New York Fashion Week:Day 5

So we reach day 5 of Fashion Week and what a busy day it was.

Jenny Packham was one of the designers to kick off the day and what a good kicking she gave it. The fashion and media were waiting with bated breath to see her designs,the Duchess of Cambridge is a fan and will probably be wearing them next. Personally, I thought she would go for Primark this time. As soon as her collection started, you knew these dresses were going to be very feminine and very elegant. Bondage and cut out dresses aren't really her thing. The collection was all dreamy and romantic with long flowing gowns and sheer layered chiffon cocktail dresses. There were short dresses that were rife with bold colours and femininity. Gowns were embellished with very intricate beading,Swarovski crystals,ruffles,her signature high slits.,lace,sequins and studs. This may seem a hell of a lot of bling, but somehow she makes it work and they don't look like an eight year olds dancing competition dresses either. Jenny toned down full on floral embellishments with cap sleeves and flutter skirted designs featured lace trim inspired by lingerie. There was a spring theme with lemon,coral,turquoise,tangerine and gold adding a pop of colour to some of the dresses. She was inspired by the Rolling Stones song 'Over the Rainbow', which was evident as the collection moved on through the rainbow spectrum.The models hair was kept natural,as well as the makeup, but they had bright red lips. The models wore bright coloured Louboutins which accesorised the dresses well. Lucky girls. This collection was the perfect mixture of long shimmering,slinky,flowing dresses and shorter dresses. My number one dress is a long flowing nude gown with red,gold and orange sequins creating a gorgeous array of flowers. This is a beautiful collection with amazingly tailored garments that have a real old Hollywood glamour feel to them. The Duchess is one lucky girl, it is the pot of gold under the rainbow.

Carolina Herrera once again produced a great collection with some long flowing gowns and budgerigar printed designs. Carolina seemed to take inspiration from the Bauhaus Movement taking their characteristic motifs and turning them into a dress with thin blocks of stripes and geometric patterns. There were a lot of panels and layers of chiffon and organza that fluttered down the catwalk. There was a real spring vibe to the collection with jade greens, terracota reds,canary yellow,pastel blue and patterned black and white. The bauhaus feel continued with the 30's style (even though she insists the collection is not thirties) slinky bias-cut dresses, that were decorated with Art Deco designs. There were some gorgeously created floor length dresses that were expertly constructed. The collection wasn't all dresses,there were some graphic knits,pleated and cuffed trousers,pencil skirts and short and snappy jackets. This is a gorgeous collection from Carolina and its really good that she is looking back into art and finding inspiration. Let's just hope next time it isn't the nude Baroque paintings.


Carlos Miele provided some gorgeous colour popping outfits. This collection really reminded me of water with the colour flowing through the fabric. Bright kaftans were draped over white swimsuits and colours were vivid and eye popping ,while fabrics were slinky.There were some gorgeous bright orange fitteed jumpsuits and dresses. A white knee length dress that had gorgeous gold detailing at the top in a fan style was also part of the collection. With tight fitting skirts and luscious coloured tops, this is perfect for the spring and hot summers. The finale dress was an absolutely gorgeous blue floor length flowing gown, with fan detailing on the bodice that made the model look like she was coming out of a clamshell,while the draping of the fabric looked like water flowing. This collection is definitely worth a look, even if it does make you need the loo.

Victoria Beckham had a second collection on day 5, for her new 'more affordable' line called Victoria. My my she is one busy lady! This collection is a lot different to her previous collection shown on Day 4. VB was inspired by cartoon character Emily the Strange. These shift dresses are straight up and down and have a lot more casual,loser,girly A-line feel to them. VB said 'The lines fit any shape, I didn't want anything clingy.Vibrant colours and childish prints that can't help but make you smile'.The collection was full of bright colours,candy pink,orange,coral,royal blue, a gorgeous bright green and bright poppy red. Prints were seen in this collection too, they were cats,crescent moons,regal style patterns and clouds. With one VB said she was inspired by a Faberge Egg. It may not be evident but a lot of craftsmanship went into these dresses. They were made out of double-faced satin,three yarns on one dress and different prints front and back.My favourite dress is an orange and white shift dress,with a black bumpy (only word I could think of to describe it) pattern. Overall this is a nice collection for spring, but at £355 to £650 I doubt any normal person will be rushing to the shops just yet.

Reem Acra

Stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe showed her first collection. It was very california girl with a hint of late 60s and 70s style. If you are a fan of Bridget Bardot its, worth a look because she was the main inspiration. Alexandre Herchcovitch created a gorgeous collection with nipped in waists, embroidered dresses,pencil skirts decorated with a bow and creative tailoring.Betsey Johnson combined innocent floral patterns with leopard print bras and created some beautiful shapes.It's worth a look. Also if you are a fan of the androgynous look check out Marc by Marc Jacobs.
A collection definitely worth mentioning is by Reem Acra's. It was full of animal patterns as well as crystals on beautifully cut satin dresses.There were other dresses that were one colour, but they were beautifully tailored to the body and looked amazing.The end of the collection turned into old hollywood glamour with floor length gold sequin dresses,some with a very low v neck and they were accessorised with fur capes.I love this collection!

That's day 5 over with. From prints that have us running to the loo,to gorgeous flowing ballgowns, day 5 was full of an array of designs and themes. Remember to check out the videos of the catwalk at Youtube New York Fashion Week videos.Enjoy!

Second Hand Rose
XxxX