Omnia Luo Runway Spring 2009 - Saving the Best For Last

On Friday September 12th at 5:00 p.m. in the Salon at Bryant Park, as some of the exhibitors were already closing down their exhibits in the main lobby, Omnialuo, the line designed by super-talented Chinese designer Zheng Luo, was unveiled in a premier runway show. The show began as a blizzard of animated cherry blossoms floated onto the stage (along with some real, silken petals). If this wasn't breathtaking enough, the collection was so beautiful and unique the audience got up to cheer at the finale -- a very rare occurrence during Fashion Week. You could really feel the excitement in the room. Those in the audience agreed: this show was one of the best....saved for last!

Backstage, I was fortunate to have video capabilities for this show, thanks to actress/TV hostess Cognac Wellerlane, and photographer/videographer Lorenzo Esquivel (to my right).

*EXCLUSIVE! Alison Blackman talks to lead hair and makeup artists backstage, and asks Designer Zheng Luo about the collection. See photos of these looks, below!

The level of detail in this collection was absolutely amazing and something you really needed to get up-close-and-personal with to fully appreciate. It's hard not to go "ooohhhhh" when you see the clothes up close. Some of the opulent fabrics were hand-dyed, and there were yards and yards and yards of gorgeous, shimmery silk. beading, embellishments, lace and embroidery were also applied by hand. Hand craftsmanship and attention to detail may be lacking in some collections--but not in this one.

Creative Nail Design, the nail company of Fashion Week and the runways, were there in force. They used a ladylike, shimmery brown polish called "Iced Cappucino."

The makeup, by Makeup, by Nadine Luke and the M.A.C. Cosmetics Pro Team, channelled a modern geisha with a delicate complexion warmed up with a rose blush. Lips were colored pink lips and were dabbed with a deep, rose red in the middle of the upper and lower lip.

A really beautiful, modern take on an ornate, geisha hairstyle was an created by Heather Packer for Cutler NYC/Redken. The half up and twisted sides updo with bun looked elegant with the feminine clothes.

Here are some of the Cutler and Redken products and tools that Heather used to create the look, including Redken Iron Silk 07 (to straighten hair with a flat iron) and Forceful #23--a hair Spray that kept the style in place.

The designs, under the leadership of Zheng Luo, the Company's founder and award winning chief designer, already have a following of affluent Chinese women who appreciate luxury and can afford it. There's a reason that Zheng Luo, has already won five CFDA awards (including best women's wear designer two years running). She tailored this collection, shown at Bryant Park, exclusively to suit a New York audience and the reesulting collection was full of modern, wearable clothes that look special.

The show was also special --actually, quite spectacular! It is the type of runway show you want to experience at Fashion Week, but almost never do: one that's beautiful, memorable.... and unexpected. New York audiences don't stand up and cheer very often, especially not after a seemingly endless week of show after show after show. Everyone got to their feet to applaud for this one!

The theme for this Spring 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show was: "Beauty Blossoms." In China, the cherry blossom symbolizes feminine beauty and the inspiration for the collection comes from an ancient Chinese poem written by poet and scholar Cui Hu from China's Tang Dynasty. The poem artistically combines the beauty of a young woman with that of a cherry blossom to illustrate the scholar's unrequited love of nature and the lady; a love that continued long after the lady was no longer present. The first look out on the runway, a flirty, soft pink dress with silky sash,and portrays this perfectly. Each item gave us a fleeting "ahhhh" moment of beauty. Everyone will be talking about this collection for a long time to come--even the most jaded of fashionistas.

I kept thinking that the no matter how feminine the designs were, they weren't at all "girly." That's the genius of this collection. What you see on the surface isn't quite what you get. For example, a white lace dress with a cherry colored sash avoids being too "young," with the addition of a slip of black lace, peeking obviously from underneath the hem of the dress. Another dress with a sash and bow could have been "too teen" but instead radiated elegance, femininity and sophistication, thanks to a low back with an interesting "envelolpe" treatment. The designer made sure that her clothes always speak softly, but also carry a big stick. In other words, as each model moved down the runway she radiated femininity, but not in a weak way. The body conscious, luxurious designs gave the models confidence, grace and power. I'm assuming that for China's rapidly growing class of urban, affluent, professional women, the ability to look soft and feminine, but also to be strong and decisive, is paramount. That will also make them very appealing to women in the USA who can afford statement dressing in the form of beautiful, beautifully-crafted clothes that let them look like a woman, but hold their own with the guys.

Photo courtesy of Mercedes Benz

I loved the showy accessories that made even a simple sick outfit look impressive -- exotic, with a hint of Asia.

Color palettes ranged from subtle to sensational, from deep charcoal and hot pink, to light pink and creamy ivory. The long gowns were especially spectaular and elegant,e ach accentuating a womanly figure. This one, in creamy ivory, had an almost "Gibson Girl" like allure, with a feathered top and nipped in waist.

photo-mercedes benz

Everyone applauded this show-stopper- a rose-colored gown artfully layered and wrapped around in an asymmetrical column of lovely silk. Like genuine rose petals, each layer gently moved for a sexy reveal of leg as the model walked. Yes, it was sexy, but not overtly so. Zheng Luo knows what she is doing. She has the ability to balance beauty and flattering sex appeal, with something you can actually wear in in polite society. That's talent!

OmniaLuo, Inc. ( http://www.omnialuo.com.cn/ ), based in China's fashion capital of Shenzhen, designs, markets, and distributes fine women's apparel under the brand name OMNIALUO. If their plans come through, the company may be coming to the United States to Madison Avenue. It will be a perfect location.

Four Easy Ways to Get the Mad Men Look This Season

I'm not much of a television fanatic, but I've been following the beautifully-crafted series "Mad Men" since it's beginning. This drama series truly captures the essence of Madison Avenue in the 60's, with true-to-life sets, costumes and makeup that really makes the early '60's come alive on the screen.

Here are a few suggestions to get the "mad men" look, without going overboard:

For the guys:

Back in the early 1960's, no man would step outside without a hat (and he removed it in elevators, at the table, and when women were present). Try a Stetson fedora Available at http://www.stetsonhats.com/


...and every man needs a pair of cufflinks. These by Hidalgo, are "back-to-the-future" friendly, a classic oval with American Flag design in enamel. Available at http://www.hidalgojewelry.com/


For the Ladies:

A dress with a belted waist is a must-have. Go slinky with a sheath dress, or add have fun with bold prints with this flirt, full-skirted dress from Alice & Olivia (Multi Ombre Trellis Dress with Belt $440.00).

: The perfect red lip is essential for an authentic 60's "mad men" look.

The easiest way to get the perfect red is with the Stila Paint Your Pout Red Palette ($45.00). A silvery, cardboard palette with magentic closure features a winking red lip. Inside, press a button an your actually hear a Stila Pro Artist takes you through the process of creating a perfect, red pout, step by step. You get a lip balm, and three intense, silky red lipsticks: warm, cool, and true red. I have been in search of a red that looked chic, not ridiculous, for years. This palette's warm red is perfect--and the true red looks classy, too. I've even mixed the cool with a gloss and have gotten a pretty result. Red is "60's appropriate" and always classic, even in 2008, but it's only festive as long as it looks "right." This palette delivers. http://www.sephora.com/ *it makes a great holiday gift idea, too.

American Express Skybox--A Luxe, Real Way, to See the Runway at Fashion Week - report by Alison Blackman

A couple of seasons ago I discovered a little known secret in the Bryant Park tents: there's a sky box quietly tucked away at the very top! It's hidden behind black curtains that shield it from curious eyes. You can't know it's there until just prior to the start of selected runway shows. Then, if you know where to look, just as the runway is about to be cleared of photographers and celebrities, you can see the people inside the box for just a few seconds. Then, the lights dim and they're gone.

You might think you're dreaming--that you didn't really see it -- but the American Express sky box is not a dream. It is a real and rare opportunity that American Express offers it's more elite card members to be a part of Fashion Week. For a primarily female, fashion-focused, audience, a visit to the sky box is a dream come true. A visit to the American Express sky box gives them the opportunity to see real fashion shows from within the Bryant Park tents, and soak up some of the atmosphere of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City.

The American Express lounge in the back of the main Bryant Park lobby, is the "portal" to the sky box. It gives a good view of how the rest of the Fashion Week participants deal with the action: noisy crowds, lots of socializing, a visit to sponsor exhibits, and long lines separated by those with seats and invitations, and those waiting for standing room. Sky box guests sit comfortably watching the action, while waiting for their personal escort to take them to the sky box -- no backstage pass, needed.

I was invited up on September 12th to report on this "mysterious" and unique part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Members of the press, buyers, photographers, bloggers, stylists and others deal with the crazy crush of the lobby. American Express sky box guests are escorted quietly past them into a completely different "fashion Week" world. In the sky box, just like the fictional Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, everyone is a VIP with a front row seat, watching the proceedings from a private, priviledged, perch.


This season's sky box was designed by Frank Carfaro, acclaimed founder and creative director of contemporary home furnishings company, DESIRON. Fashionably dim lighting, glass sculptures, comfortable sitting areas, and a bar offering light refreshments and passed snacks, makes for an ideal place to feel relaxed and happy. The sky box opens onto two venues: the large tent, and the mid-sized Promenade. Guests see two runway shows (one in the tent, the other in the Promenade), and get lots of bonuses for the cost of the sky box experience, including nice designer discounts, and exclusive gifts and gift bags, plus the chance of surprise guest appearances of famed designers.


I couldn't resist taking a photo with Amy Smilovic, the woman behind TIBI's fantastic designs.


...and another surprise guest, was the legendary designer (and AmEx spokeswoman) Designer Diane Von Furstenberg! She told us how she got started in the fashion business and her motivation to do so (she wanted to be a strong, independent woman, and to empower women); what all women have (strength "although sometimes you have to look deep inside to find it and bring it out" she said); what inspires her (every woman, because we are all unique); the one thing that she thinks every woman should experience (raising a child) and what none of us really need ("must-have" clothes, because everyone has their own style). Diane Von Furstenberg is the president of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America). "Fashion is a reflection of our time -- the street inspires fashion and also the other way around," she said.


The VIP lounge-style viewing window lets card members see the shows directly, and through monitors strategically placed around the room. These guests are eagerly awaiting the Vera Wang runway show. Although the front row view for A-listers from "downstairs" is closer, for the majority of people attending the popular shows in less desirable seats or standing in the back, the comfy viewing area in the American Express sky box would be Heaven!


Here, my view from the Sky box as a model makes the turn on the runway during the Vera Wang show.


....and my view of Naeem Kahn's finale in the Promenade.

In between the shows, industry experts such as Kate Nobelius of Billion Dollar Babes (shown here, "interviewing" TIBI designer Amy Smilovic), educate, inform, and entertain the AmEx guests. Kate pointed out celebrities in the front row, offered tidbits of fashion and runway information, talked about fashion trends, and introduced the guest designers, asking really good questions that really kept our interest!


The guests I chatted with in the sky box were from all over the country and all ages, united in their desire to see what goes on during Fashion Week. This photo is of Sherri and Britany, a mother and daughter from Ohio, who traveled to New York to spend the weekend, visit the American Express skybox, and go shopping....all for Britany's 16th birthday. Lucky sweet 16! Britany, who wants to be a model, was excited to see first-hand what a real runway show was like. She was so excited. While we waited for the second show to begin, I filled her in on some of the things that go on backstage and she asked me lots of questions about the models and how they prepare for a show. Both mother and daughter were having a fantastic time. Other American Express card members who chatted with me in the sky box said they were there because they were curious about Fashion Week, NYC's fashion scene, modeling, and fashion. Most said they were splurging for a special occasion such as a birthday or early Christmas presents. One woman was there with some friends. Another, as a chaperone for her younger sister.

The cost for all this luxury and excitement? The $700 for the day (much more for a weekend package) may seem like an extravagance, but for fashion-obsessed American Express Gold Card members, Platinum Card ® members and Centurion ® Card members, it's the chance of a lifetime to feel like a fashion insider.



The sky box may not be inexpensive, but some pretty good perks come with the package. I so wanted one of these railroad spike bracelets by jewelry designer Philip Crangi, who also appeared as a surprise guest. Crangi's jewelery is sold at Barneys with many of his pieces going for well over $1,000. Each sky box guest got one of these fantastic bracelets as a gift from American Express, personally engraved with a special message of their choosing (many chose "Fashion Week 2008" - not original, but it made a great keepsake). Another bonus of being a sky box guest is that you take home a sponsor swag bag that only the Fashion Week sponsors, and a limited number of press, can even attempt to snag. I had to wait on three long lines to get one this year.

As part of American Express' continued support of designers and the fashion industry, proceeds from the sale of Card member packages will contribute to the $500,000 American Express donation to Council of Fashion Designers of America in support of the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund.
One special offer that all American Express Card Members can take advantage of (until October 31. 2008) are the Lambertson Truex Totes, created exclusively for American Express® card members, in partnership with Vanity Fair Campaign New York. Luxury accessory designers Richard Lambertson and John Truex teamed up to create two terrific totes. There is a personally signed, "Index of Happiness" tote $1,000 in full color, and more simple and affordable "Gertrude" Tote $150.00 in blue canvas with brown leather trim. Either one would make a special gift this holiday season. Even better 15% of the purchase price from these totes will benefit the Whitney Museum of American Art.* Click here to get more information and photos of the bags, and to make a purchase.

Although this is a report of the sky box, the attendees are really there to see runway shows. We saw two: Vera Wang in the Tent, Naeem Kahn in the Promenade:


VERA WANG: Vera Wang's subdued Spring collection featured day-to-evening looks in a very muted palette, with just pops of color, and without a bridal or red-carpet gown in the bunch. The most festive touches were the seriously large, sparkling and showy accessories that were almost blindingly glittery bouncing off the lights on the runway. Wang's inspiration for her Spring 2009 collection celebrated the vibrancy and naivete of Niki Saint Phalle, a woman and artist of extraordinary imagination, individuality, and talents. Saint Phalle, was deeply affected by the work of Antonio Gaudí' and was known for her use of bright colors, while the mainstay of Wang's Spring collection was basic black, grey, cream, white and navy. But the knee-length dresses and resort-y pants with tops, are wearable designs we'd all die to own and wear!


NAEEM KAHN: Naeem Khan's collection was glamorous, mixing lots of glitz and sparkle with other exotic touches. This collection was a contrast to Wang's more day-to-evening approach to evening fashion. Kahn's glittering, opulent gowns were in bright colors and full-length. "Obi" style belting, jewels, and lots of opulent detail traipsed down the runway. The inspiration: "The Far East though the eyes of Diana Vreeland, Loulou de Falaise, 60's handmade clothes, and Japanese origami."

Spring 2009 Fashion Week completed my 9th season covering the runway shows. My regular experience during Fashion Week is not one of the A-list in the front row or that of the guests in the American Express sky box. My week is is not only physically demanding, it is emotionally draining. But the American Express sky box is a commercial experience that gives a flavor of Fashion Week, although it's a glammed-up view. The feeling is one of privilege that money can buy, and it's awesome fun! In addition to the sky box, American Express collaborated with popular designer Zac Posen to present a one-of-a-kind private runway show for American Express® Card members this season. Last season, I attended the American Express® Cardmembers only runway show by Designer Peter Som.

If you have the time and the money (and can get your tickets early--they immediately sell out), a visit to the American Express sky box is an awesome way to be part of the action. Just weeks before the doors to the tents at Bryant Park open for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, American Express informs it's privileged card members of the upcoming "fash week" activities via an email list. The card members I talked to approached securing their tickets as if they were for a sure-to-be-sold-out concert, or sporting event. American Express is not only a sponsor of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, they sponsored several episodes of the popular television reality show, Project Runway (one of the shows was a chance to see the Project Runway finale from the sky box). If you are an American Express American Express Gold Card, Platinum Card ®, or Centurion ® Card member, you can sign up for Ticket Access and you will get emails when here’s an opportunity to purchase advance tickets for a number of special events sponsored by American Express, even before they go on sale to the general public! For more information about American Express and Fashion Week, please visit http://www.americanexpress.com/entertainment


All content and photos Alison Blackman Dunhamm for the Advice Sisters copyright © 2008 all rights reserved by Alison Blackman. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. Fel free to link to this story. For other permissions, email the Advice Sisters advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)net

Carmen Marc Valvo Spring 2009 Runway Show- Elegance, Always, Squared!

One show I consider a "can't miss" at any cost, is Carmen Marc Valvo's runway show for his latest collection. Each season, Valvo's amazing attention to detail and elegant, ladylike, powerful designs, simply enchant all who see them on the runway. Later on, these wearable, elegant, sophisticated designs look beautiful on women fortunate to own them. In Fall 2008, the designer focused on details such as hats and feathers, but for Spring 2009, the simple square became the designer's inspiration, and perhaps, obsession.



You can see the sophistication in the close ups I took backstage. "Tiles" of metallic leather were sewn onto metallic organza and organza tweeds, balancing flowing fabrics with structure. Along with the squares, checkerboard weaving, and materials woven together, there was plenty of evidence of Carmen Marc Valvo's signature draping, twisting, and knotting. Interestingly, although long, "red-carpet" gowns predominated in Fall 2008, this Spring 2009 collection featured as many or more pretty cocktail dresses, skirts, and pants that could transition from day to evening with the right accessories. Some standouts in the collection (and there were many) included a clear, plastic raincoat with a design of squares, worn over capri pants; sheer and shimmery tops over elegant, slouchy pants; and bathing suits meant for nothing more than elegant sunbathing, including a black, bandeau bikini that was bare, but not too bare. Chunky black mules and eyewear (from the Carmen Marc Valvo Collection) were must-haves.





This season the mixture of fabrics, such as patent leather squares sewn on to a wool skirt, or leather woven into tweedy fabric, were a new twist on classics, I particularly liked the designs that features a basketweave of silky "ribbons" artfully woven to create a textured "fabric" that looked entirely new and different. Here you can see a green dress on instructions to the dresser, and my view of it from the runway.


The designer is also known for his artful draping. Here are some examples.



photo courtesy Mercedes Benz photo courtesy Mercedes Benz




For elegant and modern clothes like these, you have to have dramatic makeup. "The dark eye gives a touch sexiness and the lips are pale because they have to be kissable." explained Tom Pecheux, lead makeup artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics. The first photo shows the concept photos the rest of the M.A.C. Pro team will follow. The rest of the look was explained to me by Keri Blair, Senior Makeup Artist for M.A.C. The eyes were a blended a combination of dark brown cream eyeliner and black felt-tip liner. MAC Eye Shadow in Smut gave eyes a feline shape, and a clear gloss and gold-pearl pigment were smudged over the lids. Tip: For a shimmery highlight, sinply mix a pearlescent pigment with a gloss texture, and sweep the mix under the eyebrows for a glossy highlight." The face look was described at: "She's a woman who just came off the beach and freshened up for cocktails." The elegant, glowing lookw as created with apricot blush and contoured bronze cheeks. The "kissable" lip was created with a nude cream lipstick on an UNlined, lip.

Lead Hair Stylist Odile Gilbert for Redken, is no stranger to creating runway hair magic. She once told me that do-it-yourself hair simply won't work with complex styles--certainly not with this type of updo. To get the look, "See your stylist," she has often advised.

Odile used a number of Redken products on smooth, straightened hair to create the look, including a new Redken product called Iron Silk #07 to straighten hair with a flat iron, and Forceful #23 Hair Spray, to keep the chignon in place. The black clip in the middle added a classic touch to the style.

Creative Nail Design's Lulu Cooper applies two shades of CND polish, custom-mixed, for Carmen's show, to a mode's fingertips. "Smooch" is a pearly white, and "Negligee" is a pretty, subdued nude shimmer. Nudes will be popular in the Spring, but in a slightly more opaque form. And, metallic shades that give a soft patina rather than a garish glitter will be popular, too in color like Copper and antique gold, and gunmetal. Roxanne from Creative Nail Design suggest this: "if you're wearing color on your hands, go nude on toes--and vice-versa." Roxanne also says the shape of nails, now, is almond-shaped and medium length. Color them in a light shade like beige or baby pink -- a great way to go if your nails aren't long and strong. Think Cher in the 1970's. In the next photo, nail artists Lulu and Angie are on the floor, doing pedicures. This is definitely exhausting work!

Just prior to showtime, I was directed to my seat by Alyssa Ford, one of the many interns who volunteer to be ushers at Bryant park during fashion week. Alyssa is currently an intern at Michael Kors. Usher have their work cut out for them, dealing with some of the "personalities" that attend the shows....and you're on your feet for hours (as are members of the press), but you get to experience Fashion Week first hand, up-close-and-personal. I've never heard one of these energetic interns, complain.

When you get to the backstage early, you often get the chance to see a designer checking out his own backstage, first before the photographers and reporters charge in. Here, Carmen is chatting with Angie from Creative Nail Design. Later, he is interviewed by Full Frontal Fashion's Judy Licht.........and other reporters from around the world.

All too soon, it is time for the finale.....
....The show is ending. Carmen takes his bow, embraces a model....

....and goes backstage to receive congratulations from celebrities such as Emmy Rossum, who, I caught waving goodbye to Carmen, just as the security guards allowed members of the press, backstage.

.....it's Friday....and I have one more show to go before Fashion Week ends!

All content and photos (unless otherwise specifically marked) --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. Please feel free to link to this post. For other permissions, email the Advice Sisters advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)net

Richard Chai Spring 2009 Runway Show Magnificent Minimalistic Joy!

Designer Richard Chai's signature minimalism was carried through to the makeup and hair for his Spring 2009 runway show. Backstage, James Kaliardos, lead makeup artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics and the M.A.C. Pro Team explained the makeup concept in four words: "An experiment in minimalism."

The "no-makeup" look (or "natural" makeup look if you will) shows a clean, fresh face where emphasis is on one feature, be it the brows, the lips, or the eyes. For Chai's show, James focused on the brows. He used a clear brow gel and combed brows up "More than Brooke Shields" he said. Then he added highlight to the inner corners of the eyes with a cream texture pearl shadow.

photo courtesy Merdedes Benz

The look is simple but "very honest" said James, who picked this minimalist look to go with Chai's preference for minimalism. "It's a great teen look" James said.

The fresh-faced look seems face looks as if nothing much was done to accentuate the model's beauty, but in reality, it takes time, makeup and lots of tools to make the look, work. For Chai's look, James used three different shades of MAC Sculpt and Shape Foundation --applying lighter tones down the center of the face to highlight, and darker shades on temples and cheekbones to subtly contour, (natural shades go everywhere else). Then he powdered the T-zone." Lips were conditioned with lip balm.

The hair, created by Kevin Ryan from RSessions, focused on a simple twist that hung loose and textured from the the knot at the top, with swingy, shiny hair. The youthful, pretty look is one you can easily do at home. Start with perfectly clean, straight, shiny hair (use a hot iron if necessary). Then pull up the sides in a half-up, half down style by twisting the top and pinning it. Twist (or braid) the tail with a styling product. Let dry the tail dry, and then loosen it up. FYI: Kevin is teaming up with Rickys (the great cosmetics and beauty store chain) to produce a holiday up-do kit which I hope will be available in time for the Advice Sisters to review it in our upcoming What Works Beauty review column.

photo courtesy of Mercedes Benz photo courtesy of Mercedes Benz

Richard Chai's Spring 2009 collection,was a Spring collection full of "joy" and casual, feminine looks that in summary, resonated with his fans, and was a great success for Chai. I love this graceful, natural-colored jacket-it would be perfect over everything from pants to a party dress. And I loved this feminine, flowing day dress that mixed sheer with a cover-up of a long vest (vests will be a "must-have" accessory for Spring '09).

All content and photos (unless otherwise specifically marked) --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. Please feel free to link to this post. For other permissions, email the Advice Sisters advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)net

Brian Reyes Runway Show Spring 2009- Classy, Classic, Elegant, Wearable

If you've been reading my blog reports from backstage and the runway during Bryant Park Fashion Week for Spring 2009, you already know that I over-extended myself a bit. But I had a spare moment, and I was able to get in to see the Brian Reyes Spring collection (it was early in the day--the fashionistas of the "A" list were probably still sleeping off last night's champagne).

The collection was subdued, almost "mad men'esque" in it's tailored, simple, rather demure dresses and pants outfits that would not have been out of place in a Grace Kelly wardrobe. Unlike many of the peacock-colored collections I saw for Spring, Reyes's palette was
simple and quietly elegant with much in the way of beads, bangles or spangles, in primarily black, white, cream, grey and navy. But the graceful pants outfits, made modern with sheer fabrics on top, and demure sheath dresses, are the type of polished, timeless elegance that appeals to real women. All in all, the display of day and evening looks were just plain...pretty!


photos courtesy of Mercedes Benz

Willow Runway Show Spring 2009 -Wild and on the Witty Side

The Willow Spring/Summer 2009 presentation was all about contrasts--black, white, taupe, long and short, color and shape. The inspiration for the graceful collection was Ballet Russes. The Ballets Russes (French for The Russian Ballets) was a dance company established in 1909 by the Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev. The Ballets Russes's ground-breaking artistic collaboration among contemporary choreographers, composers, artists, and dancers made it a significant influence in the avant-garde culture of Paris.



In keeping with this tradition, Willow's designs were glamorous, but wearable, flowing but fresh, and with classic touches made modern. For example, a classic black tuxedo was made sheer and sparkling. A taupe dress goes from day to evening, a bit "Great Gatsby's" Daisy Buchanan meet a Victoria's Secret model.

There was lots of white and black, but also bright colors such as a grouping of bright orange designs. Here it's in artfully wrapped printed pants with a white jacket, and in an arfully wrapped and arranged, jumpsuit. There were plenty of rompers and jumpsuits represented on runways this season. It's ane easy, fun look that flatters most every figure.



There were long and short dressed and pants outfits, including a number with a striking, zebra print that I really love. Animal prints can sometimes look a bit cheesy, but these were made elegant with draping and flowing fabrics. I am coveting the short zebra print dress right down to the fabulous, chartreuse, shoes!

Carlos Miele Runway Show Spring 2009 - Exciting, Musical Mix of Cultures

The Carlos Miele Spring -Summer 2009 Runway Show at the Bryant Park Tents was one of the most entertaining and lively shows of the week, thanks in part to live music on the runway, by singer Seu Jorge, a once-homeless kid who lived in a Brazillian slum outside of Rio de Janeiro. Jorge electrified the runway, singing his heart out, while serenading the passing models on the runway. Not just a signer, Jorge appeared in the film: "City of God." He has also created several music DVDs and solo music albums.

photos courtesy of Mercedes Benz

But it's the clothes that everyone comes to see, and Miele's wearable but sexy, Springtime frocks delighted the fashionistas. Miele called this collection: "a dance between nature and the female body." The clothes, delivered.

Dresses floated and swayed down the runway, with lots of artful wrapping and draping The designer found his inspiration in a tropical garden and in the colors of day and night in the tropical rainforest. The clothes, according to the designer's note, are a "a movement of the leaves, the shadows of the native trees and flowers, the lightness and reflection of the water, the sleek shapes, curves, vibrant colors, and rich textures of the rainforest." But there were also very sophisticated, glamorous, body conscious gowns, such as this glittering one.

Miele is part Italian and part Brazilian, and creates clothes that will work on cosmopolitan women in every city with clothes that are sophisticated for women who know what they want, and how to get it. The clothes were structured in some cases, flowing and light in others, with lots of chiffon prints in soft patterns, balanced by skin tight black pants and sheer tops, and a smattering of sparkles that were sensual, but not trashy. Jeweled necklaces held dresses in place, and from where I sat I could only glimpse the beading, feathers and light fringes of tulle.. There were plenty of soft pastel prints and muted tones, but there were also pops of brights: turquoise, green, red, pink, orange and blue.

Brazillian women love long, soft, shiny, swing-y hair. Hair stylist John Barrett created the shiny, bouncy hair look with an uneven part that look exotic and pretty on the runway. Lead makeup artist Romy Soleimani and the M.A.C. Pro Team created the fresh-faced, smouldering eye look. "The look is that "end-of-summer bronze, as natural as possible and really buffed," Soleimani, used deep bronze cream shadow buffed onto lids to create the sensual eye. Romy applied MAC Sculpt and Shape Foundation in one tone darker than models' natural skin tone for a bronzed effect. Her Pro Tip?: "Use your bronzer as a contouring powder with a soft brush that offers control. This will serve as a bronzing technique that will give the face balance and a vibrant finish."She then blended a combination of bronze and orange cream blushes into the cheeks. Like almost all the lips I saw, the lips for Carlos Miele's show were moisturized with a touch of sheer pink gloss, but not a lot of fuss or color.

All content and photos (unless otherwise specifically marked) --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. Please feel free to link to this post. For other permissions, email the Advice Sisters advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)net

G-Star Spring 2009 Runway Show -- Denim, and Causes, Go Together

G-Star RAW (G-Star) is a Dutch clothing company specializing in making RAW denim. This is an unwashed, untreated denim. Many of the G-Star designs are influenced by vintage military clothing around the world, with details including pratical and eye catching cell phone and zippered arm pockets on jackets.

G-Star had it's Spring 2009 runway show at the cavernous, Park Avenue Armory. The premium denim brand brings serious issues, along with it's fashioanble denim, to the runway, as it promotes the United Nations for its Millennium Development Goals project. The show brings attention to a high level Milennium Develolp Goals event set for September 25th, 2008, in New York City. The event will renew the United Nations and its partners’ commitment to achieve a variety of challenging goals--ranging from reducing extreme poverty by half, to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS --and providing universal primary education by a tartget date of 2015. Actors Heather Graham and Alan Comming started out the show by walking the runway reading the Millennium Development Goals to show their support for the show, and the cause. The collaboration with G-Star collaborate and the United Nations brings socio-economic and political issues to a stage that makes it more than just a fashion runway.


The hair was a real focal point.... created by Avon stylist Marco (he's from Brazil and has the #1 salon there) told us that women in Brazil like long shiny hair and love the Avon Advance Techniques Dry End Serum, and Avon Advance Techniques Mirror Shine Spray, plus the shampoo and conditioner. For the G-Star show, quite a few different Avon Advance Techniques products were used for the two female model's looks, and on the guys.



To create the various curly hair looks, the model's hair was sectioned into five parts, slicked with Avon Techniques Volumizing Mousse, and twisted, pinned to the head dry with Avon Advance Techniques Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray Later on, the hair was fluffed out. This is a sort of modern take on old-fashioned pin curls. You can do this at home and get a similar, flattering style...raw and pretty.

A second look was similar, but instead of dry twisted pin curling the stylists used a hot curling iron in two sizes, and then sprayed the hair, pinning one side back sleek and flat on one side. You may not be able to see the look completely in this photo, but the young model really looks entirely different, depending upon which way you view her. The hair mirrored the sleek chic of the clothes...very sophisticated and "European."

For the girls with curls, here are the Avon Advance Techniques Products that were used:

Cleanse: Advance Techniques Body Building Shampoo Condition: Advance Techniques Body Building Condition Treat: Advance Techniques CelloShine Treatment Style: Advance Techniques Volumizing Mousse Advance Techniques Salon Curl Refresh Spray Advance Techniques Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray -- The products used on girls with straight here included: Women (straight hair) Cleanse: Advance Techniques Smoothing Shampoo Condition: Advance Techniques Smoothing Conditioner Treat: Advance Techniques Dry End Serum Style: Advance Techniques Super Straight Smoothing Balm Advance Techniques Mirror Shine Spray

Dutch makeup designer Lydia Leloux created a face look with strong eyebrows and nude lips, penciled in with liner. A dewy, moistly matte lip color in nude with a bit of pink added to teh center (and blended out) made the look, lovely. The skin was fresh, but with a powderd T-zone and strategic highlighter. Here, M.A.C. Cosmetics makeup artist David Stella poses with a model. Both are Dutch and were here just for Fashion Week. David worked on The Blonds show as well...I'd just met him the night before.




A multi-level platform, moving platform could be precarious for models, many of whom were on the runway, stopping and moving at the same time. But the models were at the Armory rehersing meticulously, all day. The well choreographed show, plus pulsing music and lights, made a dramatic setting for both the clothes and the models. Wide legs and slender jeans with menswear vests, looked great on the girls, while the guys were sporting skinny jeans. Black, sheer knee-highs give a "Cabaret" edgy look to pants outfits and trench coats.

Celebrities love denim, and rally around causes.

Among the celebrities attending the show were “Entourage” star Adrian Grenier, stylist Patricia Fields, model and TV host Tyson Beckford, music entrepreneur Damon Dash, actor Josh Lucas, “Ugly Betty” star Eric Mabius and actress Mena Suvari.

All content and photos (unless otherwise specifically marked) --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. Please feel free to link to this post. For other permissions, email the Advice Sisters advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)net

Dennis Basso Spring 2009 Runeway Show -Glitzy Glam

I wasn't that familiar with Designer Dennis Basso, so I delighted with the range and versatility of his lovely collection. Apparently, celebrities such as, Ivana Trump, and fashionistas Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley, were already in the know. Basso's Springtime 2009 collection was inspired by America's tony resorts and summer retreats, such as Nantucket, South Hampton, and Newport--presumably the audience from which his clients, come.

The collection included a emphasis on day dresses that demurely grazed the knee, and included form fitting waists and belts....definitely Grace Kelly more than Grace Slick!

Cocktail attire was also fairly demure, but appropriate for those charity dinners and country club lunches. The array of pleasing, knee-length frocks inclueed chiffon hems that swayed as if in a soft breeze, and flirty necklines (including some sheer fabrics).

The long, evening gowns offered styles from mild to body conscious "wow (well, sort of). These are not overtly sexy designs--a touch of bright print, an exposed shoulder, perhaps. The clients who love Basso are attention-getting enough without being boldly sensual. You can just imagine one of these rich, powerful and influential women drinking champagne and enjoying the good life in long dresses, not all meant for the red carpet, but perhaps, just for a formal dinner at home.

Many designers, including Venexiana, love fur and have lots of it in their collections. However, to get into this show we had our bags and purses searched by security...no doubt because they didn't want another outburst of PETA protesters storming onto the runway, as at the DKNY runway show that past Sunday. We did see a crowd of protesters outside the tents, but thankfully, none made it past security this time.

I wasn't backstage to see the hair, nails and makeup for this show, but the smooth, tight bun was created by Frederick Fekkai, and the fresh-faced, smouldery eye look for the makeup was by Cynde Watson.

*all photos on this post courtesy of Mercedes Benz

Herve Leger- Spring 2009 Collection- Designs That Delight --If the Body Is All Right

Max Azria of BCBG has taken over the house of Herve Leger, famous for skin-tight bandage dresses. The Spring 2009 runway collection looked spectacular on the runway. If you love these clothes, you'll be spending a lot of time a the gym, however. The designs are seriously body-conscious. The spare, bare, form-fitting designs will look great on a genuine gym-rat, and anyone else who is genetically fortunate.


The collection was full of bandage-style designs, but there was color, and glamour. The dresses are engineered to hold in a bit of jiggle, but as you can see, with so much exposure at stake, you've really got to be confident to pull off clothes like these. On the right person, Herve Leger, sizzles!

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. Please feel free to link to this post. For other permissions, email the Advice Sisters advicesisters(at)advicesisters(dot)net

Milly Spring 2009 Runway Show - Dedacent 60's Summertime, Anytime

Milly By Michele Smith is always a fresh and exciting runway show. Before the show I spent some time backstage, checking out the hair, makeup, nails and clothes. I really admired this heavily embelished, bright, hot pink bolero jacket.


Here's how it looked on the runway)

photo courtesy of Mercedes Benz


....and I loved this bohemian fabric that look simply wonderful on the runway

photo courtesy of Mercedes Benz


Creative Nail Design used "Clearly Pink" on fingers (nothing on toes because the shoes are so bright). This sheer, light, blush pink polish (like a lip gloss for the nails) has been a favorite with designers this season. Milly's look for Spring 2009 featured so much bright, bold color and bold prints that the hair and makeup had to be a bit less bold, to give it balance.



Angie from CND gave me a tip for my readers: almond shaped nails like the ones in the photo, and on the Milly runway, are slenderizing, sort of like stilettos for the hands! that had just a hint of ballet-worthy pale pink on it. The look is very innocent, as if you were on the way to the beach. The nail colors for Spring 2009 will give you a full spectrum of color choices. You can go with pale sheers or perhaps, try something new, like CND's new-for-the-Spring, palette of "aged" greyed pastels including lovely, warm colors like those in the Sonoran Desert! Find out where you can a gazillion great CND nail colors right now, through Creative Nail Design's website or in your favorite nail salon.




When the designer meets with the hairstylist s/he has chosen, the stylist must then take the designer's vision and create a hair look for it. The photo on the left shows the concept on a test model with the finished look that the other stylists will copy. The model on the left is a real model whose hair has just been completed for the Milly runway show. Hair was made super-straight, then braided. A few of the models sported 60's style headbands for the show as well. This style is one you could do easily at home, but you'll need smoothing , anti-frizz, and shine products, a flat iron, and at least a little patience!


The creator of this pretty, bohemian hair look is the always gracious and talented Kevin Ryan (on the right) of Rsessions. he posing with Ricky Kenig, owner of the fabulous, Rickys Beauty Supply stores. The stores are so much fun to shop in, offering everything from lipsticks and eyeshadows, to candles and Halloween costumes. Kevin gave me a little tidbit you'll want to know about: the two are working on a special, "updo" kit for Rickys, with everything a girl needs to make (and keep) perfect updo's. Hopefully these will be out in a few months, right in time for the holidays. I can't wait to see it!

Makeup for Milly was created by Romy Soleimani for M.A.C. Cosmetics. This easy, I'm-on-the-way-to-the-beach, 60's look, featured a dewy, sunkissed face, created with tinted moisturizer and then a dusting of powder on the T-zone to keep that area from going wild with shine. Cheeks sported a glowing pink blush plus a bit of bronzer. This glowy/dewy face look with matte T-zone was used on several runways. The models sported body makeup, to complete the beachy look Romy used a pale pink shadow on the eyes, and then lined them 360 degrees, with a pearlized, gold liner. That 60's deb-chic look was continued on lips, with an almost "mod" baby pink lip stain.




The bright, cheerful, easy to wear, bohemian designs were truly lovely -- casual, swingy, with lots of bright colors to keep that day-in-the-sun look, alive. There was plenty of turquoise, purple, pink, coral, orange, yellow, brown, and tons of beads and embe