Hosting a fashion show in the Astor Court of the New York Public Library is quite a statement. Just being there reminds of us of watching Chanel at the Rodin Museum, in Paris. Leave it to Jill Stuart to leap over a bar being held that high. The collection started with a military theme with lots of kelly green and high lace-up boots. The inspiring military boots continued throughout the show but the look took a quick right turn onto rock-and-roll. A combination of tartan plaids, heavy knits, intent tailoring, thick leather belts, metallic and sparkles made this collection a fashion week favorite.

Jill Stuart Fall 2010

Who is the customer: A little bit of up-town and a little bit of rock-and-roll, no country.

Why buy: You know you can rock it.

What to buy: We’ll take one pair of those lace-up boots and a chunky sweater with eagle strong shoulders –to go please.

Bypass: Velvet with sparkles is like gilding the lily.

Overall contribution to fashion: Sophistication can be young.

It’s hard not to fall in love with the romance of long gowns. As a designer, it’s even harder not to fall into the cliche of designing for a fairytale princess. Monique Lhuiller was able to steer clear of Snow White by channeling the feel of a strong warrior and punctuating her flawless designs with powerful reds.

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2010

Who is the customer: Oscar nominees and black tie circuit

Why buy: Flawless beauty without the cliche

What to buy: We were captivated by the way the chiffon on this red gown moved. The asymmetric neckline is also a nice twist on a very classic design.

Bypass: The red duchesse draped gown with the floral skirt. The detailing was so heavy that it’s hard to pay attention to the woman in the dress.

Overall contribution to fashion: Evening wear that shines.

Lela Rose always shows an elegant and sophisticated collection filled with stunning cocktail dresses and gowns. This season, Lela was inspired by the celestial sky of the Galapagos Islands. The elegant designs were filled with colors and textures that shimmered and glistened. Many of the dresses may look simple but that’s just the outcome of great craftsmanship.

Lela Rose Fall 2010

Who is the customer: One ISO elegant femininity

Why buy: These dresses can only extenuate your natural beauty

What to buy: There were so many gorgeous dresses and gowns but we especially love the woven bodice and print in this dress.

Bypass: Jackets that may come off looking like they are for an older customer.

Overall contribution to fashion: Pretty is always classic.

Irina Shabayeva is best known for being the season six winner of Project Runway. The 27-year-old was born in the Republic of Georgia and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Her most recent collection, prodigiously shown as part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, reminded us very much of Roberto Cavalli. The collection is best summarized as a long night spent clubbing in Moscow. Don’t lose your watch!

Irina Shabayeva Fall 2010

Who is the customer: The wives (and girlfriends) of Oligarchs

Why buy: Nothing spells lux better than fur.

What to buy: A trapper hat is the perfect February accessory but is even more delicious when paired with soft white cashmere.

Bypass: Feathers. How does one clean all those feathers?!

Overall contribution to fashion: This collection is living proof that Moscow can be a wild place.

Kung Hei Fat Choi– Happy Chinese New Year!
Vivienne Tam’s collections always showcases her heritage, but this year, The Year of the Tiger, Vivianne showcased flawless designs inspired by all types of animals. We especially loved the playful textured tights that added a splash of wild to almost every design.

Vivienne Tam Fall 2010

Who is the customer: Sophistication with a touch of wild-side

Why buy: It only takes one great piece to spice up an outfit or woredrobe.

What to buy: We liked lots of the flounced blouses or heavy long vests but this cream colored coat with the chic funnel-neck is dying to come home with us.

Bypass: Feather dress or skirt.

Overall contribution to fashion: Wouldn’t it be wild to celebrate New Year’s all-year long?

The Twinkle by Wenlan collection is one that is chic and comfortable. Big chunky sweaters to see-through knits, Wenlan Chia has assembled a line that is stylish, timely and cozy. By mingling knit gauges and piles, Wenlan’s designs become three-dimensional and full of texture. After all, a cozy sweater is a lot more than an throw blanket with sleeves. The Twinkle collection is currently sold at more than 350 boutiques and specialty stores throughout the world, including Wink, in our neighborhood.

Twinkle by Wenlan Fall 2010

Who is the customer: Bergdorf’s 5th Floor, (although it’s not currently sold there.)

Why buy: Sophistication and style transcend the chunk

What to buy: We love how this oversized sweater looks belted. We also liked the way a wild printed legging looked with a great solid knit sweater.

Bypass: Brown print dresses.

Overall contribution to fashion: More stylish and novel than Vince but also affordable.