From the Runway | Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 184

From the Runway

September 24, 2008

Fashion Pulse Reviews the Calvin Klein S/S 2009 Collection

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With an almost completely stark white color palette that eventually delved into champagne, beige, and silver, Francisco Costa’s Calvin Klein collection let the shape of his garments do the talking this season. Shoulders harked back to a ‘80s padded aesthetic, and while some dresses were boxy, others looked as if they were simply draped sheets –- a pure ode to minimalism! Still, we felt the pieces were innovative and most definitely a work of modern art. It was refreshing to see a designer play with new proportions, instead of recycling old one, any easy move to do, considering the archive trove at Calvin Klein. We were most intrigued by a white cocktail dress whose straps looked they were carefully twisted into a 3-D triangle on one side, and a cube on the other.

September 20, 2008

Fashion Pulse Reviews Vera Wang’s S/S ’09 Collection!

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For her spring 2009 collection, Vera Wang infused subdued and sheer fabrics with simple cuts as a base for what looked like a fabulous ode to an arts and crafts project. Some of the filmy garments stood out simply through the color palette of orange, yellow, and lavender layers artistically draped underneath. However, what really made the collection a stunner were her embellishments, embroidery work, and chunky and colorful accessories – in particular necklaces, bags, and belts. Our favorite look was a neutral tone dress that was given a new life with a metallic mosaic-like embellishment carefully placed across the waist. Wang said her inspiration this season was French artist Niki de Saint Phalle, and through this discovery, we at Fashion Pulse easily pieced together the concept that her meticulous work truly embodies the execution of fashion as art.

September 15, 2008

More Fashion Week Coverage: Cynthia Rowley, Baby Phat

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  • Cynthia Rowley

The minute the giant clock (used as the runway’s backdrop) started ticking and the models started walking, we immediately thought we had been transported to the year 2029, instead of simply next spring! The designer’s runway was dominated by futuristic, form-fitting dresses that suggested imaginative inspiration from an era we have yet to see. Her use of graphic shapes, metallic fabrics, and big black sunglasses all contributed to the collection’s forward-thinking theme. We loved the gold belts that looked like over-sized bracelets; we just hope that they’re lighter around the waist than they appear!

  • Baby Phat

We’ll forgive Kimora Lee Simmons for starting the Baby Phat show an hour late for two reasons; the first being that we anticipated this to happen, and her pre-show party was the most fun we’ve practically had at a show this week! The pink cocktails and Cold Stone Creamery sundaes served in a room with a sparkly white rug were as “phabulous” as Kimora herself! The show commemorated ten years of Phat Fashions, so off the bat we knew we would be bestowed with a whammy of strong looks. On the runway, we saw colorful and flowing sheer pieces that were definitely 1970’s inspired, with lilac and khaki as dominant colors. The looks were completed by headscarves and hairstyles highly reminiscent of Cher (in her Sonny days).

–Sarah Ferguson

September 12, 2008

Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2009: Day 2 (Saturday, Sept 6th)

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Even though we had to subject ourselves (and our favorite shoes) to utterly drenching rain and ankle-deep puddles Saturday, these four designers were able to lift our dampened spirits!

  • Karen Walker

Although outside it was a downpour, Karen Walker’s collection made us feel like we were spending a sunny day on the west coast! The blues and taupes Walker used reminded us of a sandy California beach. The laid back, Cali-cool style that looked like it could have been taken from your boyfriend’s closet, was accented by her popular, quirky sunglasses, straw hats, and Keds. Yet, towards the end of the show, we were presented with leopard prints that added more femininity and a twist to our favorite Aussie’s collection.

  • James Coviello

The grey skies and painful, cab-less trek over to the west side was immediately forgotten once the show started. The runway was in full bloom with Coviello’s vibrant color choices of lime green, aqua, and lilac. These bold hues were brilliantly incorporated into the collection to create, in the designer’s own words, a “kaleidoscope of color.” Our favorite pieces were his flowing and seemingly weightless dresses that had a spin-art, tie-dye aesthetic to them. Although this collection was a strong departure from his signature knits of yore, we’re glad to adapt!

  • Verrier

Ashleigh Verrier’s spring/summer ’09 collection played off of a fairy tale motif, and the juxtaposition of sweetness and darkness. She didn’t get too carried away in the idea of fantasy, since these clothes had all of the right wearable ingredients — lace, ribbons, frill, and pastel colors. We simply adored the silky blouses, full ruffled-shirts, and girlish day dresses that added a lightness to the season.

  • Harlan Bel

To give radiance to an otherwise black and white palette, Harlan Bel added splashes of the same green, blue, and purple hues that we saw at Coviello. We loved how she contrasted feminine colors with suspenders, vests, leather jackets, fedoras, and glasses that would make anyone with perfect vision jealous! While there were no prints, she spiced up the solid pieces with details like cutouts, pleating, and tiered shorts.

— Sarah Ferguson

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