DAILY TREND SPOTTING & More: Were you spotted?

photos courtesy of: coutorture media

September 14, 2006—I’ve been waiting all week to attend the Badgley Mischka show. There’s something about a fabulous gown that makes a gal feel like a princess. And, should one need a Red-Carpet-ready gown or a knockout cocktail dress, these are the men to turn to for help. Attendees at today’s show were treated to a dazzling display of chiffon gowns, silk organza dresses and some cotton lace dresses. With soft fabrics, and toned down shades like ivory, mist, blush pink, and buttermilk, everything had an ethereal quality. Even the metallics were subdued, not the gaudy 80’s gold we’ve seen in past seasons.

As for the bags, python, python, python! From silver satchels and bronze handbags to midnight blue clutched, python was the skin of choice. With it’s luxe appeal and timeless elegance, this is one look you’ll want to invest in.

A full report on the Badgley Mischka handbag line will be up soon.

photos courtesy of: coutorture media

September 14, 2006—Opening with music from The Nutcracker, Vera Wang’s presentation – from colors choice to music – was soft and somber. The palette consisted of muted black, grays, ivory, and nudes, with a hint of midnight blue. Layering of silk-satin and chiffon separates mixed with cocktail dresses and evening gowns. As with other shows, there was a play on volume with fitted tops and bubble skirts.

September 12, 2006—For Spring 2007, Betsey Johnson’s gals look like Little Bow Peeps without their sheep. With curled hair, pale skin and matte poppy-red lips, the models strutted down the catwalk looking like little cherubs heading off to a glamorous picnic. Polka dots of red, grey and green appeared on dresses, tops and bathing suits. It was a very 1940’s, kept housewife look, right down to the cut of the dresses (fitted at the top and bubble at the bottom) and the high-waist bikini bottoms. As with other shows this week, pleating made an appearance – I sense a trend coming.

The show was youthful, fun and very Betsy. As always, the show closed with Ms. B’s trademark cartwheel. This year, she also danced with Patricia Field and coddled her new grandchild (the inspiration for the collection) down the runway.

check out our behind-the-scenes coverage before the show began!

September 12, 2006—Stretchy, warm weather dresses and sexy bikinis strolled along a waiting pool at the Great Jones Spa. The atmosphere was relaxing and set the stage for a laid-back collection.

photos courtesy of: coutorture media

September 11, 2006—When I think of Oscar de la Renta, my mind wonders to thoughts of bubble skirts, glamorous gowns and SJP in the last episode of Sex and the City – you remember her on the bed in a cloud of layered heather gray and blue tulle! For Spring 2007, expect fabulous cocktail dresses in primary colors – red, blue and yellow – with scoop, deep-V and heart-shape necklines. The knock out look was a vibrant yellow ball gown with a gigantic print along the hem.

The Bags: It seems that bigger is still better, as oversized totes rain supreme. More notes to come soon!- Pamela Pekerman

photos courtesy of: coutorture media

September 11, 2006—On Episode 5 of Project Runway, Robert attempted to modernize Jackie O’s iconic style. While he failed, with her Spring-Summer 07 collect, Carolina Herrera does manages to update the former First Lady’s penchant for tailored, classic silhouettes. A khaki, button-down shirtdress is modernized with a thick belt worn at the waist. A business-casual-ready poppy red top was belted and paired with crème eyelet pants. The color palette was mostly black, white, khaki and grey with variations of red sprinkled into the fashion pot.- Pamela Pekerman

September 10, 2006—Diane von Furstenberg was the show this weekend, and the queen of the wrap dress did not disappoint. In front of a chic crowd, predominantly clad in DVF, loose summer dresses in bold shades of poppy, kelly green, gold and fuchsia paraded down the runway. Solid-color wrap dresses mixed with geometric print tops and quirky looks like a cocoon coat with spotted frog leggings and a ladybug dress (the later was truly adorable). The animals are a nod to the Garden of Eden and Eve, DVF’s inspiration for the collection. “All About Eve! celebrates the metamorphosis of woman from nature into being… the birth of femininity.” The runway was a story from earth tons, to animals and finally the goddess within each woman. Fittingly, the show closed in royal fashion with a crystallized python lame tunic that will be a hot look at glamorous poolside’s from the Hamptons to Palm Springs.

The highlight: a gold jersey coat dress – pair it with a fabulous chocolate envelope clutch from Lambertson Truex’ Spring/Summer 07 collection.- Pamela Pekerman

photos courtesy of: beautyaddict

September 10, 2006—It’s difficult to loosen up the fashion elite and get them to smile during a fashion show, but Tracy Reese managed to do just that. Beginning the show with a sensual tango, with dancers provided by Empire Dance, the mood was set for a fashionable escape into hot Latin nights. There was a lot of eyelet, fly-away dresses and blouses, ruching, minis and empire dresses. Colors were muted and feminine - slate, mustard, mauve, hazelnut, rose, black and white. Fabric flowed with billowing tops and bubble dresses, making me covet an immediate transition from the rigid, structure of fall.

PS We'll be doing a whole feature on Tracy Reese’s burgeoning handbag line, after fashion week! Stay toned and be the first Bagista on the block with the bag-a-licious scoop.- Pamela Pekerman

photos courtesy of: beautyaddict

September 10, 2006—After fall’s strict lines and tailoring, designers are gravitating towards playful movement. Gustavo Arango, a Puerto Rican-based designer, interpreted this trend (at least I think it will devolve into a trend) in his own luxurious way by, crinkling silk organza and pleating chiffon. The results are glamorous daytime separates and evening gowns that have bounce with every step. The showstopper was a sunrise orange (an AMAZING color!) silk organza hemstitched silk chiffon gown that can be worn on the red carpet or a flamenco festival! Olay!- Pamela Pekerman

September 9, 2006—East meets West in Anand Jon’s Spring 2007 collection, titled “Jeanisis”. Jon’s work can best be described as a fusion of urban street style and Bollywood glamour; think P. Diddy's Sean John with a Bollywood flair. Despite Jon's popularity amongst the social elite, his Spring '07 collection failed to impress.

The collection consisted of beaded tops paired with ill-fitting denim separates; sequined caftans; and glitzy evening dresses. The pieces that fused Indian culture with urban glam were undoubtedly the standouts. Bollywood influence could be seen in sheer beaded caftans, delicate lace tops, and a beautifully embroidered sari-like skirt.

High Point: the shirtless duo of male models, featuring Vinci from the MTV reality show 8th and Ocean. Vinci's washboard abs instantly perked up disinterested audience members (myself included), and ironically, all they wore were faded jeans.

Celebrity Attendees: Project Runway’s Tim Gunn, and Paris Hilton imposter Natalie Reid. - Niki Khindri

September 9, 2006—Terexov by Alexander Terekhov made its Olympus Fashion Week debut today. The Russian designer wowed the fashion elite with silk-satin gowns in iridescent gold, white, black, pale pink, mint green and heather gray. With billowing sleeves and matching belts wrapped at the waist, they have a sexy 70’s vibe and could easily double as uber-chic robes! Throwing into the mix, for good company, were a handful of wrap dresses, asymmetrical dresses and layering of chiffon. - Pamela Pekerman

September 9, 2006

September 9, 2006—Influenced by the art deco movement of the 1920’s, Sass & Bide’s Spring-Summer 2007 gals were clad in geometric patterns, including an exclusive black and metallic ‘scaling the fence’ fabric. With defined piping and intricate décolletages and backsides, the models looked like architecturally-sculpted building. If you can envision the Empire State Building as a human being, that is what the first half of he show looked like. Thrown in were a mix of gathered tops (a Sass & Bide staple) that were often synched with a magnificent rope belt (toggles and all), or paired with heather-gray leggings..- Pamela Pekerman

September 9, 2006—Dragana Ognjenovic’s Spring-Summer 2007 palette of pale pink, vanilla and muted black appeared in linen and chiffon. Pleating was the theme, as hints of gathered fabric appeared on pants, shorts, dresses and jackets. It was the detailing of the pleating, the variations and the surprising placements that wowed the crowd. A beige window-pleated jacket over panna pants was a highlight, as was a wrap top paired with a 197-ruffle skirt – yes, it probably has 197 ruffles! - Pamela Pekerman

September 8, 2006—From a NYC point-of-view, Fiandaca missed the mark. It was cowgirl meets princess with an overdose of fringe that bordered on tacky. On a positive note: the collection included a range of polka dot chiffon dresses that gave off an air of Parisian charm to the tune of "These boots were made for walking" blasting in French. – Pamela Pekerman

September 8, 2006—At Marc Bouwer, jet set-chic and old-hollywood glam fused to create a perfect St. Tropez-themed collection. The gowns - longtime red-carpet favorites - once again proved their golden-statue status with a collection of black and white graphic prints, Marilyn-Monroe- influenced laces, and tropical-colored satins. Bouwer's swimsuit line completed the collection, repeating a sophistication and elegance that only he could achieve.

With Ivana Trump in the front row, it was at times easy to regress to a Lilly-Pulitzer-like mindset - neon hues and all. But in the end, Bouwer's classy collection had something for everyone - from the starlet, to the glamour queen, and even to the 1st Mrs. Trump. - Niki Khindri

September 8, 2006—Celebrating its 50th year in the swimwear industry, Gottex presented a spectacular collection ranging from halter bikinis with dashes of vibrant fuchsia to dangerously-sexy one-pieces with twisted black and red ribbon detailing along the side – not much for the imagination with the latter. I loved the “Gold Lace,” “Net Gold,” “Athena” “Odyssey” and “Goddess” collections for their opulence and luxury. One white, ruched bikini with a gold triangle between the breasts, is an ideal choice for your next vacation in Croatia or Marbella – the boy shorts bottom is great for hiding some extra, well, extra!

Some fun facts on Gottex:
**Gottex is an Israel company founded by Lea and Armin Goutlieb, who fled from Hungry during WWII.
**Gottex is the first swimwear brand to adopt Lycra blend fabrics! – Pamela Pekerman

See you tomorrow!!