It is always fun to watch the models take Custo Barcelona’s over the top creations through their paces down the runway. It’s a colourful show in every respect and you can’t help but be captivated. Greg was particularly fond of the heavy alternative rock that accompanied this show. It put the audience in the right mood and complemented the designs in just the right way. 

Custo Barcelona’s designs are entirely opposite to the minimal style that I aspire to. That being said, I can thoroughly appreciate these creative and maximal outfits. They are thoughtfully designed and somehow there is cohesion amidst the chaos of colour, silhouette, texture, pattern and fabrication. I also enjoyed the more subtle ’70s flavour of the collection.

The colour palette was earthy, along with lots of black, cream and grey, purple, red, bright green, turquoise and metallic. Earth tones are making quite a strong statement so far, with rich rust becoming the Fall version of oh-so-on-trend Spring orange. 

Silhouettes were both tailored and voluminous, which seems to be another strong trend on the runways this season. Custo Barcelona’s hemlines are usually short so it comes as no surprise that midis and maxis did not feature. These highly detailed garments look best when they are short in my book. They would loose their cheeky appeal if they were longer. 

We saw every conceivable trim on these garments. From zippers and buttons, to cording, studs, fringe, netting, crochet, fur, ribbon, brocade, piping, sequins, badges, beading, and eyelets. Getting as much embellishment onto the garments as possible is the Custo Barcelona look. There was also quite a bit of patchwork and colour blocking to heighten the maximal effect. 

There was also no shortage of fabric variety. Leather, velvet, suede, tweed, denim, cotton, wool, houndstooth, plastic, silk and jersey knit are the ones that I could spot, but I’m sure that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The messy hairstyles of the lady models worked well with the chaotic outfits, as did the mid-calf and knee-high lace up boots. 

The men’s outfits were my favourite part of the collection just because their ensembles were more clean-cut. Their matching suits are signature Custo, and a vibe that makes me smile. I loved the patterned trousers on these blokes. It’s fun to see menswear climbing onto the ladieswear trend band wagon, don’t you think?

In real life, one Custo Barcelona garment at a time is probably a lot more wearable than the full ensemble, especially when matched with a pair of basic jeans or tapered trousers. Add in a more regular hairstyle and simpler footwear, and you’ve toned down the look even more. So really, these designs are not as over the top as you might think. Could you see yourself wearing any of this collection? If not, can you appreciate the creative maximal look on someone else?

Go to our New York Fashion Week Page to see all of our coverage, including a photo stream and live Twitter updates from Angie.

When I first envisioned this outfit, I had a sophisticated menswear ensemble in my head. But as I began pulling items from my closet, things became more playful and I ended up with a schoolboy vibe instead.

It was well below freezing yesterday, which made skinnies with long wool socks a toasty option. I also wore thermal undies for extra insulation. I highly recommend the Heattech thermal undies from Uniqlo because they are lightweight and warm.

This is my favorite blazer because I am plaid-crazy at the moment. It felt good to wear a white shirt after sporting black tops for a few days in a row. I couldn’t decide whether I preferred the red or the blue tie, so I asked Greg which he preferred. He was set on the red so that was that.

I finished off the look with black and white heeled oxfords, allowing the half un-zipped zipper of the skinnies to drape over the shoe. That effect gives me a longer leg line, which I find flattering. An old cracked patent doctor’s satchel adds shine to the outfit, while white-rimmed specs pick up the white of the shirt.

The photo shoot was a frigid experience to say the least. But I forgot about the cold as soon as I saw Spider, an enchanting little Yorkie who desperately wanted in on the action. Our eyes locked from afar and we just had to cuddle. What a stylish little lady in her red argyle jumper. Spider was a complete natural in front of the camera, and meeting her was the very best part of the day.

My big black puffer coat went over the entire outfit along with lined gloves to keep out the chill. I am very glad that I brought two coats to this fashion week. I really wanted to wear bright red in a city that wears a lot of black from head to toe. But I’ll also happily join the black puffer brigade in bitterly cold temperatures.

Go to our New York Fashion Week Page to see all of our coverage, including a photo stream and live Twitter updates from Angie.

I loved this show and was captivated from the very first outfit. There was a grey, cream and black box pleated knee-length geometric printed skirt worn with a chevron striped sweater that was too fabulous for words. It was finished off with a short salt and pepper wool coat worn open that added the final lady-like touch. Unfortunately we don’t have a photo of that outfit, but I want to wear that ensemble right now. 

The collection was an impressive mixture of classic pieces with a big fat does of MODERN. It also captured just the right amount of glamour and edge, a vibe I really appreciate when it’s not overly dramatic. The retro ’40s inspired hairstyles of the models were a final fun addition. I really didn’t want this show to end – it was that fab.

The colour palette was gorgeous. A range of greys, ink blue, mid blue, black and cream, spice tones like rust, deep red, brown and mustard, and luxurious purple and burgundy. There was a splattering of black, and when it was shown, it was predominantly with cream. I loved how the lack of black lightened up the entire feeling of the collection. 

The toppers were lovely. Some with oversized collars and some without collars. Some fitted and some voluminous. They were all worn open, even the double breasted styles. The colourblocking was subtle. 

Rose’s collection had a wonderful variety of patterns, with some interesting pattern mixing. When compared to Brandon Sun’s collection, Rose’s designs are less texture rich and more refined. But in a way, that makes the cut and the drape of the garments more of a statement. 

Midis are definitely sticking around, both in pencil and full skirted silhouettes. Very happy about that! Necklines were also quite high, which makes for a nice change. Mixing soft with rigid fabrications is an ongoing great trend.  

Lela Rose’s evening dresses were very pretty. Many of them were patterned, something that has not been popular at all. We tend to think of solids as most formal, but I think those days are over. Patterns have become just as dressy and chic as solids. Chevrons, swirls, checks, blocks and spider web designs ruled Rose’s runway, with the odd bit of ’50s floral thrown into the mix. 

I was less in love with the glitzy embellishment, but it had stage presence for sure. I also enjoyed the retro bustles and front pleated draping on the fancier frocks. The strapless dresses worn over gauzy tops are how I like strapless garments best: Sheer and alluring, yet covered and interesting. 

Go to our New York Fashion Week Page to see all of our coverage, including a photo stream and live Twitter updates.

I knew I would be in the mood for something flirty and feminine after the bright and tight outfit that I wore the day before. I enjoy wearing full skirts just as much as their sleek penciled friends. This patterned skirt from Kate Spade is made of a stiff brocade that reminds me of upholstery. Ideally I’d have preferred it to be a couple of inches longer because, to my eye, that would look more elegant. I tried lengthening the skirt but there wasn’t enough hem. I can happily live with it’s knee length because the side entry pockets sold the skirt to me in the first place, along with the ease and swoosh of the style. 

The skirt came with a narrow black patent bowed belt, which did not tickle my toes. Too twee. So I swapped it out for a patterned zebra version to change up the vibe. A little pattern mixing and a little texture. I continued the subtle pattern mixing and animal print theme with the hose. 

This skirt looks good with chunky three inch pumps. But that wasn’t going to work at fashion week where I am on my feet the whole day. Instead, I matched it with old low heeled biker booties. I can walk for miles in these peds — and did. I also like the way they contrast against the girly integrity of the skirt. 

There is a lot going on at the bottom of the outfit, which is contrary to my usual minimal style. Pattern, texture, buckles AND shine. A plain black tucked-in turtleneck MUST simplify the look. I didn’t want to add a jacket because that would maximize the outfit even more. So I wore thermal undies to keep out the chill, along with my bright red coat. I’m wearing the same frame handled structured cream tote, but swapped out the specs for an oversized catseye style.  

These photos were taken at a fire station close to our hotel on the Upper West Side. As Greg was taking photos, firefighter Wayne jumped in and joined us on our shoot. Firefighters hold a special place in my heart because they fearlessly risk their lives on a daily basis to save other people and their property, so it’s very special that Wayne was part of this photoshoot.

Go to our New York Fashion Week Page to see all of our coverage, including a photo stream and live Twitter updates from Angie.