What if they thought it was overwhelmingly retro or lacked sophistication? Was it not chic enough? Did I not take adequate risk? These were undeniably only a sample of questions that ran through the minds of countless leading fashion desigers around the globe just a few days ago as the spring 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was launched in New York City. Although 2008 has yet to say its final farewell, the fashion arena is continuously racing ahead of time, as blends of urbane, quirky, and sometimes questionable collections will grace the runways of approximately 152 fashion weeks by the end of early November. Fashion week, which originated in NYC in 1943 to divert the rest of the world's attention from French fashion shows, has now evolved into an international showcase for myriad distinguished and famed designers. Nevertheless, the Big Apple still effectively maintains its highly desired reputation of being a major fashion capital, along with Milan, Paris, and London.
Kick-starting NYC's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week on Sept. 5 were shows by Jason Wu, BCBG Max Azria, Rag & Bone, and Erin Fetherston. The highlight of the first day was indubitably Wu's collection, consisting of an array of gowns and colorful separates. As an up-and-coming designer, he successfully incorporated some black-and-white tapestry prints targeting a younger audience. By Day 4, fashionistas hungering for more runway shows were treated to the works of Marc Jacobs and Carolina Herrera. Jacobs' collection featured many layered looks with wide-cut pants, tailored jackets, and chunky bangles and necklaces to top off the attires. Herrera certainly satisfied the voracious appetites of the fashion gurus with her impeccably crafted and detailed gowns, ready for stars like Renee Zellweger to show off at the next red carpet event.
The silhouettes presented by Michael Kors seemed to be made more for a summer collection than spring one. His all-American looks integrated a bright palette of red, blue, and white stripes, polka dots, and plaids. Although it was a classic collection, it was too conventional for the always-changing fashion scene. Oscar de la Renta, a fashion favorite, hardly disappointed with edgy ensembles of ivory white skirts and classy party garments, coupled with chic accessories of layered necklaces, oversized sunglasses, and brightly colored totes and clutches. Other runway hits were produced by Calvin Klein with angled, modish, and futuristic dresses, as well as Rebecca Taylor's clean-cut, hippie-style garments, which blended smoothly with the peep-toe booties the models paraded down the runway in.
Other impressive collections were created by Zac Posen, Donna Karan, and Vera Wang. Ralph Lauren disappointingly constructed a well-made but predictable collection inspired by a safari theme. Concluding the Spring 2009 New York fashion week were Badgley Mischka and finalists from the hit show Project Runway. Overall, the NYC Fashion Week ended with high praise for almost all the designers. Next up, London, Milan, and Paris will take control of the fashion reins and present their most elite designers and collections at their own fashion weeks within the following two months.
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