NEW YORK FASHION WEEK F/W 2010: ALEXANDER HERCHCOVITCH, ALEXANDER WANG, ALTUZARRA, ANNA SUI, BESPOKEN, BILLY REID

ALEXANDER HERCHCOVITCH

A bold attempt by Alexander Herchcovitz successfully executed in his Fall 2010 collection reminiscent of Frida Giannini?s Fall 2008 collection for Gucci, in the sentiment of Russian bohemian luxury. Featuring floaty silk blouses, folk-inspired broderies, fur trimmed skirts and bead embellishment, the colorful prints and textures were inspired by the border countries of Eastern Europe ? where east meets west.

ALEXANDER WANG

Not only did Alexander Wang livestream his Fall 2010 collection on ShowSTUDIO, but he managed to go even larger by bringing the New York City brand to the masses via broadcast in Times Square through the American Eagle LED screen located on 46th and Broadway. Following a theme of “Underworld” meets deconstructed Wall Street, looks consisted of mostly blacks. Detachable trench coats with mink back, pinstriped suit pieces, velvet dresses and laced capes were all beautiful statement pieces.

ALTUZARRA

Joseph Altuzarra?s third collection saw a digression from the designer?s previous lean towards billowing shapes, soft tailoring and draping to S&M style leather work with rough stitching, recalling to mind Edward Scissorhands. Structured bodycon dresses, cinched waists, corseted mono suits and ruby red velvet tailoring and wizard capes encapsulate the designer?s vision of the dichotomies of strength and fragility, sealing his work as he describes it, ?between the legacy of French couture and New York?s pulsating energy.

ANNA SUI

Anna Sui?s inspiration for Fall 2010 is rooted in the American Arts & Crafts movement of the late 19^th Century. The designer?s talent truly lies in her unique ability to design beautiful prints and mix them to great effect. We saw a gold pomegranate print layered onto a floral jacquard, a Murano glass print and lurex dot chiffon dress and textured tights from Sui?s new range of legwear.

BESPOKEN

Bringing stylish UK tailoring to the runway and combining it with New York urban attitude has always been British based label Bespoken? s endeavor. Nodding to the legacy of Savile Row, Bespoken Fall 2010 is all about well-cut suits, blazers and shirts caught somewhere between the 60?s British mod trend and classic 1930?s America. The collection featured geometric prints on tab-collar dress shirts, double-breasted jackets in buffalo plaid and black wool military coats.

BILLY REID

The recent winner of GQ?s Menswear Designer of the Year, Billy Reid, has many inspirations for his collection: ?gutsy hand tailored suits?, ?Lower East side folk?, ?Southern prep?, ?Boxcar riders? to name a few. The broken down twill, stone washes and rough hewn tweed suits and patch pockets all culminate in a stunning masculine collection of very wearable and stylish pieces.

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Fashion week coverage directed by Indira Cesarine

Text by Katie Thurber and Emma Watkinson for XXXX Magazine