Nothing more and nothing less, your body simply needs water after the constant boozing that happens morning, noon and night during fashion week. Even if you don't get your eight glasses on a normal day, now is the time to be conscious of your intake and sip on H2O as much as possible. Guaranteed you will feel lighter and refreshed in a few days.

Meals rarely occur at normal times during fashion week, and we end up eating something in a cab or teeny tiny hors d'oeuvres containing lord knows what. Making a return to simple whole foods with a diet rich in fruits, veggies and lean protein will flush your body of toxins and help you feel normal again. If you can, detox juices and soups for breakfast and dinner with a hearty but heathy lunch in between will do the trick. Whole Living has an action plan perfect for recovery.

Even if you've been diligent about your skincare routine throughout the week, you might notice some dryness and dullness from the cold weather, alcohol overindulgence and lack of sleep. A resurfacing mask like this all natural version from Tata Harper Skincare will deeply cleanse the pores, remove dead skin cells and moisturize for a more radiant complexion. Apply and let it sit for at least 30 minutes for maximum results.

You've been running all over town in 6-inch heels and typing away into the late night hours. Take advantage of the long weekend and remedy yourself with some DIY spa treatments. Once again, it's Whole Living to the rescue: To soften rough hands and feet, start by gently massaging them with a loofah or rough hand towel. Next, soak them in a tub of warm water infused with a few drops of sandalwood, rose, neem or jasmine oils. Use a pumice stone to soften rough areas on the feet. To moisturize, make a solution of 1 teaspoon neem oil and 2 tablespoons coconut oil and massage into both hands and feet, focusing on the heels, soles, ankles, between the toes and fingers, wrists and palms. Rinse with the juice of one lemon diluted in 1 cup warm water. Dry off with a soft, fluffy towel.

There is no greater way to achieve mind and body detox than with a good yoga class. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing 10 years, get into the studio this weekend. The meditation will clear your mind of fashion week aftershock and the poses will stretch out tight, sore muscles.

Color palette: Lustrous blues with deep eggplant, forest and orange
Mood: Exotic and free
Statement Pieces: Oval jacquard coat with Mongolian fur collar, Multi-color Mongolian zip front coat, One-shoulder with cloud appliqué evening dress
Front Row Name Drops: I didn’t recognize anyone of note
Gossip: Nothing interesting
Runway Music: The shapes of the collection were so interesting, I didn’t even stop to listen.

Photos from NYMag.com.

All photos from Style.com.

All photos from Style.com.

Color palette: Black and metallics – so chic
Mood: Girl power glamour
Statement Pieces: All of the gowns were divine, but the Café mocha art deco long-sleeved beaded gown was a standout.
Front Row Name Drops: I didn’t notice much buzz among the front row.
Gossip: The girls next to me were gossiping about some boy, but it was dreadfully uninteresting.
Runway Music: Glass Candy

All photos from Style.com.

Color palette: Colorful, yet understated. Muted hues of green, orange and purple were all present.
Mood: Young and energetic
Statement Pieces: Loved the purple coat with bright orange fur panels.
Front Row Name Drops: Phillip Bloch rolled in next to me.
Gossip: There were too many conversations happening to pick out any juicy lines.
Runway Music: Nothing stuck in my mind.

All photos from NYMag.

“Carine Roitfed. She has such great style.  I would love to raid her closet, for her shoes. We have the same size shoe and we used to share shoes.” I ask her if there are any shoes in particular she would snatch. “All of them.” Well-played, Lara Stone. Well-played.

Stone, the official fashion ambassador for Mercedes-Benz, is whisked away in a tornado of Prager’s creation as part of the automaker’s “Icons of Style” campaign, featuring the SL Roadster. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, Vertigo and a bit of the Brothers Grimm, Prager tells a modern day fairytale with Stone as the beautiful blonde “with dark, suspicious undertones,” to borrow the photographer’s words. To achieve the “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore” vibe, the super was strapped into a harness and flown around the air — a process she actually enjoyed.

“My favorite part of working with Alex was all of her crazy ideas!” Stone says. “Hanging in a harness was so much fun and a great change from just standing around [posing].” Of course, at this point in her career, Lara Stone is no stranger to uncomfortable situations. When I ask her what was one of her favorite shoots, she immediately mentions her latest campaign for Calvin Klein, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

“The rocks were so sharp! I love that campaign, all those bright, different color jeans, but laying on the rocks was very uncomfortable,” she says with a laugh. “They were sharp and it was hot with big waves crashing over us. Very scary! When I saw the final shots though, it was totally worth it. I always love working with them [Mert and Marcus].”

Wondering what, if any, of her plans were outside of modeling, Lara responds simply, “I just got a puppy and I want to hang out with him. His name is Bert and he’s a boarder terrier.” I’ve never been much for dogs, though lately I’ve been contemplating getting one, so I took this opportunity to do a little research. “What size is he?” I ask. “Oh, you know…dog-sized.” She then  attempts to approximate Bert with her  arms, and he seems a little big for my taste.

“We have sort of an office dog,” I venture. In truth, we have like five office dogs —  one of them’s wandering around now as I write this. But I single out the pug, who makes the most regular appearances in the FashionIndie office. “Oh, they’re so cute!” she exclaims and we discuss the general cuteness of the tiny little monsters and their giant bug eyes. Then I mention that his name is Napoleon. “Does he have the complex?” she asks, not missing a beat.

Meanwhile, I wish I  had brought along a rimshot if I had known Lara Stone would be serving shtick.

Color palette: Blues and shades of orange with greys and other neutrals thrown into the mix
Mood: Youthful femininity, playful sophistication
Statement Pieces: An ivory stretch crepe suit with black leather detail worn with a fox fur coat
Front Row Name Drops: Didn’t recognize anyone of note
Gossip: Some woman, obviously not there to work, mocked a professional photog when he gave her attitude for walking in front of his camera. I personally didn’t find her amusing
Runway Music: Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx

All photos via Style.com.

All photos from Style.com.

Color palette: Greys and browns
Mood: Mysterious bad behavior
Statement Pieces: The tuxedo storm at the end of the show and coat with huge fur collar
Front Row Name Drops: Kellan Lutz
Gossip: “It’s so cold, this is ridiculous.” Wherever the hot gossip is, I’m apparently not.
Runway Music: One long, brooding and gloriously dark piece, seemingly original

Check out the final walk video on GO HD.

Color palette: Coral, all shades of tan, black, white, yellow
Statement Pieces: Fur leather jackets, ankle length chiffon slit dresses/skirts.

Makeup: Hair slicked back in a low side part ponytail, simple single winged eyeliner.
Front Row Name Drops: Nylon Magazine’s Faran Krentcil, Rumi Neely, Bryan Boy, E’s Scouted Dani Stahl, Elle magazine’s Joe Zee
Runway Music: Let’s Go All The Way- Citizens!

Color palette: Black, tan, black
Statement Pieces: Tough leather jackets, drop crotch harem pants, slouchy layering, all black and grey, master styler, black lips, blunt bangs, cowboy hats, fringe everywhere, gunslinger inspired leather vest, exposed backs, jackets with shoulder straps to be worn as a backpack, turtle shell pendants.

Makeup: MAC cosmetics, jet black bobs, burgundy lips.
Front Row Name Drops: Cory Kennedy, Elle magazine’s Joe Zee
Runway Music: Shot You Down- Audio Bullys

Color palette: Marina and seagrass, ginseng and hazel
Mood: Rich and mysterious, even teetering on the dark side in the chicest of ways
Statement Pieces: Flame washed velvet and beaded lace cowl back long sleeve gown (I openly and audibly gasped when this came down the runway); Black washed velvet and beaded lace bodice gown
Front Row Name Drops: The beautiful Aisha Tyler and Neiman Marcus’ Ken Downing
Gossip: No one is dropping any juicy information, and I’m getting restless
Runway Music: Nancy Sinatra, Zola Jesus

Photo via The Cut

Color palette: Muted browns and greys for the men. Women wore blues and purples with a floral print here and there.
Mood: Gossip Girl meets Ivy Leaguers in Vail
Statement Pieces: The men’s pieces stood out above the women’s
Front Row Name Drops: None of note
Runway Music: Bon Iver

Color palette: Soft muted neutrals were complemented by rich navy and dotted with innocent hues like pink and yellow
Mood: Young and giddy with an underlying tone of mischief
Statement Pieces: Though no piece stood out much more than others, her sequined pieces sparkled, making the them perfect for day-to-night wear
Front Row Name Drops: No front row from which to drop names from
Gossip: Not much to gossip about the first day of Fashion Week

Sherry Lehmann Wine.  Arizona Iced Tea. Fiber One. No, these aren’t the contents of your grandmother’s kitchen cabinet. These are three of the big-name sponsors for New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the biggest and least important of the four major Fashion Weeks. But is New York’s continued dwindling in importance a direct result of the less than fabulous coterie of sponsors, or is it the other way around? And who’s to blame?

The Hardy Gays are on the case!

The main culprit is Milk Studios, whose latest incarnation as MilkMade has stolen much of the luster from Lincoln Center. But whereas they compete for sponsors, MilkMade usually draws smaller shows…however, the Marc Jacobses and the Ralph Laurens don’t show at the Tents either. Rather, they show offsite, effectively spitting in the faces of IMG Models and CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg, who dutifully shows at Lincoln Center each season.

Why not show a concerted effort to make NYFW a juggernaut of influence and taste rather than a discombobulated hydra sprawling all over Manhattan with each head unaware of what the other is doing?

The Tents at Bryant Park were home to New York Fashion Week for seventeen years and the move to Lincoln Center was a controversial one that left many fashion followers scratching their thinning scalps. Aside from being convenient, Bryant Park’s proximity to the Garment District earned it the distinction as the fashion industry’s backyard. But as Fashion Week grew bigger and more and more sponsors came on board — from Dunkin Donuts to McDonald’s — designers became more and more disenfranchised. And Bryant Park became more and more annoyed. Now, the Tents at Lincoln Center resemble a circus rather than a legitimate gathering of professionals and creatives.

Which brings us to Fern Mallis, the lady behind those seventeen halcyon years. She helped organize the move of NYFW from warehouses and studios all over the city to one central location, but with the Tents’ dissolution everything is scattered once again. Just last year Mallis evacuated her role as Senior Vice President of IMG to reportedly start her own consulting business. Interesting timing…

Perhaps she felt disillusioned over what she hath wrought. Perhaps she struck a deal with Bryant Park to kick fashion week out of its lush lawn. Perhaps she poisoned  major designers against her former lover, one Diane von Furstenberg to gain revenge for breaking her heart when she married Barry Diller, effectively ruining Fashion Week and leaving Fiber One as one of the few legitimate sponsors who would touch MBFW with a ten-foot pole!

Cue lightning flash and dramatic music.

Perhaps this is just speculation and hearsay. Perhaps we don’t really care because as far as Mac and I — and the bottle of vodka we’ve already opened to celebrate — Absence of Mallis: The Case of the Lackluster Tents is closed.

Sam‘s Faves

Prabal/Style.com

- Ralph Lauren: “For the ostrich feather boas.”

- Diane von Furstenberg: For handing out little American flags in honor of 9/11 and for making an outfit that anyone could wear.

- Prabal Gurung: “For using one print 100 ways, and also for clever cutouts.”

- 3.1 Phillip Lim: ”For his tasty sherbert color palette.”

- The Row: “For dressing the old ladies that the Olsen twins were born to be.”

I mean, it’s got to be better than this. And for more kickass photos such as this, visit The Guaty Galleries featuring photos from fashion photographer and certified hottie Richard Guaty.

- Speaking of schooling the children, Condé Nast UK is opening up the Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design in London come next September. I’m hoping André Leon Talley will teach a class on haberdashery and great-capes.[Styleite]

- Hey tranny, it’s tranny. Andrej Pejic channels famous Warholian tranny Candy Darling in Chris Benz‘s spring 2012 collection. [Fashionista]

- While everyone was consumed with whatever was happening on Tuesday in and around the Tents — days have just blended together by this point — Michelle Obama was holding court at the White House for the 2011 National Design Awards. [Telegraph]

- Scientists recently discovered a diamond star of 10 billion trillion trillion carats. I’m thinking of a platinum setting. [BBC]

- And it’s a sad day in retail. Borders is closing. #fuckoffkindle [Racked]

Karlie joins the ranks of iconic supers Veruschka and Naomi Sims that have graced the legendary pub. Trailed by Revere over the course of four days in July, the 19-year-old’s cover was snapped backstage at Jean Paul Gaultier’s Haute Couture show. Now I’m ready for a Vogue cover, an attempted acting career and general world domination.  [Life]

Color Palette: Greys, blacks, plaids, leopard and zebra prints for days.

Mood: A mix of Daphne Guinness and Diane von Furstenberg for the coolest bitch in the room.

Statement Pieces: I wanted pretty much everything in this collection — particularly a cream jumpsuit with gold grommets and a dramatic striped cape.

Front Row: Eschewing her usual runway theatrics, Gwen opted for a low-key presentation but there was a crying toddler that stole a lot of attention.

Gossip: Models were switched out with different looks every now and again but some photogs missed out due to security rushing them out.

Runway Music: A little Santogold and Biggie‘s “Juicy” bumped from the walls.

Photo: Style.com

Color Palette: Coral, khaki, turquoise and a teal that brings to mind tubes of toothpaste

Mood: The Golden Girls meets the Valley of the Dolls on a trip to Palm Beach

Statement Pieces: The shoes were to DIE for

Front Row: Kardashian lovers Scott Visick and Kris Humphries; Emma Roberts and Jamie King

Gossip: Though their lesser halves were there, where were Kourtney and Kim, respectively? On the drink menu: love on the rocks.

Runway Music: Jill Stuart was clearly in a New York state of mind with the Ramones on full blast through out.

And for even MORE gratuitous male flesh, check out our Facebook page!

The Editor-in-Chic

What you’re thinking: I’ve got places to go, people to fire, careers to kill and not enough time to worry about getting my goddamn photo taken. But as a fashion professional, I’m never caught with my palazzo pants down so take your goddamn pic and get outta my goddamn way, trash.

What you’re doing: Spotting the photog out of the corner of your eye while pretending not to see him and stomping by in a controlled rush to be properly preserved.

What’s the next hottest country or region. We had the Eastern Europeans, the Brazilians, the Dutch…who’s next?

AW: Asia. Never have I seen this many Asian kids in the market.

[Just as he says this, Varsha, a Wilhelmina model from Nepal, walks up.]

AW [to Varsha]: Are you the girl I’ve been hearing so much about? You’re like the first girl from –

Varsha: Nepal.

AW: Nepal. You’re the first girl to come from Nepal.

Varsha: Yes.

AW: How long have you been modeling now?

Varsha: 3 months.

AW: How were you discovered?

Varsha: I sent in my pics to Wilhelmina and they flew me over.

AW: I love a proactive girl. We’re going to be hearing a lot about you. What’s your name? [he looks at her showcard] Varsha. Varsha-Varsha-Varsha. Everyone’s going to be talking about Varsha. [to me] I’m glad you were here to see her. [to Varsha] Can you walk for us? Let us have it. [re: her walk] What is that? Are you crazy? That’s in your blood, you don’t learn that. You think you know what a girl’s gonna do, but you never do…

[Andrew then writes “SPECIAL“ on his note sheet.]

AW: We have an unlimited supply of gorgeous girls. I’ve never seen so many great new faces in a season. Ever.

What do you love about casting?

AW: I mean…[he looks around]

Click through for more photos — and to read the rest of the interview, visit Lookbooks.com!

"Varsha, Varsha, Varsha"

- The New York Dermatology Group is offering half-off on Botox injections during Fashion’s Night Out. Well I know where I’ll be with a half-smile frozen on my otherwise immobile face. [Fashionista]

- Over 50 shows are live-streaming during this Fashion Week. A lot to keep track of, but luckily someone already did that while you were hating your life during the course of the workday. [The Cut]

- Last Fashion Week’s economic impact on Lincoln Center was roughly about $20,902,193, with an estimated $233 million impact per season citywide. And that’s not even counting drug money. [NYT]

- Lanvin‘s Alber Elbaz continues to be the most adorable thing this side of…well, these Lanvin dolls. In a talk he gave over this weekend, Alber explained why he just says no: “I don’t take drugs because if I did I’d love them – I’d be a junkie. And because I’m Jewish, I’d probably be a dealer too.” Comedy! [Vogue UK]

- Then there are those designers who don’t even know what “no” means. And the result: superstardom. At least that’s what I got from this particular fable. Drugs only help. [Refinery29]

FashionIndie‘s own Jessica Lapidos captured
during last Fashion Week by NY Mag

Go East, Young Tran!

Asia is booming! With many designers flocking to the Far East not only for business but inspiration, why not give a knowing wink to the Orient with this look, featuring a Boudicca cape, cropped McQ jersey harem pants and of course, what Asian sensation is complete without a little Hello Kitty?

A 3-D avatar of Zombie Boy

“Video is more descriptive, more entertaining and, really, the most detailed way to present a collection,” said Kamali,who will be showing her spring 2012 collection via a 3-D short film on September 14th. In addition to the film, Kamali created a 3-D lookbook that can be viewed in different formats — including the good ole-fashioned red-and-blue cardboard glasses — at normakamali3d.com starting September 15th.

Mugler creative director Nicola Formichetti on the other hand worked with fantasy-gaming company, CCP Games, to create a video featuring an avatar of his muse, Zombie Boy aka Rick Genest. The video that will be shown on a seven-foot screen at Formichetti’s BOFFO pop-up store opening September 8th at 57 Walker St. Viewers will also be able to manipulate the angle and speed of the video using an iPad docked at a nearby podium.

In the video, Zombie Boy wears a leather jacket designed specifically for the 3-D environment and while Formichetti concedes that they could “make that into a product,” he’s “excited for the idea that it doesn’t actually exist in the physical world. It’s not about a product or a T-shirt. It’s about a new idea.”

And I’m excited for this 3-D interactive video, mostly because I’m a nerd at heart; though I will say, real Zombie Boy is a lot cuter — and, funny enough, less creepy — than avatar Zombie Boy. [NYT]

In a week, I told myself, Lady Gaga’s vintage Versace studs…will be history. If that. “Never be afraid to dream,” she tweeted to her followers, but I had already unfollowed, like a skiff breaking from its moorings. Goodbye!

Now Gaga returns the favor in her latest column for V Magazine.

Let’s talk about…reading

“In the age of the Internet, when collections and performances are so accessible to the public and anyone can post a review on Facebook or Twitter, shouldn’t columnists and reviewers, such as Cathy Horyn, employ a more modern and forward approach to criticism, one that separates them from the average individual at home on their laptop?” Gaga muses.

The Lady then goes on to refer to Tavi Gevinson and her “prodigious and well-written blog”as the future of journalism, at which point I threw up in my mouth. But she makes an interesting point, particularly with Fashion Week literally around the corner and bloggers the world over preparing to descend on New York en masse.

Every one has an opinion and can freely express it, so — Gaga wonders — “Why have we decided that one person’s opinion matters more than anyone else’s?”

Well, simply because not every opinion matters. Do I care what some 15-year old blogger in granny socks has to say about anything? Of course not. Does Cathy Horyn care what I have to say about anything? Of course not. And does Gaga care that Cathy Horyn unfollowed her on Twitter? Maybe.

But opinions are subjective. I value Cathy Horyn’s opinions, not because she’s a curmudgeon and hates everything/everyone — though that certainly helps — but because she’s a great journalist who’s not afraid to say what she believes in. And to then back it up.

At the end of the day, some opinions are valued more than others simply because when there are too many opinions, the subject being opined upon gets diluted. Rather, it becomes more important who’s giving the opinion than what the opinion is being given about.

Anyhoo, you can read the latest “From the Desk of Lady Gaga” when its posted on vmagazine.com today or when the issue hits newsstands September 8th. [WWD]

This comes on the spiked heels of last Fashion Week when it was came to light that DVF herself had used 15-year-old model Haley Clauson in her runway show. But fool DVF once, shame on you; fool her twice and you’re getting your underage ass carded at the door.

“The casting agents for the Diane von Furstenberg show will be doing this and we encourage others to do the same,” read the letter. All top model agencies have agreed not to send girls under 16 for the shows, while catwalkers Sara Ziff (Marilyn) and Lily Aldridge (IMG) will give up-and-coming girls from their respective agencies a good talking-to on Thursday as part of the CFDA Ambassador Program.

Well, you gotta respect the CFDA for trying, but I don’t see what the big deal is if a model is 15 or 16 or 82. If homegirl can walk down a runway in a 6-in heel and sell the garment, let her work! She probably has a starving village in some third world country — or New Jersey — to provide for. [WWD]

SONY DSC

Milk is now represented by Creative Artists Agency and has brought on Lexus and American Express as sponsors in addition to original partner MAC Cosmetics.  This partnership has also gone through some changes and beginning this Fashion Week MAC & Milk shows will be under the name of Made.

Lincoln Center on the other hand has IMG, Mercedes-Benz and Maybelline, as well as AmEx with MAC also providing make-up for many a MBFW show.

While Made focuses on emerging designers and does not charge to rent their space — MAC is the exclusive make-up provider leaving models and music on the bill — Lincoln Center caters to more high-profile designers, who in addition to paying for the venue also have to dig deep for models, hair, music and makeup. And these are just a few of the differences:

Number of Shows:

Made – 35

MBFW – 98 (81 on-site, 17 off)

Sponsors:

Made – MAC, American Express and Lexus

MBFW - DHL, Maybelline New York, American Express, TRESemmé, W Hotels Worldwide, Fiber One Bars, ideeli, Fiji Water, AriZona Beverages

Designers:

Made - Sophie Theallet, Cushnie Et Ochs, Peter Som, Erin by Erin Fetherston, Billy Reid, Simon Spurr, Ohne Titel, Jeremy Scott, Nahm

MBFW - BCBG Max Azria, Tommy Hilfiger, Nicole Miller, Cynthia Rowley, Derek Lam, Tracy Reese, L.A.M.B., Diane von Furstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Tory Burch, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Diesel, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, J.Mendel, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Elie Tahari

With Fashion Week just around the corner and all those sponsorship dollars, designer reputations and AmEx black cards floating around, the stage is set for a good ole-fashioned walk-off between Milk Studios and Lincoln Center. [WWD]

- The first fashion show was probably staged in New York City specialty store, Ehrich Brothers in 1903 as a means to lure middle-class women.

- By 1910, many big-name department stores were holding shows, though mostly of French or French-inspired clothing.

- 1914, Fashion Fete, an event to benefit the war-relief effort is organized by former Vogue editor (1914-1952), Edna Woolman Chase.

- By 1920s, fashion shows were common and had Parisian, Persian, Chinese, Russian, and Mexican themes, among others.

- Shows grew so popular merchants had to obtain licenses when using live models; in New York, police even threatened to put an end them altogether.

- When the Germans occupied France in 1940, buyers, editors, and designers were unable to travel to Paris to see the few remaining shows.

- Enter fashion publicist, Eleanor Lambert. She established the first Fashion Week, dubbed “Press Week,”  in 1943 to publicize American fashion and gain control of the market.

- Lambert hoped to give editors a chance to see and write about the work of American designers; they would stay on-site, usually at the Pierre or Plaza Hotels while buyers were forced to visit the designers’ showrooms.

- Soon Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, who had previously featured exclusively French designs, began embracing American fashions and crediting the names behind them.

- 1970s and 80s, designers began holding shows in lofts, restaurants and clubs; after a series of mishaps in small, unsafe locations in the early 90s, Fern Mallis, then president of the CFDA, spearheaded a movement to have all the shows in one place.

- Striking a deal with Bryant Park to house the shows in tents, the Spring 1994 collection was the first Fashion Week to be held there.

- The event at the tents was officially branded Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in 2009 to reflect corporate sponsorship.

- After numerous disputes between the Park’s management and the show’s producers, IMG, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was moved to Lincoln Center for the Spring 2011 collections, though many designers still opt to have their shows away from the tents.

- Each year, about 232,000 people attend New York’s Fall and Spring Fashion Weeks. This accounts for approximately $466 million in direct visitor spending and about $1.6 billion in tax revenue to the city’s fashion industry.

- $40 million – restaurants; $30 million – taxis, Town Cars, and public transportation; $56 million – hotels.

So there’s a method to the madness after all. And that method is spelled with about 8 zeros. See you in the Fall!

Link Love: Slate, Boston.com

Bodhi‘s ventures into men’s, luggage and tech pieces come full circle in Fall 2011 with iPad case easels, briefcases and duffles in embossed croc, pinstripe flannel and camouflage cool. As one of the first brands to launch a chic tech collection, Bodhi’s “fashion meets function” attitude is heightened with SLR camera bags, MacBook cases, e-reader holders and more in the sleek finishes found throughout the women’s and men’s collections. The Bodhi travel collection can now be purchased at Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus stores.

Photo Credit: Zimbio

The Muscovites by Masha Kravtsova Fall 2011 collection wasn’t held at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week tents but took place across town at the Audi Forum on Park Avenue. It was among the beautiful cars and crisp, clean showroom that the deconstructed fall line debuted. It was such an interesting juxtaposition. Cropped jackets and vests ruled the runway along with knitted sweaters. The collection had everything a woman would need to keep warm during the cold Russian winters and definitely the cold New York weather. Her line featured black, grays and browns with a fun twist of wood-like leggings and matching spandex tops. Leather details and ruffles were other added twists to this line. The piece that stood out to me the most was the long sleeve maxi dress with two rips at the bottom, resembling tank top sleeves; it was unique and made you look twice to think “is it possible to wear this the other way around?” This collection is everything any woman could ask for in a fall collection: capes, sweaters, leggings, vests and jackets to keep you warm, layer and play around with.

Hollywood glam meets New York City party girl glam is one way to describe Jenny Packham’s Fall 2011 collection. This line is filled with chiffon silk dresses bedazzled in beautiful black, gold and silver sequins. Her amazing bead work was on full display with lots of small details, like the floral sequin designs, that can be found on each piece. She played with the idea of building sequin over sequin, but kept the fabric from being weighed down to keep it moving with the body. Her staple silk gowns in champagne and blush tones also made a guest appearance. Floor length dresses with thigh-high slits were reminiscent of old Hollywood glam. This line doesn’t have your typical staple pieces but has nothing but head-turning garments.

Photo Credit: NY Mag

If your looking for unique cocktail dresses and gowns, you’ll find yourself in one next fall with GUiSHEM’s collection. The GUiSHEM Fall 2011 garments were structured and form-fitting, hugging the female figure just right. Patterns focused on the torso and hips by making exaggerated cross patterns to bring the eye right towards the curves of a woman’s body. These cross patterns were detailed, made of leather and added hints of color like purple and gold to mostly black dresses. Not only were the dresses structured, but the shoes were also. Chunky heels were more like blocks, wedge heels that were missing the back of the heel. They reminded me of Balenciaga’s Fall 2010 lego-like colorful shoes.

GUiSHEM’s fall collection is nothing but fashion-forward. When walking into the presentation, 80s Michael Jackson was blasting and you got a feel for 80s punk goth, but it goes way beyond that. It’s sort of futuristic in a science fiction type of way. These pieces are for bold ladies that aren’t intimidated to look fashion-forward and are willing to take a leap.

Photo Credits: Flypaper

What goes around comes around. And for Callula Lillibelle, it’s the 1960s for its fall 2011 collection. Designs like the red mini dress paired with lighter red tights and hat brings Twiggy to mind. The good thing about this collection is you don’t need to have a body like Twiggy to wear the clothing. The designers Melanie Fraser Hart and William Calvert kept in mind the everyday woman with basic pieces like skirts, tops, wide-leg pants, skinny pants and jackets. This line varies in prints, colors and materials, so it can become a staple in any woman’s wardrobe when playing around with the different pieces of clothing. This line takes the basic pieces to the next level with bold reds and yellows, tweed, hounds tooth and leopard prints.

Every woman can identify with this collection. Whether it’s the business casual woman going to the office dressed in wide-leg trousers and a matching jacket or the nerdy girl in oversized glasses paired in a leopard print dress with leopard print gloves, there is something in this collection for everyone.

Photo Credit: NYC-Fashion.com

The leaders note that “this collaboration represents a unique opportunity for our four regions to come together to present our new releases to the U.S. wine trade and press in a format that showcases both the premium quality and the stylistic breadth for which Italian wines are so
appreciated among U.S. wine consumers.”

All these wines are the best of the best, so treat yourself this Fashion Week, or Valentine’s Day, to a beautiful bottle of Italian wine!

For more information and event photos, visit the website here.

You have decades of experience and are highly respected in the fashion industry. What is your favorite part of styling?
I love the fast pace and the constantly changing elements. Being a stylist has given me the opportunity to work with many wonderfully different and interesting clients, celebrities and magazines. It’s so gratifying. I love the travel and being on the go. Every day is a new experience.

It’s New York Fashion Week! You live and work in NYC. What do you love about the city and how does it inspire you?
Creating a beautiful world around me is something that always inspires me, and living and working in NYC has been that and more – truly inspiring. I love New Yorkers because they literally wear their individuality and personality like hearts on their sleeves. There are so many fantastic looks on the street during fashion week, it’s a feast for the eyes – very exciting. I marvel at all the fresh, new faces and wonder where they come from. That inspires me too.

You are judging the styling contest at the DOTS fashion week event. What are you looking for in the winning look?
I’m looking for creativity and something with an interesting twist. Style is about self expression so don’t be afraid to create a unique look. The winning look should be fresh and modern.

Any tips for wannabe stylists out there?
Get an internship with the best stylist you can. Someone whose work you admire. It’s important to assist for a while to learn the ropes. You can build a book for yourself during that time. Keep at it. It takes time to get all of the elements in place. Have fun and be creative but also know that it’s a very serious business when you start working with the best clients and you have to learn the business side too. Try to find a balance between editorial and advertising so that you always know the latest trends and still bring professionalism to any assignment.

You can check out Mia Morgan‘s work on her website at MiaMorgan.com. And don’t forget to RSVP for the DOTS fashion week event! Hurry, because space is limited.

PHOTO CREDITS: NY Mag

Celebrate Fashion Week in style with DOTS!

Randy has the cold, hard model-gaze of a killer. Yet don’t be fooled – his bark is bigger than his bite. Backstage everyone calls him “man’s best friend.”

Seb has a taste for theatrics and enjoys the conceptual side of fashion. He’ll muzzle any mutt who says modeling isn’t hard work.

The spotlight always shines favorably on Paulina. You can pick her symmetric lines and body out of any crowded dog park.

Dorine’s career never quite recovered from that backstage butt-sniffing rumor. But everyone knew she was doomed before the incident. Never on time and notoriously high maintenance, producers hesitate to hire her.

I, for one, am happy to see Esmerelda back on her feet. We all heard about the dogfight at the Marc Jacobs show. Three stitches across her tail, she looks completely reinvigorated.

Steve embodies the word “professional.” You could put a clown suit on him and drop him in Afghanistan – he’d still maintain his cool.

All hail Ruff, the reigning king of fashion. Word has it he’s up for dogtime achievement at the next Vogue awards. (That’s good ’cause he’s tired of jumping through hoops as a dog model.)

Sally’s success extends beyond the runway. She’s a budding designer on the verge of launching an eco-friendly dogswear line called Green Poopy for Pups.

Sassy is hot and she knows it. Some call her a bitch, but she’s quick to point out that that’s true.

Everyone knows Franchesca is bulimic. Yet she’s never hidden the truth. In fact, she’ll be the first to admit she barfs and then eats it again. Once she was spotted licking horse vomit.

It’s very special to see Hanz back on the runway. The pet world was howling at the news of his bout with cocaine. We’re pulling for you, brother.

Latifa and her sister Laquifa burst onto the scene as plus-sized pooches. As you can see, they’ve slimmed down after embracing a dry-food-only diet.

Some were surprised to see fashion’s elite booking Tommy – it’s rare to see such a bulky build donning high fashion. But seriously, how can you deny that face? Don’t you wanna just scratch him behind the ears?

Petra won last season’s America’s Next Top Canine. As soon as she finishes digging a hole in the backyard, she’s moving to New York and joining the Elite Models team.

Everybody loves Chanel. Her beauty is matched only by her dedication. The only complaint I’ve heard – it’s like pulling teeth to get her in a bathtub.

Pet Fashion Week. Toy Poodle, White Danching, wears the peacock outfit, with the sketch at the feet. Original Filename: _MG_6077.JPG

Mondex, a 5-year-old Chihuahua, walks the aisle dressed as a scuba diver during a dog show at a mall in suburban Manila on Sunday April 27, 2008. Mondex bagged first place during the fashion show category. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

LINK LOVE: Humor Chic

1. Ochre Pintuck Jumpsuit ($80 missselfridge.com)

2. Janis by Janis Savitt Multi-Strand Snake Chain Necklace ($569 bergdorfgoodman.com)

3. Arden B. Faux Suede Wedge Pump ($59 ardenb.com)

4. Cynthia Rowley Ostrich Feather Vest ($330 cynthiarowley.com)

5. Karen Walker Agent Sunglasses ($210 gargyle.com)

1. Celine Linen Dress (lanecrawford.com)

2. YSL Oval Turquoise Ring ($295 cultstatus.com.au)

3. Casadei Ankle Boots ($820 thecorner.com)

4. Anna Sui Brocade Sweater Tights ($22 zappos.com)

5. AllSaints Caledonian Jacket ($490 allsaints.com)

1. Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Top ($620 farfetch.com)

2. Balmain Cropped Leather Motocross Pants ($5,190 net-a-porter.com)

3. Noir Gotham City Ring ($238 charmandchain.com)

4. Alexander Wang Dakota Lace-Up Terracotta Ankle Boots ($800 shopmrsh.com)

5. Marc Jacobs Leather Julie Bag ($1,348 colette.fr)

1. Mulberry Sandwashed Silk Blouse ($460 mulberry.com)

2. Goldsign Misfit Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans ($200 net-a-porter.com)

3. Alexander McQueen Studded Skull Pumps ($1,250 ssense.com)

4. Fendi Patchwork Calf Hair Peekaboo Tote ($4,600 bergdorfgoodman.com)

5. Oscar de la Renta Crystal Tassel Drop Earrings ($257 bergdorfgoodman.com)

1. Tibi Fitted Jacquard Dress ($184 theoutnet.com)

2. Anna Sui Magenta Microfiber Tights ($14 zappos.com)

3. M.A.C. Lustreglass Lip Gloss in Wonderstick ($14.95 amazon.com)

4. Prada Satin Half Bow Peeptoe Pumps (£495.00 flannelsfashion.com)

5. Dominic Jones Tooth 22-Karat Rose Gold-Plated Ring ($129.50 theoutnet.com)

1. Vivienne Westwood Red Label Classic Black Blazer (£439.00 hervia.com)

2. Ramzi Musa for Browns Leopard Print Silk Shorts ($265 brownsfashion.com)

3. Anna Sui Brocade Sweater Tights ($22 zappos.com)

4. Maison Martin Margiela Line 10 Paperbag Ankle Boot ($925 barneys.com)

5. Topshop Coral Leather Lock Handle Bag ($110 topshop.com)

1. REDValentino Ruffle Blouse ($495 valentino.com)

2. D&G Stretch Satin Skinny Trousers ($313.50 my-wardrobe.com)

3. American Apparel Poly Canvas Bow Hair Clip in Shale Green ($14 americanapparel.net)

4. YSL Tribtoo Shimmer Leather Pumps (£545.00 harveynichols.com)

5. Paige Novick Becca Bangle Set ($575 farfetch.com)

1. Topshop Lilac Sleeveless Tea Dress ($95 topshop.com)

2. Rick Owens Gold Calf Leather Jacket ($2,146 shopmrsh.com)

3. Acne Hydro Leather Plateau Boot ($440 youheshe.com)

4. Erickson Beamon Spike and Crystal Ring (£250.00 harveynichols.com)

5. YSL Rouge Personnel Lipstick in #23 Irresistible Violet ($25 yesstyle.com)

At 6 p.m. in the FashionIndie/Lookbooks office, there is no room for relaxation. We are clearly stressed about the oncoming Fashion Week, hungry, tired… you get the picture. We put on the Branché eye masks and began an end-of-day meditation to relax our bodies and refresh our minds.

OMG they put us right to sleep! This mask really does block out all light so you can focus on relaxing. But what makes the Branché Belle de Nuit Eye Mask different from the others you have tried? I will tell you:

- It’s big! Most eye masks only cover the immediate eye area, and it constantly feels like something is poking your eyes. The Branché eye mask covers your forehead and cheeks for maximum comfort.

- The inside contact surface in made of unbleached, non-dyed silk that won’t irritate your skin. Many eye masks are made with nylon or other scratchy materials.

- The elastic won’t give you a headache. It’s not too tight, and the band is covered in silk so it will not break your hair when you sleep.

- The silk is woven with 18 amino acids – the same ones your skin uses to repair and rebuild itself – and copper – which has anti-microbial properties. These enable your skin to focus on its own regenerating process. After a peaceful sleep, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and sans sleep wrinkles on your face.

To learn more about Branché and purchase your own Belle de Nuit Eye Masque, visit the website here.