Due to the global financial crisis, designers kept their coaxing of the fashionable people of the world subtle.

British Vogue editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman tells the Associated Press, “I don’t think it’s been as exciting as other seasons. On the whole, most of the designers here have kind of stuck to what they know they can do, and not really tried anything that’s going to scare the horses.”

Common trends among the French labels include prints, sequins for day, lashings of colors and way-up-there hemlines.

Shulman added “We’ve seen a lot of very short clothes, which goes against the old idea that when the economy is bad, hemlines go down.”

Louis Vuitton

The outlook at Louis Vuitton seemed hopeful - if we go by Ms. Shulman’s words - as the skirts’ hemlines were as high as the economy is down.

Controversial fashion designer Marc Jacobs joked backstage, “There’s next to nothing, there’s nothing, and then there’s less than nothing,” referring to his skirts’ hemlines which were cut in the back, revealing a hint of a bare bottom.

The pieces took retro looking peak-shouldered silhouette and combined them with exotic embellishment, cut in the waist by leather obi belts. Platform sandals sported feathers, totems and beads.

Yves Carcelle, chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton was not one to discuss the dire straits of the economy, opting instead to welcome celebrity guests such as rockstar and fashion peon Lenny Kravitz and director Sofia Coppola, who currently stars in LV ads with her father and Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola. Actress Kerry Washington put in her order for a scooped-back black satin dress with sequined sleeves, declaring it “amazing”, adding that she tends to “just gravitate toward more classic lines,” she told The AP. “It’s always hard for me to go too rock ‘n roll.”

MIU MIU

Despite the grandiose welcome of pink champagne and foie gras in an 18th Century mansion, the Miu Miu show sent sort of a message against conspicuous consumption.

The look: models with sleek hairdos and crimson lips ramped almost robotically wearing burlap dresses, with holes for pockets. Fine fabrics did not escape designer Miuccia Prada too, as she ripped tears into a scarlet silk pleated cocktail dress layered with a short pleated apron.

The collection also touched on ancient civilizations with skirts and tops that clashed, and pieces that depicted prints of mosaics and classical art.

LANVIN

Designer Alber Elbaz opted for clean lines with luxurious volume in gowns of vibrant silks. Fabrics flowed over one shoulder or were draped above the hip, creating deep swirl shapes.

Prints and patterns were also present in the collection. A blue leopard print silk dress with a matching clutch was particularly stunning. So was the pink slim satin trench worn with a tone-on-tone statement necklace.

Bergdorf Goodman president and CEO was heard saying “Thank you!” to Elbaz as he congratulated him backstage.

Elbaz was wont to say that his job was to create desire. He further explains his point saying “Women are not going to buy less, they’re going to buy different. I think that they’re going to buy emotional pieces that they cannot resist,” he told reporters. “They may skip dinner or lunch, but they will get the dress.”

Christian Dior

What else can we expect from the house of Dior? Why, the romantic and the beautiful of course. Only this time, designer John Galliano’s creation is naughty-chic meets the Eighties meets Egypt.

The clothes are just a hint racy with just the right amount of longing for the Nile. The result, a witty take on all things African - accessories such as tribal necklaces and of course, the shoes.

Primitive statues of naked women as four-inch heels added just the right chutzpah to some sexy python, glitter and/or animal print shoes.

Then there were the clothes. Flirty chiffon mini skirts matched with waxy bomber jackets or tiny boleros; a piece after piece of see-through cocktails and column looks.

Another thing worth noting about the Dior fashion show are the half-moon bags. They were Galliano’s broken mosaic moment that were also featured in shoes.

Most people say this collection is a bit understated for John Galliano’s avant garde style, but then again there’s the financial crisis to consider.

Chanel

Not every designer opted for subtle coaxing though. At Chanel, one could have forgotten that there is indeed a crisis.

Watching Chanel’s aristocrats-went-rock-and-roll show did it for most. Chanel’s models were like posh groupie damsels that sashayed down the fake tar macadam catwalk with an exact duplicate of Chanel’s 31 Rue Cambon headquarters for the backdrop.

Karl Lagerfeld’s solid comment on the collection was “”Post recession romanticism.”
The show’s wittiest comment was four models in blow up style Carnaby Street knit dresses that looked like they were going to shoot an album cover.

To make up for the “meant for the rich” theme, Lagerfeld injected a bit of ‘mass appeal’ (if you will) to the collection with his series of leather totes bearing the brand’s iconic address.

More on the aristocracy-meets-rock-and-roll and groupie goddesses theme, a model carrying a guitar case made in a cream version of the padded leather made famous by the fashion house. Another thing worth noting are the two-tone hosiery which fans will sure love. There were also couture quality jackets, redingtones, boucle wool strewn with either feathers or glitters and broken grid pattern dresses.

Of course, the show would not be complete without an appeal to vanity. Lagerfeld sent five gallants in black tails and his signature Germanic high white collar shirts, complete with chains and necklaces.

Image source: news.yahoo.com

Marc Jacobs has long been known for his way-out-there designs. His accessories for Spring Summer 2009 are no different.

Bags that are layered within an inch of their lives with textiles of varying patterns and textures dominated the runway, to be carried in the arms of Victoria Beckham and her ilk.

Then again, Marc Jacobs likes to please - at least on some level. There are bags for the fashionable-but-not-yet-fashion-icons: quilted totes with sporty stripes on the flap, tiny quilted lady bags in green and red (yes, merry Christmas to you too), as well as purple and yellow.

One thing is for sure, Marc Jacobs designs to be seen.

Image source: Bagsnob.com

Always the designer to move at her own pace, Vera Wang is - at long last - foraying into handbags. We all know that handbags are a staple when putting together the perfect look.

At the Vera Wang show at the Spring/Summer 2009 New York Fashion Week, Vera Wang showcased her one-of-a-kind bags, much to the delight of her fans.

The bags are definitely Vera Wang in color and style. Steering away from brightly colored materials, the bags are in her usual somber colors: blacks, grays and whites. The somberness is lightened up by bright accessories, sheer slips and satins.

Vera Wang’s bag collection is mostly classic frame bags that were funked up in satin and beads, with ball and chain trimmings, multi-layered chunky chains and cameos.

The bags come in satin, leather and hand painted versions.

Vera Wang’s bags are modern classics that will transcend time.

Image source: Bagsnob.com

Burberry has created a beautiful little masterpiece. Burberry’s women’s woven small satchel practically defines elegance.

This woven small satchel is made from printed coated canvas bag with woven metallic detail.

It has a gold metallic trim, base and double handles.

It has a gold tone lock accent on the side and zip closure on top. It has metal feet to protect the bag’s underside. On the inside, it has one interior zip, a cellphone pocket and a couple of additional pockets.

The perfect hand accessory for a nice little evening out.

Available at Bloomingdale’s for $1,795.00.

Image source: Bloomingdale’s

The biggest and most influential names in fashion came together at the recently-concluded Milan Fashion Week to showcase their Spring-Summer 2009 Collections. Here are some of Italy’s most distinguished designers and their works of art:

Gianfranco Ferre

Gianfranco Ferre’s collection featured geometric symmetry and stiff construction. The collection focused on circular sculpted fabrics and triangular proportions. The brands’ design team looked over their archives and revived some of their signature looks as a tribute to the designer.

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta showcased single-tone drapes (in practically every possible way) in yellow and orange tones. Several dresses from the collection are asymmetrical and disproportioned. Some of the pieces appear very simple, yet the thought process belies that simplicity, as each pieces exhibits very fine and intricate detailing. The collection was inspired by the 40s and executed in shorts, t-shirts and loose blouses.

Burberry Prorsum

Burberry Prorsum channelled some English garden charm into its collection. Burberry showcased classic Brit components such as trenches and knee-length dresses. Designer Christopher Bailey got his inspiration from his own backyard; thus the English garden theme of which was executed in cardigans and androgynous shorts.

Max Mara

Max Mara’s collection featured Grecian tunics in acid hues - important updates of the popular style. Jackets are made from a mixture of wool and sheer for a bit of mix in texture. There were also a few silk jumpsuits, floral dresses and some knits in the collection.

Fendi

Fendi made use of several transparent fabrics and created layers with them, along with a variety of other materials to emphasize silhouette. Karl Lagerfeld infused some rose blooms into his designs, along with some very feminine colors. The dresses emphasized the waist using very thick belts.

Dolce & Gabbana

The awesome duo looked to the sea for inspiration. D&G’s collection featured capatian jackets, blue and white combos and anchor designs. Caftan-like silk wraps conjure memories of high-end weekend getaway. Evening dresses were inspired by the 17th century, with peplums and thckly-layered skirts.

Veronica Etro

Veronica Etro went eastern on the runway with pumped-up Indian Influences. Intricate patterns, kimono variations and several oriental things were put together to create this look for the Asian jetsetting set. Naturally, the designer’s trademark paisley are all over jumpsuits and other designs.

Gucci

Gucci went for romance-jazzed evening wear and trapeze dresses. Single tone were used mostly to create a floaty feeling. Slim silhouettes were topped by floor-length sheer cover-ups. For day wear, Gucci went a bit masculine with scruffy-looking suits and a bit of disproportion. Slightly peculiar trousers were paired with an extremely tight suit jacket.

Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli made headlines with his barely-there minis. Ruffles were brought back to life and incorporated into mini dresses. Gold tones and nude-over-sheer and exotic forest prints were the chosen colors for the collection. One particular dress stood out among the many fabulous pieces - a hooded peasant dress which is something to look forward to next season.

Missoni

Always the go-to designer for fabulous prints, Missoni went for embroidery, a lot of detail and of course, prints, to create an oriental outlook. Some of the key looks for the collection are obi belts and kimonos. Colors are splashes of paint-like electric yellows and grays.

Image source: popcrunch.com

This year’s Primetime Emmy Awards saw very few starts to badmouth in the worst-dressed list.

TV’s hottest stars all came looking amazing in their designer garb while working the red carpet.

Although almost all of these celebrities look absolutely stunning in their designer gowns and suits, they went down the safe route to chic-ness and didn’t take much fashion risks.

Some of the award shows’ stunners include host Heidi Klum, who rocked no less than six outfits for the night. A favorite was the custom Giorgio Armani gunmetal metallic gown with a one-shoulder capelet.

A lot of celebs wore strapless to Emmys. Emmy winner Tina Fey chose an eggplant colored strapless David meister gown, wearing her hair down in soft curls and no glasses. Terry Hatcher gave summer its due in canary yellow strapless Monique Lhuillier.

Nicolette Sheridan and Laura Dern both went for purple. The former came in a sleek strapless Angel Sanchez, wear her long blond locks down. Saving Grace actress Holly Hunter opted for a plum Jenny Packham gown with a jeweled waist.

Lipstick Jungle’s Brook Shields wore a hot pink strapless Badgley Mischka gown with ruffles down the fornt.

Sandra Oh made it out of this year’s worst dressed list by wearing a safe, yet elegant retro-style black lace Oscar de la Renta dress with a black ribbon sash and a few sparkles on the skirt - matching her Bulgari 5.5 emerald-cut Bulgari gems.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus who plays Old Christine gave us something new, at least in her choice of color in a salmon-colored halter Narciso Rodriguez gown.

Model and Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi wore a short gold Monique Lhuillier number. Desperate Housewife, Eva Longoria Parker also went for a short dress in silver with frills and fringes by Marchesa. Husband NBA Star Tony Parker, naturally wore a matching silver-grey suit.

Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey and award-winning actress Susan Sarandon, in a Donna Karan number, both wore red.

Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman sported a split-neck silver gown which accentuated her slim frame. Huffman finished her look with a sleek, short bob. Fellow housewife Marcia Cross, always one to go for color, surprisingly wore a ballerina-inspired ethereal Elie Saab dress in safe beige. House M.D. resident beauty Olivia Wilde, also sported a safe, pearlescent Reema Acra gown but with a refreshing silhouette. Kyra Sedgwick also went white in an L’Wren Scott gown with diamond embroidery.

Ugly Betty’s America Ferrara looked nothing but pretty in a black ruched, bubble-hem number and an eye-catching Fred Leighton necklace. Chandra Wilson also looked fine in a gathered Tadashi Shoji halter gown. Stylist Marie Alice Stephenson opines that “Black is tricky on the red carpet because it doesn’t pop.”

Of course, if there’s a pretty list, there’s also a not-so-pretty list. Some of the so-so dressers include Jennifer Love Hewitt, sporting a killer tan in a strapless white gown with these weird looking details by Carolina Herrera.

Some black ladies whose choice of gown didn’t pop include Kate Walshe’s black gown with sparkly tiers and a black rosette. Veteran film and tv star Glenn Close was a bit Adams Family-ish in a black Armani gown with creepy looking sleeves.

We always love her humor, but Kathy Griffin’s hair and her floral number, with that way-off hip holster puts her back in the worst dressed list.

The men are usually safe from scrutiny when it comes to fashion and frocks, but Tony winner Alan Cumming wasn’t hard to spot in a brown checkered suit which made him look out-of-place and under dressed in a sea of well-dressed men.

A lot of people probably assume an over-the-top collection from Baby Phat’s mommy, Kimora Lee Simmons. However, those who did were in for a surprise.

The show, for starters, began over an hour late - only after the VIPs arrived, which included Vogue editor-at-large, Andre Leon Talley.

The show entitled “Decade” began with a video recap of Baby Phat’s greatest runway shows from 1999 to present, building anticipation for both the models - who were revealed from behind the screen after a short laser light moment - and the crowd as well. With the ground work laid, the audience sat in anticipation, wondering what kind of over-the-top 10th birthday statement Kimora Lee would make.

Instead, the crowd was surprised by a 70’s-era Cher-inspired collection which showcased mostly very wearable collections which included jumpsuits, jersey dresses, denim flares, vests and demure floral painted silk dresses. The show featured only one of Baby Phat’s signature excessive, glamorous trademark - the first look was a short bronze sequined dress with sexy draped back.

The models wore simple, stick-straight hair, parted down the middle with wide, open and dark eyes lined with false upper and lower lashes, nailing Cher’s iconic 70’s look. Shoes were mostly made of strappy python embossed platform sandals with mirrored talon-like heels or stilettos with patent leather-covered heels.

The menswear also featured a more dressed-down look. The men’s collection featured relaxed, baggy suits, khaki or camouflage shirts, graphic print tanks, brightly-colored shorts and jackets. The shoes were more flashy, consisting of silver and gold Wallabee boots with black piping

The lack of excess is probably the most radical statement that Kimora Lee Simmons can make at this point in her career. It signaled a more mature Baby Phat. Even the place where the show was held signaled maturity, as a loudspeaker politely instructed people to “Please take your seats.”

Baby Phat’s tenth birthday runway show signals the Baby isn’t a baby anymore.

The red carpet at New York’s Radio City Music Hall was dazzling. What with throngs of stars present to celebrate the fifth Annual Fashion Rocks - an event which celebrates the relationship between fashion and music.

Some of the stunners include Charlize Theron, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Chris Brown and the boys and girls of “Gossip Girl”.

Proving the music and fashion do mix, Chris Brow gamely tolod the associated press that “To be a musician and a great entertainer, you have to be a trendsetter. To be a trendsetter, you have to know fashion - and I have fun with it”.

Performed at the event along with other stage hotties like Timberlake, Kid Rock, Keith Urban, Duffy, the Pussycat Dolls and the Black Eyed Peas.

Charlize Theron, and fellow Academy Award Winner Hilary Swank introduced the collaborative performance of divas which include the likes of Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Natasha Bedingfield, Fergie, Rihanna and young Miley Cyrus.

Bedingfield was so pleased with the collaboration, saying that “This is the first time we’re all together singing the song. It was really special. It was really like a sisterhood, like a bond. … We’re all used to being the stars - the only star in the room - and it was really nice I think that everyone could just come together and really support each other.”

Leighton Meester introduced Duffy’s performance of her hit song “Mercy”, while fellow “Gossip” gang member Chace Crawford hung with Heros’ Hayden Panettiere.

The evening’s highlight was Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé’s duet of “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing”, channeling Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

More than just a crowd drawer and a ratings machine, the event is aims to raise funds to help fight cancer. The proceeds of the event will go to Stand Up To Cancer, a program established by the Entertainment Industry Foundation, who’s goal is to generate funds for cancer research. Stand Up To Cancer held a live telethon that aired simultaneously on ABC, NBC and CBS on Friday night.

The event will air Tuesday in a two-hour special on CBS.

Bryant Park’s runways filled with collections that will surely bring to mind the months to come.

The first collections were imbued with a lax ambience. The clothes were loose, comfortable and had a beach-fantasy appeal to them. The fabrics were light, flowy, breezy and chicly slouchy that make you think of easy laid back days. The catwalk is filled with whimsical hues - tropical prints, marigold yellow, lilac, teal and hibiscus pink.

Apparently there’s a reason for the bright, lax vibe of the collections.

Designer Narciso Rodriguez told The Associated Press before the shows began “When the economy is so bad and with the horrible things happening all around the world, one gets inspired to create a certain kind of beauty.”

Carolina Herrera apparently shares his sentiments. “When the economy is not that good, we need to achieve, to do something even more special,” Herrera told The Associated Press. “Women who buy your clothes have to be attracted with something so special that they need to have it.”

Another inspiration for the beachy look is the “green” movement. Apparently, “green” is now vogue, and designers took it a step further, thus the ocean hued presence of flowing pieces.

Fashion Week will run through the 12th, with over 100 shows in a span of eight days.

Image Source: news.yahoo.com/nphotos/New-York-Fashion-Week-Fashion-Week

Yves Saint Laurent’s fall shopper bag is simple yet chic. The YSL Large Soft Top Handle Shopper is large and roomy, and it is perfect for just about anywhere - the mall, the office, the grocery, breakfast around town. The YSL Large Soft Top Handle Shopper is made of unstructured froisse leather with the signature Y stitched in front of the bag and goldtone hardware.

It has double top handles with a 6/12″ drop and a double shoulder strap with a 19″ drop. However, this bag has no closure. The inside is made of nylon lining with one inside divisional zip pocket, one inside open pocket and one back wall zip pocket.

The bag is available in two colors - black and beige, sized 16″W X 14″H X 7½”D. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,995.