New York Fashion Week: Best in show from day 1!

Day one of New York Fashion Week has come to a close! The snow proved to be a non-obstacle, and everything ran pretty smoothly. It was a tough opening, with the death of renowned fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, on everyone’s minds and in everyone’s hearts. "It's horrible news. It's so sad to be in such a state of despair. Such a great talent, such poetry -- it's horrific," New York fashion doyenne Diane von Furstenberg, head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, told AFP. However, the show must go on, and with McQueen’s family in everyone’s prayers, the tents opened and the models hit the runways. Among all of the amazing collections shown, a few of my very favorite were Acne, BCBC Max Azria, Richard Chai Love, and Ports 1961. All brilliant, I can’t wait for these designs to hit stores in July! Here is my round-up of NYFW Day 1:

Acne

Designer, Jonny Johnson, was inspired by the Star Wars figurines that he young sons collect and play with. He told style.com, “We have to watch it and play it all the time. It’s sort of embarrassing, but that’s where my inspiration comes from – always close to home.” The models had spray-painted foreheads, glitter-glue eyelids, and dirt-sleek hair that made them look like urban-dwelling aliens. The Stockholm-based designer played with his normally Nordic designs, and upgraded them to transform to the streets, with a gothic-like look. Graffiti-print dresses, zipper harem pants, cartoonish fur topped boots, and a fabulous aviator shearling jacket are among my favorites of the collection. My favorite look, definitely look 16, simply because I want to wear that right now!

BCBG Max Azria

Husband-and-wife teams of Max and Lubov Azria decided to keep it practical for the upcoming Fall 2010 season, and I quite like the change from Spring 2010 which had more of an abstract, party-girl feel. With regards to the recession, Mrs. Azria told style.com, “It’s made us realists…It’s not about our fantasy. It’s about the customer.” Sensible and sellable, this pair gave us clean, crisp lines and knits that looked chic and comfortable. The thin t-shirt material is meant for people to be able to wear them right at the end of summer, love it! I loved the color-block patterns and the way the fabrics were layered, wrapped, draped and tucked to create a fantastic silhouette. My favorite look- the show opener! The silk piece layered over the super-thin tee, pulled together with a belt is a perfect fall outfit that I will wear come September!

Richard Chai Love

One of my favorite designers, Richard Chai, has done it again! He’s delivered a contemporary line that is lower-priced, but looks every bit as expensive as his primary line. Chai explained to style.com before the show, “I want to nurture the [Love] business. The women’s collection is already established.” The look for fall ’10 was very 90’s, with grunge-like tees paired with long skirts and fabulously sweet origami crane-printed silk button-down blouses. I loved his sporty looks the most, which reminded me a lot of Alexander Wang’s designs, but still unique. I loved look 11, it’s so cool and I love sweats! I’d want to wear it just as so, red lipstick and all! Well done Richard, you've definitely created clothes that women will Love.

And, don’t forget to watch Ports 1961 live streaming!!! The collection featured lots of greys and neutrals. I loved the suede boots and leather accenting. Also, flats and evening wear was a daring look, if you’re brave enough to try it! Oh, and I’m obsessed with the models’ free, curly hair- amazing! Watch it all here:

http://h.zeitbyte.com/o1/zb3.1/ports-1961/webcast_021110/webcast_021110/ports_1961_webast.html

(and follow the label on Twitter at: @Ports1691USA )

For more on these collections, head to: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2010RTW/