Finally recovered from my transatlantic travels, I stopped into the Tracy Reese show to take in her Fall 2009 collection.

I along with a ton of fashion fanatics piled into Bryant Park’s relatively tiny Salon…

There were barely enough seats to sit–Even Andre Leon Talley was left standing!

Finally the show began, and Tracy reinterpreted her signature pretty, uber feminine pieces for fall using a colorful palette of deep reds, purples, and turquoise…

While some of her looks were somewhat predictable–ruffles, lace, and frills–school girl chic also seemed to be the name of the game, with Reese amping up her lacey, brocade regulars with bits of edge witnessed in thigh high socks, skull caps, and librarian-esque readers…

Flashes of luxe elements like fur and sequins also appeared in this collection, making certain items perfect for the girl who isn’t watching her pocketbook…

…perhaps why the front row was peppered with glitterati like Paris and Nicky Hilton, Kim Kardashian, and Solange Knowles.

I caught up with Kim Kardashian afterwards who looked stunning in a Tracy Reese strapless dress…

And also got a quick interview with Solange! Check it out here.

What did you think of the collection?

Bisous!

Necklace by Jenny Dayco, Makeup by Glam De Luxe.

I chit chatted with Solange at the Tracy Reese show to ask her about her style and a few of her fave designers.

She was super cool and down to earth!

What do you think?

I caught a bit more Real Style out and about in the tents:

Jennifer keeps it chic in a vintage dress, leather jacket, and booties, while Andre represents for the men with skinny jeans, a blazer, and a smart bag.

What do you think of their style?

Did you know???

Ugandan model Kiara Kabukuru had one of the longest CoverGirl campaigns of any black model.

Discovered in a shopping mall in Los Angeles when she was only sixteen years old, Kiara went on to walk for Chanel, Balenciaga, Sonia Rykiel, and Dolce & Gabanna before appearing on American Vogue’s July 1997 cover:

She recently appeared in Italian Vogue’s All Black Issue:

And currently lives in New York City.

British staple TopShop is finally set to invade US shores April 2nd.

WWD says, “After months of delays due to construction and permit problems, the British fast-fashion retailer owned by Sir Philip Green is set to debut.” The first store will be in New York; no word on when or if the brand will expand nationally.

On Friday I was still a bit jetlagged, so decided to keep it low key with the Cushnie et Ochs show:

If you’ve been reading the Fashion Bomb, you’d know that the dynamic Parson’s alumnae behind the line were the recipients of a $25,000 Ecco Domani Fashion Award to show at Fashion Week.
With all their accolades, I was super excited to see what they would send down the runway:

Their Fall 2009 collection focused on subdued blacks, grays, and whites accented with pops of futuristic metallic. Edgy and eye catching, the ladies went for drama with dresses, jackets, and pants with singular details like cut outs, single arms, liquid materials, and high collars:

While I gushed over some of the more club ready frocks, I felt perhaps the ladies pushed the envelope too far with certain looks–some sheer tops, short skirts, and super tight satin dresses seemed more bawdy than sexy…

They may have overshot just a bit, but they have the proven talent to bring it back. I look forward to seeing their future collections.
After the show, I stopped backstage and interviewed Carly Cushnie about the line’s inspiration:

What do you think?

\Tennessee model Hollis Wakeema walked for Cushnie et Ochs. I talked to her backstage as well:

See more of her bio in the Fashion Bomb Model Manual.

Cross Colours was one of the first brands to make ‘urban’ gear fashionable.

Before Rocawear, Phat Farm, and Fubu, Cross Colours was the streetwear brand of choice for hip hop heads. Created by Carl Jones, a graduate of Otis Parson’s School of Design, the clothes were without prejudice and appealed to anyone with a penchant for bright colors and an understanding of political and social messages.
Did you own any Cross Colours gear?

All that Cross Colours talk made me nostalgic for vintage TLC.

Check out their first 1992 video, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg:

Hey!
So the first day of Fashion Week was so exciting! My homie Charles and I dipped into the Cushnie & Ochs show, then hit up a few parties for Roberto Cavalli and Alexander McQueen.
I’ve got a couple videos and pix for Monday, but if you can’t wait until then, some shots of Real Style:

Check back in for more Fashion Week updates:)

Bisous!