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Best of 2008: Fabulous Fashion Week Shows

FabSugar — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:30:08 -0800

2008 spawned a tremendous flurry of fabulous Fashion Week shows. Let's see, there were New York Fall and Spring shows, Milan Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and LA Fashion Week. Oh, and don't forget all of the ravishing Resort and Pre-Fall collections. Some of my faves were Proenza Schouler's Fall line, Alexander Wang's Spring offerings, and Balmain's Spring collection in Paris. All different, all divine. Which were your favorites? Jog your memory, and check out all of our 2008 Fashion Week coverage.

To see the rest of our Fashion Week coverage, read more

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Shipley & Halmos

FabSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:00:22 -0800

The former designers of Trovata debuted their first collection for Shipley & Palmos at New York Fashion Week, and I for one was impressed.

Highly wearable and modern, these well-tailored pieces feel fresh. At a time when so many designers don't know when to simplify their creations - I'm looking at you Project Runway contenders! - these designs, for men and women, seem just right.

Smart jackets, tulip skirts, and everyday blouses walked through a surreal door stage. A couple colors, plum and canary yellow, provided some pop, while an ivory and black paisley print was whimsy. The simple dresses were the perfect backdrop for some standout jewels. I'm keeping my eyes on these California boys . . .

Click here to see a cool video of the men at work.

For more Shipley & Halmos, read more

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Jenni Kayne

FabSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:00:22 -0800

Olsen pal Jenni Kayne brings a piece of LA to the New York scene - and I, for one, am glad she does. Her Fall collection is a nice balance of grunge-inspired plaids, fine tuned menswear pieces, and maxi-length feminine skirts and dresses.

Prints and bright hues are sparse, but when they do show up, the leopard, fuchsia, patchwork, and yellow all work to great effect. Below the knee pencil skirts, sheaths, fur trim, and neutral colors reflect the '40s era Jenni was influenced by.

Now imagine walking through the presentation to a classical orchestra playing Nirvana. That, my friends, is a great example of how Jenni effortlessly mixes the classic with the modern.

To see more Jenni Kayne Fall, read more

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Lyn Devon and Exclusive Designer Interview!

FabSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:00:22 -0800

Lyn Devon is a new-found Fab friend who let us in on her inspiration and fabric-tweaking techniques at New York Fashion Week. She started her design house in 2005 where her artful designs have won accolades - including the 2007 Fashion Group International "Rising Star Award" in Women's Ready to Wear. Oh, and she previously worked at Zac Posen and Ralph Lauren. Fans include Sarah Jessica Parker, Mena Suvari, and yours truly. Take a look at her Fall collection: A futuristic approach to Medieval armor, and read all about it below!

Why don’t you tell me a bit about inspiration.

This season I started with armor. A warrior. An artful, independent spirit - which is always my muse. I really wanted to play with the idea of hard and soft and having these structural elements but keeping it feminine and really contoured to the body. I definitely brought it closer to the body this season. I was feeling sexy.

Which is your favorite look from the collection?

I’m really excited about the navy shirtdress. It’s simple but tailored to the body and has this interesting detail. We used this technique: We sliced away the fabric and then inserted borders underneath so if you look up close you see these slices, these different sections on the body. I love to play with lines on the body. This particular dress we encrusted with an armor of Swarovski crystals.

To read the rest of my interview and to see more looks from Lyn, read more

What about the fabrics and materials you used?

I’ve used a stretch file that is really amazing because it holds shape very well. The A-line shape is one of the silhouettes I was working with, in addition to the very fitted silhouettes. I used a chinced wool that has this hard armor-like sheen to it but at the same time it’s really soft. This blanket wool that has a protective feeling. Some great jerseys and crepe wool, which allowed me to contour to the body but in an effortless way.

It’s true: The clothes may be armor but they don’t look stiff.

I always embrace effortlessness. There’s definitely that play of trying to create a tough elegance but always making it wearable and modern.

What’s next?!

I’m thinking Cuba - I might take a trip there. I want to keep it sultry and sexy. I just bought a book about Cuba and you’ll see something slightly less constructed.

What one item of clothing should every woman have in her closet?

Definitely a little black dress. The one from my Fall collection; it holds you in, you can wear it with boots or heels. That’s my little black dress of the season.

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Donna Karan

FabSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:00:22 -0800

Keeping with Fall's traditionally dim color palette, Donna delved deep into dark territories. The designer's love of long, flowy dresses, however, remained. Chanel Iman, Lily Donaldson, and Catherine McNeil sashayed down the runway with much gusto in their ruched gowns in deep red, copper, black, and olive. Powerful coats in brocade, feathers, and satin styled followed. Though kept to a bare minimum, some glitter and sequins appeared on berets and clothes. Fall's Donna Karan woman is serious and knows how to power dress.

For more Donna Karan, read more

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Bill Blass

FabSugar — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:00:22 -0800

Electric blue fur, perfectly voluminous cocktail dresses, intense plumage . . . don't make it stop!

Ladies and gents, I do believe Peter Som has come into his own at the house of Bill Blass. No longer just for ladies who lunch - though they will appreciate the grey metallic separates and luxe pant suits - this collection is simply fabulous.

I have been won over by the black and white florals, sculptural craftsmanship, and sexy tailored vests And the colors: A fun mix of black, white, grey and pops of glam rockin' cobalt, teal, and plum. Are you loving this as much as me?!

For more Fall Bill Blass, including a video, read more

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Brian Reyes

FabSugar — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 08:30:22 -0800

It's safe to say that Brian Reyes' recurring fashion week nightmares didn't come to fruition - in fact, his show proceeded quite smoothly. Reyes, who started out under Oscar de la Renta's wing, is honing his name as designer to the sleek and chic.

Taffeta trenches, skirts, and dresses were patterned after Reyes' inspiration: the curving lines of topographical maps. Funky jewelry adorned necks, heads, and ears, and earth tones ruled the color scheme, aside from a cameo of fuchsia or cerulean.

The label's strength always lies in the dresses, and in this collection, there were plenty to choose from. That flaked silver metallic number? Definitely less like a nightmare, more like a dream.

To see more from Brian Reyes, read more

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Marc Jacobs

FabSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:11:31 -0800

Leave it to Marc Jacobs to go pastel for Fall. You will not see your expected chocolate brown, plum or teal on this runway. You will see icey neutrals, a couple metallics and pastels. Does this sound a bit Calvin Klein to you? Read on.

For Spring Marc spoke of sensuality, Fall is quite the opposite. Women, looking slightly like men, were boxy, sporty and simple. Though, they were refined and comfortable. Never one to follow trends, but rather set them, I don't know if looking like a box is one trend I want to follow . . .

Not a belt in sight, cocoon-like shapes gave way to cropped pants, collared shirts and v-neck sweaters. Dropped hemlines took things low, while shoulders remained a focal point. There was a bright bag here and there, but I was slightly distracted by the Jazzercise headbands. Can we go back to dressing like women, please?

To see more from Marc's Fall collection, read more

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2008 Fall New York Fashion Week Fabionistas, Part 2

FabSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:00:22 -0800

It's time to serve up round two of the best-dressed editors, stylists, models, and socialites making the rounds this week at New York Fashion Week. Are you ready? It's like having a front-row seat at a fashion show, but in the comfort of your own home. Sort of. I've got Rachel Zoe, Taylor Momsen, and Chloë Sevigny at her Opening Ceremony bash (left). To see who else made the cut, you'll have to see for yourself . . .

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: Rebecca Taylor

FabSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:00:22 -0800

I think every runway should be glittered in gold. Maybe that's why some fashion-loving females, including Amy Smart and Carmen Electra, were in attendance. Though, the collection was really fit for Kate Hudson and her moody bohemian ways . . .

Florals were present, but somewhat tame and morbid. Ruffles, billowy dresses, lace, and glittery belts kept things very feminine, very Rebecca Taylor. Boyfriend sweaters and shearling vests were the only masculine pieces here; they were quite cute. You know I love me some leopard, the mix of moody florals and animal print really buttered my bread. Something already on my Fall wish list: the black-on-black leopard print coat. To die.

What was up with the model who had a shoe problem so she decided to just take off her heels and tippy toe the rest of the runway? Oh those silly pretty girls.

For more Rebecca Taylor, plus a video, read more

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