New York: September 12
By Tammy Eckenswiller
The day started beautifully: I sneaked out early from the People’s Revolution/Hint mag party in Tribeca, completely cocktail free! Woke up early enough to have a quick work out and a coffee and arrived at Ralph Lauren as fresh as a daisy. Not bad for the last day of fashion week (although I have showroom appointments on Sat and Sun).
Ralph Lauren showed a steamy, sexy collection that looked to be inspired by North Africa, and the late master, Yves Saint Laurent’s safari collection. Silk satin slouchy harem pants (trend alert), loose blouses and jumpsuits (trend alert). Please disregard what I said earlier in the week about the champagne satin gown being the biggest yawn on the red carpet. Mr. Lauren did a paneled version that was sick. Besides, I can’t resist a turban and there were several sculptural variations that looked lovely with the eveningwear.
Donna Karan also showed a super-sexy collection (New York is on a naughty tip this season, Woot, woot!) Slouchy, drippy, draped satin dresses continued from last season in earthy toned fabrics (taupe, beige and grey) that looked like liquid. Flashes of citrine and turquoise were also in the mix.
As the day went on, the rain began and rain + NY = grid lock and no taxis, and in this case, no car service either. At 4:30 p.m., after calling everyone I knew to ask them if they could pick me up in a taxi, I managed to convince an acquaintance (a photog hoping to work with mag, sorry Ceri, girls gotta do what a girl’s gotta do) to “swing by” and pick me up in a taxi (he was in Tribeca where taxi shortage during rain takes longer to set in).
We raced (I could have jogged faster accept for my silly stilettos) to Rad Hourani‘s show but traffic was excruciating and I managed to catch the finale. Fortunately I had the opportunity for another look after the show. Structured, all black silk shells, leggings, vest and shifts stayed true to the Paris–based Canadian designer’s vision of a sophisticated goth-girl. A mix of shiny, matte and faux fur textures along with slick hair and a pretty nude makeup (directed by NY–based Canadian makeup guru Hung Vanngo) gave lightness to a moody collection. I was so exhausted, fashion “weak” set in after two cocktails at Bar Blanc. A drive-by of Rad’s after party and the obvious chaos at the door saw me heading home for UFC Unleashed and a bag of potato chips. See you next season! Xxo
Shown: Ralph Lauren Spring 2009. Photography by Peter Stigter
Tammy Eckenswiller is a stylist in New York City. Visit her at tammyeckenswiller.com.
RALPH LAUREN | DONNA KARAN | RAD HOURANI
