New York: Matthew Williamson, Rodarte, Derek Lam, Diesel, Max Azria and Narciso Rodriguez Fall 2009

Date February 18, 2009

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON Fall 2009. Photography by Peter Stigter

Theme for the day: Running in heels. And no, I am not speaking of Marie Claire‘s highly anticipated new reality show, but rather my crazy day. My late-night Walgreens run for gel foot cushions will have been worth it.

Up first was Matthew Williamson where front-rowers included Rachel Zoe, Monet Mazur, Joy Bryant (who is quickly becoming the female Kanye West of Fashion Week by showing up to absolutely everything). Oh, and I can’t forget Eva Longoria Parker looking petite but packing some major bling power.

Best of MW: metal jacquard miniskirts with cashmere twin-sets, mixes of coral, nudes and warm golds. Ah, luxury, how I have missed you…
The ‘do to do: Extreme side parts, slick and straight. (Hmm…maybe this season I do have a chance.)
Stand-out colour: Aqua. Think aqua leather trousers paired with a sequined opera jacket and silk vest. Simply delicious and pure MW.

RODARTE Fall 2009. Photography by Peter Stigter

Hightailed it over to Rodarte and arrived just as the show began. Lots of interesting mixes of beautiful and ethereal pieces with strong modern sensibility. One can see why these two are at the top of their game. If I were nominated for an Oscar this Sunday, I would be wearing Rodarte on the red carpet.

On to Derek Lam, which started right on time. It seems as though MJ has started a trend that has editors and buyers scrambling to keep on schedule.
Highlights at Lam: Coyote, fox and python, oh my!
To have and to hold: The saddle lambskin clutch with tassel accents.
The piece you dream of buying: The black felt and satin tux jacket.
The piece you will actually buy: The Prince of Wales plaid shirt.

Back to the tents for Diesel Black Gold for a little celeb spotting – Nicole Richie and Kate Bosworth (my new girl crush). Diesel went with a jazz theme. Loved the live jazz trio playing throughout the show and the mixes of Miles Davis and Peggy Lee.
Two manicured thumbs up: To the jackets with tails, the men’s bowler hats, the fur trimmed suede coats, the lace back details and the sooty metallic eyes and ruby red lips.

Chatted with the lovelies at the Anya Hindmarch showroom and took a few snappies of the fall collection. Lots of ladylike chain handles, exotic skins, hard case clutches and a rust flapover bag that everyone needs in their hot little hands come September.

NARCISO RODRIGUEZ Fall 2009. Photography by Peter Stigter

Max Azria’s celeb fans included Aisha Tyler, Rachel Bilson and Alicia Keys.
Best of show included black silk georgette and mesh gowns, cream jersey dresses and plum printed chiffon dresses.
Colour my world in: Olive, mustard, grey, plum and lots and lots of black.
Overall theme: A rough, yet refined, sensibility.

My night ended with a little Narciso Rodriguez, as it did for front-rowers Claire Danes, Julianna Margulies, Kanye West, Jessica Seinfeld and Tory Burch (who clearly wasn’t organizing any last minute details for her fall presentation tomorrow).
Narciso knock-outs: Citrine silk crepe dress, the shirred mink coat with metallic panels and a pair of geranium pink body-con dresses. Otherwise he played it safe this season.

Check out our slideshows:

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON | RODARTE | NARCISO RODRIGUEZ | ALL FALL 2009