While we're sad that summer's fading away, the prospect of seeing the spring/summer 2011 collections in New York, London, Milan and Paris has us dizzy with excitement. The action started yesterday in New York, and there's already plenty to dish about, from the celeb-studded Chanel store party in Soho to the much-talked about fashion week venue change: Lincoln Center. Let the madness begin!
Richard Chai, Rachel Comey, Ruffian, Vena Cava (L-R). Photos: AP, FilmMagic.com, Getty for IMG, AP
Modern dancers: Dance is really having a fashion moment - we can't wait for Black Swan to hit cinemas - and Richard Chai agrees. The designer looked to modern dance pioneer Martha Graham for his Richard Chai Love collection, a fresh take on easy pieces like flowing trousers, filmy tops and basic bandeaus. Lots of layering and the neutral palette kept the focus on volume and movement. On the other side of the spectrum, with bright neon hues, crazy prom dresses and electric blue eye makeup, the rebellious Richie Rich also embraced the tulle by beginning his show with a subversive pas de deux. So, whether you're more classic and minimalist or an all-out wild thing, you may want to dig that tutu out of the closet.
LA story: Vena Cava's Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock headed to the West Coast for their latest collection, taking inspiration from the geometric lines and colourblocking of the 80s, Milan-based Memphis movement. We love the bold hits of red, blue and yellow accenting dresses, tops and skirts.
Military moment: Attention! Military silhouettes (army jackets, houlihan cargos, combat boots) and detailing (epaulettes and gold buttons) are a constant source of fashion inspiration and appear to be sticking around for yet another season. Ruffian's Claude Morais and Brian Wolk were inspired by women in the service for their latest collection of crisp militarly-style jackets paired with skirts and belted over silk dresses.
Indie queen: Rachel Comey's romantic silhouettes and fabulous had us wishing for spring all over again. Flirty slit-shoulder blouses, day dresses in lively prints and colour-blocked wedges are on our wish-lists for next season.
Celeb spotting: The Project Runway Season 8 finalists made their NYFW debuts yesterday, but off the catwalk, we spotted guest judge Jessica Simpson, diplomatically wearing a sparkly mini-dress by fellow judge Michael Kors. Meanwhile, after the New York socialites (Tinsley Mortimer and sister Dabney Mercer) and drag queens stomped down Richie Rich's catwalk, Ellen Degeneres made her way down the runway in a sleek silver suit.