Written by Maria Plevritis

Photos courtesy of Style.com

On September 13, 2011, Herve Leger’s infamous bondage dress made its appearance down the runway at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The visibly contoured dress has been designed to deceive the eye and contour itself to the sexy curves of any woman. Although staying consistent with classic Herve, the maticulous designs conquered expectations. For Spring/Summer 2012, the highly anticipated pieces were paired with an array of glamorous gladiator footwear, presenting Greek goddess  modernism  and tribal inspiration in alignment with a sleek, strategic ponytail sported by each model.

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Written by Mariola Strama and Jacquelyn Faranso

Photos by Getty Images for Eva Minge

Eva Minge’s new collection was filled with stripes and sas. The show was hosted in the Hudson Hotel on Saturday night, September 10, 2011. It was a large collection with ready-to-wear pieces for men and women, featuring everything from swimsuit attire to gowns. The inspiration for each garment had a European twist and some of the line had a Parisian feel with short scarves around the neck. Gold accents were added to the collection for a little sparkle and shine as well. The collection had clean lines and structured pieces such as dresses with open faced zippers and jackets in every shape.

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Written by Mariola Strama

Photos by ALix Weege

Giovanna Randall, designer of Honor, showed her 2012 Spring Collection that exemplified the classic 1950′s housewife era with a modern take. The show began with a beautiful dainty full skirted dress that blew up from the wind for a dramatic entrance. Each model wearing the full skirted dress strutted down the runway embodying a Marlyn Monroe-esque entrance. Flirty and ladylike, each model illustrated a woman who captures the essence of a class act.

Written by Eileen Zara
Photographed by Alix Weege

Muy caliente! If there’s anything I love seeing both on the runway and in any fashion presentation it’s seamless cohesion, when a particular theme not only intertwines elements in a collection, but captivates in a way that regenerates an intrigue after each element presents itself.Every detail of Mara Hoffman’s Spring/Summer 2012 debut of what she describes as “Mexican Mamas” on Day 2 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week never ditched the pursuit to compel fashionistas. Custom Aztec-inspired prints, all designed in-house, embraced the diverse color palette of the world of neon juxtaposed with solid colors of White, Red, Blue, Orange, and Black. The distinctive Aztec elements in “Mara Mexicana” couldn’t be any further away from being choppy or lost — truly a hot composition from head-to-toe, vibrant as the “I-need-to-wear-that!” anticipation garnered by the collection.

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Written by Mariola Strama

Photos by Joe Kohen

Ivana Helsinki’s 2012 Spring Collection exuded earthy colors and simplicity. The theme had a tribal influence shown within the prints and the tree long hair. The show began with a video presentation where tranquilizing native tunes eased into your soul as a girl danced in the sunlight; an “Indian Summer” inspriation. Throughout the show, in a dramatic fashion, models walked down the runway as black paint dripped from their fingertips, while the drums in the soft music set the mood for a mellow atmosphere.

Four words: Wooed by cool attitudes. If you thought the neutral-neon level of fashion energy was over, think again. We met this color scheme combination not long ago, and creeping on the runways for Spring/Summer 2012 are several fresh new Ready-To-Wear takes on the hot trend. Designer Rebecca Taylor renews our love for the duo. Light fabrics for movement and flow joined with a dark edge for that fierce factor embody this collection.

After celebrating the brand’s 15 year anniversary this past April, she keeps the inspiring momentum going, channeling the epitome of what’s “cool, calm, and collected”. This collection is infused with the feminine yet sexy charm she’s known for. The evolvement is then seen through an array of bold citrus colors of lemon, lime and tangerine paired with slouchy sweaters and relaxed dress silhouettes that scream carefree dispositions, sunny weather, and leisure. Pops of floral and sequin textures give life to the predominantly neutral color palette without being overstated. Taylor knows the difference between simplicity and boring and she definitely keeps you flushed, rushed, and razzle-dazzled! Asymmetrical tops, snake leather bibs, unique, and eye-catching cut-outs around the back and shoulder areas balance out the summery, feminine notes. Cool, indeed.

Celebrity spottings included Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical), Jordana Brewster (The Fast & The Furious), Louise Roe (The City), Whitney Port (The City), and Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill).
More pictures after the jump!

Written by Whitney Ariese
Photographed by Christopher Free

Light and airy with an unexpected bohemian influence hits the New York Fashion Week’s runway! Designer, Max Azria, has chosen multi-silks and chiffon for off-shoulder, maxi, halter and jumpsuit pieces. The inspiration for the collection is seemingly saturated soft spring colors, juxtaposed with bold prints and sharp angles. The BCBGmaxazria runway label that has showcased at New York Fashion Week since 1996 is sold in over 590 boutiques throughout the world. As one of the hottest labels and women’s ready to wear lines, BCBGmaxazria has global recognition. This approaching season, BCBG shops will house the newest Azria silhouettes.

Written by Stephanie Turcios

Photographs Courtesy Of Toni Francesc

As summer is winding down, Spring/Summer collections are parading on runways all over the world. Barcelona got a head start with their 080 Barcelona Fashion Week in mid-July. Barcelona native, Toni Francesc, shared a monumental moment by showing for the very first time in his city and at a historic site nonetheless, The University of Barcelona.

Written by Amy Nguyen

Diesel started off their show this season with a very neutral palette and slowly climaxed into a series of bright colors and patterns. Diesel continuously brings us pieces oozing sex appeal and classic styles.

Written by Stephanie Turcios

Photography by Christopher Free

Growing Works Fashion Show – Images by Christopher Free

The Garfield Park Conservatory was turned from its usual quiet environment to one filled with the sounds of heels, blurbs of fashion and the anticipation to view the work of several talented emerging designers from our very own city. Proceeds of the event benefited Flashes of Hope, an organization focusing on the gift of photography as a way to improve the self-image of children impacted with cancer and raising funds for pediatric cancer research. Fabulous models from Agency Galatea walked the runway while Akira Chicago provided the shoes for the show. The show presented 13 talented designers, each presenting 3-5 unique pieces from their distinct collections.

Written By Stephanie Turcios

Photographs By Dean Paul 

On April 30th, Chicago took a trip to the Oriental to preview Chicago-based fashion designer, Horacio Nieto’s, Fall 2011 women’s collection titled, “Mining The Ming Dynasty”.  The event took place at the modern Loft on Lake and included Asian themed décor full of Chinese lanterns and Asian inspired music played by DJ Marshall Brown.  Guests enjoyed a hosted cocktail bar and an array of appetizers from different parts of Asia provided by Las Dos Fridas Catering Inc.  Going along with Horacio’s charitable instincts, proceeds from the event were donated to Aparecio Foundation.