Hey! So a few weeks ago, we polled you guys to see how we could upgrade The Fashion Bomb, and 49.2% of you said we could improve site speed. So we busy bees got to work migrating the Fashion Bomb to it's own webhost (bye bye blogger!), and...
Log onto www.fashionbombdaily.com for the new sleek, slick, fast Fashion Bomb experience. Starting today, www.the-fashion-bomb.com will redirect you to our new cyberspot. All the articles, interviews, and bomb info are there! Let us know what you think! Bisous! PS We tried to redirect from blogger to our new domain, but it just wasn't working! Bookmark the new site!!
While Adriana covered Tibi in the tents, I power walked down to the Baby Phat Fall 2009 show:
This time around Kimora ditched her usual Roseland Ballroom venue for the smaller, more recession friendly Gotham Hall. Admittedly, Roseland is usually a zoo, crushed with celebrities, editors, and fans--but it also typically has a vibrant energy that makes the Baby Phat show more of a party than a focused fashion event. As a former bank, Gotham Hall had a much more serious atmosphere, but no matter: without all the distractions we were left to focus on the clothes. Thankfully, Kimora put some work into offering interesting silhouettes and pieces real girls would unflinchingly wear. For fall Kimora went for frills and lace for a girly flair...
..instead of looking cheap, the pieces offered an updated classic, Victorian sensibility that carried over to her reinterpretations of Chanel quilted bags and layered pearl necklaces:
While the lace and frills were fun, my favorite part of the show had to be the outerwear. Cute capes, wool toppers, plaid jackets, and fur collared tweeds cascaded down the runway in silhouettes that would work for anyone from a college girl on the go to a young professional in a funky creative industry...
While some options still looked like a juniors department nightmare with tie dye jeans and bedazzled t's...
Overall Kimora delivered a solid, wearable collection, upping the quality and ante for the Fall 2009 season. After the show, I walked over to say hey to a few well known faces: Teyana Taylor looked retro chic with a cute hat, hairdo, and fitting dress:
I said wassup to Ray J, who was putting his VH1 show on hold for the night:
Chit Chatted with my girl Monica about Atlanta and a few of her upcoming projects (Check out my interview with her here:)
And girl talked with Dwight from the Real Housewives of Atlanta!
He was working it in a fur coat and all white suit! No sightings of Nene or Sheree all fashion week, but Dwight was fab-u-lous, and working his outfit! Yet again, a fun time at Baby Phat:
And of course, I caught the final walk for ya:
I love how 'My President is Black' was the song for the final walk. Very apropos for a show and a President that are all about business!
Last night at Tibi, the Disco era met Moscow, as Amy Smilvoc's fall offerings came from Russia with love, and included a few references to late '70s/early '80s Halston.
Lively prints with elements of Russian folk patterns and dramatic fur Cossack hats peppered the ensembles, which didn't much deviate from Tibi's usual modern-femme sensiblity.
Smilovic continues to be influenced by her travels abroad (for the Spring '09 collection, it was Hong Kong), which is fitting for the target Tibi customer: jet-setting socialista.
My absolute favorite piece of the line was a sunshine-yellow frock with split shoulders and intricate jet beading (above, far right). The fur muffs were a bit of a costumey touch, as I felt the dresses stood out well enough on their own.
Sweetheart necklines and black trousers in varying silhouettes also made an appearance.
I'm usually pleasantly pleased with Tibi and this time was no exception. While the clothes weren't groundbreaking, there's a consistent stylishness about their designs that solidifies their place as a solid contemporary mainstay. ~Adri
Monday night's last showing in the tents was one of the week's most anticipated: the Justin Timberlake-helmed William Rast.
The speakers blared rock and blues classics as a modern, artistic rendering of the American flag provided the backdrop for the runway. Apt dressing for a show that offered reinterpretations of American classics such as motorcycle jackets and, of course, denim.
As expected, tons of celebs populated the front row; I snapped Nicky and Paris Hilton, Anna Wintour, Justin's former N*SYNC bandmate JC Chasez, and MTV V-jay Damien Fahey with his girlfriend, up-and-coming fashionista Grasie Mercedes, before the lights went down.
When they came back up and the show started, however, the collection wasn't as glittering as its audience, unfortunately. New takes on old favorites can be exciting but the pieces here lacked innovation and originality. The influence of the American experience was clear, and elements of Western, Native American, '80s Conspicuous Consumption, and '60s Hippie style were evident, yet it felt like a warmed over mashup of fads that made you wince rather than feel nostalgic or inspired.
The men's collection included some slightly better offerings (and some clear James Dean channeling), and maybe focusing on menswear is where Rast's best prospects for the future lie, especially in an already saturated women's denim market where market-share and competition are fierce.
After JT took his bow, the fashionable took theirs, too, and called it a night at the tents! ~Adri
Alice + Olivia's evening show yesterday was, so far, one of the highlights of Fashion Week for me.
The event was a crush as the fashionable turned out for a glimpse of Stacy Bendet's art gallery-inspired presentation of her Fall 2009 collection.
As a friend says, the beauty of Alice+Olivia is the diversity of the line: mod, feminine, edgy, demure, and sexy can coexist in the same collection and still feel cohesive. The Fall '09 line is similarly styled, with influences ranging from everything including preppy, punk, the 1950s, and contemporary rock-glam.
I loved the animal prints, especially the embellished, Zebra-print jacket on the left--very Jackie O. meets Patricia Field!
One of the most innovative parts of the presentation was the use of photos mixed with real-life details, like the above ruffle superimposed on the photo of its corresponding dress. The same was done with zippers, bows, and handbags.
These puppet-like mannequins added a touch of whimsy and quirk.
I ran into the divine Bevy Smith, Fashion Bomb friend and style-maven-about-town!
And also kicked it with songstress Chrisette Michelle, who's doing the rounds this fashion week. C. Michelle and I did our best to imitate the fierce A+O model poses.
The fabulous Jerome Lamaar, formerly of Baby Phat, was on the scene, too, sporting some vintage Baby Phat fashion jewelry.
I also caught glimpses of Kim and Khloe Kardashian but it was too crowded to even make my way over to them.
Overall, a great showing and good times had by all. ~Adriana
This season, Diane von Furstenberg's collection transitioned easily from spring to fall. Continuing with the trend of dramatic headpieces, she went from floral headbands last season to pop-pom covered knit hats. Though black was seen throughout her collection as well as the collections of many others, this collection was filled with layering and vivid leopard print pieces...
There were a few sequin-laden pieces as well paired with cardigans and bold knit coats.And some looks weren’t complete without a bright colored clutch.
Leggings and long, tribal necklaces added a pop of color to the gray and darker hues of the collection.
Some of the pieces reflected the importance of comfort and glam, especially because of the Studio 54 kind of vibe I got from a few of the looks.The collection and music paid homage to the disco-era diva herself, Diana Ross, who was actually there, and gave Diane a hug at the end of the show! For more of the collection, click here. I loved the collection! How do you all feel about it? ~Vuitton
Finally recovered from my transatlantic travels, I stopped into the Tracy Reese show to take in her Fall 2009 collection.
I along with a ton of fashion fanatics piled into Bryant Park's relatively tiny Salon...
There were barely enough seats to sit--Even Andre Leon Talley was left standing!
Finally the show began, and Tracy reinterpreted her signature pretty, uber feminine pieces for fall using a colorful palette of deep reds, purples, and turquoise...
While some of her looks were somewhat predictable--ruffles, lace, and frills--school girl chic also seemed to be the name of the game, with Reese amping up her lacey, brocade regulars with bits of edge witnessed in thigh high socks, skull caps, and librarian-esque readers...
Flashes of luxe elements like fur and sequins also appeared in this collection, making certain items perfect for the girl who isn't watching her pocketbook...
...perhaps why the front row was peppered with glitterati like Paris and Nicky Hilton, Kim Kardashian, and Solange Knowles.
I caught up with Kim Kardashian afterwards who looked stunning in a Tracy Reese strapless dress...
And also got a quick interview with Solange! Check it out here.
On Friday I was still a bit jetlagged, so decided to keep it low key with the Cushnie et Ochs show: If you've been reading the Fashion Bomb, you'd know that the dynamic Parson's alumnae behind the line, dubbed the next Proenza Schouler, were the recipients of a $25,000 Ecco Domani Fashion Award to show at Fashion Week. With all their accolades, I was super excited to see what they would send down the runway:
Their Fall 2009 collection focused on subdued blacks, grays, and whites accented with pops of futuristic metallic. Edgy and eye catching, the ladies went for drama with dresses, jackets, and pants with singular details like cut outs, single arms, liquid materials, and high collars:
While I gushed over some of the more club ready frocks, I felt perhaps the ladies pushed the envelope too far with certain looks--some sheer tops, short skirts, and super tight satin dresses seemed more bawdy than sexy...
They may have overshot just a bit, but they have the proven talent to bring it back. I look forward to seeing their future collections. After the show, I stopped backstage and interviewed Carly Cushnie about the line's inspiration:
Cross Colours was one of the first brands to make 'urban' gear fashionable. Before Rocawear, Phat Farm, and Fubu, Cross Colours was the streetwear brand of choice for hip hop heads. Created by Carl Jones, a graduate of Otis Parson's School of Design, the clothes were without prejudice and appealed to anyone with a penchant for bright colors and an understanding of political and social messages. Did you own any Cross Colours gear?
Hey! So the first day of Fashion Week was so exciting! My homie Charles and I dipped into the Cushnie & Ochs show, then hit up a few parties for Roberto Cavalli and Alexander McQueen. I've got a couple videos and pix for Monday, but if you can't wait until then, some shots of Real Style:
Fashion Week kicked off last night with a star-studded Vogue/BMW event and The Fashion Bomb was in the house, of course!I kicked it on the red carpet with loyal readers and Fashion Bombshells Pietrina and Joy, who were sporting some fierce, camera-ready Real Style.We even had us a lil' exercise in workin' the Top Model poses and faces! Inside, the action centered around this ultra-luxe, 7-series Beemer, which Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia's Editor-in-Chief, helped to design. I spotted quite a few celebs working the room, including FB favorites Joy Bryant, Chanel Iman, and Arlenis Sosa.Of course, I had to ask C. Iman about the new "Gossip Girl" scoop reported by our very own Vuitton. She shared that she's always looking to try her hand at new opportunities, and seemed really excited about striking a pose in front of the (TV) camera. You know we'll be tuning in!I also chatted with Chanel's mom, China Robinson(between Chanel and I, above), who often travels with Chanel and is enjoying seeing the world herself. Both mother and daughter were lovely as can be and it's clear where this top model gets her inner and outer glow from. And yes, that's none other than Fashion Bomb friend Ryan Leslie next to Chanel!One of the highlights of the evening was meeting the stunning Arlenis Sosa, one of my favorite models and a fellow Dominicana. We gabbed away in Spanish for quite a while on everything from the fittings she's doing for the shows to the goings-on in our native D.R. As sweet as she is gorgeous, I'm going to love watching her star continue to rise! It couldn't have been a better kick-off. Stay focused on The Fashion Bomb for continuing New York Fashion Week coverage this and next week! ~Adriana
Log onto www.fashionbombdaily.com for the new sleek, slick, fast Fashion Bomb experience.
