Fashion Week: Designer Sketches

New York Fashion Week came and went all to quickly this season but the Fall 2011 collections did not disappoint and more importantly left us with some fabulous new designer sketches to ogle over. Here are a few of my favorites!

(Jason Wu and Catherine Malandrino)

I absolutely love the loose and stylistic approach of these Jason Wu and Catherine Malandrino sketches. They are both so energetic and sophisticated.

(Adam and Rachael Roy)

This Adam sketch is great example of how you can achieve a polished and professional illustration without rendering the face and hair, which many find intimidating. Especially when starting out drawing and designing. Keep it clean and simple.

(Badgley Mischka and Ruffian)

Next week I'll post more NYFW sketches as well as a couple of my pictures from Lincoln Center. (It's so weird to not say "the tents" or "Bryant Park" anymore!) In the mean time, if you'd like to see more illustrations and read about the inspiration behind these collections you can check out InStyle.

(Peter Som and Michael Kors)

Fashion Week Spring 2011

(Peter Som and Monique Lhuillier)

New York Fashion Week is well underway so what better time to feature designer fashion illustrations from the collections. I love the simplicity of the fine pencil lines of this Peter Som sketch, and the heavy pen line and lack of skin tone in the Monique Lhuillier illustration frames the soft and frilly dress perfectly.

(Nanette Lepore and Tibi)

I haven't used watercolors since college but these illustrations from Nanette Lepore and Tibi make be want to dust off my brushes and play.

(Ella Moss and Peter Som)

Rendering patterns accurately can be a challenge, but Ella Moss makes it look effortless in her illustration of printed separates. And the Adam sketch appears quick and casual yet its completely readable and charming.

I discovered these sketches in the newest Pantone color trend report. Ten colors are highlighted throughout the report that are trending in fashion for the spring/summer 2011 season.

Fashion's Night Out: THE SHOW

Two nights ago I had the privilege of attending "The Show" hosted by Anna Wintour and Vogue. It's said to have been the largest public fashion show of all time. Over 150 models including Gisele Bundchen, Naomi Campbell, Liya Kebede, and Adriana Lima walked the breathtaking circular runway in Lincoln Center's Plaza. It was an incredible show that still has me on a fashion high two days later. Which ideally was one of the goals of the show, to get people amped to go out and spend for tomorrows 2nd annual Fashion's Night Out extravaganza. (Here's my post from last year's inaugural night.)

The evening was flawless, right down to the seating which was a star-burst formation with the dancing fountain at the center. The runway spiraled outward and I was seated at the end of the aisle and in a section that was a single row. This meant that I had models coming in right behind me, walking in front of me, and leaving along side me. It was crazy.

At exactly 7:30, just after the sun set and the buildings began to glow, Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" began to play while fuschia spot lights whipped all around. Heads were whirling around fiercely trying to see where the models would emerge from when a double decker NYC tour bus pulled up with dancing and screaming models. The Show was absolutely spectacular. Seven trends were showcased: Tartan Twist, Pure at Heart, Fifties Flair, Jazz-Age Cool, Weekend Wrap-Up, Go Global, and Rock Chic.

Photography was prohibited, but once the show started I noticed everyone whipping out their iPhones and camera's so I joined in! I not only took these photo's but caught a few seconds of video as well! (Shh, don't tell.)

The Show was only 15 or 20 spectacular minutes. Right as it ended Pharrell jumped up on the fountain for a little closing performance. Once that was over I immediately headed over to the VIP area near the fountain where I caught glimpses (and some pictures) of Michael Kors, Seth Myers, Roger Federer (who I actually saw win a match in the US Open the previous night!), Harvey Weinstein, Vera Wang, and the queen herself, Ms. Anna Wintour. (Whom one of my very first blog posts was about, click here to read it.) I will soon post all of my pictures on my Facebook fanpage and will add a link to that here once I do.

I've been to a bunch of fashion week shows before, but there's no doubt this one will be at the top of my list for a while! I had my doubts about Fashion Week moving but if this first show is any indicator of whats to come, bring it on. Dying to see more, don't worry, the entire show is due to air on CBS Sept 14th at 10PM, so set your dvr now.

(Lincoln Center overhead image: by Tom and Lorenzo, pink-lit Lincoln Center image: Roxy Victoria, All other images and video: Brooke Hagel)

Ciao for Now Fashion Week

Until we meet again, here's a final posting of fashion illustrations from Fashion Week SS 2010 collections.

Illustrations from: Tibi, DKNY, and Lela Rose

Fashion Bloggers Unite

I'm pretty new to blogging (and a new member of the Independent Fashion Bloggers) so this was my first IFB event. People were in town for Fashion Week so it was the perfect time for IFB members to get together and have a party. Actually it was a "Dress-up Soiree." It's so nice to meet other fashion bloggers and hear about what people are working on. I had a great time, got a great little swag bag, and am looking forward to next time.

Pictured above: the stylish boys of FineAndDandyShop.com, Karen Blanchard of WhereDidUGetThat and I, and a few other fashion bloggers I just had to photograph on my way out. (Didn't get their cards, sorry)

Feeling Blue

Here are some more great designer sketches from the SS 2010 collections currently showing at Fashion Week. It's so interesting to see the various styles and drawing techniques and how they relate to each brands esthetic.

From top to bottom; Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Harve Leger by Max Azria, and Ralph Lauren.

Fashion Week Spring 2010 Collections

It's that time of year, Fashion Week is upon us. The shows are amazing, the parties are crazy, the models seem to be everywhere, but my favorite element of Fashion Week is getting to see the designers illustrations, of corse. Here are a few of my favorite sketches from this season's collections.

I LOVE the Halston sketch shown above! I once did a similar effect in a jewelry photoshoot I was art directing. It's such a sophisticated look and really puts the attention right where it should be, on the product.

Donna Karan and Max Azria have been two of my long time favorites. I love the effect of the paint on the Donna sketch, and the fine work pen used in Max's drawing, simple but to the point.

I absolutely loved As Four and still love them now that they're Three As Four. My favorite bag of my collection is As Four. It's their classic circle bag in gold leather. Only the true fashion folk out there identify it. The last time I wore it actress Finola Hughes commented to me "don't you just love them"! Yes I do, and I loved it even more that at that party only she and I knew about geniuses behind my fabulous bag.

1st FNO

Last thursday was the first, in what I assume will be an annual event for years to come, Fashion's Night Out. I had plans for the night and wasn't really planning on going (was co-hosting a dinner party for 55 people the next evening and needed to start setting up at 10pm!) But when WWD started tweating about the events going on and designers and celebs who were out and about I had to check it out. I called my friend Sharon and convinced her to get off the couch and quickly head across town with me. Within about half an hour I was on Madison Ave sipping a cocktail at Missoni, gawking over the flawless Carolina Herrera in her boutique, spotting Molly Sims strutting up the street in killer six inch heels and Roberto Cavalli chatting curbside with Andreas Pachelli! Hope you enjoy my pix. Next time I'll plan ahead and be camera ready to hop in there too, cause my ensemble was definitely not up to par for this fabulousness!