Lights, camera, fashion! Twice a year, celebrities and trendsetters swarm the tents at NYC’s Bryant Park for a first glimpse of the new and the next. With star-studded parties, exciting debuts and more showings than ever, Spring/Summer 2009 collection was off to an incredible start. The theme? Good girl versus bad girl with one universal message–elegant ease.
On the good girl’s side, sheer fabrics emerged as the new springtime staple at Diane von Furstenberg, where wispy dresses and harem pants floated down the runway. The Greek goddess-theme continued its reign at Max Azria in draped dresses and one-shoulder necklines. Florals blossomed and watercolors streamed their way into collections such as Erin Fetherston and Jenni Kayne. But when good girls go bad, it’s all about being comfortable in their own skins. Leathered looks stormed the catwalk at Rock & Republic and even made an appearance at Tracy Reese in a brilliant lace-and-leather number. Herve Leger went dangerously sexy in his signature bold bandage dresses and debuted swimwear with provocative cutouts.
There was so much to celebrate this week. Not only did Tracy Reese debut her upscale Black Label line of romantic party dresses and breathtaking gowns, but DKNY celebrated its twentieth anniversary with 80’s inspired separates for the city-girl-on-the-go. Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend threw a party for rapper/actor, Andre 3000, to celebrate Benjamin Bixby, his eclectic, 30’s-inspired line of varsity sweaters, checked knickers and cropped jeans. This year marked the fifth anniversary of Fashion Rocks, where music and fashion converged for one night of unbelievably, sexy fun. Rihanna wore a spellbinding Zac Posen gown while Beyonce accessorized her LBD (little, black dress) with an Lorraine Schwartz 18-carat, diamond wedding ring to the awe of fashionistas everywhere. To end the week on an extravagant note, designer Kimora Lee Simmons threw the mother of all dinner parties at The Plaza Hotel to celebrate a decade of Baby Phat fashions. Guests included Simmon’s boyfriend, actor Djimon Honsou, Serena Williams, Carmelo Anthony, Rev. Al Sharpton. Fabulosity indeed.
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