Tommy Hilfiger: Fall/Winter 2010

Socially Superlative
February 20, 2010

Last night’s Tommy Hilfiger runway show marked the last ever to be held in the beloved tents of Bryant Park. It was a packed house, as hundreds of invited guests slowly took their seats.

Seated front row were American Elle’s Editor-in-Chief, Robbie Myers and Creative Director, Joe Zee. Several chairs down the line appeared Vogue’s legendary editor, Anna Wintour, who sat arms-crossed and unsuccessfully disguised under a pair of large sunglasses. Among celebrity attendees were Ashley Olsen, Russell Simmons, Rosario Dawson, and Hayden Panettiere.

After a week filled with futuristic, jaw dropping fashions, it was refreshing to come back down to earth and into the present. Hilfiger delivered a new collection that is both true to his American Dream inspiration and wearable to a large clientele. Models walked to the beat of popular music, including a mix of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.”

Classic red, white, and blue garments graced the runway with style and ease. Hilfiger always manages to achieve a variety of looks that connect to his overall theme. He paired traditional cardigans, cable knits, and plaid coats in green, navy and khaki with more uptown-looking garments and accessories.

My favorite look was a fitted red sweater paired with a long, loose black and white checkered skirt, and held together with a leather belt. A dark sparkly blazer and thigh-high boots introduced a bit of sass to the collection. The simple, yet impeccable tailored skirts and jackets create a feminine-masculinity that has become expected in Hilfiger’s clothes.

While most looks for the Fall/Winter 2010 season veer towards the preppy side, one can achieve a more downtown style by mixing and matching separates. This is just one reason why the Hilfiger brand has maintained success over the years. One can be the “it girl,” or just “the girl next door.”

The evening concluded with the designer taking the stage and embracing the future. ”It’s bittersweet” said Hilfiger, “but it’s onward and upward to Lincoln Center.” Let’s hope this new location will prove to be half as magical as the tents have been for the past eighteen years.

-Megan Eileen McDonough




Photos via Style.com.

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/02/20/tommy-hilfiger-fallwinter-2010/

Naeem Khan: Fall/Winter 2010

Socially Superlative
February 19, 2010

Naeem Khan took metalics to the extreme during his show last night at Bryant Park. I found myself uttering the Rachel Zoe-coined phrase, “on another level” after each of his thirty looks.

The first half of the show consisted of black pants, dresses, and blazers all heavily adorned with brightly colored metallic sequins. Tall hair, fur trimmings, and layered jeweled necklaces completed each look. Several beige garments smoothly worked their way into Khan’s edgy-meets-feminine line.

The second half of the collection showcased a variety of form-fitting white and ivory gowns layered under fur vests. Models transformed into ice queens of the runway as they fiercely floated their way down the catwalk. The hard and soft fabric combinations were thought-out and well chosen.

With gold and silver making up such a large portion of Khan’s color-palette, I felt that I could easily have been at the Grammy’s. Not only can these designs be worn at the award show, they quite resemble the actual awards given to winners. This must take the term “trophy wife” to another level.

Blasting through the speakers was a lively mix of rock music. Although I am a fashion writer by night, my main passion in life is music. Working at a rock record label here in New York City, I found myself singing along while tapping my foot to the beat.

The audience clearly felt bedazzled by Khan’s creations as he received a warm standing ovation at the conclusion of his show.

-Megan Eileen McDonough


Photos via Style.com.

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/02/19/naeem-khan-fallwinter-2010/

Tony Cohen: Fall/Winter 2010

Socially Superlative
February 16, 2010

Tony Cohen’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection turned out to be one of my favorite shows this season. I was rather unfamiliar with this designer, but by the finale of his Valentine’s Day show in the Salon at Bryant Park, I became a loyal follower.

With dark flower petals sprinkled over the white runway, it was the perfect setting for a dark but beautiful lover’s holiday. Leather, lace, and billowy layers of fabric allowed for smooth movement. Smokey eye make-up completed the sleek and elegant look of his designs.

The highlight of the entire collection had to be the silk jewel embroidered leggings. I’m a leggings fan myself, but never have I seen any this fabulous. With many of his garments in neutral black, gray, and beige colors, this added element of chic glamour was the perfect finishing touch.

Each garment exuded confident femininity and sex appeal. From form-fitting mini dresses to long flowing gowns, his construction remained flawless. Models even wore lace and sequin covered gloves. Belts, leather arm wraps, and adorned neck pieces made this show truly unforgettable.

Tony Cohen launched his label in 2004. The Netherlands-born designer was soon picked up by major international buyers such as Harvey Nichols and Neiman Marcus. He is inspired by flower arrangements, curtain draping, music, and travel. These interests are all reflected in his collection.

- Megan Eileen McDonough


Photos by Getty Images via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/02/16/tony-cohen-fallwinter-2010/

Katie Gallagher: Fall/Winter 2010

Socially Superlative
February 16, 2010

Katie Gallagher presented her new collection at the trendy Soho Grand downtown. Twenty models each stood on small square tiles in a long row between the hotel’s bar and lounge areas.

Things were a bit chaotic with hotel guests having no idea there was a fashion show about to commence. As the models began walking to their assigned spots, a group of unsuspecting businessmen sitting nearby immediately turned red in the face.

With nobody knowing if this was a runway show or presentation until the models emerged from backstage, guests awkwardly struggled to move around the small space and take pictures. Despite feeling somewhat claustrophobic by the whole situation, I was rather impressed to see the models remain unflustered.

Katie calls her collection “The Heart of the Woods and What I Found There.” With slow, creepy music playing in the background, I felt as if I slipped into her creative world for an hour. The presentation provided guests a more personal setting to view her clothes.

Half of Gallagher’s models were dressed in all black clothing, with a mixture of paired thick and thin fabrics in each look. The second half featured lighter fabrics and colors. Leather, leggings, and oversized jackets were staples in her collection.

I really appreciate Gallagher’s design aesthetic and her creative way of approaching rocker-like fashion. With wild, crazy hair and bright-colored eye-makeup worn on her models, every detail worked together to complete this collection.

- Megan Eileen McDonough


Photos via Refinery29.

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/02/16/katie-gallagher-fallwinter-2010/

ADAM: Fall/Winter 2010

Socially Superlative
February 16, 2010

Adam Lippes’ held his ADAM Fall/Winter 2010 collection Saturday in the Promenade tent at Bryant Park. Having missed the designer’s presentation last season at Milk Studios, I was eager to see what he had created over the past months. With thirty-six completed looks, I was not left disappointed.

Inspired by Isca Greenfield-Sanders’ painting from her play “Against The Fall,” Lippes began visualizing his new collection. Her picture was of a parachute jumper descending through dark, opaque panels. He greatly appreciated her experimentation with color, texture, and line, and thus incorporated these aspects into his sketches.

Lippes showcased a variety of fabrics and colors that drew attention to his detailed construction technique. I loved his pairing of thick wool scarves and sweaters with lighter chiffon pieces. A few highlights included a leather pleated black tank dress, cashmere knit jodhpur, cotton poncho, and metallic painted hand knit cable shrug. Architectural lines emphasized his modern design approach.

With so many different looks being introduced into his collection, Lippes managed to tie everything together. He presented dark neutral outfits, some lighter colored garments, and then a strong combination of the two. Gradually, new textures smoothly transitioned into his line. His method of layering contrasting textures looked effortless as models paraded down the runway in their Manolo Blahnik heels.

- Megan Eileen McDonough


Photos via Style.com.

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/02/16/adam-fallwinter-2010/

A Détacher: Fall/Winter 2010

Socially Superlative
February 15, 2010

The Fall 2010 A Détacher collection was held at the Altman Building. Comprised of thirty-one looks, the overall vibe was very natural and eco-friendly. Bright green, pink, and blue colored garments were paired with beige boots worn over thigh-high wool leggings. It was almost as if summer and winter merged together to complete each look.

Although I found the collection interesting, I did not leave tonight with a new appreciation for this clothing line. Many of the dresses and tops reminded me of something one might wear on a farm. Baggy clothes consumed the waif-like models, meaning these outfits would add bulk to the appearance of normal sized women.

Another hindrance I found was the musical selection. It was a slow, lingering track with no real melodic beat or rhythm. The show ended with a recording of two people’s voices. It was a rather un-climactic conclusion, but perhaps all part of Kowalska’s vision.

New York based designer Mona Kowalska owns a boutique in downtown Nolita. She opened her shop on Mott Street in 1998 after previously running the Paris design studio for Sonia Rykiel. Mona strives to create chic designs that allow women to feel sexy and comfortable at the same time.

- Megan Eileen McDonough


Photos by Getty Images via Courtorture.com.

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/02/15/a-detacher-fallwinter-2010/

Vassilios Kostetsos: Fall/Winter 2010

Socially Superlative
February 15, 2010

Greek designer Vassilios Kostetsos held his Fall 2011 collection in the Salon last night at Bryant Park. Calling his collection “Eros Anikate Mahan,” Kostetsos found inspiration from Sophocles’ 442 BC drama, “Antigony.”

His designs all stem from the phrase, “love unconquered in the battle.” Red fabrics were used to symbolize love and passion, while black colored pieces represent the death of Antigone’s brother. Kostetsos chose bronze as a key color because of its alikeness to weapons used in battle. Leather added to the harsh undertones of war.

Vassilios put considerable thought into his newest collection, leaving no detail unnoticed. Inspired by the god of Love, this theme is vividly printed on skin-colored materials, handbags, tights, gloves, and other accessories. His draping technique used on evening dresses is comparable to that of modern sculptures.

Designing clothes for both men and women, Kostetsos demonstrated his unique vision behind this collection. Like many shows this season, there was an element of futuristic styled garments in bright metallics. Despite this, his bold color and fabric combinations are unique to his aesthetic.

Not every look is wearable off the runway, but his show was certainly memorable. The audience remained completely enthralled by Vassilios’ shoulder detailing on dresses and jackets and by his sexy sheer tops and dominatrix leather outfits.

- Megan Eileen McDonough


Photos by Getty Images via Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2010/02/15/vassilios-kostetsos-fallwinter-2010/