but there was something really charming and luxe about those Bedazzler-like details at the top. Almost like a Barbie doll dress. There's a very fine line between trashy and tongue-in-cheek and this dress walks it with confidence.

Milan Fall 07: Marni

I like how before Marni used to be kind of hippie-fabulous and now it's totally not, yet it has retained its charm. This is definitely one of those brands I'd wear all the time if I could afford it. hahaha. I'm hilarious.


It's so disheveled and weird that it just had to work. I love everything about this, the different silvers and greys, the contrasting fabrics, and especially that big primary color pin(?) right in the middle.


Menswear as cool and quirky womenswear. The necklaces are divine.


color! color! color! This rules on 50 different levels. The beige blouse keeps everything under control.

Milan Fall 07: Prada

Miuccia Prada is an absolute genius. That's all I can say, and that's what everyone else will say, but its just the truth. Looking at this entire collection I was just dumbfounded at how strange but profoundly modern it was. It felt natural and unforced and make me want to say "Well of course we're dressing like this!" No wonder this woman has inspired me for so many years. But now, here come the clothes!


It's boxy, awkward and a kind of hideous color yet it makes perfect sense and looks sooo cool! I love the hat and the cool legwarmers. It reminds me of what I thought people in the future would dress like when I was little.


It's such a techno look, but when you separate them, they become totally wearable, smart pieces.


Such a simple shape. Such amazing construction. The color is phenomenal and the seam detail is super cool.

Milan Fall 07 III

1. Fendi:


Ah, Karl. Always makes me weak at the knees. The first look is so amazing. If I was going to wear fur, I'd wear this. A little crazy and a whole lotta bold. The second look was absolutely great. I'd wear it exactly like that. I think I'm going to be obsessed with that leather jacket for forever. The color combination is so great and she looks so chic and relaxed. Top Notch. Hahaha (who says that anymore?)

2. Moschino:

Pure Moschino. Inspired by the classic but remade in a subversive, young, fun way.

3. Versace:


No one does sexxxed up glamour like Versace does.
The first look is so sophisticated and structured. Kinda dominatrix but the color changes the mood of it. The second dress is all fun and flash yet it still retains a certain playfulness about it that keeps it from looking trashy.

4. Gianfranco Ferre:


This is really weird and kind of ugly but I was absolutely drawn to it like a mouse to cheese. The volume and the paperbag high waist are just really really wonderful. The second look is so louche and glamorous and relaxed that I just love it. It's so effortless and she looks (literally) like a million bucks.

5. Missoni:

I'm also really getting into Missoni lately. This had a very sexy, glamorous feeling that hasn't been there in previous collections but it really worked. I loved the layering on the first look. That coat is absolutely fantastic and the dusty mauve skirt just really brings it to another level. This is also a collection that was feeling a bit 70s, but I feel like it was done very well and the looks could definitely be worn today without looking like you're going to a costume party. The second look is super va-va-voom. I think Drew Barrymore could wear it to an awards show and look super cute. The thing I loved best about this collection was the awesome belts (shown on both pictures). At first I thought it was just a cool detail, but it's not. It's a belt accentuating the places where the seams would be. Really, really cool.

Milan Fall 07 II

1. Jil Sander:


I am becoming more and more obsessed with this label. I love how it's so simple and minimalist but always packs a powerful punch with color. The first look is such a distinctive Jil Sander look. It's a very simple shape but all the amazingness lies in the cut and the fabric. The second dress is so beautiful. It looks like a very fine armor. And who wouldn't feel safe in it?

2. Gucci:

This is a beautiful dress but I still miss Tom Ford inmensely.

3. Alessandro Dell'Acqua:

I'm really trying to bring the 90's back, and if I wear this, then there's no way I can fail.
Nothing like a little black dress with a little somethig extra.

4. Dolce & Gabbana:

It's kind of weird, and not very practical but it makes me think of clouds of caramel. Plus. there's something really sensual about being enveloped in a cloud of sheer fabric.

Milan Fall 07 I

1. Burberry Prorsum:


I am seriously in love with Christopher Bailey. His past few collections have been amazing and I'm always looking forward to what he's going to do next. This collection was no exception. I loved the first look because it's so TOUGH! The short quilted jacket with the cropped sleeves is amazing and adds a ridiculous amount of attitude. The silver silk(?) skirt is also great and offers a great contrast with the toughness of the jacket and the leather gloves. The second dress is great. The floral print was SUCH a surprise and although odd. they somehow fit in with the rest of the collection. The yellows and blues are so bright and strange but it still looks super tough and not feminine at all. Bailey is a genius.

2. Giorgio Armani:


This was a good collection if a bit repetitive. But there were some nice things. The first look I loved because at first you might think its just a regular Armani suit. But it's chock full of great details (the weird collar and the voluminous skirt, for example) that make it young and modern. The second look I loved because there was something awesomely futuristic about it yet it also seemed very retro. It's lovely but with a twist.

3. Pringle of Scotland:

The juxtaposition of shiny and knit is absolutely great in this dress. I also really love the way the top half of the dress looks against her hair. Very pretty (but subversive).

4. Bottega Veneta:

Beautiful. Simple. Classic.
It's almost like a dress for a sun goddess of some sort.

5. Etro:

There's something really awesome that happens when an utterly practical look walks down the runway. Granted this couldn't be more 70s if it tried, but goddamn it if I didn't love everything about it. The weird ugly colors, the beautiful yellow belt. It's so working woman and I love it. However, the sheer black hosiery still gives me the shivers. Please designers, stop commiting this sin. Thank you.

Fashion Forward: Gwyneth Paltrow

Well, it seems like Gwyneth is at the forefront of fashion these days, showing up at the Oscars with a brand new dress from Zac Posen's Fall 07 collection. It seems I was right to pick it as THE dress from his collection. I should really consider being a stylist eh?

London Fall 07 II

1. Paul Smith Women:



I think yellow is starting to grow on me, but as soon as I saw this, I fell in love. It's so bright! The contrast the coat creates with the brown blouse and beige skirt is really great also, and just in case you think that's it, you get another splash of color in the shape of bright pink bows on the shoes. Sign me up.

2. Sinha-Stanic:





Who needs a little black dress when you have awesomely sexy metallic ones?

3. Aquascutum:





Overall, this was a really cool collection. (Although with the state of London Fashion lately, anything that isnt a McQueen ripoff is good). Anywho, while I'm not completely in love with the yellow in the first look, I was completely taken aback by the weird shape of the coat/cape/raincoat. It's just too cool for words. I loved the second dress because of the great color combination and that little assymetric detail with the straps. It's new minimal.

4. Jonathan Saunders:





Finally, new London talent that doesn't suck. This was definitely one of the best London collections. It felt new and interesting. The first look is absolutely amazing in its graphic starkness. I loved the half-shell detail on the sleeve and the way he played with contrasts of color. It's a super strong look. The second look is just breathtaking. It's the sun as a dress.

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs:


This is cute in the way that his stuff is always cute. I'm not going to lie. I think I'm falling out of love with him and it breaks my heart. I hope he makes up for it with the Louis Vuitton collection.

London Fall 07 I

1. Duro Olowu:





Duro Olowu started with a basic dress in beautiful patters a few seasons ago and all the fashion editors went gaga over it. I can see why. It was a very bold and vibrant and perfect for dreary fall days. The first look is great. She reminds me a bit of Anna Wintour (hello? glasses and bob!) But the pattern is very beautiful and the dress is just effortless sexy. I absolutely loved the bold pattern and the shape of the coat, not to keen on the black piping but I guess it's necessary to break up the pattern and give the coat some shape and definition.

2. Noir:



sex + power = this look.

3. Topshop:



I really, really, really wish we had Topshop in the US because this dress and this belt have my name written ALL OVER IT!

3. Danielle Scutt:



Although not season appropriate (this couldn't yell summer more if it was written in big bold letters across it), I loved the easy- jersey elegance of it.

4. Louise Goldin:



This is so wonderfully 90s. Its strong, sexy and a little odd. I love the shoes too.

5. Marios Schwab:



This reminds me a bit of Balenciaga from a couple seasons ago, but I think it's great. It's conservative yet very sexy and body conscious. I love the colors, because they're kind of dead and the Joan of Arc detail on the sleeves is killer.

NYC Fall 07: DKNY

For the francophile in me.



I'm going to overlook the fact that she's not wearing Chuck Taylors like she should. Maybe this coming season I will only wear skinny pants, or gynormous ones like these. I'm all about extremes, baby.



For when the francophile in me wants to party and be classy. (Kind of redundant, I know, since all Frenchies are classy, hahaha). Bottomline is, I loved everything in this collection and want to own it.

NYC Fall 07: Marc Jacobs

This collection was very strange. I loved it as a whole collection, but there weren't any looks that really blew me away. This was the first look that came out. It's very sophisticated and European and I really loved his use of primary colors. It's cool, but not brain surgery. But I guess that's ok too.



Dude, smoking sweater.



Not in love with the off the shoulders neckline, but theres something about that turquoise ribbon and those yellow gloves that I just adore.

NYC Fall 07: Brian Reyes

Sure, you're going to think that this dress is a potato sack. And it could be. But I also think its lovely and a little sexy. Not for everyone but for those who can pull it off it's a gem. I love the blue tights (though not with open toed sandals, ew).



This look is completely different from the previous one. It's kind of a sassy disco sailor look, and I still have a soft spot in my heart for sailor looks (must be all those sailor outfits my mom dressed me in when I was little). This is 100% wearable, if a little madcap with the stripes, the belt and the silver. Very relaxed for a sunday brunch.



Again, a complete 180 from the previous look. Although this look has less layers, it seems a little more madcap than the one before. I loved the contrast of the chunky, plaid-ish sweater with the gold brocade skirt. It's very elegant, maybe downtown elegant (that's what the magazines would say, probably). I love the way the lines in the coat are round near the neckline and then straight throughout the rest. It's a little detail, but I think it makes a big difference.



Perhaps, she wasn't wearing a gold brocade skirt under that coat. Perhaps it was this weirdly luxurious gold brocade dress. I love the weird folds at the top making everything askew. It's a little bit decadent, yet somehow it feels down to earth. Really, really cool.

NYC Fall 07: Proenza Schouler

Ah, once again the boys have made an exquisite collection. It had an old-world feeling to it but not in a vintage remake, just in its timeless glamour. I loved the strong silhouettes. I mean this first look is just great. That coat with those exagerated proportions and the tiny hat that only leaves the scarlet red lips visible. Now that's a look that says "Stop everything youre doing and look at me". Seriously Femme Fatale.



This continues with the strong silhouette presented on the first look but in a more "everyday" kind of way. I think I'm developing a real affinity for knits and sweaters and this feels like itd be the coziest thing to wear on early fall days. It's so simple, but speaks volumes about the woman that would wear it. That's a great little boot, too.



I also always love their use of pattern and color. This is such a simple little cocktail dress, but the pattern on the bodice is magnificent. I'm not sure yet if there's an optical illusion at work or if that greenish ribbon is in 3D. The V shaped pattern running down from the neck is also magnificent. There's a bit of tension created by the encounter of the metal gromets and the chiffon-y ribbon.



This dress expands on the theme above, but I just really loved that splash of cobalt blue.

NYC Fall 07: Max Azria

I think they really outdid themselves with this collection. It was beautiful, ethereal and feminine but not in a conventional way. I absolutely loved the way color and pattern were used in this dress. Perhaps it has to do a lot with the picture, but the way those weird "lines" of color converge at knee/leg is quite wonderful. I love the oversized overcoat and how its causally flung over her shoulders (well thats a lot of overs in that one sentence isnt it?)



These colors were more subdued, but I still think they are strange. I love that it's not a symmetric striped pattern and the slight funnel neck. I could do without the hat, but this a really great dress.



This is absolutely wonderful. I love love love it. It's such a mix of high and low, fabrics, everything. The beautiful, almost princess-like dress over whats probably a thin cashmere sweater (and if it isn't, then that's how I'd wea it), with theopaque tights and the wonderfully cozy cape thin. This is so glamorous but also very wearable (ok, maybe not for my daytime job.. although.. this IS New York after all).

NYC Fall 07: Bruce

I remember reading about Bruce when I was younger, I was happy to read in Vogue that they would be back. This is extremely simple and minimalist but in a different way than 90s minimalism. Love the vest detail.



Deceptively simple and awesomely geometric.



This is what relaxed glamour looks like. Love the peephole detail in the sweater, although it should only be worn over something. Peephole cleavage is trashy trashy trashy.



There is something that is drawing me to this look and I can't quite pinpoint it. Obvious retro elements of course, but it just seems to go really well right now. I love the proportion it created on her and the balance of the puffy sleeves.

NYC Fall 07 VII

1. Michael Kors:


Michael Kors is always classy and classic. Modern women want to look chic and be comfortable. I guess thats why hes the king of American Sportswear. The first look is classic Michael Kors/Ali McGraw American chic. The second look is very simple and its given an extra oomph by the beautiful degrade effect of the sweater. Love Love Love!

2. Catherine Malandrino:

I think Fall is shaping out to be all about dresses in simple shapes with unconventional details and paired with bold (or black) opaque tights with a chunky heel. This is a perfect example of that. I love the chunky ribbed neck against what looks like lace. Very feminine without being boring. The blue opaque tights are my favorite part.

3. Zero Maria Cornejo:

The short leather jacket keeps coming back. This is such a strong, sexy look.

4. Betsey Johnson:

Short. Sparkly. Playful.
Pure Betsey.

NYC Fall 07 VI

1. Rodarte:


It's funny because I don't think I was into their collection last season, but with this one, I understood what the fuss was all about. It was beautiful and feminine and strong. The interesting thing about these two looks that I chose is that they seem to be polar opposites, which I guess goes to show that they are talented, versatile designers who know that being a woman has many different sides. The first look is great because its structured and almost classic, except for the asymetric collar. It's very lady-like, but the fabric makes it part warrior too. The second look is totally different. It's almost a whisper of a dress, so delicate and feminine its not even there. It reminds me of Flaming June. This is truly breathtaking.

2. Narciso Rodriguez:

Ah, he's the fashion architect. He is currently part of the National Design Triennial at the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum, where I currently work. But anyways, he is the master of simple dresses that pack a big punch in the way the are constructed. I loved the diamond shape of the dress and the way the print looks like it's acid-washed or something similar. Very sharp contrast, and as always, sexy and strong.

3. Doo.Ri:

This collection was kind of a departure for Doo Ri Chung. Her basic philosophy was there, but the colors, the styling and the attitude was rough and tough. I really loved it. The color is brilliant and bold, and the draping takes a simple silhouette into cool territory. The opaque tights and the matching heels make it a little bit disco and a little bit rock n' roll. In other words, the dress is pure Heart of Glass Debbie Harry.

4. Derek Lam:

Derek Lam is part of the new guard of New York designers. Always classic and I think he has the possibility for a long career. I liked this dress because it's experimental yet totally wearable. Again, the black opaque tights and black shoes make it look really awesome. This is one trend I'm totally onboard with. As a matter of fact, I've already started. Haha.

5. Peter Som:

This is what a smart, stylish woman wears on a casual friday. I love the play with proportion. And god, I really want a short leather jacket!

NYC Fall 07 VI

1. Vera Wang:

This collection was interesting. It didn't blow me away the way that her previous collections have. I thought it was a bit frumpy, and as much as I love layering, it just seemed a bit forced at times. This look doesn't necessarily embody the overall feeling of the collection, but I loved it because of the contrast in fabrics and prints. There's just something very quirky and smart about this that appeals to me and I even love the kind of messy hair and thick eyebrows. Overall not a flop, but when you're used to maginificence over and over again, a good collection can oftentimes seem blah.

2. Tory Burch:

Dear Tory:
At first I heard about you branching out to become a designer and I was like eh whatever. But the truth is, I love it. I went to Saks when I first moved to NYC back in september and I loved how retro and awesome everything was. I even thought your signature flats were very cute. But with this collection I must let you know that I loved absolutely everything and I wish I owned it. This was my favorite look becaue it was easy, relaxed, yet it had this very weird french sex bomb quality to it. Let's be friends forever ok? Because you rule.
Sincerely,
Me.

3. Malo:

It's the Joan of Arc sweater!

4. Calvin Klein:

What's that?
A dress of the future!
Says who?
Calvin Klein!
(I love how it's such a beautiful, delicate almost fragile dress but it has such a constructed almost structured neckline.)

5. Badgley Mischka:

This is wonderful coat-dress. I love the funnel neck and the voluminous sleeves. The hosiery makes it seem a little matronly, but opaque tights and bright primary color shoes would make this outfit young and awesome.

NYC Fall 07 V

1. Vena Cava:

They did a nice show with nice pieces. The problem is that I don't think their clothes had the necessary oomph to be shown at a show. But I don't have anything bad to say about them otherwise. This is just a nice, relaxed, chic look that I'd absolutely love to buy and wear. I think this next seasons I'm going to be all about effortless chic and this is definitely that.


2. Daryl K:

Like all of her collections, this is tough rocker chick to the max.
I love it.

3. Donna Karan:


Donna Karan always puts on a great show, but I must say that this has been my favorite out of all the ones she's done in recent seasons. Her emphasis on the body was right on track and the color palette and the details were exquisite. One of the first looks in the show was the deceptively simple black dress. Upon first glance it just looks like any other black dress but wen you look at it closer, you see tat little origami-like detail on the neckline with just a hint of yellow. Its absolutely wonderful and such a subtle way to bring attention to the decolletage and incorporate color. Then, as a huge contrast, came this beautiful cobalt blue look. I loved the contrast of the puffy coat with the slim jersey skirt. It has kind of a late 80's/early 90's power woman vibe, but it doesn't feel like a rehash, just a modern interpretation. Once again, she's hit the mark in all the right places.

4. Chado Ralph Rucci:

Completely extravagant but, oh how wonderful.

5. Costello Tagliapietra:


The gentlemen in Costello Tagliapietra make beautiful, simple (to the eye), flattering jersey dresses. I loved the first look because the draping around the neckline is so beautiful that it becomes a decoration. It's definitely one of those day-to-evening dresses that the busy working woman needs to have in her closet. The second look is totally party ready, but I love the change in direction of the draping on the bodice versus the skirt. It's so sexy without being vulgar and the little gloves give it just enough oomph to make it tough.

6. Zac Posen:

Zac Posen always manages to include one absolutely stunning, drop-dead glamorous dress in his collection. To me, this one was it. I think its abolutely sensuous and the fesh tone makes it a bit risque without actually exposing any skin. It reminds me a bit of the beautiful dresses that Gianni Versace used to make in the way that it hugs and shows off the woman, without actually showing off any of the, umm, woman.

7. Behnaz Sarafpour:

Simple. Elegant. Chic.
Sure, it's nothing new, but it's still a great modern, minimalist look.

NYC Fall 07 IV

1. Naeem Khan:


I'm not very familiar with this designer, but it doesn't matter.
All I have to say is this:
The Joan of Arc Mod Dress.
How could it be wrong?

2. Oscar de la Renta:




Oscar de la Renta makes absolutely fabulous cocktail dresses. I loved all of these because they were very classic shapes turned around through the use of color, fabric and scale. The first one is full of Monte Carlo 80' decadence. And the huge, chunky necklace raises the fab factor, and minimizes the seriousness. The second one continues with the animal print theme from the previous dress, but in a different way. The sequined "spots" are just sexy. The third one breaks away from the animal theme, but it's cheeky, young and modern by way of the "electronic"-likr print. The color palette also makes it slightly mysterious and takes some of the femininity out of such a classic-girly shape.

3. Isaac Mizrahi:


The CMYK dress, done by the wonderful and fabulous Mr. Mizrahi.
Ok, not so much CMYK but it reminds me of the color test print. Really COOL.

4. Luca Luca:


This is a classic, sexy, office to party dress. I love the material and the graphic starkness of it, while still remaining soft and feminine. I love the chunky dark tights and white shoes too.

NYC Fall 07 III

Things keep slowly improving, but I think the problem is that I might not be so into the upcoming trends as I was for this coming spring. Im hoping maybe Paris will be the big kicker, but I'm not that sure.

1. DIane von Furstemberg


This was another great collection from Ms Diane. Totally fabulous prints and sexy dresses as usual. This one was my favorite, I loved how sexy it was, while still being sophisticated and smart and how the sparkle makes it cheeky. My only concern wis that I thought the styling was a little off, I think some opaque black tights wouldve really made it pop.

2. Lela Rose:


I really loved this because it was simple, classic but with a twist.
I find myself saying that a lot lately, but it can't be the return of ladylike dressing yet, can it?

3. Matthew Williamson:


Matthew Williamson is best known for his bright colorful dresses. Very fun, but nothing shocking. The print on this dress was just too amazing for my eyes. Even the weird rainbow effect going on doesn't bother me, because its just too scribble-icious and wonderful.

4. 3.i Phillip Lim:


I am seriously loving this guy more and more everyday. And I really do hope that by next fall I am making enough money that I can buy this entire outfit. I love the easy layers, plus, I'm SO into dresses right now! I also really want a shrunken leather jacket. They're hot this Spring and they'll still look awesome in the Fall.

5. Tracy Reese:


This look was just so *ooh*. Like, I looked at it and just got this cool feeling inside me that I couldn't shake or put into words. The colors are really beautiful and I'm not even bothered by the white polka dotted tights. Then when you look closer, you notice the beautifully detailed bodice. Just really cute.

NYC Fall 07 II

Things have started to pick up! There have been some unexpected favorites, but I'm still waiting for that show that will blow my mind.

1. Karen Walker:


Karen Walker has slowly made her way through the fashion ranks. And I think I'm slowly falling in love. I think this look is my favorite from all the shows so far. It just exudes coolness. I think it's very chic, but also it feels very real. Real in the way that it's accessible, and real in the way that it looks like it would actually keep you warm in these very chilly days. It's a little bit retro and it's borrowing from different times, but it seems very modern. I REALLY want it.

2. Ruffian:


This is the Studio 54 vesion of Grease Lightning.
I love its dirty fabulousness.

3. Threeasfour:



I was kind of disappointed with this collection, after all, it seemed that they had made such a giant leap forward with their last collection and then they just blew it. Last season was beautiful, a bit theatrical and experimental and wearable without losing the Threeasfour touch. This collection was awkward, and a bit amateurish in its theatricality. I liked the first look, though reminiscent of some of Proenza Schouler's previous looks, because of the color palette. But also because it's very modern and endearing in its slight frumpiness. The second dress is just a sexy, slightly-edgy, fabulous premiere dress.

NYC Fall 07 I

Fall season is here!! Slow start so far, but in general the first few days are kinda slow because none of the good designers want to go first. Anywho, on to the clothes!

1. BCBG Max Azria:



This line has evolved very nicely over the past few seasons. I think they've done a great job of elevating their work, without forgetting their look and their core clientele. This show had a very boudoir/art deco kind of feel. I really dug it, they aren't everyday clothes and they don't pretend to be. The first look is almost ethereal, but not in a fantasy way. It's very real, and the fur and quirky shoes add something new and different. The second dress is also ethereal but in a different, more agressive way. The stark color combination and graphic contrasted with the flowy material is absolutely wonderful, although I don't care much for the tights (opaque only for me, please) or the boots (they look cheap).

2. Yigal Azrouel:



I always associated Azrouel with older ladies who dress in that minimally classic-jersey-layers kinda deal. They always look relaxed and have their white hair perfectly coiffed. This collection was strange, because it felt very young. Not in a Lindsay Lohan kind of young, but in the way that you imagine these classic ladies were like when they were younger. I am a big fan of layering, so right off the bat, I was completely in love with it. The look is smart, a bit disheveled, and reminiscent of a world traveler that has grown to be very wise and a tad smartass. I really loved it.

3, Alice Roi:


Alice Roi was a hip, young, up-and-coming designer. Then she disappeared for a while and came back not as cool as before (at least, i feel like she had disappeared for a while. The collection was boring, but it had this one moment of brilliance in the shape of a lovely demure-coccoon dress. I am obviously ignoring everything that is going on below the kneww because that black sock/white clog combo is absolutely hideous. Like if a nurse changed to go to dinner and forgot to change her socks and shoes. UGH!