Friday at Couture Fashion Week Spring 2009

Most people assume that Fashion Week means shows in the Bryant Park tents, but some of the most colorful and innovative designs are being shown throughout the week in other locations. Couture Fashion Week always showcases these types of designers. The dress is elegant, the crowd, eager to see what's on the runway(s), and there is always a display of luxury goods in the venue, such as this amazing, hand-beaded handbag by D. Rothbury (designer, Dee Rothbury).

On Friday, September 5th, at the Westin Times Square's Majestic Ballroom, The Advice Sisters were fortunate to see three different shows by International designers that have unique visions.

There was live music before each show. Pianist Donna Weng has performed as soloist with the Atlanta Symphony, Shanghai Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New Jersey Symphony to mention a few. She is also on the faculty of the Mannes College of Music Preparatory Division.




Violinist Jane Hunt, also known as the "Violin Venus"made her debut at Carnegie Hall in 2007, and has appeared in such venues as Radio City Music Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Cannes Film Festival and Sir Elton John's Lifeball Concert. She is also appearing this summer at the 2008 U.S. Open Tennis tournament.

The clothes are the real stars at Couture Fashion Week. Designer Celia Perez produced elegant eveningwear from glitzy, form-fitting golden gowns, to classic strapless, to a white wedding gown that featured a removable train so the bride can have a regal train walking down the aisle, but end up with a sexy mini-dress for dancing the rest of the night away with her new (and lucky) groom. Perez has a unique style. She's been at her craft for nearly 2 1/2 decades. Her designs benefit from her training in watercolor and oil painting as well as sculpture. The designs are known for attention to detail and elegant, luxe fabrics. Her new, pret-a-porter line, a new initiative under the Cecilia Perez brand, launched in NYC this September. Perez was recently recognized as a fashion industry leader by the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce. As a favorite designer of many Latin America celebrities, one of her gowns was presented to actress Eva Longoria at the 2007 Alma Awards. What's nice these elegant gown is that they are actually modern classic, in other words, wearable, not so avant garde that you couldn't wear it to your sister's wedding. Violinist Jane Hunt played beautiful, soothing violin music throughout-- a nice departure from the often loud, raucous runway tunes.

Sararose Krenger loves vintage fashion. Her inspiration this season's "Sararose" evening collection came from the silhouettes and extravagance of 1930's. Texture is a key element in this collection and the extravagant use of luxe fabric mixes such as satin, silk dupioni, and tulle. Colors ranged from classic black, to soft gold and silver, to deep burgundy and emerald green. These were interesting designs that looked nice on the models. There were surprising elements, such as feathers on long sticks that were reminiscent of mardi gras masks, or the types of feather ornaments that used to festoon men's hats. Extravagant fantasy details, such as the very large "snow white" type collar on the burgundy gown in the photo, looked eye-catching on the runway, but probably would be less wearable for anything other than a red-carpet event.

Edwing D'Angelo did an eye-catching collection featuring two favorite colors only: white and black. His show featured a variety designs, many adorned with crystal details and also a number of style sfor men. The all-white men's suit in this photo would make a great wedding or prom outfit. D'Angelo's designs would work well on young, hip men and women, but the classic, short dress on the left would work for women of all ages. Entitled "Aquactica", this designer's inspiration for the collection was the continent of Antarctica with it's black and white landscapes, especially the shifting shapes and textures that Spring brings to that harsh environment. The Designer's innovative fashion are faves of celebrities such as: Vivica A. Fox, Patti LaBelle, Lil' Kim, Paula Garces, Nelly, Sean Paul, Mo'Nique, Rosa Blasi, Tia Texada and Tony Award nominee Laurie Metcalf--just to name a few. D'Angelo thanks God and credits his family, especially his mother, Sara, for helping him bring this season's vision to life.

Fashion shows by other designers will run throughout the week. Couture Fashion Week is a series of couture and luxury fashion shows held multiple times each year in New York City, Palm Beach, and other selected cities, featuring international designers, entertainers, art and luxury product and service exhibits. The event attracts press coverage and upscale fashion buyers as well as socialites and other affluent fashion consumers. The shows are produced by USA International Fashion Shows®,. If you're a fashionista and you'd love to attend one of these exciting fashion events, or you'd like to see events and photos of show's past, visit http://www.couturefashionweek.com/luxury.htm

*All content and photos --Alison Blackman Dunham for the Advice Sisters copyright © 2008 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman Dunham of THE ADVICE SISTERS® The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark.