Show Review: Tibi Fall 2009

Last night at Tibi, the Disco era met Moscow, as Amy Smilvoc's fall offerings came from Russia with love, and included a few references to late '70s/early '80s Halston.

Lively prints with elements of Russian folk patterns and dramatic fur Cossack hats peppered the ensembles, which didn't much deviate from Tibi's usual modern-femme sensiblity.

Smilovic continues to be influenced by her travels abroad (for the Spring '09 collection, it was Hong Kong), which is fitting for the target Tibi customer: jet-setting socialista.

My absolute favorite piece of the line was a sunshine-yellow frock with split shoulders and intricate jet beading (above, far right). The fur muffs were a bit of a costumey touch, as I felt the dresses stood out well enough on their own.

Sweetheart necklines and black trousers in varying silhouettes also made an appearance.

I'm usually pleasantly pleased with Tibi and this time was no exception. While the clothes weren't groundbreaking, there's a consistent stylishness about their designs that solidifies their place as a solid contemporary mainstay.
~Adri

Show Review: William Rast Fall 2009

Monday night's last showing in the tents was one of the week's most anticipated: the Justin Timberlake-helmed William Rast.

The speakers blared rock and blues classics as a modern, artistic rendering of the American flag provided the backdrop for the runway. Apt dressing for a show that offered reinterpretations of American classics such as motorcycle jackets and, of course, denim.

As expected, tons of celebs populated the front row; I snapped Nicky and Paris Hilton, Anna Wintour, Justin's former N*SYNC bandmate JC Chasez, and MTV V-jay Damien Fahey with his girlfriend, up-and-coming fashionista Grasie Mercedes, before the lights went down.

When they came back up and the show started, however, the collection wasn't as glittering as its audience, unfortunately. New takes on old favorites can be exciting but the pieces here lacked innovation and originality. The influence of the American experience was clear, and elements of Western, Native American, '80s Conspicuous Consumption, and '60s Hippie style were evident, yet it felt like a warmed over mashup of fads that made you wince rather than feel nostalgic or inspired.

The men's collection included some slightly better offerings (and some clear James Dean channeling), and maybe focusing on menswear is where Rast's best prospects for the future lie, especially in an already saturated women's denim market where market-share and competition are fierce.

After JT took his bow, the fashionable took theirs, too, and called it a night at the tents!
~Adri

Show Review: Alice + Olivia Fall 2009

Alice + Olivia's evening show yesterday was, so far, one of the highlights of Fashion Week for me.

The event was a crush as the fashionable turned out for a glimpse of Stacy Bendet's art gallery-inspired presentation of her Fall 2009 collection.

As a friend says, the beauty of Alice+Olivia is the diversity of the line: mod, feminine, edgy, demure, and sexy can coexist in the same collection and still feel cohesive. The Fall '09 line is similarly styled, with influences ranging from everything including preppy, punk, the 1950s, and contemporary rock-glam.

I loved the animal prints, especially the embellished, Zebra-print jacket on the left--very Jackie O. meets Patricia Field!

One of the most innovative parts of the presentation was the use of photos mixed with real-life details, like the above ruffle superimposed on the photo of its corresponding dress. The same was done with zippers, bows, and handbags.

These puppet-like mannequins added a touch of whimsy and quirk.

I ran into the divine Bevy Smith, Fashion Bomb friend and style-maven-about-town!

And also kicked it with songstress Chrisette Michelle, who's doing the rounds this fashion week. C. Michelle and I did our best to imitate the fierce A+O model poses.

The fabulous Jerome Lamaar, formerly of Baby Phat, was on the scene, too, sporting some vintage Baby Phat fashion jewelry.

I also caught glimpses of Kim and Khloe Kardashian but it was too crowded to even make my way over to them.

Overall, a great showing and good times had by all.
~Adriana