New York: Topshop, Carolina Herrera, Thakoon, William Rast and Marc Jacobs Fall 2009

There’s nothing quite like a lovely brekkie at the Gramercy Park Hotel Roof Club and Garden with the Topshop family, headed up by Sir Philip Green, who flew across the pond to brief us fashion folk on the forthcoming launch of the Topshop and Topman NYC flagship. First thoughts on the new spring collection: flirty fun. Think itsy-bitsy floral prints, shimmer, short-shorts, and of course Kate Moss’s rock ’n’ rolla bombers, sequined drop-waist dresses and skinny denim so slim that Ms. Moss herself might have to take a deep breath. Book your flights now for the April 2 opening. Oh, and when asked about a possible Canadian launch, Sir Philip predicted anywhere from six to nine months. Clear your credit cards now. Seems as though some shops really are recession-proof.
And speaking of which, can it be? The Golden Arches have set up kiosk in a prime location, right by the copies of WWD. And let’s just say that anyone who is anyone has been ducking into the McCafe for a free coffee or latte.  Case in point: British Vogue’s Hamish Bowles was spotted McLovin’ his morning java pre-Carolina Herrera.

First impression at Carolina Herrera: very un-Carolina. Eighteen-century architectural details cast in copper were used on belts and hair ornaments, corsets, suede pants, strapless gowns with ruffles and braided pleat detail, off-the-shoulder dresses and so on. The dark and dramatic lighting and opera-meets-techno soundtrack really made it a “show” rather than simply a collection. Didn’t see too many socials out—chalk it up to the 10 a.m. call time.

Next up: Thakoon over in the Meatpacking District. Exciting for two reasons: 1. I heart Thakoon. 2. The Barneys warehouse sale is within walking distance.

Thoughts on Thakoon: I loved the liquid silver ankle booties. The blush tones were pretty but felt recycled, ditto for the huge statement necklaces (shards of crystal, ribbon ties) and cuffs. (One can see that big, bold costume jewelry is going to remain a staple for fall.) After all, who’s buying the real deal these days?  Several capelets, printed silk pieces and one short, shirred, black mink swing coat. The best pieces were saved for the end: the bright orange dress, collarless zip-front zebra-print coat, a cheery yellow coat with matching fur collar and the parrot-like coats with their tiers of coloured fur. The final look was a black oraganza and tulle dress with sequins and a beautiful, unapologetic bow at the shoulder—red-carpet ready for some hot little starlet. Now, that’s what I call flashbulb-worthy fashion.

William Rast finished off the day with a packed house. Spotted heartthrob Gerard Butler and JT’s main squeeze, Jessica Biel, sitting front and centre. Just a few seats away was JT’s mama, Lynn Harless, who was sporting a cowboy hat, sipping on champers, and looking ready to give her baby a big ol’ yee haw for his fall collection. Nothing surprising in the way of the fall line. There was lots of denim—sand-, acid- and dark-washed—fringe, grommet details, boyfriend blazers, studs (seem to be seeing the pyramid stud on everything this week!) and sleeveless vests.  Shoulders were emphasized on everything T-shirts to pronounced cap shoulders on vests and jackets. Ah, the trickle-down effect, from Martin Margiela on down. The fashion industry really is the original blue box.

Best line of the day: “I need a Xanax” (overheard at the tents waiting for the Herrera show).

Coolest hair: the sky-high dos at Marc Jacobs.

Teary moment: When my MJ ticket didn’t arrive. I guess no really does mean no. Until next season MJ….

Things that made us go hmmm: Spotted front row at Carolina Herrera beside Anna Wintour?  Michelle Obama’s social secretary, Desirée Rogers. Wonder if Mrs. O will cast aside her love of accessible J. Crew for a little uptown girl elegance à la Herrera?

Until my next jottings…

Check out our slideshows:

MARC JACOBS | CAROLINA HERRERA | ALL FALL 2009

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