Jill Stuart FS09

The Jill Stuart show took place at the main branch of the New York Public Library, where the attendees' spring clothes looked particularly fanciful against the austere, classical backdrop - a fitting send-up for the times.

This brightly-colored dandified look has got legs.


Edwardian gray, an important trend for spring, as reported in Bill Cunningham's "Gray Days."

In case you were wondering, no, it was not difficult to distinguish the fashion people from the usual throngs of tourists at the NYPL.

An adorable schoolgirl collar.

This bag is amazing. Who's the designer? Look for more graphic black-and-white or graffiti'd bags in 2009.

A structured, architectural coat makes a statement.

The tie-and-vest look, this time played down with a more casual jacket.

These funky, translucent-framed glasses play off an otherwise conservative look.

A good example of the '80s jackets we'll see in the fall: bright color, strong (but not over-the-top) shoulders, and a clean, sharp fit.

Vintage black-and-white coat paired with killer studded boots.

She always looks glamorous and a little goth.

A white cotton shift over black leggings--a nice transitional look as we head into spring.

Fabulous cinched coat, belt, and scarf.


Two women in all black talk to a photographer.

Bill Cunningham poses for a picture with a friend.



The combination of elements in this outfit is right on: Military coat mixed with feminine silk dress paired with tough studded heels. The deep blue is a nice change, too.

Different colored stockings--and this Stevie Nicks-style bangs haircut is popping up everywhere.

Two friends by an icy fountain. Notice the shiny black PVC leggings on the left.

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Fashion Week FS09: Adam

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that can be either wonderfully charming or horribly tacky, so it seemed very apropos that it fell during Fashion Week. The ADAM/Adam Lippes show fit into the former category. Upbeat music set the background for a sassy collection with lust-worthy jackets and coats. 

Here's what they wore to the show. 

This look wins for "best of the bow ties," which have been particularly popular with men this season. The big, silky floppy style is more daring--especially for day--than a traditional bow tie. Beautifully paired with a dove gray velvet blazer. 

Big drapey scarves and layers signal a different kind of luxury/coddling oneself, moving away from the It Bags that were the luxury item of previous seasons. Still, we can't totally abandon our bags, as this woman shows below. They're just downsized.

Fetishistic boots are still going strong--like these embellished with gold studs. 

Just when you think you'll kill the next person wearing a fedora, someone comes along with such a cute look. She wears it jauntily. And the YSL canvas tote will probably get a lot of use.

A man in red Valentine's mode. This old-timey look of newsboy caps, blazers, vests, and pocket squares is the new Fashion Week uniform for men.

Kate Lanphear of Elle, always looking impeccably cool. Black Wayfarers are also de rigueur with the fashion set: The stark yet classic feel really resonates now. 

This mash-up of patterns and colors creates a modern ragamuffin look that's quite charming, especially paired with retro sunglasses. 

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