Rosa Cha S/S 2011

Years ago Rosa Cha was the hottest show during New York fashion week. The house showed in the biggest space, used the top models and was one of the hottest invitation for the week but a few things have changed over the years. Long time designer Amir Slama has walked away and Alexandre Herchcovitch has taken over the design direction. Their spring show was shown in the smallest space for a runway show and it showed to a half filled house, standing guest filled in the seats to make it full. As the suits came down the runway it seemed the same print fabrics was being used and nothing was changing which made the show boring and called into question the new designers ability. Midway through the show the print changed but not by much only to change the style and color. By our account there were no "OMG that's hot" moments, which years ago was expected and delivered. In the end the sales numbers will determine if a new designer is put it place for this once great swimwear line.

Photos: Jennifer Polixenni

Elise Overland S/S 2011 Video

Toni Francese S/S 2011

Nautica S/S 2011

For the past few seasons Nautica has been flying under the radar screen with no activity during fashion week but this season the company held a presentation at lincoln center. Overall the collection is true to the Nautica style with many sail inspired pieces. As for their more tailored line there are some great sport coats and Bermuda shorts which are done in solid colors but if your into a more statement style of dressing their patchwork print jackets might be more to your flavor.

Gianna Rose Atelier

If your looking for some quality hand soaps we highly recommend Gianna Rose Atelier. All soaps are hand made and vegetable based as well triple milled. These soaps are packed with natural botanical extracts and nurturing emollients.

Founded in 1989 Gianna Rose Atelier offers molded collections of stylish soaps, bath accessories and home fragrances. All products are packaged gift-package style. The line is carried in over 2,000 stores including Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Ave. More information can be found at www.giannarose.com

Silvio Liu S/S 2011

The Spring Silvio Liu collection designed by Brain Wood is new on our radar screen and is a first for designer Brian Wood. Mr. Wood showed a small and versitale selection of clothing which really caught our eye for a first out collection. What grabbed us was the different styles and colors he's incorporated into the line as well some Greek draping touches which we have seen in other collections for the week. Most first timers play it safe but Mr. Wood decides to gamble and risk which we admire amidst a poor economy.  His best pieces are his deep orange dress,  trench coat and white zip front dress. If his spring line is this good we can't wait for the fall collection. Photos: Richard Spiegel

Mik Cire S/S 2011

Over the years the mens fashion scene has faded away to Milan so when we do get to see a collection we try and make a point of attending. For Spring 2011 Mik Cire/Eric Kim showed a straight forward collection which made us smile, not only was the clothing wearable but demonstrated that this collection can be embraced by the gay and straight world. There are no fancy details or hard lines just easy stylish pieces which yell comfort and versatility via a black and white color scheme. From shirts to jeans and jackets it all works.

Photos: Edward James

Loris Diran S/S 2011

For Spring 2011 Loris Diran showed a small but powerful collection filled with variety and a cohesive color range. Inspired by "Urban Oasis" The collection draws upon desert heat, sun faded soft tones and
New York City pavements among other things. The line is roughly thirty pieces but showcases some of his best work we have ever seen. To note we love his colorful bias cut print dress and his basket weave skirt. Seeing the clothing up close demonstrates Mr. Diran's attention to craftsmanship, the clothing is well made and is worthy of any woman's fashion dollars!

Photos: Sandy Ramirez

Siki Im S/S 2011

The inspiration for the 2011 Siki Im mens collection was Xenophobia: the uncontrollable fear of foreigners along with the notion of isolation and integration driven by the physical, emotional, and political context of immigration. The collection was shown in all places a parking garage while pre-show militant rap music played in the background, we spotted a vintage silver jaguar to hot wire if we needed a get away car!

In all our years of covering fashion shows this is the first time we came across an inspiration such as this. As for the clothing the feeling we came away with was somewhat of a Japanese "urban kimono" as well somewhat feminine with a few of the looks. More important, we tried to wrap our brain around who the Siki Im customer is and we came up blank! The best pieces to this collection were their hand tailored blazers done in super 130 wool. We might be wrong but fashion inspiration should revolve around a theme, location, a person,  not a way of thinking. Delving into Xenophobia for inspiration is very deep and it seems the design house of Siki Im over analyzed it.

Photos: Richard Spiegel

Trina Turk S/S 2011

Its a Palm Beach party over at Trina Turk for Spring 2011 and if you've got style your all invited. Presenting a colorful and tropical collection the clothing is stylish and very colorful. The styling of the presentation brought the Palm Beach life style to another level with jewelry and other accessories to make it complete.  By far this is one of our favorite collections of the season since it represents the true feeling for spring.

Photos: Richard Spiegel

Jose Duran S/S 2011

Well you can't make every show so the nice people at The Berit Group sent us the looks from the Jose Duran Spring runway show. Jose is new to our radar screen but what he showed leaves us less then excited but there are pieces that have potential. Showing a mostly black "safe" collection the pieces that strike us the most are his dresses, they seem to be tailored well and looked good on the models. As for his mens pieces the body suits just don't translate with todays man. It might just be a matter of time for Jose to find his groove and customer.

Photos: The Berit Group

LNA S/S 2011

While bouncing around the Mac & Milk studio we found ourselves at the LNA presentation. The collections assortment of separates makes for easy dressing be it day or evening. The LNA designers seem to keep these clothes affordable by using cotton and other fabrics. Their color range is all across the board so incorporating the line into your current closet makes life easy. For this house its not about red carpet affairs but giving women what they need for everyday life.

Photos: R. Spiegel

Kimberly Ovitz S/S 2011

Kimberly Ovitz presented hands down the best presentation for the spring season. Her models were set up in light boxes and were done in strong makeup for the eyes and a dark gothic soundtrack for music, these were not your "nice" models and had the look of seriousness and a ready to fight attitude! Working with a black and white base for spring the Ovitz collection is simple but very sophisticated, with geometric patterns on her dresses and slacks. the collection screams attitude and will make any woman stand out from the rest with these clothes. If spring was this great her fall collection we can't wait for! In short we were BLOWN AWAY when we walked out!

Photos: R. Spiegel

Edition By Georges Chakra S/S 2011

The economy might still be in rough shape by its not stopping Georges Chakra from sending out a beautiful spring collection. The collection was colorful and his dresses and gowns flowed down the runway like a soft summer breeze. Standout pieces were his purple ombre and metallic gowns which we hope to see on red carpets.

Photos: Edward James

Mara Hoffman S/S 2011

Photos: Peoples Revolution

Alice Ritter S/S 2011