New York Fashion Week: Spring 2009

A Look from Lorick

Check out our New York Fashion Week Spring 2009 Coverage all week featuring shows and private parties September 5-12th. click here

Right Now: Sue Stemp, Lorick, Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion

Enjoy the weekend!

YSL's Manifesto

Yves Saint Laurent is putting out their Manifesto, but all anybody seems to care about is the packaging. Designer of Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati, has been producing his own magazine, Manifesto, for the last three seasons. Manifesto illustrates the complete Yves Saint Laurent collection in a very spectacular, artistic layout.

The Manifesto was created in order to focus the public on Yves Saint Laurent clothing, instead of just the high-priced accessories that push the most business, and therefore are always receiving the most magazine space and attention.

However, as much we love the clothes, the accessories have seem to won again this season – and how could they not when free tote bags will be given away holding this season’s Manifesto issues, 5,000 to be exact. The overall message of the mag seems to have been corrupted by its very purpose. The bag was supposed to be a complimentary gift to those who picked up the magazine, but it was all Yves Saint Laurent followers were raving about. Maybe next season they’ll wrap the magazine in a nice dress for us – that would certainly get us more focused on the clothing!
-Jackie Medler

Hello from New York!

We’ve already walked by the tents in Bryant Park, and we’re pumped to see all the amazing clothes we’ll see, both on and off the runway. We’re even more excited to scoop out all the new designers debuting this year in every crevice of this city....check out more at Factio's New York Fashion Week Spring 2009 blog! We'll be covering the shows and parties all week!
xx,
Grace Bahk and Susan Maxwell

GQ Men of the Year Awards

The stars were out Tuesday night at the Royal Opera House for the annual GQ Men Of The Year awards which were presented by Lily Allen and Sir Elton John. The day was not all about the boys, but the ladies too were out to steal the spotlight and honor the best of British talent. Looking as glamorous as ever among the ladies were Emmanuelle Chriqui, Liz Hurley, Daisy Lowe, Jaime Winstone and Thandie Newton who was wearing an Erdem dress with tortoise-shells and patent leather Giuseppe Zanotti heels, carrying a Sergio Rossi clutch looking stunning as usual.

Saffron Aldridge was on hand to dish out the trophies to all of the most celebrated men in Britain. Among the winners to take them home were Mark Ronson winning the Alfred Dunhill "Maverick" Award, and Led Zeppelin collecting the Lifetime Achievement award from Dave Grohl who said: "If it wasn't for this band, I wouldn't be around. They are the greatest rock 'n 'roll band of all time." Christopher Bailey, creative director for Burberry walked away with the "Designer of the Year" award, while the “Killers” front man Brandon Flowers picked up the trophies for the most stylish man.
-Desiree Masiela, UK Correspondent

Tim Gunn's Fashion Views

We all love fashion guru Tim Gunn's role on Project Runway. Acting as a mentor to the contestants, Tim always has advice, even if it is only, "Make it work." But, recently Tim Gunn has broadened his critiques outside of the Bravo TV show. He has been letting us know what he thinks about some celebs and is even sharing his views about the potential first ladies.

First, he was baffled by Katie Holmes recent looks, like wearing baggy boyfriend jeans from her rehearsals for her upcoming Broadway debut in "All My Sons."

Next, he criticized the 15-year-old Miley Cyrus a "tart" and that she looks and dresses far too provocatively for her age.

Then he said everyone's favorite friend, Jennifer Aniston, seems "desperate" and "high-maintenance" from her style choices according to OK! Magazine.

And he is weighing in on the two potential first ladies' style and he gives his vote to Michelle Obama, calling her style "comfortable that gives her confidence." His views on Cindy McCain's campaign style choices are not so pleasant. He told Time Magazine, "Cindy McCain looks like someone has twisted her pony tail into a knot and tried to give her a face lift." We definitely know who he would like to see as the lady of the White House, whatever his political views may be.

You can catch more of Tim Gunn's critiques on Project Runway every Wednesday night at 9 on Bravo.

-Kelsey Bristow

Gossip Girl Style

With September here, that means season premieres are an every night affair for the next couple of weeks. And with new and returning series featuring some very fabulous leading ladies, we can all expect some stunning fashion.

Of course, here at runwaytoretail.com we all tuned in Monday night to watch the premiere of the second season of Gossip Girl. Between all of the drama and gossip, who would have thought that something else would have stolen the show? But, never letting us down, the infallible style of Blair, Jenny, and Serena had us fawning over their outfits during the commercials.

The white party, one like no other, had some of the most stunning dresses we have seen on TV in a very long time. And undeniably Blake Lively's character Serena put together all of the summer's hottest trends together for an unforgettable ensemble. Who else but Oscar de la Renta to design such an amazing dress? The dress is from his Spring 2008 line and Blake dazzled us in it.

We're looking forward to see what the girls pull out of their Fall wardrobe throughout the season! -Kelsey Bristow

Gilt Group and Costello Tagliapietra

Thanks to the partnership of Gilt Group and Costello Tagliapietra, fashionistas everywhere will now be able to purchase clothing straight from the runway in a New York minute!

Gilt, the invitation-only sample sale website will support the designers in their Spring 2009 show next week, and will then offer the designers clothing on Gilt.com shortly thereafter.

"Fashion shows are critical in extending a designers reach with buyers and editors yet the cost to produce can be prohibitive," Steven Kolb, executive director of the CFDA told Fashion Week Daily. "Gilt Group's extension in supporting the CFDA Business ServiceNetwork with sponsorship of designers' shows is an additional resource that compliments its on line sales for our members and demonstrates Gilt Group's true efforts to strengthen our industry."

Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra are excited to begin their new venture with Gilt, "Gilt has created an environment online where our customers from all over the nation can enjoy the same privileges as those who have easy access to the sample sales in New York."
-Katherine Mingey

Nassau Brings You Islands of the World Fashion Week

Nassau is proving itself to be more than just the backdrop for the latest Bond flick or a suitcase of Ralph Lauren’s resort collection. From November 5 through 8, Mode Îles will host the premiere Islands of the World Fashion Week at the British Colonial Hilton and the Atlantis Resort.

Thirteen island states will send designers to represent their distinct cultural influences and promote artistic dialogue. The event will give particular attention to those considered developing islands to allow an opportunity for artists to be recognized by global markets and international fashion media.

Mode Îles recently announced the thirty-six selected designers, and their collections will include couture, ready-to-wear, swimwear, bridalwear and a plethora of accessories.

“These designers represent 13 island states, each with its unique culture and fashion perspective,” said Arianne Etuk, Chief Operations Officer and spokesperson for the organizers. “The event will truly be a mosaic of cultures and fashions, and promises to be very illuminating.”

Islands of the World Fashion Week will also invite three international guest designers to present their work: Peter Ingwerson from NOIR Illuminati II will show at the Opening Reception; Nick Verreros of Nikolaki (and from “Project Runway” fame) will have a special showing; and celebrity favorite Kevan Hall will conclude the week at the Closing Reception.
www.islandsfashionweek.com
-Grace Bahk

ThreeAsFour Swim

ThreeAsFour, $750, YOOX.COM

We picked up as many pieces as we could from the last Gap collaboration with ThreeAsFour, and we were blown away by their show in the spring. So you can imagine our excitement when we found out that they’re creating a capsule collection of swimwear, available for wholesale!

From the glimpses we’ve seen at their shows, the suits should be very promising. We’re hoping for more sexy lines and interesting cutouts and soft jersey. The line will debut this week in New York, and will sell at prices between $100 and $250. Looks like we’re not ready to give up summer just yet!
-Grace Bahk

Julia Roberts Joins Giorgio Armani

Actress Julia Roberts has joined forces with the brilliant designer Giorgio Armani.

Roberts has designed a limited-edition T-shirt, which will feature the symbolic "tree of life" that was introduced last season on the best-selling leather bracelet that Roberts and Armani collaborated on.

Written on the shirt are the words "Revolution-Evolution-Devotion" which is the acronym for RED. All of the shirts will be made in Africa and will benefit Mr. Armani's charity Product (RED).

Armani told Fashion Week Daily, "Julia has helped to create beautiful and unique designs for both women and men, which will be a visible reminder of the part that we can all play in fighting AIDS in Africa. I adore working with Julia and appreciate, once again, how she always stands by my side in important collaborations such as this."

You can help out the cause by purchasing the tees, which are available for both men and women in grey, red, white and black for $125 at emporioarmani.com. They will be available in stores beginning in September.
-Katherine Mingey