Tonight I am writing to you from back in Seattle as I try to recover not only from jet lag (again), but also the shock of being at home , away from the glamour and excitement of New York. I flew into Seattle last night and crashed, but the first thing I noticed this morning was how quiet everything is here. My week in NYC was filled with constant noise, colorful clothing and bustling activity, and suddenly I’m back home in a quiet house. . .I swear I just want someone to start honking a car horn so I can feel like I’m back in NYC!

I had a truly fabulous experience at fashion week attending the varied and exciting shows, meeting people, and promoting papierdoll. My hope is that I successfully kept all of you readers up to date on what’s hot and happening in fashion, and made you feel like you were there with us experiencing our successes and struggles as a new magazine under the tents at Bryant Park. I can’t wait to come back for the Fall 2006 shows, and by then we hope to gain access to even more amazing designers’ shows. (Maybe we’ll be famous enough by then that I won’t have to be so sneaky!)

For now I’ll leave you with one last bit of fashion coverage: On thursday night (My last night ) we attended the Vlassis Holevas show and it was surprisingly pleasing to the eye. This was my first experience with this designer so I didn’t know what to expect. The majority of the show consisted of beautifully flowing evening gowns with flattering cutouts, gorgeous beadwork, and glittering sequins. The colors were mostly bright, with lots of pink and eye-catching prints. Other than a few eighties inspired pieces that went a little wild with the hot pink, the dresses were pretty awe-inspiring. Think prom night or a fancy Las Vegas party and you get the feel of the show.

Thank you to all our dedicated readers who followed us through our plight to get papierdoll into as many shows as possible! I will be back in the spring to keep you posted on the fall 2006 shows, and for now keep reading up on London fashion week as we will have writers covering that as well. Keep checking out the papierdoll site for all the fashion info you could ever need throughout the year, and remember, we are. . .your word in fashion.

Yael Avni

While we have yet to give the wrap-up on Fashion Week in New York, we are already getting ready for London fashion week. Some of the designer wares we hope to see are Paul Smith Women, Camilla Staerk, Ashley Isham, Giles and others. Our blog coverage begins tomorrow, September 18th. Look for Yael Avni’s wrap-up on New York fashion week sometime this weekend.

Well she didn’t exactly say ‘yes’, but I did manage to get into the show using some sneaky tactics. I know, I know, I made such a fuss about Vera Wang’s PR people not letting us into the show, (My apologies to the gods and goddesses of fashion, please forgive me), but seriously, I really was upset because I wasn’t invited to see one of my favorite designers. So I did a little manuevering through the crowds pushing their way into the show, and I managed to get past security, the velvet ropes, and find myself a spot near the back.

And I must say, I’m certainly glad I did, because although it’s stressful to be sneaky, the payoff was well worth it. Vera Wang’s spring 2006 collection was pretty extraordinary to see in person. Although she used predominantly dark colors, she mnaged to keep the look of her evening gowns and daywear pieces very spring-like by using long, piecy splices of fabric that flowed as the models walked the runway.

There was an ethereal tone to the show, created by Wang’s use of shimmer combined with light, flowing layers. The most striking element of the show was her use of shiny royal purple for two of her evening gowns. This was the only show that I saw (yeah I know I didn’t see that many shows, but I’ve been to a few) that used this color, and it really stood out among the other designs for the season. It was a fantastic experience, and it really topped off an already incredible week for me and for papierdoll.

Yael

Yesterday papierdoll managed to get into probably the biggest name show we’ll get into at Fashion Week this year. I saw Bill Blass in the Tent and it was a truly amazing show. There were some beautiful evening gowns as well as sundresses in pale, shimmery colors and body-skimming, comfortable designs. Blass’ line also showcased some office-wear, including fitted jackets paired with flowing knee-length skirts or skinny capri-length pants. Although the colors were mostly muted, the beauty of the designs was in the detailing. Many of the pieces had intricate prints and subtle sparkle, which added glamour to the designs. And the best part of attending this show was that I got a front row seat! I was supposed to be standing in the back because I’m with papierdoll of course, but I sweet-talked an usher and managed to get a front row seat that some important person didn’t show up for! It made for a spectacular view!

Later in the day I also attended a press conference led by Heather Mills McCartney representing PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which also took place in the tent. She spoke out against the use of fur in fashion, and warned consumers that fur imported from China is often mislabeled as ‘coyote’ when it is actually made from domestic dogs and cats who are skinned alive. But regardless of what animals are killed for fur garments, it is still inhumane and unneccesary to do so. All of us can be fashionable and still be cruelty-free! (As a life-long vegetarian and animal lover myself, I completely agree with the PETA cause.)

Pictures will be coming soon!

Yael

Diane Von Furstenberg’s- collection was inspired by sixties-era Rome. Unfortunately, like the falling of Rome, so did the show-at least the lights did. What an ending to a spectacular show. The Daily Telegraph’s Hilary Alexander was hurt, as were several other editors and publicists. Yikes!! As for the show Rome may have been the inspiration but the glamour of her career was on full display. The signature wrap dress was a strong presence, and the glamor stole the show. For the casual lady: fitted flared jackets, dark denim done in various silhouettes, an ivory crochet suit; empire waist cotton baby doll dresses, and to wrap it and you all up a fantastic beige trench.

I rate her collection AMAZING!!!

Marc Jacobs- is probably always my favorite, and as the Penn State Marching Band tooted in to Nirvana’s Teen Spirit (I hear a Gwen rip off), the beginning of the collections was a little Jackie O meets parochial school to me. The tone just as for fall was mostly dark, and gave us a few neutrals here and there. A lot of puffed rice inspired pieces meaning just plain pouf. (“blown-up American classics”: Pea jackets, cashmere sweatshirts, and cuffed shorts were, quite literally blown up, and looked puffed with air.). He did cover those who wish not to look like balloons, or those of us who would like to never revisit those scratchy school uniforms. (Black gabardine jumper and white cotton shirts, windbreakers and pleated skirt with a slip peaking out from underneath) with beautiful shimmer party dresses, that would make anybody a prom queen. Talk about revisiting our youth……

Betsey Johnson-Think spring and Paris, in a romantic fantasy land. That is Betsey’s Spring Collection. Fun florals- Tulip skirts and Swiss polka dot shirts. Short and very short skirts and gingham mini bloomers. Guess Betsey has one up on Marc she’s taking it all the way back to the days when we were all cute as a button-somewhat like her collection.

For a comrehensive look look at some of the collections, take a look at the great photo spread at Style.com

Be back tomorrow with more.

Michelle