Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

MCM Launches New York Collection At New York Fashion Week

Adriana Nova on Sep 29, 2009 4:24 PM PDT

It was a glittery scene that only a luxury pairing such as MCM and Saks Fifth Avenue could draw when the iconic leather goods brand launched its New York collection at the upscale retailer's Fifth Avenue flagship store during fashion week. Talk about stars upon stars: I spotted everyone from models (Lydia Hearst) to fashion bigwigs (Fern Mallis) to socialites (Ann Dexter-Jones, otherwise known as mom to Charlotte, Mark, and Samantha Ronson) milling about, not to mention the gorgeous handbags from the collection displayed around the room. MCM, which gained a huge following in the label-loving '80s, has re-branded itself somewhat and evolved from its signature, logo-heavy bags to pieces that are more subtle and focused on craftsmanship rather than flash. And they've succeeded: they're made from the softest, "like buttah" leather that already feels broken-in, coupled with simple, quality stitching and understated hardware. When I wasn't gawking over the bags, I spent time chatting up a few folks, like designer (and Kanye West's former fiancee), Alexis Phifer. She dished that she's actually got a new line coming out in early 2010, this one a bit edgier and with more of a rocker-chic feel to it (and will include denim). No name for the label yet but more news to come towards the new year. Definitely one to look out for -- and you heard it here in the Hive first! Check the slideshow for a few of the party pics!

Tags : saks fifth avenue , saks , new york fashion week , new york , mercedes benz fashion week

Runway Wrap-Up: Stylehive's Top 10 Looks From New York ...

Alex Gambardella on Sep 24, 2009 10:25 AM PDT

Despite the mayhem that Fashion Week always brings upon us over here at the Hive, even from all the way across the country, we have to say we are a little sad to see it go. I mean, now what are we supposed to do? Sit around drooling until next spring when all of these gorgeous summery pieces finally hit the stores? In the meantime, we can take comfort in the fact that based on the designers' Spring/Summer collections, the forecast for next year is undoubtedly hot, hot, hot! Looking back on all of the runway parades we've covered in the past couple weeks, we can't help but notice the abundance of fun party frocks -- from Christian Siriano's tiered ruffles to Zac Posen's neon sheaths -- and the welcome resurgence of bright, cheerful hues (after all, what's more springy than color?) that seem to insist that high-impact shades are clearly going to be the new black! As for the late-night dance-floor hoppers, who can forget Whitney Port's designer debut with all of those slinky metallic numbers? And while the celebrity attendance record may have been abysmal (aside from the usual Anna Wintour and Rachel Zoe sightings), I'm sure the starlets will still be rocking these runway looks on the red carpet come spring! Take a look at the slideshow to reminisce with us over the Fashion Week highlights!
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Tags : zac posen , whitney port , whitney eve , twinkle by wenlan , mercedes benz fashion week

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Brian Reyes

Alex Gambardella on Sep 23, 2009 8:20 AM PDT

When designer Brian Reyes noted backstage that his Spring/Summer 2010 collection contained "all the things he loves," he wasn't exaggerating. Even though his runway seemed to boast everything but the kitchen sink -- from sheer lingerie to multicolored high-waisted shorts to metallic off-the-shoulder dresses to ink blots(?!) -- he still managed to maintain a sophisticated sense of balance. Floaty ruffled blouses were reined in with cinched belts, and bustier dresses got a dose of high-wattage color to keep things young and fun, not vampy. As for the silk rorschach test body suit? That's the result of a creative thought process that perhaps only Reyes' #1 fan Rachel Bilson would fully understand. Flip through the slideshow to see some of the show-stopping ensembles!

Trends: tiered corset minis, sheer slip dresses, rorschach ink blot patterns, silk ruffled blouses, high-waisted shorts
Celeb Sightings: Rachel Bilson, Becki Newton
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Tags : tiered mini , tiered , spring summer 2010 , slip dress , mercedes benz fashion week

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Michael Kors

Alex Gambardella on Sep 22, 2009 7:17 AM PDT

If you've been going through Michael Kors withdrawals due to his erratic attendance record on the latest Project Runway season's judging panel, you may be happy to see that he's more than making up for it at his "day job." The designer's Spring/Summer 2010 collection focused on architectural shapes and his own modern play on the power suit, boasting a number of patterned three-piece ensembles and updated shift dresses for today's business bigwigs. While still managing to keep his classic ready-to-wear silhouettes, Kors strayed slightly from his signature understated elegance and threw in some bold cut-outs, edgy plastic insets, and a variety of metallic and splatter paint patterns one might not typically see in the straight-laced business world. Take a look at the slideshow for some of the runway highlights!

Color Palette: white, black, soft grey, lavender, sky blue
Trends: sleeveless shift dresses, plastic insets, cut-outs, zipper accents, one-shoulder minis
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Tags : spring summer 2010 , shift dresses , shift dress , runway show , mercedes benz fashion week

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010: Milly

Sabrina Newman on Sep 20, 2009 5:24 AM PDT

The Milly Spring/Summer 2010 "Punk Meets Prep" collection was high on my list of Fashion Week favorites. This season, designer Michelle Smith mostly abandoned her signature bright shades and bold prints and opted for a palette primarily of black and ecru with the occasional pop of color. The collection stayed true to Milly's signature femme aesthetic but the sweetness was offset by an edgy, punk-rock sensibility. Floaty silhouettes were toughened up with studs, embellishments, and layered jewelry (all from Milly's new jewelry collection). There were plenty of signature Milly staples -- mini shifts, elbow-sleeve coats, delicate blouses, metallic jacquard -- but the rich shades and sexy shapes infused these classics with a fabulous edge and radiated a stronger sense of bold confidence. Some of my absolute favorites included all of the hand-beaded knit sweaters and tops, a strapless metallic jacquard corset mini dress, and a black silk gauze trapeze dress (I will definitely be snagging that one the second it hits the racks!). From uptown prep to downtown punk and everything in between, this collection was full of must-have pieces that are both modern and timeless -- take a look at the slideshow to check them out!

Color Palette: black, ecru, pink, olive, orange
Celeb Sightings: Tinsley Mortimer, Amerie, Alison Brie
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Tags : trapeze dress , studs , studded , spring summer 2010 , mercedes benz fashion week

Which Front-Row Fashionista Looked The Fiercest At Fashion Week?

Alex Gambardella on Sep 19, 2009 9:20 AM PDT

Even from just a cursory flip-through of Fashion Week photos, it's easy to tell which stylish starlets just can't stay away from the Bryant Park tents. After all, when every dress, purse, and sequin you've ever worn is documented by the press, it's easy to get addicted to front-row views of your next big-night red carpet ensembles. Certain celebs like Jessica Alba and Alicia Keys took breaks from their busy schedules to pop into designer favorites like Narciso Rodriguez and Giorgio Armani, while other fashion-infatuated gals like Jessica Stroup and Rachel Bilson flocked tirelessly to as many runways as they could handle, from Vivienne Tam to Brian Reyes. And whether you're a celebrity, designer, model, writer, or shopaholic, there's no pressure to look your best like there is at New York Fashion Week! Vote below on which star had the most polished runway-gazing look. Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week