Fresh-faced Designers: A Review from Fall 2009 Fashion Week

It was all about the 1960s at the fall 2009 collection for Propr. Funny men and novice designers, David Arquette and Ben Harper first launched the line in the fall of 2008; it has since become a favorite amongst celebrities like former model, Cindy Crawford and actress Isla Fisher.

For the fall 2009 collection, both designers opted to spotlight vintage inspired menswear and classic, ready-to-wear pieces for women. Similar to the premier line, the design aesthetic yielded a casual sense of comfort. Although, this time around, layering played a huge part. We loved the understated use of plush ponchos and cardigans.

Given the collections emphasis on classic silhouettes, mixed textures gave each piece a respectable modernity. While, pleated detailing and awesome plaid patterns made the earthy collection a visual standout. ESSENCE.com caught up with the lead Avon hairstylist, Allen Ruiz on how he created the look for the collection.

“The designers really wanted to take the best and enhance it. It’s a very organic way of doing a show. They wanted the individual person to come out. Natural beauty: I think that’s a great trend.”

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Fresh-faced designers Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim (see Dynamic Design Duo) unveiled the premier collection from Mataano at Artistic Tile this past fashion week. The Somali-American twins featured a polished and elegant ensemble. Sill, both designers took risks where it counts. The clean collection showed keen detail to the female physique, making each item all the more classic. The designers’ use of crushed velvet and tulle underlay dallied about the dramatic line, but who doesn’t love a little drama?

Just when you become accustom to the collection’s 1920s starlet glamour (for all its gowns and chic frocks), in pops a retro jumpsuit, no less elegant, to highlight the breadth of the collection. The two doe-eyed designers even designed a navy “Michelle Obama” grecian inspired gown, truly a red carpet eye-popper. “Our dream is for us to actually get Michelle Obama to wear it,” the twins gushed. The pair certainly does have big dreams, but none that a few pins, needles and a runway can’t fulfill.