What better location for a designer to display their latest collection, than in the alleyway right around the corner from their flagship store? With a blue New York City sky and brick road back drop, Andrew Buckler transformed Gansevoort Street off of Greenwich and Washington, into his runway. Buckler’s display gave the Meatpacking District a new definition to high street fashion while providing all spectators with a location point for dropping by his store, of course. The outdoor runway included all standard Fashion Week show elements, a half block for the models to walk, blaring playlist, curbside seating for front row, media pit and a daring, brilliant collection. Buckler’s scene and eccentric ensembles had only one possible thing missing – motorcycles. One particular stone-white denim jacket and jeans set in our slideshow, will hint at why.

Written by Whitney Ariese

Photographs by Christopher Free 

This season LUCA LUCA was quite the show-off. It’s as if all the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week eye-candy were whisked away to the same runway. Long-legged, fresh-faced models styled in vibrant hues, strutting around in dreamy, silk guises. Can’t tell I was impressed? Giddy, to say the least! I would’ve guessed that bold and citrusy color palettes were getting played out this past season, but hand me a wrapped lime satin suit jacket and aqua crepe shorts; and yes, I’ll rock that too. The accessories and heels were just as vivid in color as the pieces themselves. Another instant favorite – an eclectic match-up of a royal and teal miltered Jacquared blazer, paired with chiffon cowl draped pants (eye-popping photos after the jump). For Spring 2012, the unique blend of the structured top and relaxed bottom are hints at the traces of a woman of the 70s: cool and refined, yet flirty.

Written by Eileen Zara
Photos courtesy of nymag.com

Monique Lhuillier’s blue and black runway was adrenaline central. Mandy Moore, LeAnn Rimes, Rose McGowan and Jamie Sigler took seats to this Spring Summer 2012 Ready-To-Wear extravaganza, which highlighted a collection steering away from the whimsy florals and muted tones of her previous Spring collections. She instead packed a show full with black/white compliments, and a punch of athleticism in the blue, red, and yellow color blocking. Strappy stilettos, leather, and high, slicked-back ponytails gave off a polished edge, while peeks of sheer, black lace echoed a femme fatale vibe. Think race car driver meets Sporty Spice meets timeless elegance.

Written by Eileen Zara
Photo Credit nymag.com

As Spring as Spring can get. You want confident, bold, and classic all rolled into one? Jenny Packham delivered. Thirty-one dramatic pieces graced the runway, and I’m talking rain and rainbows exquisite. Inspired by “She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones, which also is the song that closed out the show, Jenny Packham’s Spring Summer 2012 felt like the gorgeous effect of watercolors dropping onto a white canvas.

Written by Stephanie Turcios

Photographs Courtesy of nymag.com

Illinois native, Cynthia Rowley, presented her SS 2012 collection at Lincoln Center on September 9th on a very…sun-kissed catwalk. Rowley’s backdrop and catwalk, composed of reflecting golden mirrors, created a summeresque feeling (a feeling that we Mid-westerns will soon be longing for). Not only did Rowley create a summer-like ambiance but she also brought in a front row list to brag about, the most recognizable being Chris Bosh, Alexa Chung and the one and only Lindsay Lohan who ran to take her seat from backstage seconds before the show began.

Photo courtesy of Style.com

Mark Badgley and James Mischka revealed their new collection together on September 13, 2011 in the Mercedes-Benz fashion tents of New York’s Lincoln Center. Badgley Mischka has a high regard for the radiance and seductiveness a woman portrays in an evening gown or cocktail dress. The focal points for Spring 2012 are the overabundance of bows and the cinched waist, which can simply never fail when choosing garments to perfect the image of the feminine silouhette.

Photographed by Alix Weege

Showstopper material, approachable appeal — best way to describe Florida native, Joy Cioci’s SS 2012 collection. It conveys modern luxury with the ability to still infuse a “girl next door” vibe to hit us with some sass and elegance. Known for her attention-to-detail, every piece pops, whether it’s in the crochet detailing, easy-going ruffles, or the overall fun, youthful motif. Unbelievably talented, you would never guess the first Joy Cioci launch was only in Autumn/Winter 2011 during New York Fashion Week. The Gucci, Carolina Herrera, and Nina Ricci experiences taught her well!

Written by Maria Plevritis

Photos by Alix Wegee

On September 12, 2011, off-site from the Mercedes-Benz official tents of New York Fashion Week, Bebe displayed their Spring collection at the Metropolitan Pavilion for Style 360. Bebe definitely had an unconventional thought process for this show; this time around they decided to introduce Charles Benton as their Consulting Designer. 

Written by Maria Plevritis

Photos by Style.com

On September 12, 2011, a very pregnant Rebecca Minkoff showed off her baby bump, VMA Beyonce-style, and unveiled her new Spring 2012 line-up. Minkoff’s core attraction has always been the articulation of her vision of the smart and swanky, trendsetting woman. She is very adament about being aware of her clientele’s needs and wants. Shown through the success of her brand, she achieves her goal of pleasing the modern, style-conscious woman.

Written by Stephanie Turcios

Photographs courtesy of Dan Lecca

It’s always refreshing to shine light on up and coming designers. MBFW has always been a great supporter of that and a phenomenal venue for these designers to introduce their work to the fashion world. The Supima Design Competition showcased recent graduates from some of the top fashion institutes-Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School Of Design, Savannah College Of Art and Design and the Fashion Institute Of Technology. Famed Stylist, Rachel Zoe acted as the master of ceremony and the competition was judged by Kevin Harter, Buxton Midyette, Nicole Miller, Coco Rocha, Charlotte Ronson and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson. The design competition revolved around creating a women’s eveningwear collection based off of Supima fabrics and the results we saw were diverse, with collections ranging from avant garde to cocktail attire.

Written by Maria Plevritis

Photos by Alix Wegee

On September 12, 2011, Betsey Johnson undoubtedly proved that she is in a league of her own. Getting a spot at her runway show is like winning a spot to the best party of the year. Best music, best giftbags, best vibe. The atmosphere was amped up while the DJ pumped the room with the most popular party anthems.  As the show was about to begin, Nicki Minaj took the spotlight for a quick New York minute (almost impossible at the Betsey Johnson shows). Then, the awaited LuLu Johnson, Betsey’s daughter, opened the show with one of Nicki’s songs bouncing from the speakers.