NY Fashion Week Fall 2011: Rodarte, J. Mendel

Wheat Fields, Metallics, sequins, More Fur!, Art Deco 1920's Elegance...More NY Fashion week Fall 2011 Highlights!

House on the Rodarte Prairie: Rodarte Fall 2011

Rodarte Fall 2011

Leather Tanner: Rodarte Fall 2011

For Rodarte Fall 2011, the dynamic design duo of sister Kate and Laura Mulleavy, were inspired by the prairie wheat fields. There were several "Prairie Coats", silk mousseline gowns with "exploding" wheat prints at the hems and dresses with "aprons" featuring geometric graphics--it was very "True Grit" Couture-meets-Little House On the Prairie Luxe. The collection seemed almost a departure from what we've seen in the past, in terms of their "Arts-&-Crafty"-a-woolen-knot-here-and-a-twisted-tulle-there dresses. It almost looked (wait for it) more sell-able and commercial. Well, as "commercial" as Rodarte's almost one-of-a-kind pieces can be. Below--and above--are some standouts.

Wheat Gown: Rodarte Fall 2011

Do-Si-Do Square Dancing: Rodarte Fall 2011

We're Not In Kansas Anymore: Rodarte Fall 2011

Click below to watch FULL Runway Show of Rodarte Fall 2011:

J. Mendel Fall 2011:

1920's Goddess: J. Mendel Fall 2011

Dapper J. Mendel Designer Gilles Mendel said that he was influenced by his father's collection of aboriginal art as well as the tribal body art of the indigenous Australians, which he also noted reminded him of Art Deco Architecture--go figure! Yes, we designers can be influenced and inspired by A LOT of things. If this was John Galliano or Jean Paul Gaultier, well, you can only IMAGINE what those models--and the clothes--would look like! However, under Mendel's restrained and elegant tutelage, it became an elegantly subtle inspiration that morphed into silky 1920's gowns featuring geometrically-cut sequins as well as lots of furs--which is something the house knows a thing or two about since it's their "thang"! The collection was GORGEOUS! Take a look:

Art Deco Coat: J. Mendel Fall 2011

A Night Out At The Theater: J. Mendel Fall 2011

Plunging Beauty: J. Mendel Fall 2011

Click Below to watch FULL Runway Show of J. Mendel Fall 2011:

NY Fashion Week Fall 2011: Oscar de la Renta and Proenza Schouler

Fur, Luxe, Ethnic, Santa Fe, Native American Prints, Velvets and Embellished Gowns...Welcome to Fall/Winter 2011/2012

Park Avenue Inuit: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011

Michelle Obama, This Is For You: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011

Oscar de la Renta knows his Park Avenue Ladies. They don't care if there's a Recession, they only fly First Class--or Private--and they go to him for Rich Rich Rich Clothing. Who cares if these ladies are getting well, how shall we say this, older. But then, that is why his press office is working long and hard getting young starlets like "Glee's" Lea Michele to wear his gowns on the red carpet showing "Hey, Oscar de la Renta can do YOUNG too!!", if those young girls have $2,500 to spare for a chic little Daytime sheath dress!

Baby It's Cold: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011

For Fall 2011, there were lots of luxe fabrics: Jacquard, Furs, Tribal prints, Mongolian references, embellished gowns and cocktail dresses. If it doesn't have sequins or feathers...then it ain't an Oscar de la Renta gown huney!

One-Shoulder Entrance: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011

An Embassy Soiree: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011

Oscar Goes to The Oscars: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011

Oscar Ball: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011

Click Below for Runway Video of Oscar De La Renta Fall 2011:

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011

Santa Fe Princess: Proenza Schouler Fall 2011

A Trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico...via New York City...via Proenza Schouler Fall 2011. Proenza Schouler Designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez went Native American for Fall 2011. They took a trip to Santa Fe and were inspired by the local Native American prints, especially in those iconic blankets.

Print Dressing: Proenza Schouler Fall 2011

There was a "Tribal" feeling throughout but modernized. Loose cropped pants, folded, pleated-draped skirts, jackets. Surprised that there weren't any of their signature bustier looks, however. The Colors Palette: Mustard, Brick Red, Deep Wine. Luxurious fabrics like sumptuous velvets, leathers and wools rounded out what seemed to be a Stand-out of a collection for the boys.

Lunch Meeting: Proenza Schouler Fall 2011

Statement Skirt: Proenza Schouler Fall 2011

Cocktails a la Proenza Schouler: Proenza Schouler Fall 2011

Click Below for FULL Runway Video of Proenza Schouler Fall 2011:

NY Fashion Week Fall 2011: Michael Kors and Marchesa

"What Recession?" Clothing, Furs , Slits, 70's Disco, and Oscar Gowns: The Big M's : Michael Kors and Marchesa!!!

First Class is Ready To Board: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Michael Kors Fall 2011:

Where Is My Vuitton Luggage: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Michael Kors Turned 30!! Well, his design company did! And so this show was a HUGE one--68 looks, menswear, womenswear, Brazilian Supermodels, A-List Front Row Celebs, you name it, they were there. In terms of the Collection: Very Michael Kors. Lots of double-face cashmere, LOTS of luxe furs, simple uncomplicated shapes, delicate draping, "Disco" plunging cowl neck draping, jumpsuits and VERY HIGH slits.

Cowl Disco: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Think 1979 Bianca Jagger/Lauren Hutton off to Aspen. Or...better yet, the mistress--or wife--of a Multi-Millionaire Goldman Sachs banking executive, getting on her private jet off to their Swiss Chalet near St. Gallen. Yep, these are clothes for the woman who has NEVER EVER seen what "Coach Class" looks like, and what a Recession feels like. Understated Luxe 2.0.

Brazilian Slit: Supermodel Isabeli Fontana in Michael Kors Fall 2011

Easy Breezy Luxe: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Hi-Low Caftan: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Click Below for the Full Runway Video of Michael Kors Fall 2011:

Marchesa Fall 2011:

Don't Step On My Train: Marchesa Fall 2011

While Elie Saab's Haute Couture Spring 2011 Collection--shown last month in Paris--had fashion commentators saying that it looked all very "Miss Havisham"---Marchesa's Fall 2011 Collection actually WAS!!! Marchesa Co-Designer Georgina Chapman said she was inspired by watching "Great Expectations" on TV one night and of course, the movie's "Diva", Miss Havisham.

Marchesa Mourning: Marchesa Fall 2011

Decadent dresses, gowns and overcoats and opulent silks, yards and yards of tulle, silk organza and applique lace embroideries. The show--sponsored by Range Rover--was once again done "Gallery Style" as models stood there, showing each and every piece in all their Almost-Couture Glory. Pay attention Red Carpet Watchers: I have a feeling SEVERAL of these will end up at the upcoming Academy Awards...Like these FOUR below:

Blush Best Dressed: Marchesa Fall 2011

Oscar Stunner: Marchesa Fall 2011

Rihanna, For Your Consideration: Marchesa Fall 2011

Belle of the Oscar Ball: Marchesa Fall 2011

Click Below for "Range Rover Sponsors Marchesa Fall 2011 Fashion Presentation" Video:

New York Fashion Week Fall 2011: Jason Wu, Diane Von Furstenberg

Bow Ties, Black & White, Yves Saint Laurent References, Skinny Pants and Dresses Dresses Dresses...

Androgynous Chic: Jason Wu Fall 2011

Jason Wu Fall 2011:

Dinner With The Boys: Jason Wu Fall 2011

Style.com's Nicole Phelps noted that "We lost count somewhere around 90 when we tried to tally the photographers in the pit at Jason Wu's Chelsea show today. The designer's rise has been fairly meteoric, thanks in part to Michelle Obama, of course. But it struck you, looking at his Fall collection: The clothes are legitimately living up to his outsized reputation.".

From the runway photos and video--the collection was meant for a younger Lady Who Lunches. She also does Cocktails, Galas, and she BETTER be seen in Vogue Magazine's "Flash" section...or else her pr person will hear about it! Lots of man-tailoring super-skinny sized. Lace and transparency, embellishment and high HIGH slits in the last gowns. Bow ties are the new "Statement Necklaces". Oh and it all looked very Alber Elbaz-meets-Yves Saint Laurent (the Genius not the brand). Love the tulle-and-lace face veil, by the way!

Enchanted Cocktail: Jason Wu Fall 2011

Slit Happy: Jason Wu Fall 2011

Watch Full Runway Video, Jason Wu Fall 2011:

Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011:

El Wrap Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011

For Fall 2011 Diane Von Furstenberg's Collection was named "American Legends", referencing to Style Divas such as Milicent Rodgers, Gloria Vanderbilt, Diana Vreeland, etc. From the Gaucho-esque wide-brimmed hats to the metallic Disco stylings and pops of turquoise, red and in-your-face prints, it all looked more like a Party in Buenos Aires or Marbella circa 1979. I would say Naty Abascal would be a closer Muse than the ones named above. There were tunics, high-slit skirts, transparent Bishop-sleeved blouses and yes, more YSL nods. Here are some highlights:

Winter Color Palette: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011

Gaucho Girl: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011

Studio 54 2011: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011

Watch Full Runway Video, Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011:

New York Fashion Week Fall 2011: Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs

NY Fashion Week Highlights: Polka Dots, Lace and Ladies Who Do Late Lunches...

Polka Dot Mini Muse Couture: A look from Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Carolina Herrera Fall 2011:

For her latest Fall 2011 Collection, Venezuelan-born, American Designer Carolina Herrera--a favorite of Barbara Walters, the Kennedy's, well-heeled old-money East Coast set and Renee Zellweger to boot--sent out what looked like "Real Ladies Clothes"; sellable, well-tailored, elegant clothes. No trickery. Clothes that one might actually see in her boutiques--as well as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, etc. Colors ranged from gray, pumpkin orange to ocean blues. Lots of fur. And some iridescence for evening. Two standout details: The Funnel Neck covered-shoulder "Capelet" and...wait for it...SENSIBLE shoes! These Ladies Do Late Lunches sans their 5" Louboutin Platform Pumps! See for yourself:

Pumpkin Sheath: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Ready For A Luncheon: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Baby It's Cold: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Gala Old Money: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Watch Full Runway Show of Carolina Herrera Fall 2011 Below:

Marc Jacobs Fall 2011:

Polka Accessories: Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Latex, Lace, Polka Dots and Boxy-Fitted: These are words to describe the prints, fabrications and silhouettes at Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 Collection, debuted this week at New York Fashion Week. As always, with Marc Jacobs, there were LOTS of fun details and great individual pieces. For example: Love that blue-violet over-sized paillette skirt below and those Booties and trust me, we'll see plenty of Glam Girls pre-ordering that Polka Dot Bag as well!

Snow Woman Couture: Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Bishop (Sleeves) and Lace: Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Watch Full Runway Show of Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 Below: