Florals have been the order of the week so far this New York Fashion Week so it came as no surprise that the much loved print turned up at the Cynthia Rowley show. The show opened with an ivory blazer jacket covered in small prints teamed with trousers in a contrasting zig zag design, which really set the tone to the show. The same zig zag print appeared on skirts that generally came nipped in at the waist in simple silhouettes making what would otherwise be quite basic, instantly interesting and relevant.
The runway definitely helped bring the collection to life too. Rowley swapped the usual white runway to a metallic gold version that added a bit of drama. A perforated leather top styled over a vintage bandeau bikini with high waisted bottoms worked well, as did the subtle drop hemmed black dresses covered in gold print. But don't worry, if prints aren't for you Rowley served up a good selection of summer basics like gold shorts and oversized lightweight tops and white summer dresses.
Although the collection could have been better edited, when on form, Rowley did deliver.
Last night the Lincoln Centre in New York played home to the 2011 CFDA Awards. As we knew, Marc Jacobs picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award, Phoebe Philo was presented with the International Award and Lady Gaga collected the big 'Fashion Icon' gong at last night's ceremony.
Other big winners of the night include the Proenza Schouler duo who picked up the award for womenswear designer of the year. Accessories designer of the year went to Alexander Wang, Menswear Designer of the Year went to Michael Bastian and Eddie Borgo recieved the Swarovski Award for Accessory Design.
Mention the words Spanx, shapewear or body control lingerie and gruesome images of Bridget Jones-esque underwear springs to mind. So it's been a long time coming for a designer to close in on the gap in the market, and although Roland Mouret created the "powermesh" dress (similar to Spanx, only at $475), Cynthia Rowley's new range of "bodywear" has been well received.
The new range - entitled SLIM by Cynthia Rowley - features art deco style panels in tones of nude, black, greyish mauve, light blue and hot pink, and although it won't be in stores until July, judging by the photos released they will be worth the wait. At prices between $118 and $226, the range is a bit of an indulgence but when something looks that adorable, and does wonders for our figures, we think it will be worth the investment. And we've got until July to save...
I have to tell you that when I did that, I was really scared. It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done in my career. I felt like, this will either be the beginning of something really new and exciting, or the end of my career. But now, that’s how I have to think about everything. It’s either got to be like, really new and exciting, or why do it? If it’s not going to take a risk, then why do it?
