Peter Som Fashion Week Spring 09-Pretty, Beautiful and Gorgeous

Peter Som's collection last season (in a show exclusively for American Express cardmembers), could be summed up in one word" powerful." Architectural in feeling, beautifully cut and tailored. the "masculine" designs of this collection draped and formed around a woman's body like they were for that one woman, alone. But for Spring, 2009, the look is much looser, prettier and more feminine, with a range of options for day and evening. As you can see from this card showing some of the looks, there was also plenty of color including red, peach, turqoise and pink, plus several shades of Springtime green.

It's always exciting to don your backstage pass and walk through these doors. What will the models look like? What will the clothes be like? Come inside ....this will give you a quick idea!

Before I checked out the hair and makeup I took these photos of Mr. Som, who always seems amazingly calm and collected. What goes on in a designer's mind less than an hour before a show? I'm not sure, but he is asked: "what is the inspiration for your collection?" over and over and over again!

First on my agenda was to check out the nails, courtesy of Creative Nail Design. The models were wearing a sheer, warm, flesh called "Serenity" that looks dark in the blob on the right, but was actually a sheer gloss that's four season and really easy to wear. As Roxanne Valinoti, Education Ambasaddor for Creative Nail Design, explained, nails are increasingly an important part of a designer's runway look. And, it's always an important part of a woman's everyday look as well. Well groomed nails are a must-have. Remember when mom told you not to leave the house with scuffed shoes because it reflected poorly on your image and would leave a negative impression? Nails have the same effect. Roxanne told me of one powerful fashionista that confided when she shakes someone's hand she knows immediately whether or not she will work with that person. If the nails look unkempt, that could be the instant end to a business relationship! In a down economy, a coat of a trendy new nail color can instantly update a wardrobe that has little room in the budget for new fashions. Nails are the newest must-have fashion accessory!

I also checked out the clothes, of course. I particularly liked this bustier-top mini dress in a tweed jacquard copper shimmer, (held for me by Lana, one of Som's helpers)...

.....here's how that dress looked on the model, on the runway!

Two other personal favorites are this cocktail dress with black applique in a rich, elegant fabric, and this peachy-pink, suede day to evening dress with wide leather belt and the must-have fashion accessory for Spring, killer shades.

Makeup was provided by makeup artist Pat McGrath using Max Factor Cosmetics. She always looks runway elegant herself! The key element in the look is "healthy" said McGrath. Smooth, sunny, gorgeous skin, accented with pink-ish nude, shiny lips and eyes ringed with color.

Hair was styled by Guido of Redken..a breezy, young, beachy, innocent look that was a bit "Bardot" but less kittenish and more a bit more rough and sexy. The slight "pouf" on the top of this pulled-up-at-the-sides style looked perfect with the uptown/downtown clothes on the runway! Peter Som's designs for this season are so rich-girl perfect that the hair had to be a bit more edgy and no so perfect to add a balance, Guido said. Redken Spray Starch 15 was the star product used in this show, and also in the Gottex show later in the day.

Here are some additional scenes from the actual Peter Som runway show: