Inside Designer Sketchbooks FW 2010

I honestly don't like to pay too close attention to the news on a daily basis (excluding the fashion & food world) because most of the time it it can be a bit depressing. I do randomly look at daily papers while I commute so I won't be completely clueless about the world.

The other day was just one such morning I was glad I looked! am New York featured some illustrations by various designers that showed a peek of what is to come starting today + some quotes about their inspiration. I love looking at illustration sometimes even more than looking at photos. There is so much feeling and thought with each line and I love how illustrations often reflect something about the designers themselves or their ideal woman.

To note, I love how Erin Fetherson's figure even resembles her! Jill Stuart & Herve Leger look to be sexy with an attitude. Vivienne Tam and Brian Reyes looks similarly sculptural and simplified, I'm interested in seeing the different execution of the real garmnts. The Tibi girls look to be funky and adorable. DKNY appears to be New York glam and cool but her figure looks a little shy and humble too. Pamela Roland and Edition by Georges Chakra look elegant, mysterious and untouchable. Do these sketches speak to you?

Preview Designs from Fall 2010

Less than 1 week left until Fashion Week and the anticipation is slowly starting to build up from the pit of my stomach. What will this fashion week bring? It's the last time the Tents will be in Bryant Park and as I see them set up for the final time I can't help but feel nostalgic for my very first Fashion Week in NYC.

Myself 3 1/2 years ago! Younger, Wide-Eyed and a very Hopeful

It was September of 2006 and it was a beautiful week! At that time I had just started my job search in a city that I would call my home and through some random luck and some of the very first friends I made in this city I was able to attend and even crash a couple shows. It woke up something inside of me that screamed, this is the reason you are here! This is New York!!! Fortunately, this season we'll have the chance to attend some shows and it will serve as a reminder why I work in the fashion industry. I have yet to pin down my fashion week schedule but I have high hopes and the promise to keep you all up too date!

For now here are some inspirations and sketches by some of our favorite designers. Hope you enjoy!

Milly
“For my fall collection, the artsy, chic girls of Paris’ Left Bank are my inspiration, in a combination of luxe fabrics, clever techniques and cool attitude.” – Michelle Smith, Designer

Rebecca Taylor
The fall 2010 collection was inspired by a mixture of 70’s Parisian attitude and an urban New York City girl. With a renewed love for classic sportswear, silhouettes have been re-worked with a twist to give subtle edge on signature feminine designs. The palette includes dusty hues and new neutrals contrasted with military olives and hints of old gold. Fabrics are washed to provide a worn, overly-loved appeal and are combined with cashmere wool suits, leopard faux furs and down quilted coats, together giving this collection an affordable luxe quality.

Tracy Reese
“An eclectic mix of urban and rural style makes for a very modern yet infinitely wearable fall 2010 collection. Rustic Prince of Wales checks, distressed faux fur and stretch suede styles are softened by cosmetic toned lingerie and made cozy by soft alpaca sweaters.” –Tracy Reese, Designer

Elie Tahari
"My fall 2010 collection is homage to the great women who traveled the globe in style." – Elie Tahari, Designer

iWant: Thakoon's Mirror Mosaic Boots

I love Thakoon's Mirror Mosaic Boots. I've always been a fan of sparkly objects especially disco balls! These shoes encapsulate everything I love about disco balls and turns them into some sexy sculptural open toe boots with mini cut-outs. Perhaps that's why when I decided to try to sketch, I couldn't think about anything else? They really have got my imagination held captive...so figured some practice was better than none.

The perfect party shoes for the season, but for $1,195 on Net-a-Porter guess I can only dream on.

From the Sketch Pad: Lady Rose

It's funny because I work in a design job but truly don't get the chance to put a pencil to the paper often, so when I heard about the Supima competition I figured I'd give it a whirl even though I only ended up with about a day to prep a sketch. I figured there was nothing to lose and if anything I'll have gotten myself to draw again (seriously it's been over a year since I've drawn!). Although I didn't make the cut (apparently I was on the wait list which is almost a bigger bummer) it was a good experience to feel a sense of excitement and be a bit unnerved. Just wanted to share my recent sketch and hopefully the feeling of wanting to create and sketch will stay alive.

Preview: Tracy Reese Spring 2010 + 5 Fall Take-Aways

The Tracy Reese spring 2010 collection is a study of juxtapositions; the contrast between architectural and relaxed silhouettes, hard and soft, sheer and opaque. Femininity enlivens current wardrobes, with a focus on draping and ruching and modern embellishments. Intense color combinations, vivacious prints and multi-layered shapes inject Reese’s spring collection with positivity. “To enter spring with a modern and upbeat attitude we used vibrant hues and the combination of architectural shapes and easy folds on drapey materials. A passion fruit surplice frock in a relaxed, draped silhouette with textural embellishment is the perfect piece to kick off the season with a look that is elegant with edge,” Tracy Reese, Designer and Founder.

While, I've never been to a Tracy Reese show, I really do admire her glam style. Reese is always able to capture the trends of the moment without looking fashion victimy. Her Fall 09 Collection featured 5 take-aways that I think are perfect to take you into Fall 09 dressing.

1. The Beanie

2. Pairing Subdued Pastels with Black

3. Sparkle and Lace

4. Mixing Textures with prints

5.Over the knee socks

Preview: Rebecca Taylor Spring 2010

Image Courtesy of Rebecca Taylor

Here's a sneak peek at a lovely illustration of Rebecca Taylor's Spring 2010 collection. I personally am a huge fan of Rebecca Taylor's totally wearable and super feminine style so I can't wait to see what else this collection will bring. I was lucky enough to catch her star studded show a few seasons back...Mena Suvari and Carmen Electra were in attendance but I never realized until I saw the papers the next day because I was completely mesmerized by the in the ruffles, pretty pink/taupe tones and exposed zippers ;)

The Rebecca Taylor girl for spring explores urban femininity. She works, lives and plays in the city. Towering printed sandals and architectural structured stretch dresses are softened with femme corset-inspired bustiers and flippy, fun, pull on printed skirts. Our girl likes to wear her boyfriend’s blazers and super soft cashmere athletic inspired sweaters thrown over top tiny leather skirts. Spring 2010 encompasses playful use of colors, prints and textures. The palette is intense with shades of big apple reds, shocking pinks, electric blues, and retro jades contrasted with desert tans and soft, peachy oranges. Sharper than seasons past, strong shoulders and a new, waisted silhouette enhance the look our girl wantonly craves.