Vera and I have something in common–we both have an art history background. (Hey V– call me!)

Anyway, for her fall 2008 collection, she was inspired by Dutch painter Kees van Dongen, who is known for his early 20th century social portraits. Looking at his work, I’d throw him into the expressionism/fauvism category for the extreme use of color. That’s part of what Wang picked up on for fall 2008.

The resulting collection balanced color, which ranged from charcoal to rust to nearly neon yellow. She plays with proportion too. My favorite detail was the cascading, loose ruffles. So elegant without trying so hard. I kind of get the feeling that her moody, dark runway is about creating anti-wedding dresses.
We’ll be looking for similar stuff at Kohl’s come fall.  I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it before, but I’ve heard through the grapevine that the Kohl’s in St. Louis Park is one of the top-selling in Simply Vera.

Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Alice Temperley cited Mata Hari, a spy from the early 1900’s as a major influence. The collection was less pretty and more edgy than the past. Present-day agents should be so cool. Many looks had boots that went over knees.

Am I the only one who also almost completely forgot that Temperley had a limited edition Target line? Well, my favorite pieces were still the intarsia sweater dresses that designer is famous for.

Oh and Julia Stiles was in the audience…though I had a bit of trouble focusing. Another reporter…who shall remained unnamed…accidentally spelled her last name “Styles.” I don’t call out someone else’s mistake maliciously (I know I make plenty of my own, yo!), but only because I appreciate the Freudian slip. Seriously.

Here’s what you’ve undoubtedly been waiting for… video! I used my front-row seats at Peter Som and Catherine Malandrino for good and recorded them for you. They also happen to be two of my favorites all week. Peter Som’s show was beautiful and quirky and Malandrino’s “greenhouse” made me wake up and say–hey, there’s a lot of green on the runways!

(If you look carefully at Peter Som, you can see Eliza Dushku’s black and white dress on the lower right hand corner of the screen.)

There’s also a snipped of Liza Minnelli singing “New York, New York” at the Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection. Let’s face it, that’s the kind of thing you have to see to believe.

Video is here.

Round-up is here (and in today’s paper).

Fashion week is over, but I have few more trends in addition to these ombre photos to show you and some more gossip, and perhaps a new, new celeb best friend.

Here’s an ode to the subtly changing hues…note that this has been seen on Missoni’s fall 2007 runways too. Top left is Herve Leger by Max Azria, top right is Monique Lhuillier, and at right is Twinkle by Wenlan.
Photos courtesy Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

In person, Christian is just as fierce and tiny as he seems on television.

His collection stood up to the fierceness of his personality. Starting off in all black and then moving into all-cream, he showed great skill and vision in playing with volume, proportion and texture. Layers of ruffles along with the kicky jackets we’ve seen on the show are his signature here.
When this vertically ruffled, belted, knee-length dress came down the runway, Posh seemed to excitedly talk to Michael Kors. Methinks she liked it.

If it’s truly fresh that “Project Runway” is about, Christian might take home the golden sewing machine.

It’s up to Nina, Michael, Heidi, and Mrs. Beckham now…

If you ask me (even though you didn’t), Project Runway is a two-person competition now between Rami and Christian.

Rami’s collection was beautiful and sophisticated. And, as Nina might say: Chic.

The teals and hot pinks popped against black and gray. Rami’s ruffling and draping was just enough. The silhouettes on the sportswear were spectacular. Plus it was fun to see Rami do skirts and pants, instead of a dress. His gowns were stunning, really red-carpet worthy.

Overall, a mature collection with wearable pieces that worked together as a whole.