L.A.M.B. Best Collection at NYFW FALL 2011

**BEST** OVERALL COLLECTION FROM NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FALL 2011

Many words can describe Gwen Stefani, but these come to mind: music powerhouse, actress, and now a superstar fashion designer.

This was my overall favorite collection this season in New York for several reasons, but looking at other fashion houses, their point-of-views and inspirations for this seasons' shows were a bit scattered and unoriginal. Gwen's 7 year old fashion house, L.A.M.B. started with just accessories and now is a full-fledged brand, complete with ready to wear, evening gowns, leather goods and shoes. In 2005 for her first runway show, the brand was really reflective to the cool, chola-esque music maven that Gwen is, but as the years progress the designs matured and became more sophisticated. Now a mother of 2 young boys, Gwen's designs are still full of life but the inspiration is never unclear. In an previous interview Gwen said, 'My line is everything I would wear', and it is very transparent that Gwen would look fabulous is any of these pieces from the runway.

L.A.M.B. was the only collection to show in New York to have a primarily ethnic and diverse array of models. The runway presentation showcased the beauty of all races of different women, and more importantly of her customers. The show featured fun, geometrical, bright tribal prints on separates and day dresses. Plaids, camouflage, and neutrals shown may not seem to be cohesive, but by starting and ending the collection with solids tells the story perfectly.

We applaud Gwen Stefani for taking risks, and being completely true to her work and vision for her growing and successful fashion house, L.A.M.B.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FALL 2011 BEST OF: RAD by RAD HOURANI & THE ROW

WE LIVED OUR LIVES IN BLACK....well a lot of us do, and RAD HOURANI created a phenomenal collection in black, and also added some color too....charcoal grey. Fall collections that include men's pieces are more interestingand tell story, and considering that RAD has a more unisex approach to his designs, the clothes are gender-less. All models paired with tights and leggings in leather or thick spandex, bare no skin for the upcoming fall season. Many of the looks were large on the shoulders and cinched at the waist to create the perfect balance of proportions for these black pieces. A whole collection can be very intriguing, unique and different without any color...just black. RAD HOURANI did a wonderful job at keeping the mystery high as well as the goth references that inspired this collection.

Billionaire powerhouse twins, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen debuted their luxury line, The Row last week and all the fashion big-wigs were buzzing. For good reason too, not many other 24 year-old fashion designers had so much sophistication and a distinct point of view in their collections. Beautifully tailored jackets and slacks walked the runway with huge accent glamorous fur hats. Not very surprising there was an abundance colored fur, and fur accented pieces, because the twins have been under fire with PETA for years about their various amounts of fur they wear. Every look, RTW and Evening were paired with stylish loafers, some solid black and others in leopard print. The collection as a whole seems to be very Parisian, nonchalantly cool without trying too hard, just like the Olsen twins.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FALL 2011: BEST OF....RODARTE

Although many designers this season surprised us by adding a pop of color in their collections, some designers did it right, RODARTE kept their focus on shapes and left the colors to the amateurs.

Pretty mono-toned, in lots of earthy neutral colors their fall collection was beautifully sculpted, inspired by geometric shapes. Some more literal then others, squares and triangles bearing on the chests' of several looks. Tops and jackets that crisscross over the shoulders create an interesting detail throughout the collection. Beautifully clean lines can easily be seen in every piece, making each look seem polished, but most importantly effortless. The seldom colors in the collection like the blues and reds are not over baring in the collection, they seem fresh for fall. The printed silk evening pieces are light and flowey, of grassy knolls, weeds are actually very alluring and delightful.

Congrats Mclleavy sisters, your creativity is inspiring.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FALL 2011: BEST OF.....MARCHESA

Beautiful and elegant are synonymous with Marchesa, and there was no exception of gorgeousness from their presentation. Only with 26 looks for this collection the impact was absolutely stunning. The scalloping detail of the lace draped on the models came alive in both black and red looks. Full trains and color-blocking on many evening gowns turned beautiful dresses into a masterpieces. One of the ending looks, the mermaid cut with the ruffled blush bottom accent will be seen on an oscar winner or starlet very soon.
Marchesa does it again, perfectly balanced but extremely original these dresses are more than clothes, they are works of art.