The Hottest Collections at New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week for Spring 2009 RTW has drawn to a close. Champagne has run dry and the fashionistas have all left the city for London and the next round of shows. The past few days revealed a few amazing collections shown by designers of all caliber, from veterans such as Oscar de la Renta to up and comers like Rodarte. Here are my top picks from the second half of shows in New York:

The Veterans:

Oscar de la Renta wrote the book on American glamour. When I'm in my 40's (and a lady who lunches), I will dress head to toe in de la Renta. His clothes are so rich and beautiful. They make all wearers feel like a lady. His skirts for next season that are gathered up on one side were shown throughout, for day and evening, and definitely a highlight in the collection. I'm sensing Zara already has one in production.

I don't know about you, but when I think of Vera Wang, I think of wedding dresses. So you'll understand why, when I saw her Spring 2009 collection, I was so pleasantly surprised - no sign of white or pouf sleeves. Instead, Vera showed an artistic collection that one could hang on their wall. The romantic ensembles were rich in accessories and the sequins tumbling down the front of skirts and dresses would make any girl max out her credit card.

Indiana Jones went to North Africa at Ralph Lauren's show the other day. In a collection reminiscent of Yves Saint Lauren, models wore safari tones, harem pants, elegant gowns and turbans. Ralph Lauren clearly watched Out of Africa this past summer.

Zac Posen presented a collection that would appeal to both those who flourish during the day and those who only come out at night. Guess which clothes appealed to me the most? ;) Claire Danes is one of Zac's dedicated followers, but I just can't see her wearing anything in the show. It definitely would sell to the Diane Krugers of the world more than the Claire Danes types.

The Spring 2009 Donna Karan woman is sexy and smoldering, confident and rich. Shimmering satins and plunging necklines were key themes in this collection. Men should be very afraid (or perhaps extremely excited) when coming across any woman dressed in Donna Karan next season.

Matthew Williamson has the magic touch when it comes to mixing and matching colours (as apparent at Pucci), and did not let this skill falter for his Spring 2009 collection. The British designer mixed pinks with tangerines in a way that wasn't tacky or garish. He opened his show with a brilliant pink blazer and slim cropped pants, something to be worn by the girlfriend of any rockstar. An outfit that should be worn by any girlfriend of Rod Stewart's... actually, something that Rod could've worn himself perhaps? ;) The whole collection was very wearable and could easily be transplanted to the sidewalks from the catwalk.

The Rising Stars:

Rodarte put on a mystical and magical show last Wednesday. Chiffon, mesh, leather, knits and chains were featured throughout this futuristic, yet romantic collection. The Mulleavy sisters certainly showed one of the most forward collections this season, with a clear, cohesive vision apparent throughout - each piece was tied together. Gorgeous, short dresses that will definitely be seen on the red carpets were everywhere. Unfortunately, the show was not without a minor disaster - a young Australia model, Abbey Lee fell in her towering heels... oops. If you have a chance, it's worth the time to take a look at Rodarte's full collection.

Brazilian spice was the inspiration behind Carlos Miele's Spring 2009 presentation of skirts and dresses. It also looks like the gladiator platform will reappear next Spring... don't get rid of these just yet, ladies. I'd love to have this hot little number below in my wardrobe. [...]

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