KENNEDY: New York Fashion Week trends to love

By Lesley Kennedy, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 14, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Rainy, humid weather? Pushy, annoying crowds? Too cool for Denver designers who didn't have room for me at their shows? (Yeah, Calvin Klein, I'm talkin' 'bout you). Big deal. Because when it comes to Fashion Week, I just can't help but heart NY.

Twice a year, more than 100 high-end designers flock to the tents set up at Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan to present their latest looks before thousands of reporters, editors, stylists, buyers and the all-important celebrity front row. Last week's shows gave a preview of what's to come for fall. In just a few days, I took in more than 20 runway presentations by everyone from Betsey Johnson and Jill Stuart to Michael Kors and Badgley Mischka.

And now, just in time for Valentine's Day, here's a sneak peek at four trends I'm totally hearting for next season. XOXO

The royal shade was all over the runways, from pale and muted at Marc Jacobs to bold and bright at Bill Blass.

From left: Marc Jacobs, Richard Chai, Reem Acra, Ralph Lauren, Peter Som for Bill Blass, Pamella Roland

What made me fall in love with fashion

"My father was able to organize a meeting for me with Bill Blass when I was still in high school. I vividly remember going to his luxurious showroom - in the very same building I work in now - and being awed by the clothes and the furniture and the showroom. Mr. Blass was so genuinely kind and gracious and gave me incredible words of support. From that day on I knew fashion is what I want to do."

UP Waleed Khairzada, creative director, Cynthia Steffe

Item I love this season

"BCBG Max Azria's belt, Peter Som's triple-buckle Louboutin shoes and Rag & Bone anything!"

DOWN Finola Hughes, host of Style Network's top rated show, How Do I Look?

I love corsets

A hint of lingerie gives a sexy, seductive feel to fall's looks, but in a subtle, wearable way.

DOWN From left: Cynthia Steffe, Max Azria, Nanette Lepore, Ports 1961

I love florals

Old style rules like no white after Labor Day are a thing of the past. Fashion is now seasonless, with designers picking floral prints and frothy fabrics for fall.

From left: Nanette Lepore, Anna Sui, Milly, Cynthia Steffe, Rebecca Taylor

On the cover:

Sophisticated and lady-like fashions dominated fall's runways. From left, looks from Carmen Marc Valvo, Peter Som for Bill Blass and Pamella Roland.

Cool cardigans, star sightings & a model mishap! 12

Plus! One trend we won't be flocking to 13

Why I love NY Fashion Week

"I love showing my collection here because most of my inspiration comes from New York City and the people who live here. New York is a haven for artistic expression and it just feels natural for me."

Rebecca Taylor, designer

Why I love NY Fashion Week

"Fashion week only happens twice a year which makes it a great time to show everyone what we are doing and get our buyers and customers excited about our brand. It also is a week full of parties and excitement!"

UP Pamella Roland, designer

Celebs love NY

Some of the stars sitting in the front row:

Marc Jacobs: Selma Blair, M.I.A., Gretchen Mol, Victoria Beckham, Sonic Youth performing, Molly Sims, Deborah Harry, Ellen Pompeo, Becki Newton, Sophia Bush, Kevin Federline

Sean John: Tyson Beckford, Ellen Pompeo, Harvey Weinstein, Roberto Cavalli, Fabolous, Q-Tip, Kevin Federline, Wilmer Valderrama

Michael Kors: Debra Messing, Eva Longoria, Ellen Pompeo, Eric Dane, Rebecca Gayheart, Donald Trump, Sigourney Weaver, Angie Harmon, Natasha Richardson

Anna Sui: Amy Sedaris, Vincent Gallo, Todd Oldham, Russell Simmons

Rebecca Taylor: Sophia Bush, Beth Ostrosky, Aisha Tyler, Carmen Electra, Amy Smart, Eliza Dushku

I love model missteps

This picture just makes me smile! She may be gorgeous, skinny and married to a rock star (Jack White), but even supermodel Karen Elson, left, slips up from time to time - in this instance on the runway at Zac Posen. I love how she just laughs as Sean "Diddy" Combs rushes to give her a hand from his front row seat.

If there's one pricey staple you're ready to invest in for fall, make it a long, gray, cashmere cardigan. Left open and paired with a skinny belt, or all buttoned up, it was a fave at many shows.

From left: Tracy Reese, Diesel, Diane von Furstenberg, Tibi

I don't love feathers

Was there a two-for- one sale on feathers this season? Designers, ahem, flocked to them, offering up a sometimes pretty but ridiculous trend for us regular folk. Those channeling Big Bird included Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass, Zac Posen, Donna Karan, Carmen Marc Valvo, Naeem Khan, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Ralph Lauren and Pamella Roland.

From left: Ralph Lauren, Naeem Khan, Bill Blass, Zac Posen

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