Metro’s style director Kenya Hunt and style editor Tina Chadha are reporting from New York Fashion Week. Read their daily dispatches for the latest on what’s coming down the runway and follow them on Twitter for more: @kenyametrostyle @tinaatmetro
Wednesday, Feb. 13
A model walks the runway at the Michael Kors Autumn Winter 2013 fashion show.
Credit: Getty Images
10:20 a.m. The Michael Kors show is ridiculously packed, with a gang of latecomers standing at the entrance by the photographers’ pit since it’s too late to get to their seats. One of the security guards is drunk with power and obnoxiously yelling at the group, which includes girl-of-the-moment Miroslava Duma. I scan the rest of the room. Finally! A starry front row. Zoe Saldana, Hilary Swank, Michael Douglas, Jada Pinkett Smith and Willow Smith are all here. Kenya Hunt
10:30 a.m. Trains have been all over the runway this week, and they look like the sexy big sister to the skirts-over-trousers trend that made the rounds last year. Michael Kors uses the idea to cleverly reinvent the little black dress, each coming down the runway with dramatic clementine and royalblue skirts attached that dip low and sweep the floor in the back. It’s a dressy moment in an overall surprisingly sporty show. But Michael Kors is at his best when he’s designing glamorous things. As a result, the more athletic pieces (tailored, yellow track pants and a shimmery, slouchy sweater, for example) read a little awkward, like the ritzy lady who wears a tad too muchmakeup to the gym. KH
12:10 p.m. Whoa — Miley Cyrus is sitting front row at Rachel Zoe. She’s not someone I associate with Zoe’s coterie of glamorous and well-dressed Hollywood clients, but may-be that’s about to change? TC
Credit: Getty Images
12:20 Showtime. Rachel Zoe’s ’70s girl wears skinny jodhpurs, rock ’n’ roll leather leggings and wool coats festooned with fur collars. Flared-leg pants are her bread and butter, and that’s not changing. This time she showed them as part of a three-piece suit with fitted jackets that look more polished than her usual boho fare. I’m surprised by how many pieces I want, including the chic, pleated leather trousers, cropped trench coats and sophisticated tuxedo-inspired eveningwear. TC
A model walks the runway at the Giulietta fall 2013 fashion show.
Credit: Getty ImagesKH
3 p.m. The ’70s are one of those decades that seem never to go out of style. Sofia Sizzi, of Giulietta, has mined it for her collection and given it all a romantic, Italian spin. The clothes are refreshingly quiet, clean and streamlined. See her chic V-neck tunics worn over turtlenecks and simple flared-leg trousers. KH
Models pose at the Joie Fall 2013 fashion show presentation
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3:45 p.m. The Joie presentation is set up like a dinner party, and it indeed feels like a fun cocktail hour before the Reed Krakoff show, which is taking place right across the street. Just about every editor and blogger in town is here (I just shared an elevator with Carine Roitfeld and Susie Bubble), which makes for a fun moment of gossip after viewing the clothes. Serge Azria’s collection, done primarily in black and white with a few moments of red, feels very Parisian and is filled with the kinds of wearable things that do the most work in a wardrobe. Sweet, understated looks such as a black-and-white checked sweater dress, a quilted leather bomber and miniskirt pairing, and a little lace black dress could have come straight out of Le Marais. KH
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5 p.m. At Marchesa: Oh no! I’m seated right behind the celebrity row, which includes Jada Pinkett Smith, Olivia Palermo, Miley Cyrus (she’s really making the rounds today) and Lake Bell. That means I’m going to, against my will, photobomb all the images the photographers are currently taking of them. I hide behind my phone. Harvey Weinstein is also walking around greeting folks and thanking them for coming, like a supportive husband. Everyone looks for his attention as he walks by. TC
5:25 p.m. According to show notes, Francisco de Goya’s commanding “Portrait of Maria Teresa de Vallabriga on Horseback” provided the inspiration for red-carpet favorites Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig’s collection of grand, statement-making gowns. The dramatic lineup features voluminous couture shapes in duchess satin, regal thread-work embroidery, gilded gold foil and exaggerated peplums. A lot of these looks feel more appropriate for a ball in the 17th century than any event that isn’t, say, the Oscars. But the transparent gauze shirts worn over corset cocktail dresses and romantic tulle gowns add some soft, wearable options to the mix. TC
A model walks the runway at the Anna Sui Autumn Winter 2013 fashion show.
Credit: Getty Images
6 p.m. Anna Sui has cute little bags with lip glosses from her makeup line waiting for show-goers on their seats. It sets the tone for what’s always a fun, upbeat show. The lights go on, and models, including Karlie Kloss, are lined up on the runway. A French pop song starts playing and they do a cheeky choreographed dance. Everyone is loving it and bopping along. For fall, Sui’s channeling Paris by way of the ’60s. Her retro girly girls flirt their way down the runway in mini-dresses covered in geometric prints in vibrant colors: bold magentas, punchy teals and deep merlots. I especially love the shifts in shimmering brocades and ladylike coats. TC
Credit: Getty Images
7 p.m. The Olsens are in the house for the showing of their diffusion line Elizabeth and James — including little sister Elizabeth. But every time an editor or blogger asks to take their picture, they’re shut down. There is a strict no-photo policy and they’re sticking with it. The collection, which is way more approachable, consists of chic, everyday staples with an understated, cool allure to them. There’s the perfect black cropped trousers, sensible boxy wool coats and sweaters you’ll want to live in. The models are also carrying the brand’s new handbags collection. I bet the animal-print cross-body won’t last on shelves. TC
