Fashion Week; Spring '10

Last year, I was a virgin to the Fashion Week frenzy. I'd had to travel down from my school upstate. I was amazed by the fashions around me, the display in the middle, I was even excited just to be standing on the lines. This year, I was excited to be there but I took it like a pro; in and out! I went to Vessel by Lois; which was set up in a building surrounded by warehouses, construction and the club, Mansion. I also attended Ports1961, Tibi and Toni Francesc; all under the tents.

The display under the tents was a set up of luggage by MCM. They're an old leather goods company that has sprung back into the fashion world. There was a small thing on them in NYLON's newest issue about their purses. The other day, my friend bought a wallet made by them at a consignment shop. Looks like someone missed the fashion curve! Oh well, one mans trash is another mans treasure, and MCM looked like the makings of a fabulous treasure chest at Fashion Week.

For Vessel, I was given back stage access and spoke with the make-up director and the hair stylist who explained that in paired with such androgynous collection, Lois, the model turned designer, wanted the look to be relaxed and natural. All the pieces seemed very male-inspired: Down to the shoes. It was very tailored and very conservative. I also happened to see Malik Yoba and snack on mini beef patties.

Ports 1961 was an ethereal collection. It held a very tranquil presence with iridescent pastels, cremes, and whites. There were plenty of draped backs, cinched waists, soft materials and roomy pieces.

Tibi was my favorite, by far. The collection was quite colorful, very fun, and perfect for the season. There was wide variety of silhouettes and details: lots of one-shoulder's; silky loose short shorts; ruffles, flowers and adornments stitching. Chrisette Michelle was in attendance, as well as Jade from America's Next Top Model and Amerie.

Toni Francesc was called Waters Mood and it stayed true to it's name. When it wasn't moody with structured silhouettes, fierceness, origami designs and tight to the body, it was flowing and flirty like water. I was a little bored at this show but it there were some amazing and interesting pieces.

It seems this year trends are hinting at hard and soft: origami, lots of structure but still flowing skirts and draped backs. I love that color is popping up this year: maybe this means we're heading out of this economic "depression". There was still a lot of men's-wear inspired clothes, from Lois' androgynous collection to Ports 1961's take on pegleg pants. But this has been going on since the 20's and I doubt it's going anywhere.

Well, that was my Fashion Week. Here's what I wore the last day.

Lovingly, In AWord Intern.

Full Figured Fashion Week hits NYC

On June 25-27, 2009, New York City history will be made! The fashion week experience will finally be focused on the super sexy curvy girls of the world! And with 40 million women over size 14 in America alone, spending $25 billion a year on clothing, I'd say it's about time. Produced by DeVoe Signature Events, Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek) will debut with a series of social events specifically showcasing "real size" designs, designers, retailers, local boutiques and models.

Come out and network with over 1500 plus size fashion enthusiasts, style mavens, vendors and press during this highly anticipated three-day fashion extravaganza!

Miss Kim Coles will be hosting the finale runway event, to be held at 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 27th at the Prince George Ballroom, NYC. Get all the details at http://www.fffweek.com/. See you there!

Christian Siriano for Payless

Photo: Imaxtree

Have you heard? Project Runway winner Christian Siriano has collaborated with Payless (one of my guiltiest pleasures) for his first-ever footwear and handbag collection, Christian Siriano for Payless.

Christian debuted his line of Cleopatra-inspired footwear and bags at his show during NY Fashion Week and from the looks of it, the collection will be amazing! The lush line combines a color palette of uber-rich chocolates, shimmering gold (check out the cone heels!) and printed aqua satin with hard rock details like spikes, chains, and studs.

All of this and more will be available beginning in September exclusively in Payless stores and on Payless.com for $25 to $45.

Recession-proof pricing!

New York Fashion Week F/W '09: Party at the Plaza

So after the first night's shenanigans in the Tents, it was off to the Plaza for the ARISE afterparty. We stepped out of the taxi and I fell in love on the spot with fashion designer, LaQuan Smith, who was working the Louboutins like nobody's business! Is he serious?

As sickle cell! The jewels, the scarf, the sequin...I can't with him. Honey, you better work.

Stepping out of the elevator, we crossed paths with Farnsworth Bentley, who is surprisingly pretty tall in person and was nice enough to stop for a swaggalicious pic. Yes, I approve.

Estelle showed up a short time later in a classic black trench. After we complimented each other on our twin haircuts, I took this quick snap.

The fabulously freckled model, Stacey McKenzie, posed for a pic after walking in the show earlier. Super cool chick, man.

Precious.

I need everyone to know that it was not this cold! But clearly, oversized scarves and fur were required attire. Brother man was definitely doing his thing. At this point, I had thoroughly zsjushed the entire party, drank my fair share of free cocktails and had too many passed hors d'oeuvres and as soon as I said to someone, "Isn't Solange supposed to be performing?" she appeared!

Yes, Miss Solange and the Hadley Street Dreams were in the building!


She looked super cute, no?

Especially her legs. They looked amazing in those shoes!

Mama was having throat issues, and kept some hot tea on hand. She informed us that the doctor gave her a shot in the booty, but it hadn't kicked in quite yet. Still, she sounded pretty good.





The crowd was too mellow for Miss Solo Star so she decided to come down and dance among the chilrun for her final song, "I Decided." Before I knew it, I turned into a pumpkin (the last train to Jersey damn near left me) and I had to skate!

Stay tuned for the rest of my New York Fashion Week posts...coming soooon!

New York Fashion Week F/W '09: ARISE African Fashion Collective

GRAAAACE!!!!! This is exactly what my insides were screaming during the ThisDay ARISE African Fashion Collective show during Fashion Week. It all started with a freaky fun video featuring Ms. Jones herself, followed by four separate shows by rising African stars in the fashion world: Xuly.Bet by Lamine Badian Kouyaté, Tiffany Amber by Folake Folarin-Coker, Stoned Cherrie by Nkhensani Nkosi, and Momo by Fati Asibelua. ARISE is a global style and culture mag dedicated to African achievement, music, business and politics.

Malian designer, Lamine Badian Kouyaté for Xuly.Bet, was up first, displaying a grunge/rock edge to his African-influenced designs. Fitted pantsuits, oversized scarves and skintight leather looks were the highlights. Liya Kebede started the show in his velvet pantsuit...

...hot girl Stacey McKenzie weeerked his mini dress...

...and Alec Wek and Tyson Beckford shut it down when they walked the runway together! The crowd went crazy.

Guerilla digicam shot

And just when you thought it was over, Grace muthafluffin Jones walked out and I almost lost it...

...and so did everyone else!

Now that we were all thoroughly amped, Nigeria's Tiffany Amber was ready to show her collection of easy breezy dresses in bright fabrics that seemed to float down the runway. There was an elegance to the collection, which included traditional Ankara fabrics, like the one worn by Chanel Iman.

I especially loved the braided hair, fit for royalty.

This dress was accented by strands of freshwater pearls!

The plunging Ankara ruffled neckline and violet color made this gown one of my favorites.

Next up was Stoned Cherrie's tribute to Miriam Makeba. Exuding color and expert craftsmanship, the highlights were blouson blouses, pencil skirts and feminine dresses.




This sunset orange ombré dress worn on Alex Wek was a standout.

Finally, Momo's collection displayed The Mosaic of Africa. After such a fun and exciting show, Momo was kind of a downer. Super simple and understatedly uniform, it felt to me like the same pattern with alternating animal print...again and again. Bummer.




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