Just a week after Zac Posen showed his fall '10 line to a who's who of top fashion editors and writers, the beloved - and prolific - designer attracted a bevy of friends, supporters, and assorted scenesters for the launch of his new collection, Z Spoke, available exclusively at Saks.

Alexandra Richards and Rose Byrne - who was in her native Australia during Fashion Week but stunned in a red Posen design - sipped on specialty Ciroc Z Spoke cocktails while perusing the racks of body hugging knit dresses and chic separates.

As for the inspiration for his latest line? "Utilitarian, American sportswear chic, all of those things," Posen laughed. I pointed to some of the lady-like blouses that caught my eye. "That's exactly it," he declared excitedly, "I wanted this collection to be versatile. I have some tougher pieces and I have some feminine pieces. I wanted to speak to ... Read More

"What is black, white, and red all over," could easily have been the riddle du jour at Susan Woo's intimate presentation Saturday afternoon. A small coterie of friends and editors gathered at the LOFT penthouse of the Bryant Park Hotel to sip some Belvedere Rasberry infused cocktails, and, of course, view the red-hot designer's Fall 2010 collection.

Regarding the collection's color scheme, Ms. Woo confides, "I love black and white. It's my favorite. It's my go-to. I love the contrast. It is so simple, yet dramatic." The body slimming dresses, studded skirts, zippered jackets, and the Michael Antonio bondage shoes added an extra degree of edginess to the 18 looks that rotated throughout the presentation.

As for that other primary color, red, Woo opines: "I want colors that pop; colors that compliment women." Yet, what sets Susan Woo apart from many other young designers is her ability to yield dramatic show-stopping effects ... Read More

The shows had barely begun when some of our better-heeled fixtures were already looking forward to some much-needed rest. Following the dearth of shows and parties last February, fashion and PR houses have certainly been making up for lost time. And, as I discovered at the Diane Von Furstenberg/Vanity Fair exhibition to benefit Brandaid Projects, even some of our most seasoned party goers have begun to feel overwhelmed. Enthusiastic, but overwhelmed. And the unprecedented gridlock in virtually every area of the city (even uptown!) does not exactly encourage party-hopping.

Alina Cho, whose fashion show roster thus far includes DVF, Tuleh, Rachel Roy, J. Mendel, Marchesa, and Tory ("all pending breaking news," natch), nonetheless has her eye on September 18th, "when it will be nice to be able to get a cab again." Molly Sims's schedule is decidedly less ambitious; her agenda includes Calvin Klein and possibly “The Burning Plain” premiere. Like ... Read More

September is here and the tents are up in Bryant Park. In anticipation of Fashion Week, I caught up with the ever-popular New York-based designer and celebrity staple Rebecca Taylor. Taylor’s playful looks and feminine silhouettes have long attracted loyal fans, such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz, Rachel Bilson, Eva Amurri, and Liv Tyler. The New Zealand native discusses the inspirations for her Spring '10 collection (showing this Sunday, September 13th, in the Tents) and tells us what trends we can expect to continue into Fall and beyond (hint: it's all about the shoulders this year).

Melissa Berkelhammer: I can't believe it is already Fall! What trends can we expect to see this season?

Rebecca Taylor: Spring 2010 encompasses playful use of colors, prints and textures. The palette is intense with shades of big apple reds, shocking pinks, electric blues, and retro jades contrasted with desert tans and soft peachy ... Read More