Take a look into the backstage of New York Fashion Week. Zac Posen’s runway offerings continued to celebrate refined, lady-like elegance and grace, as silken dresses with layered ruffle hems and bouffant sleeves lent models a regal air. Backstage photography by Mark Reay.

GALLERY: Backstage at New York Fashion Week with Zac Posen

LINKAGE: Zac Posen A/W 09

February 15th, 2009 brought the first ever Barbie runway show to New York Fashion week as a tribute to the classic toy’s 50th anniversary.

The show brought fashion regulars, media reps, photogs, and reporters but it also brought Barbie lover’s from across the country. Former and current Barbie collectors milled together ranging in ages from the very young to the very young at heart.

Apparently the invitations mailed out by Barbie reps encouraged the invited to bring along their daughters and nieces to the event. While this concept is a nice sentiment perhaps they forgot the limitations of space that is so frequently and issue at Bryant Park. While it may be one thing to turn away hoards of twenty-somethings clamoring for standing room at the William Rast show, it is quite another to deny an optimistic 6 year old access to that hot pink runway. If I were one of the parents encouraged to bring along my little girl only to have the doors slammed in her face once she got their I would have been rip-roaring mad. Way to be a dream-crusher Barbie.

photo: wwd.com

The backstage and runway goodness of Alexander Wang in all it’s made for YouTube glory. Oh dear lordy do I love me some good old fashion fashion week. Enjoysies.

The Cushnie et Ochs Fall ’09 collection has hit the runway! Offering pants, dresses, sweaters and a ton more, the collection doesn’t cease to offer a number of pieces for a variety of interests. Exploring bold and sophisticated works in blacks and whites, as well as creations painted in dazzling golds and silvers, the collection never fails to show that true spark.

GALLERY: Cushnie et Ochs, Fall 09

Erin Fetherston produced a collection that would best fit a grown-up child. Delicate accents and blows made the dresses that hit the runway feel like they fell out of my nieces make-believe toy chest. We all want to be princesses, (me a prince with a Blackcard) but I can’t see this working outside of Disney World.

That’s what we had to say, see what everyone else is dishing.

1.) Hint Mag: “Erin said she was really excited about this show, but nothing could have prepared me for just how wonderful it was—the whimsy, girlish fantasy and so much more. The music began with the sound of a music box, and it was as if we were transported to some magical fairytale. Russian dolls and ballerinas appeared in layered, vintage-like skirts and sleeves poufed in just the right places, while models made to look like soldiers marched past in pants that were cool and cigarette-y. Some of the tutu dresses, in rich and warm colors, made me itch for toe shoes.”

2.) Fashionista: “This evening’s Erin Fetherston show had us wondering now about how to wear a hooped miniskirt or the appropriateness of three bows down the front of your top past the age of seven, but about who actually buys Erin Fetherston’s clothes. Because we don’t know any adults – especially ones ready to drop several thousands on a dress – who actually want to look like creepy dolls come to life.”

3.) amNY: “This show echoed the doll theme that Barbie started earlier in the week. But these dolls were no Barbies. Far from it—there was something tawdry and weathered about Fetherston’s doll-faced models, who paraded down the runway in an explosion of bell- or umbrella-shaped skirts and dresses. Some with asymmetrical, off-kilter fabrics worked better but it’s still pretty obscure.”

4.) NY Daily News: “Erin Fetherston delivered her characteristic whimsy at the Promenade Sunday, but the front row looked a little confused. We caught Brittany Snow and one of the brunettes from the new cast of ’90210′ (does it really matter which one?) with furrowed brows as the models walked in bow-clad mini dresses, which gave way to puffy dresses topped off with glittery bunny-mask hats (yes, you read that right). We have to admit it did take the whole fantasy thing to another level.”

LINKAGE: First Impressions: Erin Fetherston

Nicole Miller’s Fall 2009 collection had me feeling a little like Natalie Imbruglia. Torn. With the structural trend in mind, Miller brought several architectural cocktail dresses, jackets, skirts and tops to the runways. Embellished beautifully with geometric lines, patterned sequins, tiers, pleats and zippers, Miller added sophisticated edge to her wide repertoire of design. Aside from the closing piece (pictured above) I was not a fan of the fascia spider-web designs. Sadly enough, the design reminded me of something Diane Von Furstenberg would do. Oh, and I don’t care if it’s big for the fall, that royal blue color has got to go. 

GALLERY: Nicole Miller Fall 2009

Thanks for the photos Elle!

Jason Wu presented his fall 2009 collection and it was definitely a packed house.  The Obama fame wagon hasn’t left this young designer and he surely will remain one to watch with a collection that has lined up this designer for undoubted greatness.

That’s what we had to say now check out what the rest of the web is saying about Jason Wu’s Fall 2009 Collection

1.) Jezebel: Jason Wu “does this structured yet effortless dress thing so well,” showing “frocks fit for a First Lady — or anyone interested in ladylike ensembles.”

2.) The Cut: “The lovely printed, full-skirted dresses that followed looked like pieces Michelle Obama would wear (she wasn’t at the show, sadly). Wu also showed a number of chiffon gowns in shades of gray, nude, violet, and ivory. Chanel Iman wore a bright-fuchsia-and-red cocktail dress with black beading on the bodice. Anna”—that would be Wintour, obvs—”had a faint smile on her face throughout the show, clapping and grinning once Wu took his bow. She approves!”

3.) Fashionista: The packed show was “filled with very pretty clothes meant more for photographing than anything else” and “We’re sure Michelle will have much to pick from for the coming year.”

GALLARY: Jason Wu Fall Winter 2009

LINKAGE: First Impressions: Jason Wu

Images via Jezebel

Charlotte Ronson rocked with a closet worth of need to purchase immediately looks. Big ups to the girls accessories which included must have studded leather gloves and aviator vests.

That’s what we had to say about Charlotte Ronson’s Fall 2009 collection, check out what everyone else said.

1. WWD: Ronson’s flirty nerds have gone fierce with a wardrobe full of black leather and body-hugging knits, but she tempers them perfectly with Forties references like aviator vests and high waists, resulting in just the sort of look her youthful customers will love.

GALLARY: Charlotte Ronson Fall 2009

While there were definitely strong pieces in her collection, including this bowed asymmetrical pink gem,  I feel that this collection lacked the direction and vision of some recent women’s new comers. Still fresh from the mean halls of Parsons, Nima has all the potential to become a great fresh face, but first she needs a handle on styling a collection.

GALLERY: Nima Fall 2009

That’s what we had to say, check out what other blogs are saying about this collection.

1. WWD. “Less than two years after launching his namesake line fresh out of Parsons, Nima Taherzadeh is showing a knack for elegant, inventively detailed ready-to-wear. It’s unabashedly luxurious.” Images courtesy of WWD.

What do you have to say? Leave your review of this collection in our comments.