Titled “Rock Goddess,” and held September 7th, 2008, the Spring 2009 Diane von Furstenburg [DVF] show was pure drama, not so much from the actual clothes on the runway, which were, for the most part, on point, but from the who is who celebrities [celebs] present at the shows. Pre-event backstage was brimming and full of celebs making our way through was like “wow!” The scenario did not change post event. At the actual show, the huge tent where the event was held was filled to its sitting and standing capacity. Celebs who showed included CNN’s Anderson Cooper of AC 360 [we could not help but wonder what he was doing at the show? Yes he is that cute in person and tall] Vogue’s Anna Wintour, Actress Eva Longoria, Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley, the fierce Bethann Hardison, Actress Sanaa Lathan, Fashion Editor Constance White who sat next to Tim Gunn of Project Runway [yes he recognized Ladybrille because he knew we did the exclusive on Korto Momolu], Nina Garcia, Rosario Dawson and Jennifer Lopez [J-lo], among too many celeb names to count.
While many celebs were present, it was J-Lo that stole the celeb paparazzi party. J-Lo’s entrance was simply pure HIGH drama. First, most of her celeb colleagues were already seated waiting for the show to begin. She, on the other hand, armed with her large entourage, was the to emerge from backstage into the main tent for the show. Indeed once she made her appearance, we could understand why the late entrance because the paparazzi immediately surrounded her like bees as they captured or attempted to capture the million dollar shots.
Enough celeb talk. To the fashion show, after all that is why we were sent abi [isn’t it]? From the first model who emerged on the runway in a pitch plisse wrap dress, it was clear DVF had effortless seduction on her mind for Spring 2009.
- DESIGN STYLES: Airy chiffons, flowing long dresses, crisp Safari Khakis and cotton crochets.
- SILHOUETTES & DESIGN DETAILS: Dresses volumes with very carefree shapes. Diaphanous tops were cinched loosely at the waist with wide belts, silk harem pants moved with such fluidity and were cropped at ankles. There were sequins on dresses, gold jacket and tuxedo shorts.
- COLORS & PRINTS: DVF mixed radiant orange against spicy purple, rich magneta over brilliant marigold and iris blue splashes on deep magnetta. Consistent with her style, DVF used a kaleidoscope of prints for example, leaves, butterflies and flowers to create carefree silhouettes perfect for spring.
- ACCESSORIES: Flowers braided into hair, slouchy bags, J-Lo like floppy hats.
- HAIR & MAKEUP: Pale lips, eyes were dark and smoky with a retro chill kind of vibe.
Hair was relaxed natural tresses with loose curls that drew from the late 60’s and early 70’s bohemian eras.
EDITOR’S THOUGHTS & PICKS: Overall, a bright and happy collection and we think any Ladybrille woman can find something to work with for your wardrobe from DVF’s Spring 2009 showings. Our criticism? We think the styling was a bit much atimes as patterns seem to conflict or overwhelm the models, especially when paired with flower accessories in hair and the huge slouchy bags. Our picks: The Pitch plisse wrap dress worn by model Catherine McNeil, the Black and White butterfly mini Kaftan worn by model Jessica Stam and the Spice Purple Plisse gown worn by model Hye Park.
Stay tuned for more coverage including our video coverage and backstage interviews with celebs and designers for Spring 2009 New York Fashion Week.
Photos courtesy of Marcio Madiera, www.style.com
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
Her stuff is amazing!