Talk of the Tents

By Joseph V. Amodio

Headed back to Chelsea's club 1Oak last night for the after party of savvy young designer Brian Reyes, as I heard it might be a real scene. Make that scene…and seen. The DJ was howling: "Let's hear it for my boy Brian" and so-n-so's "in da howwwzzzzze,"…and…wait…that voice…turned out to be none other than Wyclef Jean himself, in a rare moment of spinning tunes. Also there to catch the vibe: the lovely Rachel Bilson (only spotted, alas, from afar), Niia (an up-and-comer who performed), and Reyes himself, natch.

Even Che stopped by--Benicio del Toro, that is--who showed up later in the evening. (Or so I heard. Can't BELIEVE I didn't spot him. Probably bumped right into him and thought, "Just some big dude with a beard.")

The place was jammed, and jammin’, everybody shoulder-to-shoulder and rockin’ back and forth. They’d taken down all those pink boas that were hanging from the ceiling for the Valentine’s Day La Perla party (a wise move).

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Barbara Schuler

It’s hard to know why any actress wanting to make a statement on the red carpet would look farther than Ralph Lauren.

The collection he presented Friday to cheers and a standing ovation was all about true glamour, with gowns both subtle (a rose print platinum lame and lavish; a luciously beaded gown in champagne silk). He mixed things up a bit, showing a comfy-looking sweater over a silk charmeuse beaded gown and a great gray cashmere coat over a shimmering silver number.

And you had to love his nod to hobo chick - a patchwork coat done in wool and cashmere. Watching it all, 60 Minutes correspondent Morley Safer, with Anna Wintour at his side explaining it all to him. Can’t wait to see what that was all about.

>> Photos: Ralph Lauren Fall 2009 collection

P.S. We'd like to thank Ralph for delivering Blake Lively to the front row of his show. Crazy hot.

(AP Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

A quintet of pianists along the runway played while models passed alongside, looking like the debutante class of 1910.

The outfits boasted nipped-waist jackets, puffy-sleeved blouses and long skirts with dramatic trains. There are must-haves: the “backgammon” print mink coat, the Gibson Girl looks in mod fabrics (like the silver jacquard jacket, chainmail blouse and metallic trouser), or the crochet nightshade dress, which looked like it was made of a delicate spider’s web.

The question remains -- is this wardrobe too costumey or will it strike an ultra-feminine chord with consumers? They have several months to decide.

>> Photos: Zac Posen Fall 2009 collection

By Anne Bratskeir

Rebecca Taylor’s girls like the pretty stuff but need a little edge to keep on track.

And that’s exactly what she delivered in her sharply edited collection on Thursday at the tents.

Included in the mix, a comfy mohair and metallic “cuddle me” coat, a tough, leather motorcycle jacket sweetened up by a few ruffles and the color...ballet pink. On the same note, several other pieces – a coat, a cashmere sweater -- got their muscle from shiny studs.

There were a few floral dresses that were Taylor signatures, and some bold pops of silky magenta. Her slouch pants were welcome in a season that seems to hold painted on pants in high esteem, though her grayed leopard leggings – eh, not so happy to see them.

Of particular note in a good way, a stringy cobweb vest over a champagne sparkle skirt, really swell.

Front row troika included Jamie-Lynn Sigler (looking smashing by the way), Mena Suvari and Tori Spelling, who, eek, were wearing the same lacey white Taylor top. Heavens to ‘Becca.

>> Photos: Rebecca Taylor Fall 2009 collection
>> Photos: Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Tori Spelling and other celebs at Fashion Week

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(AFP/Getty Images)

By Anne Bratskeir

If you're looking forward to a suspenseful season 6 of Project Runway…whenever and wherever it finally airs…please don't read this.

The show has been mired in contract disputes between Bravo and Lifetime for months, so while production has continued, no one has seen an episode or has any sense of the players and their personalities. Which brings us to the finale show at the tents Friday morning.

Heidi Klum and company were all on hand. Heidi, who spoke briefly, said she felt "a little bit sad for our designers," for not getting any recognition. To keep the finalists secret, the collections came out like headless horsemen, no inspirational information, no designer intro. Who will the winner will be? Kind of obvious, though we could be wrong...but we sincerely doubt it.

Here we go:

Out of the three, the best was by far, the third shown, which began with a stitched leather corset-sweater over leggings and featured fabulous outerwear, many with strips of fabric encasing the waist or stitched over the back. The knitwear – cushy sweaters, one cocoon-like hooded job in creamy camel, another slouchy sweater coat – absolutely fabulous.

For evening the crisscross effect was taken to another level – black dresses and a gown wrapped in strips featured sparkly fabric insets. Overall, an obvious wow with a touch of rocker luxe.

Even Season 4 winner Christian Siriano, who sat front row, looked impressed. Now all we need to know is whodunit? And in the interest of not being mean (yet), we'll only say that the first two collections, which both had some good pieces, were underwhelming.

Maybe this is too much information for Project Runway lovers but Suzy Menkes, the famed fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune, is the guest judge for the finale. And we're thinking based on other show attendants, that Marc Bouwer will be a guest judge on the show, as will hip-hop singer-songwriter Akon. C'mon Project Runway, bring it on.

>> Photos: "Project Runway" finale at Fashion Week

How do the Season 6 final designs compare?

>> Season 5 finale
>> Season 4 finale

See more in our Project Runway blog.

We're sitting here in the "Project Runway" Season 6 finale show for a season that exists somewhere inside an office and outside our visual cortex.

Of course, we haven't seen the show so who knows what any of this means. However, we are happy to report that Suzy Menkes is the guest judge. Will we ever get to see and hear her thoughts on the clothes. Smarter legal minds than myself haven't figured that out yet.

Also spotted in the crowd were a bunch of "Project Runway" alums including former champs Jay McCarroll, Leanne Marshall and Christian Siriano, Season 5's Jerrell Scott, Suede and Korto Momolu and Season 4's Chris March.

>> Photos: "Project Runway" finale at Fashion Week

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By Anne Bratskeir

Season four Project Runway winner Christian Siriano, the diminutive designer with the huge personality, has arrived. He presented last season, but didn’t seem nearly as ready as he did on Thursday night when he packed the house at the tents for a showing that was darn good, and fun to boot.

Though he’s never been there -- and wants to go -- Siriano was inspired by things Egyptian . . . pyramids and colors.

To that end, the sophisticated palette included shades of sand, mocha and teal and turquoise, like the Nile. The fit on his silky dresses and slim skirts -- body conscious, some intricately seamed -- was just plain killer. The skirts balanced well with floaty ruffled tops or silky blouses with broad shoulders (talk about on trend).

In fact, these may win the award for the biggest shoulders of the week, and with the exception of one that featured pyramid-triangles down the arm (kind of dinosaur-esque) they were good.

Project Runway judge Nina Garcia, who sat front row, beaming, lusted for a tiered, zippered coat over a bodice dress. “I would buy that and wear that right now,” she told us. She was pleased with his work. “I feel like a proud mother.”

Natch, there were some of Siriano’s signature exuberant ruffles but even these had more finesse than the last time around. A finale dress of shiny pebbled gold with a swanky train clung to every curve of the model and was amped up even further by a huge quirky “crown” by milliner Heather Huey, that Siriano told us was meant to bring to mind a pharaoh. The crowd went wild for it.

The clothes look good on real people, too. Fascinista (as in, we don’t know why but people are fascinated by her and she goes to fashion shows) Tori Spelling, attended the show wearing one of Siriano’s one-shoulder turquoise dresses with style.

Siriano’s also got a funky new line of shoes for Payless -- two ankle booties, three hidden platform pumps with names like “SheDevil “and “Slither. “ We predict they will sell like crazy.

Overall, and we’re sorry to fall into the trap, but the collection was, forgive us, “fierce.”

>> Photos: Christian Siriano Fall 2009 collection

By Anne Bratskeir

If fashion is a reflection of world affairs, then Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa is feeling puzzled – as in a series of very striking black coats and dresses featuring jigsaw puzzle-shaped fabric pieces or flaps giving garments a dark, graphic quality.

He's feeling protective too, with boldly shaped coats, also black, many with molded dropped shoulders. The thickness of these reminded of padded athlete's uniforms. Lighter and airier, but still black, many pieces with plisse, a frothy pleating, that moved sensually when models walked and stunning laser cut silk dresses flash a little flesh but remain undisputedly elegant.

But, hold on.

The sun comes out in Costa's world with two glossy velvet yellow dresses, both gorgeous, and a laser cut silk single shoulder dress in juniper green may (and maybe we're stretching it a bit) symbolize renewal. Ponderous notions aside…it was beautiful.

>> Photos: Calvin Klein Women's Fall 2009 collection

By Anne Bratskeir

Can one fashion show set the world right? No, but Isaac Mizrahi's joy-filled romp at the library (called, appropriately, "Smile") sure felt great.

Walking to original live piano music, some of Mizrahi's models wore slippers (what a relief from the killer shoes we've seen all week) and, perhaps reflecting the topsy turvy nature of the world, others donned upside down pocketbooks on their heads…hilarious.

The show opened with "blankies," warm swingy coats, some in bright colors, one in chocolaty suede lined with mink. A satin "butterscotch lozenge" coatdress was smooth, sweet and superb. There were kooky plaids galore, some gorgeous velvet burn-out dresses, tinsel style shrugs, cozy and colorful checkerboard knit sweaters, cushy coats (one called the "Extra Happy Peacoat") and a bottle green frock named "Stressless Dress."

Along with all the quirkiness and homespun hand there were plenty of bombshell dresses: a drop-dead shimmery rose gold number, the cobalt-and-icy crystal "Jackpot" strapless job and a killer gold alligator patterned slither.

Dear Isaac, we would have written a formal thank you note for your optimism and your feel good gift to the fashion world but it didn't fit our format. So, thank for making our day.

>> Photos: Isaac Mizrahi Fall 2009 collection
(AP Photo)

The assembled couture-ati this week have been encouraged to recycle their used bottles, cans, glass, aluminum, plastic and cardboard in more than 25 soda bottle-shaped recycling bins placed around Bryant Park.

Coca-Cola Recycling worked with New York recycler Boro Recycling Inc. to help clean up after Fashion Week’s more than 100,000 attendees, who have tossed aside an estimated 11,000 pounds of recyclables. That’s more than the weight of 100 supermodels stacked one on top of the other.

- ROBERT KAHN

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By Barbara Schuler

Catherine Malandrino must not have received the cutting-back memo.

Her show at the Rainbow Room - and called “Over the Rainbow” - was preceded by a swell breakfast spread and champagne. The clothes bubbled, too, with lovely draping and frothy frocks that really did belong on a dance floor.

This is a special occasion collection if ever there was one, from short little knit dresses perfect for clubbing, to more sophisticated cocktail dresses in satin and jersey.

And for anyone who has a wedding on the calendar next fall, you’d do well to check out the nude and gray V-neck tulle confection.

By Julie Gordon and Jessie Pascoe

Ivanka Trump was all smiles at Brian Reyes Thursday morning after the recent birth of her brother's second child, Donald Trump III.

"I was over at the hospital first thing at like 5:30 [Wednesday] morning," she beamed.

So what's the newest, and youngest, Donald Trump like?

"He couldn't be sweeter. He's a very, very handsome young boy. And healthy most importantly," she said.

The baby was born a little after midnight on Wednesday.

>> Photos: Brian Reyes Fall 2009 Collection

By Anne Bratskeir

Handsome cardigan-and-khaki-wearing Tommy men greeted the fashion flock with trays of espresso pre-show, foreshadowing the good-life clothes that would appear on Tommy Hilfiger's runway at his Thursday morning show at the tents.

Dedicated to Fifth Avenue, "the iconic thoroughfare where luxury meets sensibility," according to program notes, styling did not go to uncharted waters, but sail away, these are the clothes you will wear and wear.

A sand-suede zipped coatdress, fit to a tee, was smart and chic, a good white poplin blouse and khaki cotton canvas narrow trousers – a crisp weekend look for the country club or the city.

A terrific navy cashmere knife pleat sweater featured a graceful, sexy open back, and a black leather trench coat with white shearling lining topped a black cotton corset dress – powerful and swanky.

The collection was not limited to basics (though there were good vintage jeans). A slim candy-pink silk satin dress, was, well, eye candy, while a black jersey flutter-sleeve gathered-bodice dress could become a wardrobe staple.

The stone silk jersey backless gown – va-va-voom! Though heaven knows how you'll keep the girls in check. The pale pink lame halter dress was, for sure, an entrance maker.

>> Photos: Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2009 Collection.

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By Joseph V. Amodio

Yes, you may think all is glitter-glorious in and among the tents and off-site venues of Fashion Week. But there are those who snap you out of all the fabulousness and bring you back to hard, gritty reality.

Three cases in point:

1) At Marchesa—the garmento-type broad with the recently done highlights and large handbag that she plopped down on one of the cubes that a model was standing on, so she could rifle through her mess and pull out something vital. What? A compact? A business card? These cubes are not wide -- room for one nutrient-deprived woman, that's about it. And there I was, noticing the bulging veins on the feet of the poor model, standing in these impossibly high shoes, the pain noticeable in her eyes, and this woman comes along, jabbering with a friend and, oh, wait a sec’, I think I have it right here—and she slings the bag down on the cube, practically on top of the poor model’s aching feet.

Do you plop your bag down—"Wait, I think I have a pen in here"—on somebody else’s table at a restaurant? Or thrust your carry-on—"Hold this, wouldja?"—in the cockpit of a plane? Or throw your luggage up on the stage—"’Scuse me, I just need to see if I packed my favorite socks"—when Patti LuPone is singing in "Gypsy?" (You better believe if you try that with Ms. L, mama's gonna stop the show, walk over and slap you. Hard. AND take your favorite socks.)

Bonnie & Clyde photo from FBI.gov

2) At Doo.Ri—the woman who stole my shampoo and conditioner. At least I think it was shampoo and conditioner. It was a gift bag from Marchesa, that they handed me as I was leaving. I wasn’t even sure what it was at the time, as I was trying to zip up my coat and pull out my umbrella to brace myself for the freezing rain. I hoofed it down a few blocks to the Doo.Ri show on the Far West Side, put my own messenger back and the gift bag down at my seat, and stepped across the aisle to chat with a colleague. I heard an odd…thud…and turned to see a large older woman with two humongo shopping bags—we’re talking each one bigger than my grandmother’s mobile home in Amityville (hey, we’re jus’ folks, here)—leaning over my seat, and then making a hasty retreat. My actual bag—which is more important—was untouched. But whatever they handed me at Marchesa—gone.

Now it's not a huge deal. I donate that stuff to local groups anyway. But...still.

At the end of the show, I found myself next to the woman as we exited. I wanted to tell her off. I wanted to rifle through her bag. But as I looked at her—past her prime, eyes still trolling the seats for neglected items, all I could feel was…pity. Really? This is how you spend your golden years? "Enjoy the shampoo," was all I could muster. And I left.

3) At Richie Rich—or, more specifically, in line at Cain, on West 27th Street, for his after-party. "OK, we have a problem," says the chick who's working some retro look and speaking into her cell phone. "Yeah, I can’t believe it, I mean, this is, like, MY place. I mean, Cain is my place where we hang out, and there seems to be some sort of…event…going on." The crowd was larger than usual, apparently, and, oh, heavens, what to do, where to go? We could go to Bungalow, but, no, that wasn’t quite right. Or we could go to…but no… "I know, I know, but just meet us here anyway. If we change our plans, I’ll let you know. My publicist is calling around to some other places…."

Really? Your publicist? You're not exactly Amanda Lepore (Richie's buxom muse). Babe, if you were THAT fabulous, you wouldn’t be waiting in line…. (Truth be told, this last woman didn’t really tick me off. She more amused me, actually. And, who knows, maybe she’s talented. Maybe she actually DOES something. But if you’re gonna be ticked off at people, it oughta be in threes. Two doesn’t quite cut it. Four’s just whiny. Three is a pattern that legitimizes your rant.)

Note to self: Hire publicist.

(Getty Images Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

Richie Rich, a bleached-blond, roller-skating designer who once co-helmed the wonderfully wacky Heatherette line, created buzz like Hedda Hopper and extravaganzas in place of fashion shows.

Clothing? That is, clothes you could actually wear—other than to a rave? Well…not so much.

Which was always the morning-after letdown.

No more.

His debut (and solo) line was unveiled Wednesday at a fashion SHOW (complete with torch singer, badass violinist, topless male ballet dancers and sorta sexy / sorta scary Amanda Lepore) at the grand ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

And - get this - it's full of wearable dresses and separates. Like the dresses and jumpsuits in a multicolor $$$ print with lipstick smooches; a one-shouldered number with Lichtensteiny motif; or a water-colored denim jacket. And a collaboration with Vans promises fun high-tops.

Granted, any dudes willing to don the green tiger-stripe bathing trunks or those with gold coins strewn over — hello! — well, more power to you.

(AP Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

Anna Sui always comes up with fun prints, like her black-and-white "Proustian butterflies," ultramarine medallions or heliotrope striped rosebuds.

But it’s her experiments in sunlight shades that felt especially fresh and eye-catching for fall.

Like the golden paisley and quatre foil floral metallic skirt (with dangley bits hanging off the hem), the ruffly saffron-striped rosebud dress (with black leggings and boots), a tweed jacket (with coppery feathers fluttering off shoulders) and a chocolate velveteen jacket (with iridescent striped taffeta skirt).

We say, "Uh, no," to just one—a frumpy black blouse and bustle skirt that’s way too Mary Todd Lincoln…post-theater. (Though, granted, it was just Presidents Day.)

>> Photos: Anna Sui Fall 2009 collection

By Joseph V. Amodio

This brand’s reliable execution of artful draping and pleats is hard to miss. There are the wool blazers with sheer jersey-draped sleeves, and with a bottom half like a torn-off sheaf of supple leather. Literally—the bottom hem was ripped and unfinished. A cashmere shrug topped a "cascade skirt," with fabric gathered in little tubes, like trickling rivulets of jersey. But we fear we must "just say no" to the fur-sleeved vest (how can a "vest" have sleeves, anyway?) and cropped fur jacket (hey, Cousin Itt). And those tights, dappled with crystals up the leg—dazzling but, honestly, how’s a woman supposed to sit back and cross her legs?

By Joseph V. Amodio

Don’t go shopping with this dude if you’re hungry. "Honey drizzled delights." "Truffles and pralines tied with silky ribbons." "Frosted spirals of whipped meringue." This is how he describes pieces in his collection and—Uncle! Uncle!!—they're as delectable as the words suggest.

Several sheaths are encased in delicate tulle netting—like spun sugar, trimmed with a ruffle and drizzled with scads of long flapper pearls. A blue one-shoulder gown with black draped overlay creates long vertical folds that elongate the body and do right by any and all curves. Or, for flash, there’s the I-don’t-need-an-Oscar-when-I-can-BE-an-Oscar, square-necked, gold-lame cocktail dress with swirled stitches. Yes, Carmen, we’d like to thank the Academy, and all the little people who made this dress possible….

>> Photos: Carmen Marc Valvo Fall 2009 collection

(Photo by Jori Klein)

(Getty Images)

By Joseph V. Amodio

If you plan to take up residence in a fairy taile world anytime soon — or maybe you’re just going to the Oscars — these are the dresses for you.

Dress…gown…words don’t really do justice to these fabric sculptures, from the simple nude suede pieces with delicate hand-embroidered flowers and vines, to the gowns encased in bubbles of tulle, to the Hollywood glam, lilac chiffon strapless (anybody got Anne Hathaway on speed-dial?).

Most jaw-dropping: a "shooting stars" tulle concoction, in which star shapes literally spring out from an organza and lace gown—glamour in 3-D.

Yet one complaint must be raised: The shoes are too dang high. Some models, standing still on cubes, are practically in tears. It's distracting. Hey—four-inch spikes are just as sexy as five-inchers. This ain't Abu Ghraib, after all....

>> Photos: Marchesa Fall 2009 collection

Ice-T and his curvaceous wife, Coco, enjoyed the complimentary manicures, hairstyling and spa services at the Waldorf-Astoria's Fashion Week suite on Wednesday night. The "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" star graciously put down one of those frilly finger sandwiches to talk about his personal style, all the fun of Fashion Week and whether he'd consider launching his own line of clothing. First a rapper, then actor and now designer? This guy can do anything!

(Getty Images Photo)

>> Photos: Ice-T and Coco through the years and celebrities in the front row at New York Fashion Week.

By Anne Bratskeir

Nanette Lepore’s muse, “the modern heroine,” is armed for battle – if that battle means parties, and dates and fun – with pretty paisley and scarf print dresses, some with asymmetrical hems, many lined (and here’s the armor part) in gold or bolstered with gold paillettes, so when you swirl on the dance floor or walk in the sun, the light will catch you.

Outerwear included cozy sweaters, a tweed jacket in plaid featuring a nipped waist and peplum --cute and fresh –and a more serious black twill coat with czarina overtones.

Vibrant colors - violet, rose – add to the playful vibe.

>> Photos: Nanette Lepore Fall 2009 collection

(AFP / Getty Images)

By Anne Bratskeir

Live rock music at the back of the runway, androgynous models in Beatles’ wigs, many a look named for a legend (yup, a Hendrix coat) and, by way of explanation, a quote from rocker Bryan Ferry, “This brave new world’s not like yesterday; it can take you higher than the Milky Way.”

Lim’s brave new world is a study of old and new –flirty floral burnout dresses with beaded yokes worn with gauntlet gloves, a Sergeant Pepper coat with a big antique silver beaded placket over a grey mélange zebra burnout tunic.

A black chiffon mushroom print gown with gathered front and open back (named for Stevie Nicks) …dreamy, but toughed up, with metallic driving gloves. It seemed a bit too grim, we get it, times are tough, and the dark styling buried many terrific items though a few long-haired goat pieces in onyx and amber – well, kind of creepy.

Add to this the obvious agony of the models in the crippling Christian Louboutin for 3.1 Phillip Lim shoes (several had to take them off and walk in stockings)…distracting.

>> Photos: 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2009 collection

(AP Photo)

By Anne Bratskeir

Bold colors and modern shapes were the name of the game at Gilles Mendel's early morning show at the tents. The designer, who is known for his furs and his ethereal evening looks, went in a new direction… futuristic.

And he added much more to wear by day. Lean looks – sort of rich tough girl -- included skinny pants, cropped jackets, some fitted, others crafted of leather strips, sexy body-conscious dresses, boleros and vests – ritzy but not formal. As for fur, less, and somewhat subtle. Two looks were reversible (how economical!) – one side pin-tucked satin, the other natural white mink. Stunning abstract brooches and chunky necklaces added arty flair.

For the night, party clothes in hot colors--electric purple, cobalt and violet--again sleek, some with clever draping and intricate backs. A purple one-shoulder silk chiffon gown with cascading ruffles and black ribbon swirls prompted "Lipstick Jungle" star Kim Raver to check her calendar. "I was thinking what I have coming up. I would go to the Oscars just to wear that dress."

Who wouldn't?

Photos: J.Mendel Fall 2009 collection

By Anne Bratskeir

In a Park Avenue space, formerly a church, Oscar de la Renta's models, in sky-high gold and black stilettos and boots and beehive hairdos, showed off the master's handiwork. His point of view: stay true to the brand.

Hence, most of the looks conjured his famous and ladylike clientele – top socialites and VIPs .

The collection was best in the daywear department – cozy sweaters, luscious in oatmeal cashmere, slim skirts, some in leather (one olive - ooooh!), easy trousers and skinny pants and a double-duty, perfect unadorned black wool dress.

And economy be damned, Oscar's customers want their furs, and he obliged in a casual way with a scarf and mittens of skunk, several iterations of feathered sable, and our favorite, a black velvet mink and swakara vest worn with swagger atop sleek pants.

There was the roar of leopard – graphic shiny belts, quilted jackets and a one-shouldered siren's gown.

Eveningwear was, in part, well, big. A Valentine-red strapless number featured an enormous bow, a soft pink satin halter was backed by a serious bustle (emphasis on bus) and a fuchsia satin one-shoulder job included a massive drape appendage.

The finale dress – a vast black and white floral print strapless with layers of petticoats virtually spilled off the runway.

But, hey, Oscar de la Renta, of all people, is allowed to live large.

>> Photos: Oscar De La Renta Fall 2009 collection

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By Julie Gordon and Jessie Pascoe

Mischa Barton has Anglo-dar. “Brtish people tend to be quite eccentric and risk-taking in the way they piece things together,” she dished about how she picks out a Brit on the street.

Her take on that aesthetic? “I quite like that,” she told us from the front row at G-Star. So much that her handbag line is only available overseas. “I didn’t want to work with a huge American corporation,” said Barton, who was born in London and spends a considerable amount in time in Europe. “I wanted to do something that would express my own personal sense of style.”

But if Barneys came calling, she just might change her mind. “If it grows and it gets picked up by other outlets, or whatever, that’s great,” she confessed.

(Photo: Getty)

Parker, second from left, with Jada Pinkett Smith, Dakota Fanning and Will Smith during the 40th NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)

By Robert Kahn

Actor Nate Parker lived every boy’s dream last weekend when George Lucas had him out to the Skywalker Ranch to talk about a new movie.

“I got to hold Han Solo’s Lightsaber,” Parker said last night at the Hammerstein Ballroom, where luxury denim brand G-Star Raw presented its fall/winter 2009 collections.

Parker (“The Secret Life of Bees”) will star in Lucas’ coming “Red Tails,” about the Tuskegee Airmen, the all-black band of World War II pilots. He’ll play an alcoholic squadron leader when the project goes behind cameras in Prague later this year.

Parker “took a lot of pictures” during his visit last weekend to the 4,700-acre Marin County estate. He also got to hold a gun used by the character Buck Rogers in one of that character’s many screen incarnations.

“George gave us complete access to everything,” Parker said.

Ah, so where does Mr. Lucas keep the spare key?

“Right under the big arch that says ‘Skywalker Ranch.’”

Front row guests at G-Star Raw – which included an appearance by the company’s new “icon,” Benicio del Toro – were Mischa Barton, Rufus Wainwright, Natasha Bedingfield, Tyson Beckford and “Gossip Girl” actress Amanda Setton, a Great Neck native.

>> Photos: G Star Fall 2009 collection

What with the lousy economy, and fewer numbers of editors, reporters and buyers being able to travel to Fashion Week this season, Temperley London designer Alice Temperley decided to bag the whole notion of a runway show. So she cleared out all the gear in her SoHo shop and replaced it with pieces from her upcoming line—offering a presentation of her "Empress of the Orient" collection yesterday and today. She also produced a cool video, which began running yesterday on her website and on large screens in the shop—and we’ve got it here for you to check out, too.

"You’ve got to show how the clothes move and flow," says Temperley. "This way the collection can go out to five million people rather than just the few who’d come to a runway show."

It also gives her more time to hang with her new baby, Fox--who is quite possibly the cheeriest, jiggliest kid in New York at the moment. Publicist gals were all googly eyed over him, to his delight. (Baby fashion alert--The young bloke, born just days after Temperley's last runway show, was man enough to try some daring pattern mixing of stripes and polka dots.)

But back to Temperley's collection. Touted as her most varied line to date, the Asian-inspired clothes come in rich shades of bordeaux, red currant, ochre and cobalt, and a variety of fabrics—lace organza, beaded fringe, origami-style pleated wools, crepes, goatskin and sinfully soft napa leather. Letting your hands drift across the pieces hanging on the racks feels almost illicit—a little like playing touchy-feely.

Our faves: A dress with a bodice covered in delicate flower petals, so abloom that it looks like the wearer is just popping up out of a garden. A leather jacket (in bad-ass black or sophisticated luggage brown) is dappled with cubic metal studs, and has a surprise window in back, cinched with a belt. But perhaps the most graphic—the most spotted-you-across-a-crowded-floor type pieces—are the dresses and jackets awash in a black, white and bordeaux cherry blossom print.

Horace Greeley—an old newspaper dude—once said, "Go West, young man." (Or so the legend goes.) Temperley’s nodding her head in the opposite direction. You’d be wise to follow her lead.

(Getty Images)

By Anne Bratskeir

Michael Kors has a welcome and cheery take on next season.

Bring back the classics – those tried and true silhouettes-- but pare 'em down to their sexy essence and amp them up with attention to details and uproarious flashes of neon.

A black, lean leather sheath – a second skin really – is deceptively sizzling. A seemingly demure camel "scissor" skirt is seductively slit thigh high. A herringbone cashmere suit in smoke features cutouts at the collarbone leaving only the collar and a provocative flash of skin. Origami-like pinched jacket shoulders and quirky folded collars on smart cashmere coats showcase the face.

Then there was the simplicity and audacity of the classic melton coat (cashgora) – in neon pink, over a matching cashmere tunic and black stretch pants…easy, breezy and totally knockout.

And speaking of audacity, some might say Kors has chutzpah to show over-the-top neon shredded fox coats and vests in this economy. We say hooray for the joy and the optimism.

>> Photos: Michael Kors Fall 2009 collection

The coutari-ati don't normally rise this early, but elegant women's designer Carmen Marc Valvo broke with tradition this morning to ring the opening bell downtown at NASDAQ headquarters. Valvo shows his Fall '09 collection later today at Citrine Lounge in Chelsea.
- Robert Kahn

Talley haute. American Express cardmembers who purchased seating watch the action from a sleek skybox (designed this year by Jonathan Adler). But tonight they come down from the rafters and into the tents as Vogue editor André Leon Talley hosts a special runway show for AmEx featuring Diane von Furstenberg’s spring and fall collections.

(From left, Zoe Saldana, Giorgio Armani, Solange Knowles / AP Photo)

By Barbara Schuler

Imagine a department store...only everything in it is by Giorgio Armani. That's what Giorgio Armani did. Then he built it.

And now it's open, following a jam-packed bash last night that that almost shut down Fifth Avenue and 56th Street, what with invited guests trying to get in past throngs of curious onlookers and a bigger-than-usual bunch of PETA protestors in their bunny suits.

It all started upstairs in the restaurant where Mr. Armani was joined by Caroline Kennedy and Mayor Michael Bloomberg to announce that in honor of his new store he was donating $1 million to the city for an arts program in the schools.

Then the entourage worked its way down the spiral staircase (more about that later) for the official ribbon cutting, which most of us who'd been upstairs didn't see because by then the store was in absolute gridlock (Armani should only hope the place is ever again half as crowded).

Finally the party was in full swing though the cute guys with the food trays seemed to give up early on and were nowhere to be found. (Presumably those invited to the exclusive after-dinner got something to eat.)

Continue reading "Giorgio Armani on Fifth Avenue" »

(AP Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

This collection, according to program notes, explores the "seduction of the dark side," which sounds ominous, aggressive even. Nothing could be further from the case.

Layers of soft fabrics, many of which were draped lower in back, like a train, emphasized femininity and grace. In one combination, a black lace bodysuit was worn underneath a crepe one-shoulder dress that’s swagged in back. In another, a knit bodysuit is topped by gray jersey gown, with leather turnlock belt and pulled to one side and worn asymmetrically.

Shoulders were pleated to form especially pointy shapes and suede leggings were adorned with zippers. What should have been daywear—layers of bodysuits, tees, jumpers—felt ethereal and right for evening, thanks to luxe fabrics like lace, silk, chiffon, crepe and velvet.

>> Photos: Max Azria Fall 2009 collection

By Joseph V. Amodio

Days after Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand revealed she keeps two rifles under her bed, Rodriguez unveiled his collection of what might be called "survivalist chic."

There are equal parts strategy and sex appeal in his clingy, camouflage dresses, coats and pants, worn with oversize thimble hats that cover the head, with two slits for eyes, like helmets in a knight’s suit of armor.

Wide ammo belts (at least that’s what they looked like) wrapped round a gabardine dress or twill coat, and his final dresses featured shiny plastic-looking armored bodices atop embroidered silk.

No one reveals slivers of skin like he does. A viscose knit dress with criss-crossed bands offers a peek of cleavage; another, with slashed back, looks pierced by a rapier’s sword—those in shades of "highlighter yellow" or "highlighter pink." If he’s trying to take over the world, he’ll have the most stylish army ever.

>> Photos: Narciso Rodriguez Fall 2009 collection

(AP Photo)

(AP Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

Kimora Lee Siimmons has never been one to downplay glitz, so while many shows are pared down this season, Simmons offered up a collection "synonymous with a lifestyle of extravagance…," according to her program notes.

The line rocked a 1940s vibe, with herringbone jackets worn atop ruffly blouses and scads of long pearls.

A few evening gowns scored hits, like the pretty burgundy-print halter with white sash round the waist. And what looks like bleach-spattered denim (for women and men) also appealed.

But she should nix that white quilted coat with the desperate "Notice me! Notice me!" gold bits on back and an odd, stiff fit.

>> Photos: Baby Phat Fall 2009 collection

By Anne Bratskeir

We spend a whole lot of Fashion Week wallowing in the sorrows of never being able to afford the luxurious duds of top designers, and for next season, with the dimmest of economic forecasts, well, bargains have never looked so good.

Which is exactly why the Sears/K-Mart suites set up in the Bryant Park Hotel were so refreshing, timely, and, surprise, surprise, featured some more than decent merchandise.

Contemporary lines for Sears included an adorable ruffled jacket – so on trend – cute trenches, floaty tops, most under $40 (yeah, we said $40).

Don't miss the shoes, studded flats, saucy pumps all by private labe apostrophe, and well-styled pocketbooks that could have fooled us (as in we thought they were pricey) for under $30.

For back-to-school, there are well-priced jeans in every imaginable style including brands such as Lee, Levi's and new-to-Sears, Jordache (remember?).

Moving on to K-Mart, cheaper still, a tweedy suit by Jacqueline Smith is a distant but not bad Chanel pretender, and the former Charlie's Angel translates her animal instincts with a cheetah printed cardigan.

Cool young women may like the faux leather bomber – well-styled and lined with leopard by Piper & Blue, or the funkified pea coat by Route 66. Moms, go here for every imaginable graphic tee shirt from butterflies to zebra prints.

And let's not forget the Protégé sneakers by Al Harrington, the New York Knick. He actually wears 'em on the court and they sell for $34.99. What a score.

(Newsday / J. Conrad Williams Jr.)

By Anne Bratskeir

Um, is the term hobo chic an oxymoron?

Rumpled guys (some in tux-like ensembles complete with corsage), and messy, sexy girls with unruly mops of hair and bizarro netting over their faces stalked the runway of Diesel creative director, Wilber Das.

He was going for the modern day torch song singer – hence the very excellent jazz quartet that played live at the back of the stage – and you could vibe out the nightclub, the smoke and the lifestyle.

The gals wore lingerie in odd ways – over jeans, layered with more structured pieces, though a black sparkling chemise was positively fab all by itself. Other frocks, some sequin trimmed, had the feel of just being pulled from an old trunk.

But there was an intentional dark side – worn boyfriend jeans with leather suspenders hanging down below the hip, patched leggings and other battered looks that were shocking for their lack of finish and still quite cool. Like we said, hobo chic.

>> Photos: Diesel Black Gold Fall 2009 collection

(Getty Images)

(AP Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

In a tough retail market, Lam somehow makes the notion of dressing seem so easy. His runway show offered a series of relaxed, elegant looks (like the Berber intarsia sweater and knit skirt) that’ll take you from office to cocktails or a secret networking lunch.

There’s nothing radical here—except for the fur (a coyote stole, a puffy white fox coat). But there’s sex appeal in a mauve draped jersey dress gathered on sides, or the loose georgette halter (very 1970s Faye Dunaway). Most intriguing: a crepe and felt layered tunic worn with an olive sequin wrap skirt, a slit revealing leg as you walk.

>> Photos: Derek Lam Fall 2009 collection

By Joseph V. Amodio

The economy implodes. Society disintegrates. Buildings crumble. We eke out a meager existence amidst the ruins. Daunting, yes—but what to wear? The Rodarte gals—sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy—answer with a line of patchwork mini dresses of luxe fabric scraps. Lace, netting, leather, Lurex, all loosely top-stitched and swaddling the body.

A cropped leather jacket is reinforced with umpteen buckled snakeskin straps. A linebacker sweater vest with gobs of wool offsets cellophane sleeves. Gloves sprout sprigs of fluff and boots are strapped round and round, up, up, up to the thigh. (Pity the poor model whose strap came undone and tripped...and tripped...and tripped as it swung round her leg like a maypole.)

Eager to share their thought process, the Mulleavys offered an inspirational lookbook in addition to the program. They included aerial photos of city streets, the lines of pavement, painted lane dividers, curbs and sidewalk stones looking, well, much like a patchwork of textures and shades. Other photos revealed a parched desert landscape of scrub brush, and a desolate warehouse or the underside of an overpass, all desolate with debris and scattered drifts of snow. In one image, a young masked boy stands proudly wearing wings. Icarus, perhaps, who flew too high and paid the price.

The dresses were of a type—"Mad Max" chic—but the color palette slowly changed from grays and bisque to hits of azure, aqua, then full-on green. Signs of a rebirth? In these dresses, you’ll look sexy either way. Where you'll wear them BEFORE civilization plunges off the abyss, we're not so sure. But if you're one of their young, edgy customers who still has some cash burning a hole in your pocket, we're confident you'll think of something, surely....

>> Photos: Rodarte Fall 2009 collection

By Anne Bratskeir

Happy, happy, joy, joy, Brit designer Matthew Williamson did his own beautiful, upbeat thing revving up the lust factor big time.

Little silvery foil dresses with modern softy colored prints were easy wearing yet simultaneously show stopping. In fact, prints ruled his runway – all very original – some quiltish (but, oh boy, not a bit Amish) smashing on jersey.

A dress of graphic black and white zig zags trimmed in a folksy floral and a touch of rhinestones was pure delight.

And let’s not forget the girlish ruffles – one kooky “spirograph” frock featured a sci-fi mound of them about the shoulders, though the best of these –a multi-colored full length confection – undulated wildly as the model walked – a feast for the eyes.

Williamson went heavy on luxe – lots of fur (in colors like teal) and embellishment – turquoise, coral, beading, silver – but rather than formal, it was all very groovy – just like his clients who include Sienna Miller.

>> Photos: Matthew Williamson Fall 2009 collection

(AFP / Getty Images)

By Anne Bratskeir

Breaks are a rarity during Fashion Week, but we had a few minutes so, out of mild curiosity we visited the DS Spa at the top of the Bryant Park Hotel.

OK, Nintendo DSi (you know the little handheld game console that Carrie Underwood, America Ferrara and Liv Tyler play around with on TV ads?) was not at the top of our hit parade, but man, that little thing is a blast. And besides games, it does tons of things like taking photos, adding graphics (like flowers in your hair or stars coming out of your mouth) and so much more.

For the gamer fashionista in you, there are custom blinged up jobs. If that weren’t enough, Sephora was doing their beauty thing . . . blow outs, manicures and makeup (we did not partake).

Owl’s Lab, the mega-hip, super funky store at 20 East 12th St. (between University & Fifth) was strutting their unique merchandise . . . kooky, handmade feathered hair bands that Gossip Girls love, cool sweatshirts, one of a kind umbrellas with gorgeous art scenes underneath…oh, what? Oops. We had to pull ourselves away to get back to the shows.

(AFP / Getty Images)

By Anne Bratskeir

Hey starlets and fancy ladies, if you’re looking for old-school Badgley Mischka with boatloads of bling . . . go elsewhere.

If it’s a little restraint you want, you’ve come to the right place.

A draped basic black number, below the knee, in silk/wool georgette with a sexy cowl will be forever elegant. Nubby boucle coats and jackets work with anything, and a black cashmere sweater featured satin cuffs.

Fear not.

There were plenty of big event dresses to be sure – eek, a few somewhat mumsy (think Barbara Bush, the grandma) – but the loveliest featured fly-away ruffles, and a lavender one shouldered number was poetry.

The boys did not totally forsake the jewels -- two TV-ready jobs were sequined and the finale dress was a stunner, bronze, beaded tulle with an ethereal chiffon overlay.

>> Photos: Badgley Mischka Fall 2009 collection

By Anne Bratskeir

“Tough and Sweet. Rock and Roll Chic.”

This was designer Shaun Kearney’s concept for the Cynthia Steffe collection, which had its high points. Kearney served up supple leather pieces with ruffles on the side - cat woman sexy as a dress, office worthy as separates.

Cozy and cute, a deep crimson crushed velvet frock with leather trim and exposed back zipper, a sculptural gold boucle coat, - sophisticated - and Kearney can be proud as a peacock over his graphic peacock print turned out on chiffon blouses, dresses and a gown.

Unfortunately, there were some lows…slouch cropped pants in leather, smacked of MC Hammer (a baggy crotch -- not a good thing), and some fringe numbers conjured haystacks.

>> Photos: Cynthia Steffe Fall 2009 collection

Kellie Pickler at Badgley Mischka, left, and Tracy Reese (Getty)

By Julie Gordon

Just like Misshapes' Leigh Lezark attended show after show after show last season, former "American Idol" contestant Kellie Pickler is storming the front row this go around.

So, why, oh why, did she attend Badgley Mischka, Tracy Reese, Farah Angsana, Lela Rose, Barbie, Georges Chakra AND BCBG? (Excuse us if we're forgetting anything). Well, she's promoting a laundry list of projects.

"I just released my new single to Country Radio, "Best Days of Your Life." Taylor Swift and I wrote it together. We're getting ready to go on tour together. We kick that off in April. I just signed with Big Sexy Hair as their new face. The new ads come out in April," she told us at (where else?) the Tents.

With all that going on, she hasn't had time to watch the new season of "American Idol," though she did offer some advice for contestants: "Just pick songs that complement your voice and you love — and have fun." If only it were that easy.

-Click here to see all of Kellie Pickler's Fashion Week outfits

By Robert Kahn

Conan O’Brien isn’t the only New York TV guy making a break for the West Coast this spring. Seven-year “TRL” host Damien Fahey is also headed to L.A., with longtime girlfriend Grasie Mercedes.

“It’s like a mass migration of men with freckles,” Fahey said from the front row at William Rast in Bryant Park, which wrapped with a spirited runway stroll by the four creative directors, Justin Timberlake among them.

Fahey will be doing the old “taking meetings” thing, but does seem to have one gig lined up: he expects to be doing interviews for “Extra,” the syndicated entertainment program.

By Joseph V. Amodio

The once uber-tardy boy has been Mr. Prompt in recent seasons, and Monday his show went off at 8. Exactly! 'Twas a toned down affair, with just a fraction of his usual guest list — no bevy of blonde starlets, no Posh Spice. And no elaborate set.

Models streamed out in voluminous dresses and bell skirts, capes and stirrup pants, mostly in riotous party tones—a blue and orange coat as shiny as aluminum foil, a gold tulip dress with fanlike top; a red pony-hair skirt with bubble-gum pink hooded coat—all gathered, hitched and swagged like gift wrap.

Shoulders were pointy; hair, mohawked; shoes, high-heeled and flared in back, like the fleet-footed Achilles—only these heels were studded. The look was edgy. Adorned.

A brazen attempt, perhaps, to combat today’s blahs with, if not cheer, at least some ‘80s-inspired flash. Is the designer trying to teach us what he learned in rehab? Just "act as if," the saying goes, emulating the healthier persona you don’t quite feel yet.

As for Jacobs himself, his own back-to-fitness regime continues to bear fruit. He was tanned, buff, and took his bow in his now-signature kilt. Nice calves.

>> Photos: Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 collection

The brand dreamed up by singer Justin Timberlake looked a tad more focussed in this, its second showing during Fashion Week and its debut at Bryant Park. "Rumble Fish" and "Thelma & Louise" influenced the line, which relied heavily on denim and a fantasy of biker chic. And embellishment.

Justin’s known for "bringin’ sexy back." The Bedazzler, apparently, is next on his list. Studs were splayed on the upper arms of men’s and women’s leather and denim jackets. Truth be told—they didn’t look half bad. Women’s jeans were jazzed up with bold zippers, or black fabric down the front. Blanket capes glittered with sequins. Other items dangled tassels and shiny bits.

But perhaps most surprising: the shoulder. As with other designers this season, it was padded. Even on a women’s denim jacket.

>> Photos: William Rast Fall 2009 collection
>> Photos: Justin Timberlake through the years.

(AP Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

"Betsey Crocker’s Recipes for Dressing" held at her midtown showroom, was the most fun fashion show of the week.

Think Rachael Ray — on acid.

A DJ spun tunes, waiters passed out sliders, champagne, and models hung out round the room. A silent film starring Betsey showed her wackily dressing models — and actually revealed the intricate layering that goes into each piece.

Ingredients for the "Ice Princess Pie" dress included pink and white petticoats, corset, crop sweater.

In the "Cherry Cordial"—a black sequin latticework top, pleated red skirt.

In the "Sock It To Me Stew," a rockin’ patchwork knit bodysuit, stripe leggings and Sasquatch shag carpet coat. Betsey also made a donation to the Women In Need charity.

A good cook, indeed.

>> Photos: Betsey Johnson Fall 2009 collection

By Julie Gordon

Q: What's the only thing that can distract a male model strutting down the runway? A: Paris Hilton. At least that was the case at Justin Timberlake's William Rast show on Monday night. Paris winked and smiled at a very stern male model at the end of the show — and he actually cracked a huge smile and laughed back at her.

We applaud you, Paris, for breaking the model code of extreme seriousness.

(Photo: Getty)

>> Photos: Paris and Nicky Hilton and more celebs at Fashion Week

Justin Timberlake channeled the funky and freewheeling 1980s for the Fall 2009 William Rast collection. The evening runway show featured acid wash-style jeans, leather fringe on jackets and booties and tee-shirts sporting a non-traditional American flag ala Perry Ellis. My mom always told me what goes around comes back around. In this particular case, it's absolutely true.

>> Photos: William Rast Fall 2009 collection
>> Photos: Justin Timberlake through the years.

By Anne Bratskeir

OK, so we’re trudging from a 10th Avenue show, just us and about 600 or so other fashion types looking for a cab . . . not a one in sight. Suddenly, a beautiful Jeep Wrangler painted with lime green and luscious pink flowers screeches to a halt in front of us.

A manicured hand beckons.

“Want a ride?” asks good fashion friend Suze Yalof Schwartz, Glamour Magazine’s editor at large.

Uh, yeahhhh!

We hop in, and learn that Schwartz has gotten complimentary VIP use of the car for the day to shuttle her to shows courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer.

The Jeep is done up in an iconic Lilly print (named, natch, “petal to the metal”) to commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary. Best Jeep ride we’ve ever had. Thank you Lilly. Thank you, Suze.

By Julie Gordon

Football player Reggie Bush got over his bashful side for the new season of his girlfriend Kim Kardashian's reality show.

"I thought he would be really shy but he wasn't as shy as I thought," Kardashian said about her BF having more screen-time than in past seasons of "Keeping up with the Kardashians."

Regarding the new season, Kim — who we caught up with at the Tracy Reese show — said she and her sisters are even more comfortable on camera than before. So, we can expect even more drama, silliness and fighting from the trio, their mom, Kris, and stepdad, Bruce Jenner.

The new season premieres on March 8 at 10 p.m. on E!

>> Reggie Bush, Kim Kardashian and more celebs at Fashion Week

(Photo: Getty)

(Anna Wintour, left, and Desiree Rogers, special assistant to Barack and Michelle Obama / AP)

By Anne Bratskeir

OK, so Thakoon Panichgul is another of the first lady's favorites – she wore a dress by the young designer on the campaign trail --and so it was less of a surprise, but still very cool, to once again spot Desiree Rogers, the White House Social Secretary and Special Assistant to the President, in the front row with (a new friend maybe?) Vogue honcho Anna Wintour.

Rogers was closely guarded at Carolina Herrera in the morning, turning out later at Donna Karan, and finally at Thakoon. She is gorgeous and tall and, wearing Nina Ricci, looks right at home with the fashion flock. Rogers seemed to be perusing for fun and education.

"We can learn something from what designers are thinking, and we're thrilled to be able to support young designers," Rogers told us.

What's important about fashion to Michelle Obama?

"Being able to dress the way you want to dress and to have multiple styles from multiple designers."

So lets get down to the nitty gritty, what did she love?

"A green short dress at Carolina Herrera (it was forest green organza with copper rose appliqué on the sleeve) and a lot of coats at Donna Karan."

Oops, sorry Thakoon, she liked your very good show too. We thought it was a joyous romp – kooky feathered fox capes and jackets in neon colors, great bows on backs and fronts, disco ball appliqué here and there – youthful, snazzy and fun.

>> Photos: Thakoon Fall 2009 photos

By Anne Bratskeir

Dedicated to “The Power of New York,” Donna Karan’s fall collection set about to empower women with “strength and security,” and once again - like her DKNY collection - focused on the elongated silhouette and the sculpted shoulder with a series of lean, below-the-knee skirts topped by some of the best coats around in brushed alpaca and leather.

The PETA people seem to have convinced Donna to nix most fur – long an important element of her fall collections – but she did show some shearlings that looked so incredibly smashing we were wanting to wear them home.

For evening, two gravity defying bustiers (museum worthy, they were so sculptural) with satin skirts. If we had to nit pick, sometimes the collection was a touch austere…one look had us thinking of Meryl Streep in “Doubt.”

>> Photos: Donna Karan Fall 2009 collection

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

By Anne Bratskeir

With all the tough girls and uber-sleek silhouettes this season, Tracy Reese's runway was a welcome relief and filled with her signature, mostly easy-to-wear frocks and smart pants as well.

Models wore arty black thigh highs, some knitted caps and a few donned nerdy eyeglasses. Dresses were sugary bon bons some with beading, embroidery and appliqué but not too much.

Reese borrowed from the boys a bit too, a longish tux jacket with a sequined lapel served as a dress, a brown "boyfriend jacket" paired with a floral frilled shift. A mauve shell beaded with roses topped wide legged steel trousers, all set off with a rugged, twisted man's belt.

The house was packed with celebs -- Paris and Nicky Hilton, Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush, Kellie Pickler, Solange Knowles, Aisha Tyler, Alexie Gilmore, Alison Brie, Camille Guaty, Zoe McLellan, Tamara Tunie and Veronica Webb.

But the real guest of honor was sadly missing. The show, was dedicated to Reese's most loyal fan, her mom, Patricia, an enthusiastic fixture at all her shows, who passed away last week. Her front row seat sat empty with a bouquet of flowers resting on it.

>> Photos: Tracy Reese Fall 2009 collection

By Joseph V. Amodio

Patricia Field opened up her home for Monday’s Gerlan Jeans fashion show. The loft—with its Asian art, gold snake sculpture squeezing through bricks in the wall, and giant faux parrot hanging from the rafters—was the perfect setting for Gerlan, a trippy new line hitting stores this fall.

Designed by Gerlan Marcel, a graduate of Central Saint Martins (a top London art school), the line of affordable urban streetwear is jam-packed with prints. No surprise there--Marcel worked as a print designer for a wide range of brands, including Patricia Field and Calvin Klein.

Look for bold Keith Haring-ish prints (meandering arrows, geometric hearts, dripping peace signs) on women’s jumpers, skinny pants and bib blouses, and men’s outerwear, hieroglyphic sweats, backpacks and caps (worn in fours, one atop the next).

The models were all young, hip--and following the directions spotted on a brown shopping bag, which was taped to a wall where they entered. The bag read as follows:

Fierce n' cute!!
Sass
Strong, hard, confident STRUT
Wink & kiss at camera.

Words to live by, no?

>> Photos: Gerlan Jeans Fall 2009 collection

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

By Barbara Schuler

A Fashion Week adventure: My colleague Joe and I were attemping our usual back-door exit from the Jill Stuart show at the library (we’ve done it for years) only to discover it was locked.

We took off in the other direction, Joe of the opinion that there’s an exit, somewhere, right onto 40th. After a few wrong turns deep in the bowels of the building’s basement (some great old phone booths probably dating back to our grandmother’s days) we found a door leading to an alley.

Just as we turned the corner - oh what luck! - the garage-like door began to slide open and we headed for the street, only to be greeted by a yowling mob of guys in black leather wielding lenses that could double as weapons, popping flashes in our face.

Now, Joe’s a nice looking guy and I did put on some makeup this morning . . . but surely that hadn’t brought out the paparazzi. It all became clear when we turned around to discover Paris Hilton and a pal right behind us - and let me say Ms. Hilton looked none too happy with this little confrontation.

Much pushing by security guards ensued as the increasingly aggressive throng attempted to get to their prey (never mind they’d have had to run me and Joe over first). The security guards fixed the problem by backing a big black SUV through the crowd, while Hilton’s handlers shuttled her around a corner to wait it out.

At this point, we’re thinking we could be stuck in this building a good long time. Thankfully right about then, a bevy of models exited their dressing room and headed for the same door. A little sweet talking and the guards opened up just enough for everyone to pass through single file.

For all we know, Paris Hilton and her car are still trapped in the mess.

>> Photos: Paris Hilton and other celebs at Fashion Week

By Joseph V. Amodio

Snow angels and goth chicks — those are the images that come to mind (this mind, anyway) after seeing Jill Stuart’s runway models.

Half were in floaty, silk dresses and loosely knit ivory sweaters with fringe trailing from neckline and cuffs. There were proper cutaways and jackets with tails, and an elegant pink shift with gold embroidery climbing up from the hem.

Other models wore black textured lace and leather ensembles, crucifixes dangling off hips and wrists.

But the big story — mongo big — are the shoulders on gossamer poet blouses and dresses: all puffed up, linebacker wide, but sheer and light-as-air, somehow defying gravity.

>> Photos: Jill Stuart Fall 2009 collection

(Getty Images)

Michelle Trachtenberg at Jill Stuart (WireImage)

By Julie Gordon and Jessie Pascoe

We know about "Gossip Girl" couples Penn Badgley and Blake Lively, Ed Westwick and Jessica Szohr, and Leighton Meester and Sebastian Stan. Now we can add Michelle Trachtenberg and ... everyone?!

"I'm actually dating the whole cast, girls included," she jokingly confessed at the Jill Stuart show. "It's awesome."

Taking a cue from her on-screen character Georgina Chapman, she took a stab at gossip writers for their relationship-obsessive coverage.

"I know you kids like to tie everyone, create some scandal, have everyone dating each other," Trachtenberg told a group of reporters. "There's bound to be love on and off camera, whatever set that you work on. You spend such close time with everyone."

>> Photos: Michelle Trachtenberg and more celebs at Fashion Week

Well, something like that.

Modelinia.com has teamed up with Heidi Klum and Coco Rocha for a webisode series called "Spiked Heel."

We're not really sure what it's about entirely, other than to say Heidi stars at The Kluminator and her job is to rescue the world from a death ray aimed at Fashion Week.

OK, seriously, Lifetime, Bravo and Mr. Weinstein: please solve your "Project Runway" issues soon so we don't have to watch all these things to get our Heidi fix. Please!

At a time when everything and everyone is in perfection mode in terms of looking good, cameras still catch people making some funny faces. It's those darn shutter speeds!

So, we whipped up a funny faces photo gallery along with some pretty cool looking pics you won't see in the other runway lookbooks. Enjoy the show.

(Getty Images)

>> Photos: Funny faces and funky photos from Fashion Week

By Anne Bratskeir

It was poetry in motion at Carolina Herrera’s morning show at the tents where models in luxe finery paraded down a runway (usually white, today it was black) to classical music backed by the aggressive thump of a drumbeat.

There was cause for the juxtaposition: tucked within the swirling gowns and feather light suedes was a strength that is usually absent in clothes this feminine. Silhouettes focused on the waist, and were whippet slim for trousers and skirts.

A copper ensemble – blouse, breastplate-like corset and super high-waisted lace skirt was as dramatic as it was graceful.

For evening, a metallic shrug over a cassis silk gown conjured armor, while a stunning lapis metallic gown was topped by a menswear blazer that could work for daytime.

Colors were rich – forest green, smoke, caviar – and you better be too if you want to buy this stuff.

>> Photos: Carolina Herrera Fall 2009 collection

(Getty Images)

By Julie Gordon

Some big stars were at the Matthew Williamson store opening in the Meatpacking District on Sunday night, but they were clearly in no mood to talk to reporters.

A micro-mini dress-clad Lindsay Lohan made her big entrance and stopped to answer one question from Elle before being whisked off by a publicist type to the back of the store.

So, what's a writer to do? Follow that Lohan! We asked if she had time to answer a quick question, to which she replied (nicely, we will admit), "Sorry, I can't right now." She then proceeded to hang out and pose for pix with Matthew, and sign a little girl's autograph book. Cute.

Next celebri-snub? Heidi Klum. The always bubbly supermodel breezed in and out of the soiree in three minutes flat, answering a lonely one question in the process.

The most annoying blow-off was season five "American Idol" runner-up Katharine McPhee, who said she would only discuss fashion. The gist of our convo: She loves Matthew Williamson, wants lots of clutches for spring and isn't curbing her shopping habits because of a little thing called the recession. How nice for her.

>> Photos: Celebrities at New York Fashion Week

(Getty Images)

By Joseph V. Amodio

This show echoed the doll theme that Barbie started earlier in the week.

But these dolls were no Barbies. Far from it.

There was something tawdry and weathered about Fetherston’s doll-faced models, who paraded down the runway in an explosion of bell- or umbrella-shaped skirts and dresses. Some with asymmetrical, off-kilter fabrics worked better but it’s still pretty obscure. (As are the glittery animal masks worn as hats.)

We preferred the white lambskin peplum jacket—just wear it with jeans or a pencil skirt. A cranberry jacquard skirt made of drapey bows looked regal with a tulle "Czarina" blouse. And a similar dress embellished with crystals at neck and on skirt dazzled like moonlight.

>> Photos: Erin Fetherston Fall 2009 photos

(AP Photo)

(AP Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

Let’s just get this out of the way up front: acid-washed jeans.

If you’ve clung to yours since the 1980s (an act we can’t endorse, sorry), you’ll be pleased that creative director Wichy Hassan is trying to bring that decade back. With "acidity," plus fitted waistlines, wide shoulders and mini minis.

Skip the acid and opt instead for a purple, crinkly leather bomber; cropped pea coat with long bell sleeves; or red wool coat with massive knit collar.

Of course, the stars of the show were the stunner prints on jersey tops and dresses—one inspired by Roy Lichtenstein, another a collage of magazine covers, a third a graphic of Olive Oyl.

Hmm…imagine Miss Oyl in Miss Sixty—now THAT would rock.

>> Photos: Miss Sixty Fall 2009 collection

We came across the video from the Charlotte Ronson Fall 2009 show. Watch and enjoy.

(AP Photo)

By Anne Bratskeir

In a season where many designers are trying to play it safe, Diane von Furstenberg recognizes that fashion still needs to be fun, and women want individual pieces they really love.

So, at her mobbed afternoon show at the tents on Sunday, she gave them just that.

Dedicated to the “modern nomad,” there were quirky combos galore, the idea being that women pick up a fabulous this and that along their world journeys. Maybe your animal instinct would be overwhelmed by the pairing of a leopard cardigan and a snake chiffon blouse but on their own…swell.

Likewise, feminine dresses – leopard, blue sequin, printed velvet – will sing better without the camo, printed and leather leggings. A furry knit sweater tops a sleek gray shift with metallic appliqué – totally charming.

Best of show, terrific coats – all kinds from wild tapestry jobs, to metallic tweed cocoons. For extra warmth? Clusters of pompoms on your head. Why not?

>> Photos: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2009 collection

(AP Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

After showing in Milan for years, Calvin Klein’s men’s collection debuted in Manhattan at a show that was decidedly…cool. Models strode the runway, which criss-crossed round itself like city streets, as strains of Leonard Bernstein’s "West Side Story" anthem, "Cool," punctuated the air.

With a soundtrack of snapping fingers and the honk of distant car horns, the show had the feel of a standard rush hour. The men looked like commuters steeling themselves against hard times, dressed in monochromatic suits, shirts and ties in gray, slate, marine, heather.

The look was clean and ready-steady, with narrow lapels on a Harris tweed herringbone overcoat or nubby tweed blazers with slash pockets. Or go for the onyx shearling hoodie.

One question mark: bulky "molded" jackets — parka-thick, but blazer-shaped — that looked like scuba suit fabric and would surely feel at home in the Michelin Man’s closet. But yours? We’re skeptical….

>> Photos: Calvin Klein Menswear Fall 2009 collection

By Anne Bratskeir

In our imagination, Donna Karan and design cohorts are sitting around at a brainstorming session. "Let's give 'em something they can wear, and wear, and wear," proclaims Donna. And that's exactly what she did.

In a collection based on items as basic as a black turtleneck and tights, the vibe was polished, ladylike and featured the stuff that really works in your closet.

Great jackets and coats, with rounded or shapely shoulders, a cape or two, paired mainly with slim pencil skirts that hit below the knee, or pegged pants, underscored a sexy, modern shapeliness without a whiff of the overt. Form-flattering jersey draped dresses could have easily come off Donna's more expensive line, and will star in many a wardrobe.

The color story started with neutrals—the grays, blacks, and flashed here and there
into brighter shades-- flame red, Kelly green and rhubarb pink. Great shearling collars and perfect high-heeled pumps and booties finished the already very finished look.

>> Photos: DKNY Fall 2009 collection

(Getty Images)

By Anne Bratskeir

OK audience, suck in your collective breath. The front row of starlets who included Herve Leger-garbed January Jones and Lucy Liu certainly did, at the famous bandage/bondage dress showing held in the tents on Sunday afternoon.

This season's theme was "Urban Tribe," though truth told, the models looked like Joan of Arc warrior vixens in basketweave leathers, and armor-like panels of metallic mirror with - hello! - lots of shoulder pads. The curve-strangling materials included snakeskin, velvet, boucle and most dramatic, crystal.

This tiny mega-sparkler prompted Gossip Girl Michelle Trachtenberg to exclaim, "Oh my God! Bam!"

Overall, easy on the eye – beautiful really – though hard to wear for mere mortals. The only low point in the show was for the poor models – three fell hard (yup, bam!) on the slippery wood runway and many teetered on sky-high sandals and boots. Alas, you know what they say…"it hurts to be beautiful."

>> Photos: Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2009 collection

(AP Photo)

(AP Photo)

By Anne Bratskeir

The delightfully imaginative inspiration for Reem Acra’s Fall 2009 collection shown at her posh Fifth Avenue showroom was an ancient underwater empire where statues lay elegantly draped in flowing robes.

The models, in vignettes, were goddesses in serious evening dresses – many columns, some with sculptural drapes, in soft colors or black. There was some heavy-handed built-in bling – immense crystal embellishments – pretty gorgeous. “You don’t have to buy your own jewelry. You just put it on and go,” Acra told us.

There will be no rest for the weary as Acra planned to pack up the whole show and head for the Hills, (as in Beverly) on Monday where the hordes of red carpeters would peruse the super fancy duds for the Academy Awards. Acra has been scoring big in this department: Eva Longoria at the Golden Globes, Kate Beckinsale at the Grammy’s … oh yeah, and let’s not forget Jill Biden at the inaugural balls.

>> Photos: Reem Acra Fall 2009 collection

By Anne Bratskeir

Though she was inspired by the notion of an enchanted forest and magical creatures, Texan designer Lela Rose kept her flights of fancy in the realm of the wearable with a chic, eclectic collection at the tents Sunday morning.

Vivid shades of magenta, chartreuse and purple added punch, and touch-me nubby tweeds and strong plaids were the stuff of day looks that included “dragonfly” twists.

Some looks played smart and sweet – a moss-green ribbed cashmere storm coat atop an embellished silky dress. For girls who want to live the fairy tale, spun gold dresses, (Rumpelstylskin showed his hand and Jennifer Love Hewitt wanted one of these), a waterfall paillette tank and several cocoon numbers with strong graphics topped by a gauzy overlay meant to convey the idea of an insect’s exoskeleton.

Who would have thought that would be so pretty?

Another surprise…terrific shoes from Payless, one the Diana, a classic T-strap pump just launched last week. Go get 'em.

>> Photos: Lela Rose Fall 2009 collection

(Getty Images)

(AFP / Getty Images)

By Mark La Monica

We snuck backstage before the Andy & Debb show on Saturday in the Salon just to see what was going on.

OK, we didn't sneak. We were invited and had an 11:30 a.m. call time for an interview with Andy Kim and Debbie Yoon, the designers.

For their Fall 2009 collection, Andy said they were inspired by butterflies and their perfect symmetry. Take a look at the show and see.

>> Photos: Andy & Debb Fall 2009 collection

By Julie Gordon and Jessie Pascoe

"This is the most depressing thing in America," muffed a disgruntled blonde. No, she wasn't talking about the recession or the war or even subway delays. This was the general reaction at the Barbie Fashion Show at Bryant Park on Saturday.

It seems the show was way overbooked, so hundreds of doll fans were left crushed together in a chaotic line. No one one got a break, not even the dozens of kids brought along to the show at the invitations' request.

Other audience reactions included declarations of "I have heat stroke," "Get off my shawl," "This is most ridiculous line," "This isn't a fashion show, this is a publicity gimmick" (this from a security guard!) and "These organizers are so incompetent."

Of course, none was dramatic as the blonde's, but we have to agree that we haven't seen this crazy a line since Heatherette showed at the Tents — when the crowd was so tight our scarf ended up in someone's pants.

>> See photos and video from the Barbie runway show

(Getty Photo)

By Julie Gordon

Newly single Jennifer Love Hewitt isn't letting a little thing called Valentine's Day bring her spirits down. In fact, she's still feeling the love: The "Ghost Whisperer" star and her best friend are having a girls night out in New York to celebrate.

"Guys never get it. It always gets to be drama. We're not having any drama," Hewitt said.

The two gals exchanged gifts Saturday morning — Hewitt received a scarf and candle, and her pal got a necklace engraved with the words "I love you more."

Besides heading out for a night on the town with her BFF, Hewitt must do one thing before heading back to Los Angeles on Monday: chow down at John's.

"I love John's Pizza," she said.

But by the way she looked in her tight Dolce & Gabbana dress at the Georges Chakra show, we bet she'll only have one slice.

>> Photos: Celebrities at New York Fashion Week

(Photo: Getty)

Photo from LaPerlaUSA.com

By Joseph V. Amodio

I’ve had this dream before. I walk down a hall tickled by long pink boas hanging from the ceiling. In a paneled den seven models lounge in lingerie. But wait—I’m not dreaming. It’s a La Perla party, held Saturday at the cozy Chelsea club 1Oak to celebrate a new Black Label collection. My buddies, Mark and Stan, will never believe me. The place was packed. Don’t worry—the lovelies weren’t cold. They sat (for real) by a roaring fire.

By Joseph V. Amodio

Five reasons you should know Alexander Wang come fall.

1) Inventive jackets—one tailored with cut-out back and cube rivets down the sleeve, another with wide neckline and laced at shoulders.

2) Crisp white shirts—worn oversized, off shoulders, or as a one-shoulder tunic buttoned under the armpit. (Quirky, okay.)

3) The dress—of white matte crepe fabric strips, like a soft rib cage hugging your body.

4) Sweat "suit"—his is in jacquard, with cropped pants and lapel’d jacket.

5) Leggings—there are Cruella-worthy croc-print creepers, but we endorse the glitterized pair, to light up your night on the town.

Okay—one more—these "hooded woolly vests" (woolly mammoth, that is) made of super-soft Australian Merino wool.

Edgy. Not for everyone. But Wang (who won top honors from 2008’s Vogue/CFDA Fund) is just so fun and one to watch.

>> Photos: Alexander Wang Fall 2009

(AP Photo)

(AFP Photo / Getty Images)

By Mark La Monica

I never played with Barbie dolls when I was a kid. Most likely because I'm a dude and baseball, basketball, football, soccer, street hockey, bike riding, playing video games, eating dirt and doing nothing all sounded way better than some Barbie doll.

However, I always did appreciate the the stereotype it put out there: hot, leggy blondes.

And Barbie delivered in real life as the first-ever Barbie runway show blew the doors off The Tent at New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park on Valentine's Day. Seriously, it was off the chain, the hook, the heezy or whatever the parlance of our time is used to describe something that was awesome to witness.

Amodio will have the official review of the 50 looks from 50 different designers. I'm here for the video and photos from the 25-minute show that went off in three stages (four, actually, if you include the video intro).

Every fashion show should take a lesson from this Barbie production. Crazy. A remix of "Hey Mickey" and Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" and The Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated." Insane.

>> Photos: Barbie runway show at Fashion Week

(AP Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

A dramatic entrance - like something out of Luc Besson’s “The Fifth Element” or “Star Trek: The Next Generation” - is guaranteed if you go in for any of Chakra’s skin-tight “glossy” dresses in sculptured, sci-fi shapes.

A black butterfly emerges out of one; thick gray ribbons zigzag down another. A pink ombre taffeta coat dress commands attention with queenly ruff. And a black tulle top (worn with trousers) floats round shoulders.

Then came neon-mania - wildly overdone garb with cut-out plastic bits stuck all over. Did Georges have one too many late nights in the showroom jonesing on caffeine and Pixie Stix? But, hey, at least he went for it—we respect a bold move (even if we’re not so crazy about the result) in a season where many designers are expected to just play it safe.

>> Photos: Georges Chakra Fall 2009 collection

By Joseph V. Amodio

Mon dieu—Lacoste is growing up! "I wanted the Fall/Winter 2009 show to focus on the chic and sophisticated side of Lacoste," writes creative director Christophe Lemaire. His inspirations? Annie Hall, and Princess Leila (which must be a typo—he means Leia, in all her futuristically feminine "Star Warsy" glory).

Trivia for Googleheads: There IS a Princess Leila, the late daughter (and one-time model) of the Shah of Iran who died tragically of a drug overdose in a London hotel in 2001.

But back to Lacoste and his notions of sophisticating up the line. Sure enough, out come models dressed in plush coats and cozy ponchos in matte ivory or steel gray. A guy looks natty in a wheat-toned duster. There’s still a wardrobe for teens and 20somethings—a bulky cowl, mini and legwarmers, or a woman’s sheer, school-bus yellow rain slicker. But the final looks were all proper three-piece suits in dialed-down shades of blue, yellow and ivory. Zee French, zay are so crazy, no?

>> Photos: Lacoste Fall 2009 collection

(AP Photo)

By Joseph V. Amodio

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright put out what may be the quintessential collection for our times: spare, gray, buttoned-up—and a tad severe.

The severity comes through in the women’s black leather blazers and clean lines of a crisp shirt with tweedy jumper or a vest and skinny pants. The models resembled somber governesses, tired of working for the Wall Street brainiacs who caused this economic mess.

Guys wore wing-tip collar shirts, blazers with narrow, popped-up lapels, and banding round trouser legs—perhaps they rode their bike to work, now that the BMW is repossessed?

>> Photos: Rag & Bone Fall 2009 collection

(AP Photo)

Follow that fashionista! Bryant Park’s stylish set headed to a warehouse by the Hudson River Friday night for a blow-out party, with The Duke Spirit rocking on stage, bars in every direction, and racks of clothes debuting Alexander McQueen’s new line (slinky tops, shorts, even swimwear) for Target. Mmm, shopping with champagne. (McQ hits stores in March.)

Organized by Nigeria’s This Day/Arise magazine, the show featured looks by four African labels: Tiffany Amber (with glorious beadwork on a chiffon gown and two trenches); Stoned Cherrie (feminine blouson tops with ruffle skirts, cigarette pants or a fun jacquard swing coat); Momo (pixilated, wildlife prints—snake, leopard, giraffe—on jersey or cashmere tank dresses; and Xuly.Bët (massive cocoon jackets, a red, white and blue Obama gown…and the inimitable Grace Jones, who walked the runway demanding—and getting—a standing ovation).

>> Photos: This Day/Arise Magazine African Collective

(AFP / Getty Images)

By Joseph V. Amodio

The last song in Charlotte Ronson’s show—a swing version of Blondie’s "Heart of Glass"—says it all.

The line is very ‘40s-meets-‘80s, with shoulder pads, exposed zippers (great on kicky coats), and sexy peeks at skin—dresses slit at shoulders, elbows, torso, hem. Loved the one-sleeve cable sweater dress. But grunge plaid? Char’…is it time?

>> Photos: Charlotte Ronson Fall 2009 collection

>> Lindsay Lohan at Charlotte Ronson

Models eat free. Upper East Side eatery Flex Mussels (get it?) is offering a free healthy meal during Fashion Week to any model who presents IMG credentials. Oysters, 23 types of mussels, plus other seafood. Nice gesture. But…seriously? Do folks who make thousands per show need a free lunch?

Give a (haute) hoot. Care to indulge in some fashiony frivolity from the comfort of your own home?. Chic boutique Owl’s Lab is giving away a Fashion Week $1,000 gift bag (including a designer handbag, LNA tee, and Boy Meets Girl item). Enter to win before Sunday, February 22, by creating your own Owl’s Lab account, at owlslab.com/customer/account/login/.

Live ones. After two weeks standing very still in spots across the city, a band of merry mannequins—dressed in duds by Elise Øverland, Katy Rodriguez, Libertine and ThreeASFOUR, and clutching Sony’s hot new accessory (the VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC)—finally comes home this weekend to hang in Bryant Park. (Hope they have credentials or they won’t get in.)

Models heart Necco. Yes, they work today, but models won’t go without Valentine’s Day cheer. The model-obsessed website Modelinia.com is distributing a million Necco Sweethearts Conversation Hearts with personalized messages (Lima Love, Hot Coco, My Marc) to models (like Adriana Lima, Coco Rocha), designers (Marc Jacobs) and others. Really, it's just as sweet as preparing them a home-cooked dinner because, if you think about it--for most models, at least--each heart is like a meal.

Sexy Katrina Bowden, of NBC's "30 Rock," complained of "Runway" withdrawal symptoms during a break from the front row hijinx at the Tents on Friday.

"I miss my 'Project Runway,'" she was saying before the start of the BCBGMaxAzria show in the big space. "I need it. I've got my 'Top Chef' ... but I've got to have my 'Project Runway, too.'"

While legal maneuvers keep "Runway" off the air, Bowden is keeping her connection alive by working with former "Runway" champ Christian Siriano on her own look.

She wore one of his pieces to the recent SAG Awards in L.A. - and she'll be front row when he shows Thursday in the Tents, his first collection in Bryant Park without Tim and Heidi watching over his slight shoulders.

"I'm just a huge fan."

Also look for Bowden front row at Tuesday's Pamella Roland collection.

- Robert Kahn

(AP Photo)

By Anne Bratskeir

If the going gets tough, well, Nicole Miller will provide the clothes to handle it.

Without a hint of girly sweetness in this very good show, Miller went the woman warrior route with a series of black coats, vests, short dresses, uber-skinny pants and a "perspective" print that conjured shards of glass inside a kaleidoscope. Buzz words in the spare program notes: "modern structure, harder edges and sexy curves," were on the money, and Miller's muse, it seemed, was the city night.

Coats were great – a funnel neck in black lacquered viscose, a black distressed leather job, a sleek zippered reefer. Colors went strong: black, cobalt and a lick of red starred. As for embellishment? Sequined epaulettes, a spider web of rhinestones, patches of patent leather and one great red dress that looked as though it had a crystal ammo belt.

In lieu of too much sparkly stuff there were plenty of origami pleats and folds – sometimes this distracted from the sharp silhouette . . . too much action.

To covet: the pairing of a sporty stretch vest with cool twill skirt that was dappled with shimmer in…gunmetal, of course.

>> Photos: Nicole Miller 2009 collection

By Robert Kahn

As a one-time model, soap temptress Erica Kane has clocked her time on fashion’s runways. Susan Lucci, who plays Kane on “All My Children” — not so much.

“Nerves? Yeah, sure,” said Lucci, who hadn’t done the catwalk thing “in a really long time.”

In Gustavo Cadile, she was among a bevy of red-garbed leading ladies to walk in The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection, along with Lynda Carter, Katie Couric and sequiny Vivica A. Fox.

February sweeps tapings have kept Lucci from the show in years past. “But today is actually my first day of vacation, so I’m going to have a wonderful life experience walking the catwalk in New York,” the Garden City actress said backstage before the show.

Early Saturday, she’d embark on yet a second wonderful life experience. “I’m going to St. Barts.”

Backstage beforehand, "Beverly Hills 90210" alum and current "90210" guidance counselor, Jennie Garth, a mom of three, was giddy. Until we spoiled things.

Tell us about the outfit!
“It’s red . . . and long and feminine and powerful.”

Just like you on TV! How many runway shows have you done, Jennie?

“Zero. I’m excited.”

Hey, isn’t it Friday the 13th?

“Why you gotta do that?” she said, giving us a thwack.

>> Photos: Heart Truth Red Dress show
>> Video: Heart Truth Red Dress show

(Getty Images)

By Anne Bratskeir

Friday afternoon at the tents with Max Azria was a sort of sophisticated affair with a load of dresses featuring clever geometric cuts and many silhouettes, some more successful than others.

Gorgeous – a slim silk drape neck dress with swirly belt, a brown velvet frock with deep V’s in the front and back (in fact, all the velvet numbers were pretty terrific), a cream silk raw velvet coat (almost a cocoon), nipped jackets and shibori-dyed pieces that were exotic and fresh.

Truth told, some of the dress shapes were sacky and ungainly, overwrought with too much going on - pleating, swagish draping - and at least one was (eek!) beyond thigh high.

But, overall there was a modern, artful feel to the collection. Many of the models wore gold tights that looked painted on (did someone say Goldfinger?), and at first seemed weird, but as the show progressed, they seemed to meld with the clothes and gave everything a futuristic cast.

As for the color story? Something for everyone: purple, wine, teal, lavender and rose, with plenty of easy neutrals.

>> Photos: BCBGMaxAzria Fall 2009 collection

(AP Photo)

By Mark La Monica

Um, yeah, I have a bit of a crush on Liya Kebede. Had it ever since I first saw her work in 2006. Not ashamed to admit it. Am ashamed to have been going through the photos from the This Day/Arise Magazine African Collective show and saw she was there and I wasn't. Sometimes, life just plain chugs.

Maybe you can share in the pain as you click the photo of Liya below and see the rest of the show, too. In there, you'll also find your boy Tyson Beckford and Grace Jones.

(Getty Images)

from the AP

Lindsay Lohan always has a front-row seat at the Charlotte Ronson show. She's got pull in the family.

A smiling Lohan, wearing a beige top, black pants and dark nail polish, watched her gal pal Samantha Ronson (Charlotte's sister) deejay in a VIP area before sitting down for the show.

Peeking over a wall to talk to a reporter, Lohan said she loves Charlotte Ronson as a person and designer.

“Her clothes are really feminine and they’re becoming more formfitting as each season goes on,” Lohan said. Ronson’s line “is very eclectic and fun and colorful sometimes and then more subdued. I don’t know, it’s different.”

>> Photos: Charlotte Ronson's Fall 2009 collection

>> Photos: Lindsay Lohan and other celebs at Fashion Week

(AP Photo)

By Julie Gordon

It's hard out there for a "Project Runway" winner — and Christian Siriano isn't afraid to admit it.

"I don't fund my whole business based on my clothes. I obviously have to do tons of other projects," Siriano told us at the Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection Friday morning.

Thursday marks Siriano's first time at Bryant Park's Tents. Last season, he showed his duds at an off-site location in Chelsea. And while the tons of fashionistas at the show may have applauded Siriano's work, it didn't exactly translate to huge sales.

"Selling wise, I will say I didn't get tons and tons of stores picked up," Siriano said. "I got really good stores and I've done a few trunk shows and the trunk shows were really lucrative. But I was prepared for a lot less. But hopefully this season will be better even though the economy's worse."

One goal? Getting his clothing into Saks.

"I really, really love them, and last season they were really into [my collection], and hopefully this season they will be as well," Siriano said.

We hope so, too!

>> Read more from Julie Gordon

(Getty Photo)

By Anne Bratskeir

Until the lights went dark on the West Side runway of first lady fave Jason Wu, rumors swirled that Michelle Obama would be in the house, and loads of dark-suited men who were talking into their sleeves seemed to confirm the notion.

But alas, she wasn't there.

In her place, a treasure trove collection of styles worn by models in wiry tiaras and deco diamond necklaces that quite simply wowed. The fabric story was stellar: folkloric prints, quirky plaids and gossamer chiffons, many set off with just the right touches of embellishment and metallic embroidery.

Silhouettes ran the gamut from classic big-skirted ball gowns and dirndl skirts (Mad Men-esque) to whippet slim pencils. For the hippest red carpet girls – a corset dress in violet, hemmed with jet beads, and an ivory tulle drape of a dress stamped with metallic starbursts…swoon. Sleek day dresses included a textured sheath in cement and a fab, vintage style teal chiffon job with side pockets.

Sometimes Wu erred in the frothy department – to many tiers – a tad Bo-Peep – and sometimes he took risks – an ivory coat covered in a mound of feathers. Fashion editor Dina Turner Relkin, of the Tobe Report, the fashion analysts, said, "I was worried he wasn't going to stand up to the expectation…but he did."

Simplifying it a bit was Joy Bryant, who, when asked is she liked anything said, "Many, many. Yum. Yum."

>> Photos: Jason Wu Fall 2009 collection

(AP Photo)

Hats – and our dancing shoes – off to Kristi Yamaguchi, for being a good sport in matters both professional and just plain pithy.

Yamaguchi, the gold medal skater, was deep in the recesses of the New York Public Library, which was doubling as the hair and makeup staging area for Friday's Heart Truth Red Dress Collection in Bryant Park (see photos). She walked the runway in Vera Wang, something of a quid pro quo, since Wang had created her wedding dress.

"Vera used to do all the skating dresses for Nancy Kerrigan and Michelle Kwan, too,” Yamaguchi said.

When we asked Yamaguchi what she was up to lately, she talked about having signed on with Kellogg’s to introduce a new product. Kellogg’s, you know, recently dropped Olympic champ Michael Phelps as a sponsor after those bong photos surfaced (and can we just say, South Carolina … this is not helping you).

What did she make of it all, as a fellow gold medalist?

“I think it’s an unfortunate mistake that Michael made,” Yamaguchi said. “I think he’s been great about owning up to it and apologizing, and realizing he’s got to learn from it.”

Does an athlete like Phelps know he’s risking a fortune when he fires up in public?

“Yeah.”

Proving she could roll with the punches, Yamaguchi was also tolerant when we demanded to know who would end up victorious on the coming season of “Dancing with the Stars.” She, of course, was the Season 6 champ.

“It’s kind of hard to know without seeing any of them dance,” she came back.
“But chemistrywise? You’ve got to keep your eye on Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough.”

-- Robert Kahn

(AP Photo)

By Anne Bratskeir

The annual Heart Truth Red Dress Collection, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute is arguably the feel-good moment of Fashion Week as a star-studded lineup of celebs and athletes strut their stuff on the runway wearing, natch, red dresses from top designers to promote heart health awareness among women. This morning’s joyous romp at the tent was no exception.

>> Photos: Heart Truth Red Dress show

A breathless Tim Gunn provided a welcome message, calling the Red Dress, "a sexy, passionate and powerful symbol," noting that "being healthy never goes out of style."

And then wham . . . out came the 20 high-profile women who volunteered to take the walk down the runway for the cause. In the not-a-bit-shy department: Lynda Carter of “Wonder Woman” fame looked swell in a Carolina Herrera slither with one-shoulder bow. She laughed and mugged her way down the runway. Vivica A. Fox worked it too wearing a glitzy sequined number from Jenny Packham. The crowd went nuts for charmer Cicely Tyson, though her dress by B. Michael -- with sleeves on steroids --was an “Oy Vey" moment.

Long Island’s own Susan Lucci was all-out glam in a goddess chiffon and sequin confection by Gustavo Cadile. Newly slim Valerie Bertinelli won cheers in her Christian Siriano strapless job; Kristi Yamaguchi in fave Vera Wang and “Dancing With The Stars,” co-host Samantha Harris in jersey David Meister both got high scores for their animated runway glide. Hilary Duff was demure in Donna Karan's languid body conscious gown.

More restrained but still fab: an elegant Jennie Garth in Badgley Mischka, body beautiful Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin, in sexy, short Max Azria and finale model Katie Couric, wearing a rhinestone strapped Carmen Marc Valvo, her signature wide smile and an aura that read, “What am I doing here? Get me Sarah or Sully.”

Interested in frocks worn by one of these gals? A selection of these will be available at auction beginning today through Feb. 27 at clothesoffourback.org with proceeds benefiting the Foundation For National Institutes of Health. Want to see some of them in real life? Some will be on display at Rockefeller Center’s Top Of The Rock Observation Deck from Feb. 14-21.

>> Photos: Heart Truth Red Dress show

Robert Geller won top honors in GQ’s second annual "Best New Menswear Designer in America" competition, the style mag announced Thursday night, on the eve of Fashion Week. Geller and five other finalist designers showed off their collections at a party held Wednesday in a scrubbed, cement loft space near Rockefeller Center.

Dudes, if you’re invited to this party next year—go with confidence. Big time. The room is filled with scores of male models, plus writers, editors, bloggers and more, many doing their damnedest to be the most stylish bloke in the room. It can be dizzying. The fumes from the hair product alone...

Continue reading "GQ names Robert Geller 2009's 'Best New Menswear Designer in America'" »

By Anne Bratskeir

Jillian Lewis, the "Project Runway Season Four" finalist who hails from Selden, LI, presented a hotly attended, totally tony fashion show – her very first, save for the show’s finale – at the Tela Design Studio on Little West 12th Street Thursday afternoon.

Smudge-eyed models posed on giant silver trunks in the center of the room as people oohed, ogled and sipped Mimosas. Jillian, who told us she was inspired by her own industrial environment in Long Island City, went for the “urban warrior “ theme using elements of graffiti, train tracks and clockworks. These were implied, though some of the looks smacked more of the sexy, street urchin. A ripped-up legging with chiffon insets …we’re thinking, meow, catfight.

In fact, the collection overall had an aggressive sexuality to it, most of the fits were super-body-conscious and the overall vibe, well, kind of mean streets. Where Jillian shines, and we mean like glow in the dark, is with her trench coats and fantastic knitwear that is textural, sleek and seductive. A burgundy A-line “clockwork” hand-knitted dress featured a slit above the bust, and a stand-off back that defied gravity. Beyond cool. Missing in action: Jillian’s famous curls. We asked her about them, and she said that someone had done her hair differently for the day. “I looked in the mirror and I didn’t know who I was,” she said. We did. She was Jillian Lewis, the designer.

>> See photos from Jillian Lewis' Fall 2009 collection

(AP Photo)

By Anne Bratskeir

It was off to the fabled Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel for Monique Lhuillier’s midafternoon show Thursday, where models wearing mostly billowy cocktail dresses in rich shades of Bordeaux, black and ivory, looked unbelievably right against the woody walls and pastel murals.

On the runway, the 12-piece collection, which included one slate gray suit, may have looked sparse. But here, the pale models, with their hair in sleek chignons, had a luminescence conjuring Renaissance woman in their finery. Though it may have been a cost-cutting move to present here rather than do the runway, it was entirely effective.

For sure, Cinderella would find something for the ball here, as will any number of red carpet goers. The surprise? Loads of embellishment. A stunning bone and nude ombre strapless number was embroidered with what must have been hundreds of flowers. We must ask the question (and we think we may be asking it again this week): What recession?

>> Photos: Monique Lhuillier's Fall 2009 collections

By Anne Bratskeir

In a serene showroom setting, it was Maria Pinto, the Chicago designer who counts Oprah and first lady Michelle Obama among her favored-status clients and...well, just us. Pinto, 52, gained international notoriety when Obama plucked many of her looks to wear along the campaign trail and looked great in them…the purple sleeveless sheath, the jade green frock.

But here’s the deal: Obama or not, the clothes are fabulous, beautifully constructed and the stuff that most women would kill to have in their closets. Pinto’s collection for fall ’09 -- “a study of Rococo control and release,” she says -- includes some 90 pieces in flattering shades of blue, eggplant, cassis and blush.

Her range goes from a must-have distressed leather jacket that is nipped in at the waist and features a stand up collar that is part of Pinto’ design theory -- the continuous curve -- to a stellar foil evening gown in wine with a subtle pattern that again uses the curve at the back as a design element. Pinto’s own favorite piece is a deep blue, wool dress – actually a dress within a dress – with a cascading panel in the back, will go, with ease, from day to night.

Not prone to the outrageous, Pinto says, “I can’t produce looks that are completely frivolous,” but she has her flights of fancy, such as a laser cut ball gown in rosy silk charmeuse. Our own favorite ensemble ran to the tailored side -- a perfectly cut pinstriped sheath topped by a ruffled wrap (it’s called” the warrior”) that is positively timeless.

As for the first lady, Pinto, who is guarded about the subject, says that Obama used to be just a regular customer who chose various looks for her scheduled events. “Just a regular lady?” we ask. “Yup,” said Pinto. As the campaign rolled on and fashion frenzy heated up, Pinto’s fame grew in leaps and bounds. “Of course there was much more awareness,” she said. “It was the tipping point.” Hopefully, after Fashion Week, more New York stores will start to carry the line, but for now you get it at Takashimaya.

Now that Michelle Obama has graced the cover of the March 2009 issue of Vogue, will the first lady make an appearance at New York Fashion Week?

New York Magazine reported that she was invited to walk in the Heart Truth Red Dress show, the annual celeb-laden runway show to raise money and awareness for heart disease, but has yet to RSVP.

Who knows what will happen with that, or any other show this week. Perhaps she'll avoid the shows completely, perhaps not. We're not pretending to know, at least not yet. But we are asking you to take a guess.

>> VOTE: Where will Michelle Obama make her first appearance?

>> See more Michelle Obama photos

(Workers build tents for 2009 Fashion Week at Bryant Park / AP)

By Robert Kahn

As a seamstress somewhere once said, “This needs to come in a few inches.”

The players in New York’s Fashion Week, under way Friday in Bryant Park, are cinching their belts, tailoring shows to reflect caution with budgets, but hardly sacrificing the pizzazz guests expect from the semi-annual event.

"We’re not in favor of overly conspicuous consumption in a difficult economic period, but making people feel good is what our industry is about,” said Bud Konheim, chief executive of Nicole Miller.

Continue reading "Fashion Week scaling back a bit" »

from the AP

You’ve got to be at the top of your game to be a one-name model: There’s Iman, Naomi, Gisele — Barbie.

The 11.5-inch plastic doll is still on top as a high-fashion muse as she approaches her 50th birthday, and will make her New York Fashion Week catwalk debut on Saturday in 50 outfits by the country’s top designers.

Barbie’s life-size stand-ins will strut in a red carpet-worthy gown by Marchesa, a hot-pink wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg and an outrageous green party dress by Betsey Johnson.

The fact that Barbie is just shy of her 50th birthday — officially marked on March 9 — doesn’t seem to matter in a fashion industry that worships youth. (Being made of plastic, she can even avoid the indignities of Botox.) “There’s been an epic display of unity around Barbie as a muse,” says Richard Dickson, general manager of the Barbie brand at Mattel. “Barbie is 50. What’s the next chapter?”

Continue reading "Barbie turns 50, designers celebrate!" »

By Anne Bratskeir

Fashion is fickle, and that surely applies to "It" girls - those gorgeous leggy creatures who will strut their stuff on hundreds of Fashion Week runways, starting Friday.

The same "what's in, what's out" standard that exists for clothing applies to models, too. Sometimes a particular nationality is hot, such as Brazilian or Russian. Other times, it's the look: oddly compelling "alien" girls or the skinny waif. But this season, according to the fashion powers, the poor economy may be dictating who the "It" girls will be, with many predicting something of a runway rarity: American classic beauty.

"I do think there's a return to an '80s-type of American beauty this season," says top casting agent Jennifer Starr, referring to the era of swoon-worthy supermodels such as Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista. Starr, who cast the models for the shows of Ralph Lauren, J.Mendel and Doo. Ri, among others, adds, "In the past, people could afford to be creative and inclusive of all, but today people need to play it safe. The dollar is the bottom line, and classic beauty sells."

Top modeling agencies agree. "We are definitely sensing a presence of the American girls and the return of the classically beautiful," says Doll Wright, an agent at Elite. Adds Maja Chiesi, vice president of IMG Models, "The classic, beautiful girl is going to be major." And Michele Pryor, co-director of Ford Models Women's division says, "Clients are trying to figure out what's going to get merchandise selling, and that's safe, steady, relatable beauty."

Here's a look at three fresh American beauties expected to make designers' new fashions sing this season.

DREE HEMINGWAY, 21

AGENCY Elite Model Management

HOMETOWN: Sun Valley, Idaho

STATS: 5-foot-9; blond hair; blue eyes

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Some models come along with that X-factor, something that makes them more like a muse, and that is Dree," says Richard Habberley, the manager of Elite Plus. "She's smart, charming and captivating." This is her first season doing the runway. And, talk about American royalty, she is Ernest Hemingway's great-granddaughter, and the daughter of Mariel.

KENDRA SPEARS, 20

AGENCY: Ford Models

HOMETOWN: Seattle

STATS: 5-foot-10 1/2; medium- brown hair; blue-green eyes

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "They're calling her the next Cindy" (as in Cindy Crawford), says one Ford rep. "She has the whole package," says Michele Pryor. "Beauty and brains. She did not do well on the runway here last season but did in Milan and Paris." They think this is her year.

HEIDI MOUNT, 21

AGENCY: IMG Model Management

HOMETOWN: Salt Lake City

STATS: 5-foot-10; blond hair; blue eyes

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Known for her incredible eyes, she is a triple threat: beauty, personality and wit. "She was huge last season, her talent undeniable," says IMG VP Maja Chiesi. "And she has this edge, plus a dreamy quality." She also has, yikes, a 2-year-old.

Fashion Week is getting a makeover in New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Tuesday.

Starting in the fall of 2010, the bi-annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week events will move to Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center -- a move that will allow the prestigious event "to continue to grow in New York City," the mayor's office said in a prepared statement.

Fashion Week events are currently held in Bryant Park and will continue there until moving to Damrosch Park in September 2010, according to the mayor's office.

The agreement between IMG Fashion and Lincoln Center Inc., will allow the relocation and provide a new venue that features 87,000 square feet of space -- compared to the current 70,000 square feet of space at Bryant Park.

That is almost a 25-percent increase in footage.

The mayor's office said Fashion Week generates $773 million in economic activity.

"The fashion industry is a vital part of our city's economy, providing more than 175,000 jobs and generating billions of dollars in wages for New Yorkers annually," Bloomberg said in a prepared statement. "Ensuring the industry's long-term success and promoting Fashion Week -- the industry's greatest showcase -- is more important than ever as we work to retain and create jobs during these difficult times . . . We could not have arrived at a more ideal location than Damrosch Park."

- John Valenti

By Julie Gordon

Well, things aren't looking too great for Fashion Week at Bryant Park. So far, Betsey Johnson, Carmen Marc Valvo, Vera Wang, Naeem Khan and Monique Lhuillier have passed on the Tents.

Here's a roundup of the news:

Click here to read about the CFDA's reaction to the fashion world's economic woes.

Click here to read about Carmen Marc Valvo and Betsey Johnson's cancelations.

Click here to find out about Temperley London's farewell.

Click here to read about Monique Lhuillier and Naeem Khan opting out of FW.

Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson front-row at the Charlotte Ronson show (Getty)

Our sleep schedules are back on track, our livers are healing and we've retired our heels. In other words, Fashion Week is over.

So many things happened, but here's what will stay in our minds until February:

Most ridiculous celebrity shill: Eva Longoria-Parker unveiling M&M’s Premium chocolate. We doubt the pint-size “Desperate Housewives” star is gorging on bon-bons.

Most sartorially insane: "America’s Next Top Model’s" Jay Manuel's Gothic Scottish doctor get-up

Most re-usable gift bag: Twinkle by Wenlan's reversible black-and-white tote

Best swag (for guys): Nintendo DS from Julie Haus

Best swag (for gals): Giant bag of NARS makeup at 3.1 Phillip Lim. Need we say more?

Best sighting:: Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson front and center at Charlotte Ronson's show

Craziest celebrity: Joel Madden of Good Charlotte threatening our photographer at the Charlotte Ronson after-party for snapping a shot of Madden's girlfriend, Nicole Ritchie

Designer who should teach a class in how to throw after-parties: Rebecca Taylor. Wine, cheese and fondue and Artisanal trumps cocktails at a noisy club.

Fakest Fashion Week injury: Jennifer Lopez, who said she couldn't attend the "Project Runway" finale as a guest-judge because of a foot injury but then ran a triathlon two days later!

Most real Fashion Week injury: Runway road-kill at Rodarte

Most annoying front-row guest: Leigh Lezark at seemingly every show

Most politically minded: Vogue's Andre Leon Talley, who showed which candidate he's tote-ally voting for

—Julie Gordon and Jessie Pascoe

We stumbled across what looked like the filming of Project Runway's season finale Saturday morning in Lower Manhattan, and managed to snap some photos before we were shooed away by an irritated production assistant.

Imagine how much more irritated he'd have been if he knew we were journalists....

We were on Pearl Street--near historic Fraunces Tavern--around 1:40 p.m. on Saturday, and saw Tim Gunn shake the hand of a contestant, and hand him/her a set of keys. The winner then drove away in a black Saturn vehicle.

The names of the two contestants we saw Gunn shake hands with, and a photo, are after the jump.... Once again, you've been warned--spoiler alert!

Continue reading "Spoiler: Apparent Project Runway finale spotted filming in NYC" »

Heidi Klum and Christian Siriano (Getty)

Like any fashion event involving "Project Runway" alum or contestants, Thursday night's Christian V. Siriano show was pretty much a circus of fans and fashion types.

"Runway" judge Heidi Klum said there's reason for the attention on the 22-year-old television series winner: He's actually talented.

"It's one thing to be talented, but if you just have personality sometimes you don't have to have talent to go with it. But Christian does," Heidi said before the show.

She also said the young designer gets so many props already and that he's "so special." And, obviously, fierce.

-<>See photos of what each Project Runway finalist presented here--with Christian Siriano's solo show photos at the end

-See videos of each show by clicking here, from our sister blog Project Runway.

--Click here for all the photos of celebrities who came Fashion Week, from Jennifer Lopez to Lindsay Lohan to Beyonce to Nastia Liukin.

— Julie Gordon

Actrress Mena Suvari and her fiance, Simone Sestito (Getty)

Actress Mena Suvari thinks her short blond haircut is a style "don't."

"I hate it right now," she told us at the Rebecca Taylor show Thursday. "Thank God for hairstylists."

Mena buzzed her hair short last year for a role, and it's still growing out.

"It's really in between. I just want it to be long," she said. "My hair grows very slowly so I'm just taking my vitamins and crossing my fingers."

Accompanying Mena to the show was fiance Simone Sestino, who designed the blindingly gorgeous engaement ring on Mena's finger.

"It's all about the stone," the music producer said. "Then you can design around the stone after you pick it." Nice work.

— Julie Gordon

Mena's engagement ring (Getty)

First photos are in, as the six Project Runway finalists--Kenley Collins, Korto Momolu, Leanne Marshall, Suede, Joe Faris, and Jerell Scott-- strutted their stuff at Fashion Week this morning.

And last year's winner, Christian Siriano, had his own star-studded Fashion Week solo show last night.

-<>See photos of what each Project Runway finalist presented here--with Christian Siriano's solo show photos at the end

-See videos of each show by clicking here, from our sister blog Project Runway.

--Click here for all the photos of celebrities who came Fashion Week, from Jennifer Lopez to Lindsay Lohan to Beyonce to Nastia Liukin.

-Click here to see all the photos and videos of what the designers are showing at Fashion Week, from Oscar de la Renta to Michael Kors to Vera Wang to more.

-Hear about all NYC celebrity happenings first by taking 30 seconds to sign up for our email newsletter

-And catch up on all the celebrity photos and events in New York from this week just by clicking here

Spotted: Jay Manuel looking like a gothic Scottish doctor on the way to make a house call. We had to blink a few times to make sure our eyes weren’t deceiving us. Alas, they weren’t and the America’s Next Top Model regular was experiencing some sort of sartorial insanity. What would Tyra say?!?

-- Jessie Pascoe

A front row guest brought a live accessory to the Reem Acra show Thursday afternoon: Her little white dog!

We wonder if she was inspired by Acra's runway bow last season toting her own furry friend.

— Jessie Pascoe

Ross Geller, err, David Schwimmer, left, with John Varvatos at the designer's party Wednesday (Photo: Patrick McMullan)

If you've ever pondered this question, we got your answer Wednesday night at the John Varvatos party.

"I am directing a play Off-Broadway right now called 'Fault Lines at the Cherry Lane Theater. I am in rehearsal right now. I will be wearing [Varvatos] the opening night," Schwimmer said.

Well see Sept. 30 if this fashion vision will come true.

— Jessie Pascoe

"Gossip Girl's" Chace Crawford, left, with designer John Varvatos at a party at Varvatos' store last night (Photo: Patrick McMullan)

With the hoity-toity vibe of Fashion Week starting to grate on us, we were relieved to step out of the Tents and get a dose of rock 'n' roll Wednesday night, courtesy of menswear designer John Varvatos.

We swung a party at his store -- located in the old CBGB space on the Bowery -- which opened in April and retains many relics from its predecessor. Though it's usually filled with rocker-style clothes, the shop was cleared Wednesday to make room for a performance by Perry Farrell (of Jane's Addiction and Varvatos' new campaign) and a massive crowd.

We caught up with Varvatos before the concert.

How do you keep the vibe of the legendary CBGB at your store?
We love doing events here. We are constantly doing concerts here and when we thought about taking the space over we said we want to honor what was here and I wanted it to live on. I don’t want it to be CBGB's. I'm not trying to make it CBGB's. But the walls are still talking.

Your fashion shows always have such strong music choices. How do you figure out what to play?
It’s so personal with me the whole music thing in my shows because I pick the music myself. It’s whatever I’m thinking about when I’m designing a collection. Whatever’s kind of stimulating me at that moment. I think the music that we do in the show is different than any other show in New York. There are other people that do something else great at the other end of the psectrum. I’m a rock and roll guy. And I want it to be interesting, where people go, 'Wow what was that?' Even the musicians that attend always ask me, like, 'What was your second song?' I love when they ask me those questions.

How do you discover new music choices?
I’m a junkie about it all. I'm constantly searching new music out or old music. I think about music as an experience but it’s also about new experiences and reaching back to find things that either you touched on briefly in the past or you never know existed.

Continue reading "John Varvatos: Stop, shop and roll" »

Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro at the John Varvatos party Wednesday night (Photo: Patrick McMullan)

It was no surprise that Dave Navarro was at John Varvatos' party Wednesday night. Held at the designers Bowery shop in the former CBGB space, the evening toasted Varvatos with a Perry Farrell performance. We ran into Navarro before his former Jane's Addiction bandmate took the stage, where we inquired about his fall plans.

"Honestly, I can't think that far ahead. I don't even know what I am doing tomorrow," Navarro said.

Well, he might not know what he's doing, but knows he'll be wearing designs by Varvatos.

"[John Varvatos] doesn't design for one feeling or emotion. He designs street wear, he designs evening wear. I can come and [shop] for going to club or go to another rack and dress for going to dinner at the White House," he said.

Now that's a photo op we'd like to see.

Also spotted at the Varvatos party were "Gossip" Boy Chace Crawford, David Schwimmer and (yuck) Lauren "The Hills" Conrad.

— Jessie Pascoe

Ryan Lochte front-row at the Milly show (Getty)

Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte has been spotted all around the Tents this week -- at Anna Sui, Milly, Max Azria, Vivienne Tam. The Fug Girls want to know why he's been making so many appearances at womenswear shows. Well, we have an answer: He wants to one day show off his own creations at Bryant Park.

"I want to get into fashion designing," the gold-medalist told us Tuesday at the Vivienne Tam show. "My rep knew someone, so I got in here today."

Cool. But would he use typical super-skinny models or girls with a more muscular, swimmer-esque build on his runway?

"If someone has both, they've got me," he said.

Ryan's got us with his baby blues and adorable smile -- but if he wants to be a designer, he's got to fix up his wardrobe choices. News flash: "Saturday Night Fever"-style collars and shiny T-shirts are not in style.

Click to see photos of Ryan Lochte and fellow Olympians Amanda Beard, Nastia Liukin and other celebrities at Fashion Week

See photos of Ryan Lochte's Olympic swimming teammate Michael Phelps hanging out in New York

— Julie Gordon

Blind item: Which female department store big-wig was conducting a mini-lesson on how to sneak coffee into a fashion show Thursday morning? When a fellow guest asked her if coffee was allowed in the shows, she said, "No, but if you hide it you can bring it in." Thanks for the tip.

— Julie Gordon

Vivienne Tam has taken accessorizing to an entirely new level. Instead of handbags, her models trounced down the runways toting mini-Hewlett Packard laptops. Give it a quick glance and it looks like a slim, red clutch purse - but guess again - it's totally digital!

"It's a little laptop, like a fashionable clutch," Tam told Reuters backstage before her Tuesday night show. "It's so light, you could carry it anywhere."

But sigh, sorry you techhy fashionistas out there, the "bags" won't be available until early next year.

Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Wednesday’s Phillip Lim’s show garnered loud applause from Juliette Lewis to the swarm of standing attendees. Leighton Meester and Emmy Rossum were enthusiastic, but perhaps most surprising was Anna Wintour’s reaction. Known for her crossed arms of steal, Wintour clapped not once, but three times at the end of Lim’s spring collection. Contrast that with her bored reaction to Isaac Mizrahi’s show, and Lim’s got himself A+ from the "Vogue" editrix.

—By Jessie Pascoe

AP Photo/ Richard Drew

The latest display of Fashion Week arrogance came courtesy of Oscar de La Renta - who turned down the tents and opted instead for a space on 63rd and Park for his 1 p.m. show.

We arrived early, video equipment in tow, and waited on the press line for nearly an hour before it became clear - nobody was getting in.

Needless to say, a mob scene erupted.

Some comments from the pissed-off press corps:

"Whatever, he's done orange for spring and gold for fall for the last 30 years!"

"What about the balcony. We'll take the balcony!"

"It's a bunch of kids running this! Go back to 'Domino!'"

"I've been shooting his shows since 1980!"

"I would have been better off staying home and watching it on NY1!"

And then, like Moses in blue jeans and Ray Bans, a gray-haired cameraman at the head of line turned to us and said in the thickest Italian accent this side of Roma:

"If they don't give us in, we all go home, yes?! We care nothing!"

"YEAH!!!!" roared the crowd, most of which were standing on their trunks by then, screaming in other languages.

And so we did go home - but only because in quick succession:

1. J-Lo arrived
2. The music started
3. The doors were slammed. Literally.

- Perrie Samotin

Vice President of IMG Fashion Fern Mallis at
Michael Angel

As is her custom, IMG VP Fern Mallis was seated on the end seat at the Michael Kors show this morning. The theme was sort of retro-Body Glove style wetsuit tops for men and polkadots for the ladies and keeping in theme, the runway music was the Beach Boys and the Go-Gos.

She's usually the no-nonsense type making it clear that she's the one keeping the wheels turning in that tent, but today we spotted the uber-businesswoman in an unusal moment of free-wheelin' fun as she let go to tap her feet and bob her head for a few bars of Belinda Carlisle belting out "Our Lips Are Sealed"! Loved it.

Sure, the catwalk is full of young models, but we spotted what we are confident is the youngest person at Fashion Week. Meet Shawn Jacob McLean, age two months. We shared a table with this budding fashion fan after he left the Nanette Lepore show with his mom Eboni McLean.

—Jessie Pascoe

Sure, eating at Fashion Week sounds like an oxymoron, but inside the tents, healthy subsidence is available. And thankfully so: with all the free booze and chocolate, it’s no wonder attendees don’t develop scurvy (if they did, the CFDA Health Initiative booth is ready to give advice).

‘Wichcraft, the main caterer, keeps all high-heeled guests satiated. We wondered over to the shop, where their eggplant sandwich caught our eye.

According to the menu:

This menu item was developed by our Fresh Fund interns. Proceeds from every sandwich will be donated to the Fresh Fund.

Hmm. A sandwich made by interns with chickpea puree, roasted peppers and watercress. Sign us up.

The result? A gooey, messy meal—that while tasty—was tricky to eat. Our sloppy attempts gave us high school cafeteria flashbacks. Who knows, maybe these Fresh Fund interns are actually still in high school themselves.

—Jessie Pascoe

Jessica Alba, Claire Danes and Julianna Margulies, left to right, attend the
Narciso Rodriguez spring 2009 collection during Fashion Week in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)

The constant parade of celebrities at Fashion Week can leave you a bit jaded after a while--there's just so many, as evidenced in our photo gallery of celebs that's about to hit its 180-photo limit.

But then AP moves a photo of Jessica Alba, Claire Danes and Julianna Margulies sitting together in the front row at the Narciso Rodriguez collection, and all you can say is wow!

That's a lot of (easy on the eyes) starpower.

--Click here for all the photos of celebrities at Fashion Week, including the happy threesome and also Blake Lively, Heidi Klum, one of the Olsens, etc.

-And this is where we're putting all the photos and videos of what the designers are showing at Fashion Week.

Serena Williams backstage at Vivienne Tam (Getty)

Tennis star Serena Williams may be trading her Bryant Park visitor’s pass for an employee’s pass in the near future — if the fashion gods grant her wish.

“I’d love to show at Bryant Park,” the stylish Williams sister told us at the Vivienne Tam fashion show Tuesday night. Serena designs a clothing line called Aneres (“Serena” spelled backwards).

Debuting at a future New York Fashion Week would obviously pale in comparison to the week Serena’s had after winning the U.S. Open Sunday.

“It was amazing. It was perfect,” she said of the moment after she won. “I couldn’t have felt any better."

Serena and sister Venus Williams will celebrate Serena’s win tonight at a party thrown by Hamptons and Gotham magazines at Pacha in Hell’s Kitchen. Cheers!

— Julie Gordon

Actress Michaela McManus backstage at the Max Azria show Tuesday night (Getty)

"Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" fans will meet actress Michaela McManus Sept. 23 with the show's 10th season premiere. We met Michaela, who plays the new assistant district attorney, Kim Grayleck, last night at the Max Azria show.

Michaela comes to police/law drama from a teen drama -- "One Tree Hill," where she played Lindsey Strauss, ex-fiance of Chad Michael Murray's character, Lucas Scott.

"Kim's a completely different character than Lindsey. Kim's a ball-buster, and Lindsey's more of a wilted flower," Michaela said.

Though Lindsey and Lucas broke up at the end of the last season, Michaela said she shot a few episodes for the current season (she made an appearance in the premiere last week).

"It's somewhat open-ended," she said.

— Julie Gordon

The younger Barbara Bush, flanked by socialites Derek Blasberg and Maggie Betts, at the Max Azria show Tuesday night (Getty)

It's funny how the paparazzi cares more about a row of young "starlets" than the president's daughter.

Barbara Bush was at the Max Azria show last night, and though the photographers snapped a few pics of the 26-year-old, their focus was on a different section of the front row. One that included singer Natasha Bedingfield, Michelle Tractenberg ("Gossip Girl"), Joy Bryant, Malin Akerman (Katherine Heigel's sister in "27 Dresses"), Eva Amurri (Susan Sarandon's daughter) and Michaela McManus ("One Tree Hill" and now "Law and Order: SVU").

Well, we headed right over to Barbara, but alas, she she wasn't doing press. All she'd say was that she wasn't wearing a dress by Max Azria.

— Julie Gordon

Photo: P. Morigi/Wireimage.com

Last night at the Vivienne Tam show, we ran into Miss Teen USA Stevie Perry. Our attention quickly turned to her black and white print dress.

“They’re pandas. It’s a limited edition, so anyone who buys these dresses, the money goes to the World Wildlife Fund.”

Who says fashion’s cruel?

—Jessie Pascoe

Every now and again, you need a break from the tents and have to venture off-site for interesting litte tidbits in the world of style.

On Tuesday, we snuck all the way across 40th Street -- yes, all 40 feet or so (including both sidewalks) -- to the Bryant Park Hotel so "Sex and the City" costume designer Patricia Field could show us her new line being sold on Home Shopping Network. She calls it Destination Style New York and -- guess what! -- it's modeled after "Sex and the City." Peep the vid.

- La Monica

Betsey Johnson at her 2009 Spring Fashion Show. (Getty Images)

Betsey Johnson, at 66, is still as young and fun as any person decades younger. After her show, with its bright colors, assortment of ruffles and infectous music, Johnson came out and did her signature cartwheels after the show was over.

Also featured were a gold-coin throwing pirate, lots of balloons and lollipops, but most hilarious, and probably a bit of a statement by Johnson herself, brides in handcuffs.

See video highlights of Betsey Johnson's show:

--Lizzy

Kelly Osbourne at Betsey Johnson (Getty Images Photo)

Kelly Osbourne writes an advice column, "Kelly Confidential" for UK's
Sun newspaper. So we thought it was appropriate to find out her tips on
getting through the looooong days during Fashion Week.

"Fashion Week is way f----- stressful. There's a lot of ego, and if you come in with
that attitude you'll experience the drama. But if you see the clothes you want to see and leave, it won't spit you out," Osbourne told us before the Betsey Johnson show, which is one of her favorites because of its happy, fun vibe.

This season was certainly no exception. A model dressed as a pirate chased other models down the runway, at one point, he married a "bride" in a blue wig; balloon animals were everywhere; little tables replaced a front row, decorated with blocks and "BJ" cupcakes (which weren't touched, obviously); and, best of all, a Peter-Pan-costumed Betsey cartwheeled down the runway to close the show.

— Julie Gordon

More fun at Betsey Johnson (Getty Images Photo)

Even more fun at Betsey Johnson (Getty Images Photo)

Victoria Silverstedt at Iodice (Getty)

We asked Swedish model Victoria Silverstedt how she keeps her figure.

"It's good to have stress -- it keeps you thin. And wearing high heels and carrying heavy handbags" she said.

By that logic, we should drop about 10 pounds during Fashion Week.

— Julie Gordon

"Is Julia Stiles coming? Is the bringing a guest? When is she getting
here?" That's what we heard among the publicists backstage before the
Iodice show. Sadly, Julia never showed.

Guess she was too tired from the 10 a.m. Matthew Williamson show.

--Click here for photos of Julia Stiles at Matthew Williamson, and all the photos of celebrities at Fashion Week.

— Julie Gordon

Amanda Setton -- the manipulative, social-climbing Penelope on "Gossip
Girl" - says she's all about avoiding conflict.

"Penelope is vicious. She enjoys drama whereas I kind of like to keep away from it," she said at the Iodice show.

Regarding "GG" this season, she says, "There's tons of drama, lots of
interesting relationships. It's really heated this season."

So far, so true. Nate's sleeping with a married woman. Blair is dating said
woman's stepson. Said stepson's real identity was concealed when he met
Blair. Etc. Etc. Etc. Etc. Just like real life.

--Click here for photos from the Gossip Girl premiere party here in NYC

--Click here for photos from Gossip Girl season two

Click here for photos of Gossip Girl-inspired fashions.

— Julie Gordon

Three girls learned their lesson this morning: Don't try to sneak into
Fashion Week! The impossibly loud gigglers were ousted the second they
tried to worm their way into the Monique Lhuillier show. "We're not playing here, this
isn't kindergarten," warned a security guard.

— Julie Gordon

This is what three wannabe FW crashers missed at Monique Lhuillier. (Getty)

Miss USA poses with Luca Luca designer Raul Melgoza
Photo: Jemal Countess/WireImage.com

It’ll be a meeting of the tiaras today at Vivienne Tam’s evening show. According to sources, Miss USA Crystle Stewart, Miss USA Stevi Lauren and Miss Universe Kuara Thibana will be in the Tents for the Tam show. We chatted with Miss USA yesterday at the Luca Luca show. When asked what shows she was looking forward to seeing, she exclaimed, “Oh my god Luca Luca.” We sure Tam is up there, too.

—Jessie Pascoe

Photo: Paul Warner/WireImage.com

It might be humid and thundering today, but Julia Styles, Kelly Osbourne, Joy Bryant and Leigh Lezark appeared stylish and dry at Matthew Williamson. We’re going to add rain repellent to the long list of celebrity powers.

—Jessie Pascoe

We had some serious geographical confusion when we spotted the Boots booth inside the