Nordstrom at NYFW

Weigthless, flowy and beautifully pale

There is something new and different about Zac Posen for Spring ’09. Based on viewing the collection on style.com there seems to be less of his signature tailoring and more of weightless flowy silhouettes, and some delicate transparencies. There are some fun shapes and short hemlines, and plenty of folding and draping. Also, beautiful embellishments on sheaths: mix of gems and studs – fun contrasts. The collection is very feminine and the colors are soft, beautiful pales. When you check out his collection on style.com go to detail shots and check out this beautiful jeweled and metallic embroidered clutch – what a gem! Another non-garments aspect – the hair, oh I’m seriously flirting with the idea of hair extensions right now. Posen’s gowns are always iconic, as per the bridesmaids dresses in Sex and the City - the movie. I would have loved to see even more of them in his Spring collection. There’s a gown early in the line-up that I love, it’s a flowy and lightly layered leopard print. Other looks that truly spoke to me were the sweet pale pink knits, a pale gray mini suede skirt paired with a soft yellow cap sleeve blouse, and a hot crushed metallic draped mini. Zac’s collection is charming and feminine with quite a sexy theme. The sexiness is not only in the layered transparency of the leopard print, but also the hemlines of the minis, it’s a brave length – which reminds me that there’s a Pilates studio, literally, next door to my house.

Bacstage Beauty Spring 09 - Phillip Lim

To quote Jeffrey Kalinsky from his Phillip Lim video, he said the hair and makeup set the mood for the show and I would have to agree.  It ranked high on my list of favorites.  The overall look was called "National Geographic" and was created by Ayako, the makeup director for Nars cosmetics.  Days before every show the designer and the beauty team get together to work out the overall look.  They book a model and create the makeup and hair that will eventually make down the runway.  Here's her inspiration shots from Phillip along with the model photo and facechart from the makeup test. 

Aakyo kept referring to the make-up as gypsy, with lots of stains and really blended, no hard lines.  The main definition came from the eye liner which she mixed together to make a beautiful turquoise teal shade.  She used Kitty pencil which is a bright turquoise blue with a black one to make it more wearable, then lots of mascara to give it more depth.  Wow, these eyes standout.  This makeup was all about sheer layers and smudgy application.  In fact right in front of me she took the lipstick and smudge it on the cheeks, rubbed it onto lips, she even put it under the eyes. I love it when artist get ultra creative and just goes for it.  This look felt new for spring, shades that were more earthy than bright or pastel.  Bronzing tones, colors from the earth...Shrinagar, Grenadines and Capvert all new shades for spring 09 that will be a must on my list!

New Yorkers for Children Gala next week

Even though today is the last day of Fashion Week, I'm looking forward to attending a very fashionable event next  week.  Nordstrom is the lead sponsor of the New Yorkers for Children Ninth Annual Fall Gala. The Fall Gala is NYFC’s major fundraising event which raises significant funds to assist young people in foster care in New York City. Last year’s Gala raised nearly $2 million, and this year’s event is nearly sold out. The event will include cocktails, dinner and a special performance by Jimmy Fallon. Mariska Hargitay will be the evening’s special guest. Kevin Liles, the Executive Vice President of Warner Music Group, will be honored for his tireless work to promote education and inspire disadvantaged youth. And attendees are all in for a treat with a performance by Patti LaBelle.

Other notable expected guests include Julianne Moore, Kim Raver, Taylor Momsen, Julianna Margulies, Joy Bryant, Griffin Dunne and many more. Be sure to check out Style.com party coverage to see party pics.

Nordstrom is hosting a table at the event and several fashion VIPs will be our guests: Jack McCullogh and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler; Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte; and Ruben and Isabel Toledo. Nordstrom executives Jeffrey Kalinsky and Linda Finn are hosting the table. It should be a night to remember, benefitting a very worthy cause.

Project Runway Up Close

Being backstage at the Michael Kors show felt like being in an episode of Project Runway.  (love that show by the way.) The line of photographers waiting for interviews with the designer was all long as the line of models getting ready to strut down the catwalk.  It was fun to watch.  He's so full of energy and so gracious with his time, he really took a moment to connect with each of the reporters that waited so patiently to meet him.  Seeing Michael Kors in action you could tell he enjoys what he does and when you see his fashion, it shows...

Fashion friends

When I saw the red-soled shoes on Phillip Lim's runway, I thought immediately to myself: ahhh, Christian and Phillip worked together on the shoes.  And I thought readers might appreciate hearing about more of these fashion alliances.  Not all fashion designers have shoes, handbags, jewelry or hats in their collections, so they often work with the best designers in these categories to create accessories specifically for their fashion show. These fashion friends are often acknowledged in the run-of-show.

Here are some examples:

Narciso Rodriguez worked with shoe designer Edmundo Castillo for Sergio Ross.

Anna Sui worked with Ericson Beamon for jewelry as she has been for many, many years. James Coviello did Anna's knits and hats.

Phillip Lim worked with Christian Louboutin for shoes and Eddie Borgo for jewelry.

Vera Wang worked with Janis Savitt for jewelry.

Tracy Reese worked with Gerard Yosca for jewelry.

Vena Cava worked with Jill Platner for jewelry.

Thakoon worked with Manolo Blahnik for shoes.

Carolina Herrera also worked with Manolo Blahnik for shoes.

How I’d looove to observe all the conversations that take place during one of these collaborations.