This first episode explores the versatility of the trench coat and André lays down the law while cradling baby Tyra on his Chado Ralph Rucci-cape-covered knee:

A: When you put on a coat you suggest high-octane mystery.

T: But why not put on a pea coat or a–

A: TOOOO SHOOOORT!

Next Tyra gives advice on how to JAZZ UP a trench coat and for any advice regarding the jazzing up of anything I am strictly ON. BOARD.

She suggests a wide cincher belt that she wants you to know — by yelling it over and over again — that it costs $12 at Payless. Doesn’t it feel good? And by wearing said trench with a statement necklace you’ll add a “little sex appeal” as well as some “snap and sass.” Finally zhush those sleeves and suddenly your trench has gone from “blah” to “Rrrr”  – it’s like Tyra is the poet laureate of our generation. Her or Nicky Minaj…

Anyway, André — sensing a lull — returns to discuss the history of the trench coat with Tyra still on his lap and along the way we’re introduced to the Word of the Day, “kicky.”

T: What is a kicky?
A: KICKY IS UP!  YOU’RE UP! YOU’RE UP! KICK! KICK! KICK! UP! UP! UP!

Scratch that, ALT’s had a choke hold on poet laureate since the 80s.

Finally we’re left with a disturbing conversation about whether ALT grooms “down there” — for the record he does not and for the record I feel as scarred as a child who first learns their parents have sex.

I just thought there was a secret portal into a magical haute couture world where Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington argue all day under all those capes…thanks Tyra.

Though I’m totally signing up for Type F now…mostly because she told me to.

If you are over winter and already looking forward to all the things that spring and summer bring, then get started with these three trends for the warmer months of this new year.

A drastic change from the bright and often neon colors that we saw this time last year, neutrals ran the runways. Designers like Erin Fetherston and Nina Ricci used a very soft color palette throughout their collections, so expect to see these simple colors around for awhile this year.

Max Azria’s and Marc Jacobs’ collections for the spring both incorporated cut-out designs. This peek-a-boo trend gives a very subtle sexy feel to an outfit. It also leaves room for a great layering effect when these cut-outs are worn above other pieces.

From brightly colored to more natural—feathers were seen in many designers’ collections. Chris Benz had a few pieces that featured multicolored feathers, while Chado Ralph Rucci used the feathers in a more elegant shade. Feathers can give a great and playful texture to an outfit. They can also be used to make a statement, like Chris Benz’ feather skirt seen here

The Spring/Summer 10 shows have been full of slicked back hair. You know what that means: hair stylists have been through an unimaginable amount of gel and are sporting some very sticky hands upon their exit of the tents. Will you be joining the force of sticky fingered fashion folk this spring?

SOURCE: The Cut

Rucci killed it this season, delivering nothing less than stellar for his upcoming spring collection. Besides this being my first fashion show at the tents, I was beyond impressed by Rucci’s Japanese-inspired interpretation of elegant eveningwear. Every piece that floated down the runway was infused with a delicate balance of femeninity and architecture. His was a mixture of semi-structured sillouhettes, bold details, and fabrics that somehow give off the illusion of depth.

Layers of chiffon, silk and tulle were an omnipresent feature throughout the collection, showing up in dresses, skirts, gowns and daycoats. Eye-catching accessories such as obi shawls, and beaded tulle neckpieces were the proverbial icing on the cake. Not bad for a first show…

See more pics at nymag.com

Any thoughts so far? Hearing Alexander Wang and Chado Ralph Rucci a lot…

Pratt Institute’s senior class of fashion designers will present original works at the Pratt Fashion Show on May 14, 2009 at 2 and 5:30 p.m. at The Altman Building at 135 West 18th Street in Manhattan. The Pratt Institute Fashion Icon Award will be presented to world renowned fashion designer Ralph Rucci at the start of the 5:30 show. Funding for the 2009 Pratt Fashion Show was awarded in part through a competitive grant presented to Pratt by the Importer Support Program of the Cotton Board and Cotton Incorporated.

5:30 p.m.
The Altman Building
135 West 18th Street
Contact kunver@pratt.edu for tickets to the Pratt Fashion Show.

LINKAGE: party crasher

VILLAGE CARE OF NEW YORK’S 8th ANNUAL “TULIPS & PANSIES – THE HEADDRESS AFFAIR” will be on Thursday, May 14, and I can’t tell you how excited both Daniel and I are. We had such a great time last year (photos above). And this years designers are top tier: Tory Burch, Chado Ralph Rucci, Pamella Roland, Cynthia Steffe, Lilly Pulitzer, Alvin Valley, Thierry Mugler, Zang Toi, Michael Vollbracht, b.michael and others.

Each designer will be paired with NYC’s finest floral designers including Preston Bailey, L’Olivier, Ovando and Zezé in order to create a high-fashion runway show of elaborate floral headdresses made entirely from living plants and fresh cut flowers. The event, which raises funds for Village Care of New York, a non-profit organization providing vital health care programs to people living with HIV/AIDS, is Chaired by Jack Curry, Editor of USA Weekend and TV Guide and Kelly Cutrone, Founder of People’s Revolution.

Date: Thursday, May 14th from 7 PM to 10 PM
Ticket Price: $250 (Tickets are $300 after May 4th, 2009)
Venue: Edison BallRoom, 240 W. 47th St. New York, NY
For Reservations/ticket information/online auction: please visit www.vcny.org or call Shannon Lavin at 212-337-5743.