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The new Elie Tahari fall line evokes the architectural shape and graphic design of mod style. Tahari has managed to fuse the classic muted palette of fifties fashion with the 60’s pop elegance that defined the style of the decade. While the women’s line thrives on
geometric shapes, A line dresses, exposed zippers, chrome buttons and fitted tweed jackets the refined menswear drew inspiration from the classic lines of mid century automobiles texturally reminiscent of car interiors, bringing a unique spin to vintage fashion with
both a contemporary and classic flare.

Like vintage Yves Saint Laurent, the line is composed sculptural fabric with a subtle sex appeal a far venture from last seasons fitted ultra feminine look, some of the dresses stand free of the body line, adorned with thin high wasted belts, bringing shape to stiffer material. Patten leather seems to dominate shoes and accessories, bringing new light to classic Mary Jane’s now with four inch heels and a modern geometric design. Last years pointed tip has now become rounded or square, with either a thin stiletto or wedged heel. Spandex leggings and ballet slipper flats bring a youthful vibe to a line that is versatile in both age and wear ability.

Perfect for day or evening many of the designs can be brought to life at night simply by adding a pair of heels and an evening bag. The key is functionality combined with clean and urban elegance. While some may opt for the draping cocktail gowns or sequin skirts others may gravitate towards the casual chic hooded dresses or metallic leathers Tahari offers. The entire fall collection is a recycled form modern fashion. Leaving us wondering where exactly we will be revisiting next.

THERESA J. BENNETT

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I felt extremely wrong wearing my grandmothers’ old fur lined trench to the Marc Bouwer show seeing as though it was sponsored by PETA. Guilt aside, the show started with a line of faux fur coats that would put any chinchilla to shame. There was a mixture of standard evening dresses with romantic high-waisted Victorian styled dresses in colors that remind you of winter.

For me, there was a lull with the velvet dresses but overall Bouwer’s use of rich teals and reds mixed with winter whites, pale gold, and black made for a collection that reaches women of all ages. For example, sitting in the front row - Vivica Fox and Rue McClanahan; that’s right Blanche from Golden Girls!!!!!!!

MICHELLE BELL

At The Heart Truth’s Red Dress show, it was less about the clothes going down the runway and more about the women wearing the clothes, or in this case, the red dress. The red dress is the symbol of The Heart Truth’s campaign to promote national awareness that heart disease is the #1 killer of women. Celebrities such as Kim Cattrall, Angela Bassett, Katherine McPhee, Mary Hart, Natalie Morales, Paula Zahn, and Rachael Ray, each wore a striking red gown as they strode down the runway, some even dancing along to the music. The crowd happily cheered them on; amongst them somewhere was First Lady Laura Bush, who is the ambassador for The Heart Truth campaign. Not your typical fashion show, but it was definitely a fun event with a great message that all women should beaware of. So take care of your hearts ladies, and while you’re at it, go buy yourself a hot little red number.

LEE LEE MILNER

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If you are a real rebel, someone who has the gumption to put yourself out there, and not just because its “in” to be unconventional, you wouldn’t reach for Alexander McQueen, Luella Bartley or L.A.M.B.—they are all much too overexposed and embraced by the mainstream. No, you, in your defiance and determination to prove your edgy-but-not-cliché self would reach for Akiko Ogawa.

Ogawa, who perhaps diluted her daring approach in previous seasons, made a clear move to regain herself and her carefully carved niche with a fall line that referenced fellow punk-slash-hipster designers (tartan with bows, 80’s glam metallics) without imitating them. The result was a powerful aesthetic, clearly grounded in her Japanese-based success, but with enough western influence to lend herself credence to the soon-to-be expats of Williamsburg and the L.E.S. (i.e., those who have already tapped into the next bigger, cooler hot spot).

ALI MANNING

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Nicole Miller’s theme for the fall season seemed to be a continuation (and expansion) of her Spring collection of Mayan inspired textures and colors. Miller is a fixture in the industry and after 25 years, she’s still going strong. The pieces were easy to wear and mix within. What more could you want from a fall collection? The colors ranged from the her trademarked browns, greens, taupes, and tans. The evening collection was an absolute favorite. A superb assortment of gowns flowed effortlessly down the runway, showing what Nicole Miller does best.

MICHELLE BELL