Oscar de la Renta: The Pre-Fall 2010 Collection

While we're just officially starting our winter with the first snow storm looming over Toronto last night, the fashion world is already looking far ahead, as in the pre-fall 2010 collection. And while, one of my favorites, Karl Lagerfeld didn't disappoint with Chanel (think Shanghai inspired looks including thigh high red boots), one name and one collection did stand out for me.

Oscar de la Renta has been creating buzz in the fashion industry since well, he first launched his line in 1965. Since then he has gone on to become one of the world's most highly respected designers. Not to mention, he is wildly famous for his long list of celebrity clientelles, including Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and of course style icon, Sarah Jessica Parker where his name and designs were even referenced in an episode of Sex and the City.

When we think of Oscar, we think of elegance and timeless beauty. We think of the alluring gowns and designs that have adorned the red carpets, including a black strapless number worn by Jennifer Garner at the 2008 Oscars. No matter what, his designs never seem to fail and he has proved that once again with his pre-fall 2010 collection.

What colors usually grace the fall runways did not seem to be the case at the Oscar de la Renta pre-fall 2010 collection. Instead, he uses an array of colors (including pinks, his favorite, and yellows) that we would normally find in the spring collections. And in this stuff economic times, he seems to be using his talent and skills to good use with such a choice. The collection makes you want to need and own his designs. The use of bright colors and femininity brings you back to when you were a little girl and admired the women who were dressed in the most elegant of dresses. De la Renta was once quoted saying that he "designs clothes for women who want to buy them" and he's right. The pre-fall 2010 de la Renta collection definitely makes you want and need to own it. Once again, his great understanding of what women want (or need) has swept us off of our feet.

Below are just some of my favorites from the collection.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF STYLE.COM









Until next time, good night and good reading!

Zac Posen for Target

First, I'd like to apologize for the lack of updates! My laptop has decided once again to crash on me, so I had to take it to the Sony doctors to get it fixed. Now it's up and running again, which allows me to get back to my favorite thing to do late at night while watching infomercials, blogging.

Lots has gone on since my last post, and although Tiger Woods has been the main interest of every media outlet recently, don't worry I will not be blogging about that. While this is nothing new, I can't help but notice a growing trend in the fashion world: the collaboration. It seems as though every designer has been trying to get their hands into working with every possible department stores they can. And who can blame them right? With the recent bankruptcy filing of Christian Lacroix, it's no surprise that the fashion world is shaking in its boots. Bottom line is, they need to find a way to make money to keep their business going just like anyone else. Collaboration with affordable stores then seem to be the solution.

With the recent hype of Jimmy Choo's designs and Sonia Rykiel lingerie for H&M as well as Stella McCartney for Gap Kids and Baby Gap, designers are following suit. The latest to follow is Mr. Zac Posen for Target's Go International line. This is nothing new for Posen though, as he has collaborated with Target Australia in the past (in 2008) and that collection did not fail. On the contrary, they received great reviews. Some of the collection from that line included great pieces for everyday wear for women, which is exactly the target (no pun intended) crowd for, well, Target. Pictures of the full collection can be seen here.

With the success of that line, there's definitely plenty to look forward to. If it's anything like his 2010 ready-to-wear spring collection, then there's certainly a lot to be excited about. An abundance of colors (lots of neon) and geometric designs graced the runway at the show as well as spring's staple design, florals. If it's anything close to that, Zac Posen will most likely be far from filing for bankruptcy anytime soon. And with the hype that accompanied the Jimmy Choo collaboration with H&M, it won't be hard to believe that the same will take place for Posen as well. Below are some of my favorites from the Spring 2010 collection (and crossing my fingers will be similar to what the designer will make for the more affordable line):
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF STYLE.COM







The Zac Posen collection for Target hits stores on April 25th. Sharpen those elbows and get ready to line up.

Until next time, good night and good reading!