For the first time, New York City and Vogue America introduced Fashion Night, where all the fashion and department stores stayed open til late. The whole idea was to allow everyone to partake in and enjoy the world of fashion, not just those who work in the industry. New York was buzzing even more than usual, people were out and about celebrating the world of creativity. Shops and designers showcased their creations with champagne, food and celebrities. Barneys featured celebrities on each level including Isabel Toledo, Supermodel Iman, Designer Alexander Wang, shoe extraordinaire Manolo Blahnik and more. Saks had Justin Timberlake, Macys had Anna Wintour and Victoria Secret had our very own Miranda Kerr.

I was lucky enough to spend most of my time at Barneys New York and rub shoulders with the rich and famous. New York fashion week had well and truly started. 

 

Davidelfin, New York Fashion Week Thursday 10th September 2009:

 

Davidelfin kicked off fashion week on Thursday. His palette was plain and quite ordinary compared to the colours used in the other collections using only pastel green, white and navy. Looks were structured and boyish. Models strutted down the catwalk in sharp power suits, crisp shirts and ties. Models had bright orange hair – a slight distraction but obviously used to create interest. The green used in his collection is also a colour that most will struggle with. There are so many other gorgeous colours out there for spring, his use of colour is very interesting and I am intrigued to know what inspired his colour selection.

 

 

 

 

ARISE: African Fashion Collection, a collection by 4 different designers: Jewel by Lisa, Eric Raisina, Tiffany Amber and David Tlale. All very talented designers who launched their creative designs together in one exciting show.

Jewel by Lisa from Nigeria used texture and colour with a modern twist. Jewel by Lisa introduced linens, taffeta, silks, beads and crystals that turned heads on the runway with cute shorts, slim leg pants, chic cocktail dresses and biker jackets. Colours included red, mustard, yellow, blue and pink. Jewel by Lisa used some paisley prints in their biker jackets and trench coats and teamed this with plain pants and shorts.

Eric Raisina from Madagascar specialises in weaving and dying. His creative weaving was transferred onto dresses and jackets in gorgeous colours of greens, blues, reds, pinks, dark aubergine and black, perfect for spring and summer. He took a different spin on the word texture and introduced head turning pieces including the gorgeous chartreuse flower crocheted dress, his belted jumpsuit and his multicoloured layered, fringed and pleated dress. His pieces are eye catching because they are both wearable and different.

Tiffany Amber from Nigeria used gorgeous silks that draped beautifully. Tiffany Amber introduced classic shapes with soft and gracious looks including to the floor maxi dresses and hot pink jump suits. The models wore abstract digital prints that were mixed with lace and metallic weaves. She teamed billowing, dolman sleeves with her mini dresses and also mixed intricate beading into her designs. She used fabulous bright colours of yellows, oranges, blues, some purple, gold and aquamarine in her designs.

David Tlale - South Africa. David’s colour palette was more subtle and he focused on neutral tones such as creams, black, taupe and tans. David’s collection was all about special detailing with the use of pleating, beading and fringing around the neckline. Silk organza was a popular fabric and the gorgeous neck beaded blouses hit the runway with chic style.
Models wearing these beautiful designs included Chanel, Tyson and Coco.

Click here to see some photos from ARISE Fashion Show

Poleci Fashion Presentation New York, Saturday 12th September 2009

 

POLECI:
The Poleci collection was all about casual meets sexy chic. Cute shorts were mixed with feminine tops and cropped jackets along with dresses in prints that came to the knee with bow details. Pants had pleating details and some were made in soft fabric. This is one trend we advise women to be cautious with due to the fact that soft fabrics don’t hold their shape as well. The colour palette was subtle and sophisticated with muted pinks and mauves mixed in with yellow, tan and the very popular navy.

Click here to see some photos from Poleci Fashion Presentation

 

 

Barbara Tfank: The colour range moved through the citrus flavours of oranges, limes, lemons and were mixed in with some coral, white and navy. Some looks were clearly inspired by the 60s with fitted day time dresses made from cotton and silk. Barbara's designs are very feminine and classic with gathered sleeves and subtle prints. Lengths varied from short to the floor. She used a lot of dress and jacket combinations in both solid colours and subtle prints.

Click here to see full photo gallery of Barbara Tfank's collection