For those of you who like to keep it interesting yet beautiful Chado Ralph Rucci presents his Fall/Winter 2013 collection.   Bringing this collection as close to haute couture as it can get while still being ready to wear Rucci continues what he does best.

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Source: Style.com

The BCBG Max Azria Spring Summer 2013 presentation was alot edgier than previous collections. This collection centered around a Herve Leger-esque leather harness detail which was implemented on nearly every one of the designs, becoming overwhelming against fluid, silk crepe blouses, skirts and dresses. I found the abundance of black a bit surprising for a spring/summer collection.  View some of my favorite looks below.

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Photo Credit: Alix Kivlin

As the fashion world waits in anticipation of the fashion week shows that are taking place over the next several days, I could only imagine what the last few days and moments are like for the designers themselves.  Lisa Folawiyo, designer of the Nigerian fashion label Jewel By Lisa, allowed cameras to follow her as she prepared to show her Vintage Love collection at last years Arise Magazine presentation. The ad campaigns, press meetings, the mad run for shoes 2 days before the show, watch it all here.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3wCykuM9uw&feature=plcp
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While fall is my favorite time of year Darius Wobil gives me reason to long for spring with his Saint Wobil Spring 2012 collection.  Cocktail and evening gowns in the most delicious colors of the season were paired with accessories to die for…(Exhibit A: the clutch in above photo, Exhibit B:belt in below photo)

The Saint Wobil Spring 2012 collection also included menswear.  Clean lines against a neutral color palette, it all works.

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Blues, yellows, organza and chiffon was Bunmi Koko ”Allure of the Sirens” Spring 2012 collection. “The collection is formed on the seductive nature of the ‘sirens’ in Greek myths. Their irresistible beauty and enchanting voices brought sailors to their death in shipwrecks on their rocky island.” -Bunmi Olaye

 

“The collection thrives in contrasts. Expect a contemporary urban African mix of vibrant prints, contrasting textures and futuristic streamlined shapes.” – Fati Asibelua

Print after luxurious print came down the runway for the Asibelua’s Spring Summer 2012 “African Kaleidoscope” collection.  The juxtapose of prints matched with clean lines made the designs fun, modern, sophisticated.

Asibelua is the new line from Fati Asibelua, the mastermind behind MoMo.  I like!!

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

“A modern translation of Nigeria in the 60s: using traditional menswear and classic garments or pieces from that era as inspiration to create ultra-feminine pieces for today’s woman. As always you’ll see lots of exquisite hand-embellished ankara pieces (our signature) and of course our custom-made luxurious prints, which have been personalised for our inspiration. We’ve also expanded our accessories line with different types of belts and beaded bags.” – Lisa Folawiyo (JBL)

Jewel by Lisa presented “Vintage Love”; a tribute to ’60s and ’70s Nigerian style. The Spring/Summer 2012 collection included the brands signature use of color and ankara print combinations featured on mod concept dresses, blouses cut like safari jackets, clutch bags and bathing suits. This collection was completely wearable as it featured something for EVERY woman. The silk chiffon swing dress was my favorite.  Check out more of my picks below.

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Mark Von Holden

Olowu’s latest collection was inspired by photos of Jacques Henri Lartigue and the Jamaican immigrants who traveled to England in the ’50s giving the modern elegance a bit of vintage appeal.  A breath of fresh air lively patterns, flowing dresses, gentle fabrics layered under tailored blazers was Duro Olowu’s Spring 2012 collection.

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Photo Credit: Style.com

Sessilee Lopez walks for Zac Posen’s Spring Summer 2012 presentation at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week despite sprained ankle. Here’s the conversation she had with NextNewFashion.com backstage, while she was getting her hair styled for Posen’s show.

ELLE: How did you sprain your ankle?
Sessilee Lopez: I sprained it yesterday during a photo shoot! I’m using crutches so that I don’t do more harm than good. I’m still planning on wearing heels for the show—I sprained my ankle once before, early on in my career, and I know I can do it. I’ll definitely be better before the shows in Europe.

ELLE: What do you think of the Wallis Simpson-inspired updo that Bumble and bumble’s Jimmy Paul created for tonight?
SL: I like it! I’ve seen photos of it, and it looks very beautiful. I love the Marcel waves at the front. They’re a good look for evening—and my dinner plans later tonight.

Read the rest of the interview here

 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

BCBG Max Azria kept things sheer, colorful, and cool for his Spring Summer 2012 collection.  The color blocking technique, which was reminiscent of last season’s collection, was utilized throughout as were cutouts, and accordion pleats.  This presentation did not thrill me but overall the collection was easy breezy perfect for the spring.

Photo Credit: Lizzy Sullivan