September 12th, 2010 
After doing her own thing off site for a few seasons, Cynthia Rowley was back as a part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this year and started off Saturday on a high note. A playful collection of bubble inspired details including circular peekaboo cutouts, oversized round buttons and poppy graphics adorned shift dresses, silky pants and skirts. While the effect got a bit repetitive, Rowley put out a fun collection with bright sherbet tones and a refreshing modern meets 60s mod vibe that seemed to counter the ultra serious mode of other shows this season.
Next up, at the theater next to Lincoln Center’s main tent area was the much buzzed about Jill Stuart show. This show always brings on the who’s who of young celebrities and this year was no exception. Kristen Cavallari of The Hills, Jessica Szohr of Gossip Girl, The City’s Roxy Olin and socialite Tinsley Mortimer gave the photographers a field day before the start of the show. But it was flashbulb magnets Kim and Koutrney Kardashian (with boyfriend Scott Disick in tow) who showed up creating a circus of frenzy fans and hungry media photogs. I admit, celebrity sighting are always exciting and a fun part of Fashion Week, but in this venue, with a crowd so large, the Hollywood hoopla seemed to overshadow the show itself. Even once the runway show started you could tell many people’s attention were still on those front row VIPs. For those who were focusing on the runway, another virtually colorless collection was displayed with mainly ebony and ivory designs and prints. Reminding me of a more playful Chanel collection, the monochromatic show was heavy on the pleats, dramatic collars, waterfall ruffles and sheer chiffon fabrics. The children at play print that showed up on a few garments was cute and the stripe graphics showed that Stuart hasn’t completely lost her tough girl edge.
Next up in the The Box, a small space in Lincoln Center reserved exclusively for designer’s showing presentations (models standing on platforms as opposed to walking down a runway) I checked out Yoana Baraschi’s spring collection which turned out to be one of my favorites this season. Not quite sure how to describe it. The animal and petal prints, nautical stripes and platform espadrilles makes we went to say soft safari. The pastels, bows and ruffled ankle socks makes me want to say babydoll glam. The floppy hats and loose tunics make me want to say 70s Boho, Maybe I will just leave it as an eclectic collection of a young feminine resort wear with a vintage throwback feel. However one chooses to to classify the collection it was fresh and free spirited and should do exceptionally well commercially and editorially especially with the Teen Vogue demographic .
