New York Fashion Week Fall 2011: Jason Wu, Diane Von Furstenberg

Bow Ties, Black & White, Yves Saint Laurent References, Skinny Pants and Dresses Dresses Dresses...

Androgynous Chic: Jason Wu Fall 2011

Jason Wu Fall 2011:

Dinner With The Boys: Jason Wu Fall 2011

Style.com's Nicole Phelps noted that "We lost count somewhere around 90 when we tried to tally the photographers in the pit at Jason Wu's Chelsea show today. The designer's rise has been fairly meteoric, thanks in part to Michelle Obama, of course. But it struck you, looking at his Fall collection: The clothes are legitimately living up to his outsized reputation.".

From the runway photos and video--the collection was meant for a younger Lady Who Lunches. She also does Cocktails, Galas, and she BETTER be seen in Vogue Magazine's "Flash" section...or else her pr person will hear about it! Lots of man-tailoring super-skinny sized. Lace and transparency, embellishment and high HIGH slits in the last gowns. Bow ties are the new "Statement Necklaces". Oh and it all looked very Alber Elbaz-meets-Yves Saint Laurent (the Genius not the brand). Love the tulle-and-lace face veil, by the way!

Enchanted Cocktail: Jason Wu Fall 2011

Slit Happy: Jason Wu Fall 2011

Watch Full Runway Video, Jason Wu Fall 2011:

Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011:

El Wrap Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011

For Fall 2011 Diane Von Furstenberg's Collection was named "American Legends", referencing to Style Divas such as Milicent Rodgers, Gloria Vanderbilt, Diana Vreeland, etc. From the Gaucho-esque wide-brimmed hats to the metallic Disco stylings and pops of turquoise, red and in-your-face prints, it all looked more like a Party in Buenos Aires or Marbella circa 1979. I would say Naty Abascal would be a closer Muse than the ones named above. There were tunics, high-slit skirts, transparent Bishop-sleeved blouses and yes, more YSL nods. Here are some highlights:

Winter Color Palette: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011

Gaucho Girl: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011

Studio 54 2011: Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011

Watch Full Runway Video, Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2011:

NY Fashion Week Spring 2011: Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera and Jason Wu-- Photos and Runway Video!

COLOR, Voluminous Shapes vs Fitted, Purples and Violets, Black & White, 70's Vibe, Prints and Korea???!!!

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Disco Girl

As we know, NY Fashion Week Spring 2011 occurred several weeks back--and from all accounts, the new venue at Lincoln Center got an A. I was invited to the Project Runway Season 8 Finale which was held at Lincoln Center but unfortunately, work called and I had to be in Miami to hosts Fashion's Night Out for Macy's...I've been busy traveling for those Macy's events as well as working on my own NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection with my partner David Paul so I didn't get a chance to post some of my favorites and highlights from this last NY Fashion Week. I'll try and post more from Milan and Paris, of course, but for now here a few of my thoughts plus photos and video from NYFW.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011:

It's all about the 1970s for Marc Jacobs Spring 2011. Imagine photos from 1976 Vogue Magazine with Iman (above), Anjelica Huston, Bianca Jagger, the Charlie Perfume ad...models with crimped hair, strong smokey eye and even stronger lipstick. All that's missing is the doorman at Studio 54!

It was VERY Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche too! Maybe the young Fashion School Kids of these days are too young too remember but I DO...

Le Pouf: Voluminous violet-colored dress with side pockets

Where's my Cointreau: Wide violet-colored pants, printed knit top, fabulous hat...very Sonia Rykiel...

Golden Girl: Gold kimono-sleeved jacket and micro shorts

Traveling to Vietnam First Class Ma'am: Red floor-length skirt suit with matching safari jacket

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Carolina Herrera Spring 2011:
Venezuelan-born American designer Carolina Herrera was inspired by the traditional clothing of Korea as well as botanical plates. Alright Carolina, you go there darling!

In the photos below you could see that inspiration translate into those top hats which are worn as part of Korean costume as well as obi-wrapped ties and bows--very Korean Airlines Flight Attendant Having Cocktails...As usual, she sent out her signature white shirts and blouses (which she always wears for her bow) as well as dresses and suiting perfect for her Park Avenue clientele.

Anybody for Kimchi Tonight: A Khaki sheath dress with floral applique, tucked-draping and that fabulous Korean-inspired hat

Wrap It Up: Chanel Iman models a shapeless & color-blocked (TWO Spring 2011 trends in one!) dress with an obi-tied accent

Where's The Ball: The Finale Gown in heavy ivory jacquard with black accents and of course, side pockets.

Carolina Herrera Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Jason Wu Spring 2011 Collection:
NY Wunderkid Designer--and Michelle Obama's fave--also went rather 70s with his Spring 2011 Collection. And just like Marc Jacobs, seemed to have rather overt nods to the Master, Yves Saint Laurent. Case in point: The see-though blouses, the perfectly tailored pleated pant suits and printed cocktail dresses straight from a "vintage" 1990 YSL Collection. I'm sure when those aforementioned blouses get to a Saks Fifth Avenue near you, they will probably be lined in silk habotai or come with a nice little silk camisole. If not: Ladies, you are on your own...

No Bra Required: White see-through tied blouse with full-pleated natural-waisted trousers

I Need a Virginia Slims: Above-the-knee printed silk ruffled dress

Ebony and Ivory: Black and white ensemble featuring a striped bustier and front cascade ruffled straight skirt.

Jason Wu Spring 2011 Runway Video: