Brandon Sun is a “new to me” designer and I really enjoyed his presentation. Outfits were both dramatic and relaxed. Of course, the hair and make-up of the models was over the top, which added a theatrical quality to the collection. But if you strip down the components of the outfits, they are absolutely wearable. And often in the combinations shown on the models. 

Sun mixed texture in a big way. From wispy chiffon to rigid leather. From fur to boiled wool. From crepe to cabled hand knits. From velvet to shearling. From topstitching to distressing. From suede to poodle-like fur. It was a tactile party to say the least, and very effective.

The colour palette was almost completely neutral with a splattering of pale lilac and blush pink. Black, cream, all sorts of grey, olive and brown reigned supreme. Oversized collars, oversized belts, oversized scarves and oversized trims gave the collection it’s impact. Even the sleeves on jackets were deliberately too long, which had a luxurious appeal.

Outfits were very layered and most of them were waist surrendering. But somehow the unstructured outfits were tailored in just the right places. I loved the midi lengths of the skirts and the floor scraping lengths of the trousers. The outfits had a strong slouchy integrity that I found interesting and fab.

Although this collection was about layered looks, I liked the unlayered outfits best. The simplicity of the two outfits below struck a chord with my minimal side. I especially like the baggy black trousers with the cream cable knit sweater and tonal un-tucked top. It’s quite a classic outfit if you think about it. But it’s amped up by the punk hairstyle of the model which adds significantly to the look. I love this juxtaposition.

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

New York Fashion Week is all about designers showcasing their newest collections. As we speak, models are walking the runways in the styles, colours and silhouettes that we’ll be seeing in retail stores this Autumn. Most designers create at least two full collections a year, with clothes going into production three to six months before they hit stores. So constantly looking ahead is the name of the game when you are in the rag trade.

Fashion shows usually last around ten minutes, yet many catwalk looks have become legendary. Looking back, we all undoubtedly have our own favourites, but do you ever wonder what the designers themselves consider to be the absolute highlights? What they would like to be remembered for? In IMPACT – 50 Years of the CFDA over three hundred designers are asked precisely that question: “What is your biggest impact on American fashion?” With this book the Council of Fashion Designers of America celebrates its 50th anniversary. The accompanying IMPACT exhibition – presenting accessories and garments personally selected by the participating designers – opens today at The Museum at FIT. 

Which catwalk moments have stayed with you over the years?

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We had fun going backstage about an hour before the Tadashi Shoji Show to see the hustle and bustle of models, make-up artists and hair stylists. It was interesting to see the styling pros preparing the models for the show. Everyone was patient and calm in a space that was both chaotic and organized.  

The best part of the experience was meeting and speaking to Tadashi. Mr. Shoji is a soft spoken gentleman with a great smile and killer specs. He was very polite and modest when I mentioned how much we enjoy his shows. I could also see him light up when I mentioned how several of my clients like wearing his designs. He was feeling positive about his collection, and with good reason. 

I also loved seeing the garments hanging on rails, each waiting to adorn their model for a few minutes of glory. I spent quite a bit of time absorbing their details. Then it was on to the show itself to see the very same garments in all their runway magnificence.

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

The first few days of Fashion Week are often the best because energy levels are high all round. The street fashion is particularly eye catching and photographers go to great lengths to capture as much as possible. I’m as exhilarated as everyone else, so I like to pull out an extra happy outfit on our first day.

For me, happy outfits either mean cheerful colours, or ensemble components with a nostalgic flavour. I covered both criteria with this outfit. Wearing tomato red and yellow puts me into a good mood. Wearing plaid skinnies takes me back to my much loved fashion conscious teens in the ’80s. It felt like the right combination to start off the week. 

It was love at first sight when I first saw these bright yellow tartan skinnies online last year. The colour, cut and pattern made my heart happy and I couldn’t stop thinking about them. But it took me a LONG time to actually bite the bullet and proceed with the order because they felt borderline age inappropriate for this 41 year old. Well, I ordered them. 

They passed quality, fit, silhouette, colour and comfort control with flying colours. I was 90% sure that I was keeping them but that unsure 10% kept niggling at my conscious. So off I went to Greg, whose stye judgement I trust implicitly, to ask him what he thought. He sealed the deal by saying that he loved these tartan skinnies, so much so that they have become one of his favourite things that I wear. With such a high seal of approval from my soul mate, I wear these tartan darlings with even greater pleasure.

I must wear a sophisticated and lady-like edge with these skinnies to feel like my style. A form fitting black turtleneck is a no-brainer because it’s crisp, classic and clean. A more refined leather jacket as opposed to a moto style with lots of hardware creates a more chic and grown-up effect. I finished off the look with bold low heeled cream booties and structured frame handled satchel. Although the bag and boots are bold, their simple designs and the richness of the cream adds a much needed softness to the outfit. I also chose my daintiest specs for the final soft touch.

I am miserable when cold, and it was quite chilly in NYC yesterday. So I popped my tomato red wool coat over the entire lot, and added a pair of cashmere lined black leather gloves. I was toasty and energized the entire day.

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