Show Review: Baby Phat Fall 2009

While Adriana covered Tibi in the tents, I power walked down to the Baby Phat Fall 2009 show:

This time around Kimora ditched her usual Roseland Ballroom venue for the smaller, more recession friendly Gotham Hall. Admittedly, Roseland is usually a zoo, crushed with celebrities, editors, and fans--but it also typically has a vibrant energy that makes the Baby Phat show more of a party than a focused fashion event. As a former bank, Gotham Hall had a much more serious atmosphere, but no matter: without all the distractions we were left to focus on the clothes. Thankfully, Kimora put some work into offering interesting silhouettes and pieces real girls would unflinchingly wear.
For fall Kimora went for frills and lace for a girly flair...

..instead of looking cheap, the pieces offered an updated classic, Victorian sensibility that carried over to her reinterpretations of Chanel quilted bags and layered pearl necklaces:

While the lace and frills were fun, my favorite part of the show had to be the outerwear. Cute capes, wool toppers, plaid jackets, and fur collared tweeds cascaded down the runway in silhouettes that would work for anyone from a college girl on the go to a young professional in a funky creative industry...

While some options still looked like a juniors department nightmare with tie dye jeans and bedazzled t's...

Overall Kimora delivered a solid, wearable collection, upping the quality and ante for the Fall 2009 season.
After the show, I walked over to say hey to a few well known faces:
Teyana Taylor looked retro chic with a cute hat, hairdo, and fitting dress:


I said wassup to Ray J, who was putting his VH1 show on hold for the night:

Chit Chatted with my girl Monica about Atlanta and a few of her upcoming projects (Check out my interview with her here:)


And girl talked with Dwight from the Real Housewives of Atlanta!

He was working it in a fur coat and all white suit! No sightings of Nene or Sheree all fashion week, but Dwight was fab-u-lous, and working his outfit!
Yet again, a fun time at Baby Phat:

And of course, I caught the final walk for ya:

I love how 'My President is Black' was the song for the final walk. Very apropos for a show and a President that are all about business!

What do you think?

Bisous!

*Dress from Pieces Boutique, Necklace and Earrings by Jenny Dayco, Chanel 2.55 Quilted Evening Bag care of Avelle.

Interview: Monica at Baby Phat

Check this video to find out about Monica’s favorite designer brands and what she has on tap for the New Year!

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: Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2009 collection

This season, Diane von Furstenberg's collection transitioned easily from spring to fall. Continuing with the trend of dramatic headpieces, she went from floral headbands last season to pop-pom covered knit hats. Though black was seen throughout her collection as well as the collections of many others, this collection was filled with layering and vivid leopard print pieces...

There were a few sequin-laden pieces as well paired with cardigans and bold knit coats. And some looks weren’t complete without a bright colored clutch.

Leggings and long, tribal necklaces added a pop of color to the gray and darker hues of the collection.

Some of the pieces reflected the importance of comfort and glam, especially because of the Studio 54 kind of vibe I got from a few of the looks. The collection and music paid homage to the disco-era diva herself, Diana Ross, who was actually there, and gave Diane a hug at the end of the show! For more of the collection, click here.
I loved the collection!
How do you all feel about it?
~Vuitton

Show Review: Tracy Reese Fall 2009 Collection

Finally recovered from my transatlantic travels, I stopped into the Tracy Reese show to take in her Fall 2009 collection.

I along with a ton of fashion fanatics piled into Bryant Park's relatively tiny Salon...

There were barely enough seats to sit--Even Andre Leon Talley was left standing!

Finally the show began, and Tracy reinterpreted her signature pretty, uber feminine pieces for fall using a colorful palette of deep reds, purples, and turquoise...

While some of her looks were somewhat predictable--ruffles, lace, and frills--school girl chic also seemed to be the name of the game, with Reese amping up her lacey, brocade regulars with bits of edge witnessed in thigh high socks, skull caps, and librarian-esque readers...

Flashes of luxe elements like fur and sequins also appeared in this collection, making certain items perfect for the girl who isn't watching her pocketbook...

...perhaps why the front row was peppered with glitterati like Paris and Nicky Hilton, Kim Kardashian, and Solange Knowles.

I caught up with Kim Kardashian afterwards who looked stunning in a Tracy Reese strapless dress...

And also got a quick interview with Solange! Check it out here.

What did you think of the collection?

Bisous!

Necklace by Jenny Dayco, Makeup by GlamDLuxe.

Interview: Solange Knowles at Tracy Reese

I chit chatted with Solange Knowles at the Tracy Reese show to ask her about her style and a few of her fave designers.

She was super cool and down to earth!
What do you think?

Day 1: Fashion Week Real Style

Hey!
So the first day of Fashion Week was so exciting! My homie Charles and I dipped into the Cushnie & Ochs show, then hit up a few parties for Roberto Cavalli and Alexander McQueen.
I've got a couple videos and pix for Monday, but if you can't wait until then, some shots of Real Style:

So much fun!

Check back in for more Fashion Week fun:)
Bisous!

NYScene: Vogue and BMW Event

Fashion Week kicked off last night with a star-studded Vogue/BMW event and The Fashion Bomb was in the house, of course!I kicked it on the red carpet with loyal readers and Fashion Bombshells Pietrina and Joy, who were sporting some fierce, camera-ready Real Style.We even had us a lil' exercise in workin' the Top Model poses and faces! Inside, the action centered around this ultra-luxe, 7-series Beemer, which Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia's Editor-in-Chief, helped to design. I spotted quite a few celebs working the room, including FB favorites Joy Bryant, Chanel Iman, and Arlenis Sosa.Of course, I had to ask C. Iman about the new "Gossip Girl" scoop reported by our very own Vuitton. She shared that she's always looking to try her hand at new opportunities, and seemed really excited about striking a pose in front of the (TV) camera. You know we'll be tuning in!I also chatted with Chanel's mom, China Robinson(between Chanel and I, above), who often travels with Chanel and is enjoying seeing the world herself. Both mother and daughter were lovely as can be and it's clear where this top model gets her inner and outer glow from. And yes, that's none other than Fashion Bomb friend Ryan Leslie next to Chanel!One of the highlights of the evening was meeting the stunning Arlenis Sosa, one of my favorite models and a fellow Dominicana. We gabbed away in Spanish for quite a while on everything from the fittings she's doing for the shows to the goings-on in our native D.R. As sweet as she is gorgeous, I'm going to love watching her star continue to rise!
It couldn't have been a better kick-off.
Stay focused on The Fashion Bomb for continuing New York Fashion Week coverage this and next week!
~Adriana

Barbie + Black History Month + Contest = You at Fashion Week!

As we previously noted, 2009 marks Barbie's Golden Anniversary and even at 50, this number one stunna still turns the heads of young (and not so young!) divas everywhere! Did you know that some of Barbie's most iconic incarnations have been African-American-influenced?The "Julia" Barbie, based on Diahann Carroll and her sitcom of the same name...Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Barbie based, of course, on the legendary dance company...Pepper Barbie, one of several created as part of a collection by renowned African-American designer Byron Lars. Like Marie Antoinette meets Pam Grier--all kinds of fierce...Diana Ross Barbie by Bob Mackie, for which Ms. Ross provided an actual face sculpt...And Hard Rock Cafe Barbie, who's screaming for a matching Lenny Kravitz Ken doll ;-).
Makes you want to start collecting them again, no?

*CONTEST ALERT!*

Barbie's been influential in so many budding fashionistas's lives that it's no wonder designers lined up by the dozen when asked to offer their interpretations of this timeless fashion plate. Alexander Wang, Betsey Johnson, Tracy Reese, Catherine Malandrino, Baby Phat, Diane von Furstenburg, and Michael Kors are just *some* of the 50+ designers who will outfit Ms. B at her own special runway show in the tents at Bryant Park on Saturday, February 14 at 3:00 p.m. during New York Fashion Week...and you and a friend can be there to see it all, courtesy of our friends at American Express!AmEx will give two seats to Barbie's 50th Anniversary Runway Show to one lucky Fashion Bomb reader!
The first person to tell us Barbie's full real name wins the golden tickets. E-mail us at thefashionbombcontest@gmail.com with your answers!
See you in the tents!
~Adri
*Sorry but this contest is open only to Fashion Bombshells within commuting distance of NYC!

*We have a winner!*

Courtney from New Jersey is headed to the tents for guessing correctly that Barbie's real name is Barbara Millicent Roberts! Thanks to everyone who played!
~Adriana
*Thanks to Angelic Dreamz for the images!