Nanette Lepore Saving the Garment District in a Beautiful Way

Nanette Lepore's Spring 2009 florals, paisleys and stripes in lush poppy, hibiscus, and bright leaf colors with stone tones transported us to a fresh and breezy location far from the heat and stress of New York City. The show began with a multicolor flowered pouf-sleeved coat worn over a gold silk blouse and green pants. This was followed by a beautiful auburn-haired model wearing a beige-striped sundress with green ribbon trim, lined with contrasting silk. Each model wore wide-strapped sandal-type heels matched to her garments.

White shorts worn with a multi-colored floral v-neck blouse covered by a beaded aqua and white vest, and an elegant brown leather cap-sleeved jacket shown over a short cream silk dress with pinch-pleats at the waist and bottom exuded comfort and charm.

A silk beige top and shorts gave the appearance of a romper, perfect for beach wear, with a wide belt and large flowered necklace. A truly classy combination was achieved by matching a beige floral chiffon dress with a pale green striped thigh-length jacket with rolled sleeves, exposing a brown silk lining.

The matching of colorful floral prints and tasteful beige and green stripes proved delightful, as did the soft draping and use of ruffles and layering of fabrics. One could almost imagine the softness of the leather used in a ruffled wrap dress and a short brown wrap skirt.

On one model, the use of aqua in a skirt shown with a green and brown horizontally striped top seemed unusual, but a deep coral coat over a striped aqua dress did not have the same effect. Silk trousers rolled to the knee and an aqua and beige knit dress, which appeared crocheted, were cause enough to become excited with the anticipation of a stylish and lovely spring.

Venexiana SS09

Katie Stern did it again! Opening like a jewel box these gems are ready to adorn every stylish woman from the Park Avenue Grande Dames to the fun and flirty it girls in Cannes. The silvery aqua-blues and champagnes melded seamlessly into a dramatic set of sparkling rose gowns - only further dramatized by the gorgeous sparkling clasps. The switch back to a deeper blue included a dripping fringe, which was more delicious than the frosting on a magnolia cupcake. Playing with the ever dangerous flower print Katie found a way to meld femininity, frivolity, and fun, while still being at the cusp of chicness. Gold overlay sparkled as these spring showers lead to buttercup dresses and fun bright floral prints, all the while maintaining a youthful class that shows these PYTs are ready to put on their grandmothers Blahniks. As the python top slithered onto the runway it clenched that this collection was one you won't quickly forget. Strong dresses covered in sequins adorned these angels of the runway in metallic silver, gold, and amazingly, metallic flower prints. The deeper hued dresses continued with gorgeous pinks folding into lilacs and amazing dusty blues; including a jumpsuit par excellence. Finally, with a nod to the gorgeous French laces, the goddesses of the four seasons rocked the runway. If you know how do dress, you will know the name of Katie Stern by the end of this spring season. Learn it now lest you be the ugly duckling this spring - why not just start out as the Venexiana swan!

Alice McCall SS09

The Alice McCall palette mimics the sand, ocean, and sun of summer – sticking to creams, deep blues, and bright yellows. Heavy silver chain detailing on soft sheer fabrics kept these garments - covered in abstract geometric insect prints from - flying off the models. However it will take more than that to keep these great prints from flying off the racks. The detailing of perforations, floating hems, and vertically inserted sequins were innovative and provocative. However, McCall’s button front pants and shorts were more awkward than chic. Rounding out the looks were great statement shoes - patent, strappy, and chunky. The round, hive like, bags were interesting although awkward and impractical. The show ended with a series of short dresses that, while maybe a little too short, will be great for the walk from the beach to grab a mint julep this summer at the Surf Club.

Keith Lissner SS09

Beware, if you have a sweet-tooth for fashion you may have just found your designer. Walking into Keith Lissner's presentation I felt like a kid in his first candy store. The pastel palette was strengthened by shimmering metallic silvers and blacks – a wonderful pushback against traditional and all too demure spring looks. Immediately I was drawn to the grouping of silk georgette dresses coated in sugary beading reminiscent of the sand dollars dotting the shores of the chic east coast beach resorts you know these dresses are made for. Pearl encrusted dresses and elegantly pleated metallic silks offered a great contrast to the sea of beautiful and billowy chiffons. The collection popped at the end with short sequined frocks paired with an airy silk chiffon overlay.

Ethereal and powerful - these pieces are a reflection of the Lissner woman. One can be certain that at next summer’s best events the social powerbroker will be wearing one of Lissner's dresses as she holds court.

Geren Ford SS09

Gas prices must be on the rise as all of the girls at Geren Ford appeared dressed for the new trend of "staycations". Generally under-inspired clothes are extremely wearable as any of the girls could have walked out of the bowery hotel and on to their next art opening or fashion show to be another face in the crowd. There were, however, several basic pieces that the more fashion minded could cull from the collection, but you would have to find most of them in the Spring lookbook. The two standouts were a more simple pleated strapless white dress and pleated dress in pink, both of which didn't make it into the presentation. What was shown was an over layered faux-hemian look that was more obvious than effortless.

Accessories seem to be the strength in the spring 09 collection. Standouts include the geometric print scarf in blue, or for something softer, yellow. A subtly enameled chain link necklace will be a must have for the 09 vacation season. Great bangles and woven clutches round out the look.