A Moi Fall 2015

A Moi a relative newcomer to the runways showed a straightforward collection which pulled no punches, something we like a lot! The collection utilized a limited color palette and was more about construction then flash. It takes time to find your customer as well show editors where your design focus is and this was a gate to wire win for this new line. The embellishments may come down the road but for what was shown it's on our radar screen.

Photos: Agentry PR

Cynthia Rowley S/S2015 Color Commander

Cynthia Rowley is a master in the ways of using color in her creations and for this season its a sixties inspiration which she does which ease and edge! What is most appealing is her juxtaposition in her color choices, some colors are paired to push another color forward or to group like colors together creating a smooth flow to a dress. Of note are the sunglasses which have a sixties feel and that color block.

As for the activewear it takes a different direction but hits home and certainly shows where she is positioning this aspect of her line. Rowley an avid surfer herself, makes some of the best fashion performance suits in the business and keeps it original and fashion forward at the same time.

All Photos: Cynthia Rowley

Pamella Roland S/S2015

Pamella Roland has been around forever and she knows who her woman is and what she's looking for, a refreshing vision within the Kentucky derby of fashion weeks! Her inspiration this season was from Japan; which might indicate the very clean simple lines her daywear shows. There's nothing complicated going on here which makes one's eye focus on the clothing itself. But the real stunner has always been her evening wear, where this designer shines like a diamond. The red carpet dresses are there and have a presence which commands attention! Yet again Pamella Roland delivers!

Heather Lawton S/S2015

Being a fashion designer ain't easy and even more so when your tying to break into the business. Trying to find your girl can be a learning process and for Heather Lawton this might be the case. For S/S 2015 Lawton shows a safe easy on the eyes collection with a multitude of staple pieces. Back slacks,white slacks, simple safe black tops. In short the looks translate to consumers which equal sales but in a already flooded marketplace for this kind of clothing, it's a rough go.

What was more appealing where her print style overcoats and cropped jackets, at least pieces like this show creativity and potentially a stronger showing for the fall season coming up.

Alexandra Lin S/S2015~One's to Watch

Alexandra Lin best presentation hands down! A full breakfast buffet and a bar, I felt like I was backstage at some fashion show circa 1998! This is Lin's first time showing in New York for fashion week and only showed a small 10 piece collection. Based in Florida; Alexandra brings those beautiful Floridian colors to life and a southern feel to her clothing, a modern southern belle.

There's promise with this new designer and some pieces drift away from the deep south and venture across the pond, but with a small home based outfit running the business, there's a learning curve in place. Let's hope we see a fall showing. For the full collection her site http://www.alexandralindesign.com

Photos: Richard Spiegel

Mathieu Mirano S/S2015

I'm here to report that the house of Mathieu Mirano is doing just fine! There are a few back room changes like a new PR firm and choosing to show off site. For the one's who follow; we know that Mathieu can deliver red carpet high fashion drama, but for spring it seems he's toned in down with some nice solid pieces. Floral elements can been seen which pulls in the spring theme effortlessly. The standout piece for me is the ombre dress, his technique for this could be "perfect"! It's very hard to execute this, but the color gradation is flawless. He also is pulling in some black and white pieces which can only strengthen the line for the season.

Photos:Richard Spiegel

Degan S/S2015 Fun In The Sun

The best word to describe this collection would be cute and playful. In the rush of fashion week this day was a run around but landing at the Degan presentation brightened my day. The collection is colorful, youthful and toss in a bit of Jane's Addiction essence, it's a winner! The punk skater boy pants, beyond! The retro acid splash swim suits very unique! There's just something about that 1980's California timeline Degan seemed to convey, I loved it!

All Photos: Richard Spiegel

Leila Shams Fall 2014 Pushing The Envelope

It seems that old man winter locked me out of this show due to the cold weather and snow but thanks to the wonders of technology and PR the collection came to me! Leila Shams is a new designer on my radar screen and from what can be seen from this and previous collection is she's not afraid to try new design ventures. Granted some hit and some miss (we can win the race all the time), for fall 2014 Ms Shams has ventured into knits which I do enjoy but hoped they would be more uniform in nature. As for the strongest piece it has to be her red leather moto-style jacket! Every woman should have one and with her color shift this makes this piece editorial friendly as well the black leather pants. As well the collection is dotted with dressed and other separates; but the main feeling here is that you have to have a confidence and spirit to slip into these clothes and it's something I really like.

Photos: Dan Lecca

En Noir Fall 2014 Safety Dance

Relative new design house En Noir showed and small and safe collection for Fall 2014 at the Armory on 67th street and Park Ave. The entire collection is done in different shades of black and pretty much has a focus on coats and jackets which all men need. It seems that the house has a good understanding of what men want and more so how they might shop. Making easy choices for men is a plus and translates into quicker sales, I myself enjoy getting in and getting out of a shopping experience as quickly as possible.

For women they showed a few looks which seem to have a bit more flair and seem to take more design chances than on the mens side, but let's remember women are much different shoppers than the guys. Either way its a good staple collection and reinforces the statement "when in doubt, dress in black".

Photos: Thomas Kletecka

Saunder Fall 2014

From the designers run of show Saunder inspiration:

"For Fall/Winter 2014, Saunder was inspired by the 1980's BBC Miniseries, "The Signing Detective", the story of a pulp novelist hospitalized for a chronic skin condition. While in hospital, our protagonist drifts into feverish dream sequences where he believes he is a noir detective-soon enough, these dreamscapes overlap with reality, mixing our novelist's hallucinogenic fantasy with memories of growing up in wartime Britain".

The last time I checked we just moved into 2014 not the 1980's, correct? It has been my experience that inspirations like this don't translate well to consumers, at least American ones who might not have watched this program. Granted this is a very small collection, what seems to be missing is a direction and focus as to who designer Emily Saunders is designing for. There's a lot going on here but it feels like a pasta collection by way of trying to see what sticks. As for the clothing it just seems quite stiff with not a lot of movement, the fabric seems heavy. 

Oh and for the record i'm a huge fan of BBC'S "Top Gear" but I would not design a collection around it.

Pamella Roland Fall 2014 NYC Girls

For fall 2014 Pamella Roland sent out a New York City collection which would make any city girl smile, due to the fact there's quite a bit of black which flows throughout. With an inspiration to the city it's sleek and modern with different fabric choices to add variety. The coats she sent down the runway have that city edge and style women look for.

But it's not stopping in New York City, Roland sent out more than enough red carpet looks which we will definitely be seeing in the months to come. Of note is the red/black ombre full length dress as well the soft silver full length. It's wonderful to see a designer who can handle day and evening and keep her clients needs met.

Photos: Pamela Roland

Lyn Devon Fall 2013

For fall 2013 Lyn Devon showed a small concise collection this directional thought in mind. With only 20 pieces in play, this collection delivers on many front. The salt & pepper pieces are investment worthy.

 The overcoats and jackets are expertly cut and the fabrics are yummy and delicious! You can only say that when your up close and personal with a collection, another reason why I love presentations.

The high waisted pants are a nice change from different cuts we all have seen in general over the years. As well the toned down elegance of this line makes for an accessories party in the making. Overall a great collection.

Photos: House of Lyn Devon