VIV Says: Blog

Neither rain nor New York City’s muggy September weather could keep us away from the white tents in Bryant Park. Below, our notes on the best of the 2009 collections. Stay tuned for updates!

BCBGMaxAzria
Silks, sateens, nylons and jersey were presented in a varied color palette ranging from ivories and steel grays to pops of brights such as orange, pink and electric blue. Lots of bias-cut dresses (many of them strapless, some belted but mostly free-flowing), plus pantsuits, jumpsuits and cropped zippered jackets in the same fabrics. Hair was ironed straight and wispy.

TSE
This collection was inspired “by creating a landscape of the body,” which was evident in the assortment of soft yet architecturally strong pieces: structured separates and diaphanous tops and dresses. Combining a more neutral palette (think whites, tans, khakis) with an occasional emergence of strong colors such as Kelly green and orange complemented the relaxed feel of the collection. Small yet important details such as exposed seams and layering helped keep the line wearable yet fresh.

Diane von Furstenberg
The “Hippie Chic” inspired show featured florals, eyelets and flowing fabrics. The focus of the collection was on dresses, fitted knits paired with boot-cut jeans and a hint of safari. For the ultimate in ’60s style, von Furstenberg topped off most of the looks with flower-child headbands or floppy hats. Loose, wavy hair was paired with a stronger eye and neutral matte lips.

Abaeté
The color-blocking trend continues for spring ‘09. The collection started out more streamlined with a darker color palette; bursts of neon orange, shocking pink and sunshine yellow added flash. Standouts include a simple strapless cornflower-blue dress, yellow one-shoulder wrap dress and blue-and-white one-shoulder one-piece. Hair was pulled back into tight buns. Eyes were lined heavily with black, while lips were a soft peachy pink.

ADAM by Adam Lippes
The ADAM collection was an even mixture of separates and dresses. The designer featured sexy ivory crochet on dresses, cardigans and leggings. Hints of floral detailing added to the necklines of flowing tops caught our attention, as did a neon pink top paired with purple satin pajama-inspired pants that had a bright yellow tie string. Our picks were the electric blue gown with a deep V and low tie back and the sheer white knit V-neck top and long cardigan paired with high-waisted cuffed shorts. Soft hair was worn half up/half down and the makeup palette was natural.

Monique Lhuillier
Lhuillier describes her show as “Luxurious Tropical Chic.” Inspired by a beach getaway, the looks were refined yet flowy. Luxe fabrics included jacquard, organza, silk gazar and cashmere, with unexpected peeks of polished dark denim. Standout prints include wave patterns and wicker and wheat prints. Our picks were the nectar chiffon one-shoulder cocktail dress with gold embroidered neckline, wheat-stalk printed chiffon halter gown and a pearl-embroidered organza short-sleeve coat worn over a rough paisley mattelasse deep V-neck dress in tropical sunshine yellow, sand, lagoon blue and cloud white. Natural elements such as straw and wooden platform heels added an organic touch.

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