The Costume National Fall 2010 collection is all about morphing from the man-made to the technological. Omnipresent in the collection is the juxtaposition of organic fabrics and classic tailoring alongside modern technicalities of design.

Knits, leather and fur are the backdrop of the collection with a refined, rock n’ roll attitude for the edgy chick that remains sophisticated and timeless. The pieces are warm, yet remain very light and every item is deconstructed and put back together to create the look. The colors for the pieces are monochromatic, in different tones of the same shades. There palette is doubled with an urban feel in the black, silver, charcoal and concrete and a natural feel with ivory, almond and dark brown. Taking nature and marrying it with the urban evolution creates a collection that is stunning to the eye, with so much depth lying in the details. The embroidery is a unique “bark” which is an organic and iridescent surface of hand-folded gold sequins covered one by one with black voile. An artisans technique that is complimented by the innovations of modernity.

One of the best parts of Costume National is that the line is all encompassing from head to toe. Dresses, pants, coats, jackets, bags and shoes are all from the brand, and work together effortlessly to create looks that are raw yet ornamental and stunning. The Fall 2010 collection is on trend with all of the natural colors that we have been seeing, and what girl can go without a fabulous over-sized bag and funky, rocking shoes? Every garment is incredibly thought out and put together to create true “looks” that are lust-worthy for the girl that isn’t afraid to make a statement but likes to always keep it classy.

After several seasons delivering outlandish yet ingenious garments, Gareth Pugh may have finally toned down with an almost unilateral collection for Fall 2010. The outfitter-in-chief chose to shun his alternative ways for a much acceptable and wearable collection. The results however did not live up to expectations.

Neoprene and pleather may be a sensible choice of materials for the new age but the trick lies in using these fabrics prudently. Unfortunately for Mr. Pugh and us, what walked out on the runway was unpleasantly reminiscent of tyre tubes moulded around the human form.

Junkyard chic is not likely to develop into a trend anytime soon. In the process of expanding his demographic in order to gain entry into the mainstream, he seems to have lost touch with his signature traits and in a way, his creative side. While the asymmetrical crocheted coats are undisputedly genius, the trapeze silhouette seemed aridly recurrent in the form of jackets, capelets and frock-coats; the latter much capable of serving the purpose of a stylish scuba-outfit when teamed with equally deep-sea-friendly rubber leggings, as seen on the runway.

The occasional glimpse of gauzy silk and frayed cashmere did, however, make for a pleasant change.  From leather to metal, the transition was very apparent with the same silhouettes putting on a second skin, draped with thin chains. Nothing groundbreaking of course; not very unlike the work of a new whiz-kid on the block we’ve taken notice of some time ago.

So, what then could be the highlight of the collection? Believe it or not but Gareth Pugh did leave his mark behind by sending out a pair of sunray-pleated palazzo pants…for men.

More from the show below. -Dyuti Mishra

(Images courtesy Style.com)

Each season, John Galliano takes us all on a journey with his namesake line. For Fall 2010, his nomadic spirit plays centerstage in a collection of show-stopping pieces fit for an unbounded international excursion.

Galliano’s inspiration for the collection is “a tribe of adventuring nomads” trekking “through a mountainous terrain, crossing imaginary borders in search of a new land”. Inspirations from all across the globe are seen as the layering of each piece creates the perfect melange of exotic cultures and high fashion.  Each piece is elaborately detailed from coats with fur trim to headpieces that deserve their own zip codes. Silhouettes vary from chic peasant-style blouses to harem pants and even to beautiful evening gowns, which are all surprisingly wearable.

The footwear is out of this world, in true Galliano fashion, but also completely adaptable for the Fall months boasting sky high stiletto heels and lace-up detailing, like the feminine versions of a combat boot.

More images of the collection below. Images and quote courtesy of Style.com and WWD.

Alexander McQueen’s Pre-Fall 2010 Collection is a reminder of his genius and amazing vision. There’s a chance that his line will continue, but surely it will not be the same.

The collection is completely in line with what McQueen is always known for: stellar graphic prints and expert tailoring. There is a Victorian overtone in many of the pieces, though naturally McQueen’s quirky, yet avant-garde nature spins the era completely and ever so delightfully on its head. Like every one of his collections, the looks are not for the faint-of-heart boasting leather, sequins, and shaggy fur on occasion.

The footwear is to-die-for in natural McQueen fashion: sky high pumps and booties most likely already in Daphne Guinness’ closet.

We are anxiously awaiting his Fall 2010 Collection, sure to be nothing short of awe-inspiring. For now, Pre-Fall 2010 will curb the suspense.

More looks from the collection below.

Peter Copping is no longer a newcomer at Nina Ricci and his Fall 2010 collection is a study in expert detailing, showing the fashionable set that flowers also bloom in autumn.

Copping’s inspiration stems from the Belle-Époque era and there is no doubt that the fashion elite will be wearing this collection. The pieces are supremely feminine and charming featuring floral appliqués throughout on satin slipdresses, a flirty mini, and barely-there tops. Lace is also a texture of choice in bustier dresses and bustier-skirt combinations of the come-hither type. Copping adds some edge to the dainty pieces with fur and leather from furry coat and sweater sleeves to a sleek cropped leather jacket that is completely wearable and completely fall-appropriate.

The accessories for the collection are as elegant as the clothing from platform heels (some featuring rosette and bow details) to the handbags that are simple, yet provide a perfect complement to the Ready-to-Wear. Hair and makeup are kept youthful from a voluminous mane to fresh faces with a blush pink lip, fit for those last romps in the garden before the brisk fall weather rushes in.

More images from the collection below. Images courtesy of WWD and Style.com.

Balenciaga is a show that the fashion world looks forward to every season. Ghesquière has become the go-to designer for all things edgy and unique and with the recent launch of the Balenciaga Paris fragrance, he is soon to become a household name.

Ghesquière’s Fall 2010 Collection keeps with his own futuristic, space-age designs as well as incorporating the expert tailoring that Balenciaga has been known for since its inception. Inspiration for the set stems from Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”. The future is always fully appropriate for the house’s designs as it is always cutting-edge, urging others to catch up.

The collection begins with the angular, boxy designs that Ghesquière presents each season, not of the wearable sort unless one is 5′10″ and under 130 lbs.  He quickly moves into easier pieces from striped knit dresses and sweaters, some cinched at the waist, in bold colors, completely shaking up the conventional, neutral fall palette. The collection delves even more into wearable pieces with beautifully detailed silk dresses and perfectly constructed sweater-mini skirt combinations sure to be seen on the likes of Charlotte Gainsbourg or Jennifer Connelly in the months to come.

Ghesquière gets creative with the final pieces of the collection, featuring slogans from Pop Art exhibitions, such as those of Cindy Sherman. The footwear is also in true Balenciaga fashion: nosebleed high, a mixture of textures and colors, with architectural heels fit for a gallery exhibit.

More looks from the collection below. Images courtesy of WWD and Style.com.

Christopher Kane is unstoppable. His namesake line is among the most popular and now he is resurrecting Versus, a junior line of Versace. This is the line’s second season after its much-anticipated comeback and it is truly becoming the go-to brand for all things hip and sexy.

The Fall 2010 Collection is flirty and fun with barely-there hemlines, body-conscious silhouettes, and candy-colored hues. The pieces are made for partying and most boast so much skin, that it is hard to do much else in them.

The wearable parts of the collection are all in the separates. From leather pleated skirts to an angora sweater, Kane does present some day options. The collection creates the perfect juxtaposition of masculine and feminine and shows Kane’s edgy side while still echoing the sultry side of Versace.

Accessories for the collection are as fierce as the clothing from gladiator-esque sandals that pack a mean punch to small-satchels, some of which feature archived images of Bruce Weber for Versace.

Hair and makeup for the collection are kept as flirty and young as the clothing. Hair is combed back and pulled behind the ears completely echoing the collection’s sexiness, while makeup features the bright red lip that everyone is showing for Fall 2010.

More looks from the collection below. Images courtesy of Versace’s Twitter and Style.com.

New York Fashion Week may have just passed, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have a piece of the action. Plus, we are just in the midst of many other Fashion Weeks abroad. Maybelline New York acted as one of the official makeup sponsors of New York Fashion Week, doing the makeup for 7 of the top shows including RVCA x Erin Wasson, Michael Angel, Vivienne Tam, Custo Barcelona, Carlos Miele, Tracy Reese, Max Azria and William Rast. Taking the tents by storm, models walked the runway with lush lashes and glam lips, all courtesy of the Maybelline makeup artists, led by Charlotte Willer.

In the spirit of New York Fashion Week, Maybelline is giving away one “Get Ready for Fashion Week” giftbag which includes the official Maybelline New York NYFW tote, a Maybelline Loves NY mug, a travel sewing kit, Great Lash mascara, Color Sensational lip-color and Shine Sensational lip gloss.

Take a cue from Maybelline’s fabulous makeup trends and look just like the models that were on the catwalk. Throw on a great outfit, and your own sidewalk can be your own personal runway with your bold lips or smoldering eyes completing the look. Whether you choose to go for a “less is more” look or you want to be daring and go “all out,” let Maybelline take you there.

Would you like to win the Maybelline “Get Ready for Fashion Week” gift bag? Enter our raffle* by tweeting the giveaway @POSHGLAM and emailing Samantha@POSHGLAM.com, subject “Maybelline.” Please include your name, mailing address and email address. And remember, one entry per person, but tweet away.

*Giveaway deadline is March 15, 2010.

Celebrities are constantly on the move, whether it be to a fabulous vacation locale or a set in a far-off destination. With all of that travel, it can’t be easy to carry books around, after all, they pack quite a bit of clothing, which is sure to hit the weight capacity on most airlines.

Take a cue from AnnaLynne McCord, who was spotted backstage at the Jill Stuart show during New York Fashion Week with her Nook, Barnes & Noble’s new e-reader. McCord, a self proclaimed tech geek, brings her Nook wherever she goes, even to the hottest fashion soiree in town. High style and educated, this starlet has it all going on, and is sure to never miss out on the latest trends or the latest best-seller.

The Nook retails for $259 at Barnes & Noble.

Photos courtesy of Justin Campbell.

They say change is the only constant when it comes to fashion, but Miuccia Prada begged to differ and chose to stay ahead of the curve; quite literally. While the rest of the fashion world struggles to be inspired by the most mundane things, she remains focused with just one notion in mind: women’s needs. Enter: a collection that is basic, simple and the spells out pure style; while staying au currant of course.

Gracing the runway were Victoria’s Secret regulars like Doutzen Kroes, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr and Lara Stone, women with curves in all the right places that is. Make no mistakes though; this was no publicity stunt. This particular cast was essential as Prada’s collection is a celebration of the curvaceous womanly figure. Playing on her strengths, Prada sent out revised versions of hitherto classics. Full skirts, nipped-in waists and bust darts characterized the compilation which, somehow, hinted on late fifties-early sixties fashion with models sporting bee-hives to suggest the same.

A-line skirts in patent leather, pea-coats with double collars and cable knitted sweaters were the order of the day; all in rich hues of carbon black, crimson and ochre with a sporadic appearance of azure. The lady-like look was replete with librarian glasses, ruffled knee-high socks and pointed-toe pumps but what we absolutely love about the collection is that it is not intended for mannequins alone, but for real women. Now that is something to look forward to.

–Dyuti Mishra

More highlights from the show below. (Images courtesy of Style.com)

For the second year in a row, luxury designer Edwing D’Angelo has been asked to be the featured designer at the NAACP Awards, with a presentation backstage for celebrities and super lucky VIP’s. I had the chance to speak with D’Angelo today, in the middle of his preparations for the show, to learn a bit about him and a lot about his glamorous collection.

Just coming off from New York Fashion Week, the runway collections will be worn by models backstage at the NAACP Awards, who will also act as hosts, escorting celebrities on stage. Chyna Layne, of Precious, who is the designer’s current muse, will also be one of the celebrities wearing one of the designers custom made creations.

D’Angelo is Columbian born, and the 5th in a generation of tailors, who took his unique acquired skill-set to the next level, with a lot of passion, and even more work. After graduating from law school, he worked in law firms for 12 years, but always had a passion to be doing something different. When his sister’s prom came about, he designed her dress, and instantly, her friends all wanted something created by the designer. From there, his line of one-of-a-kind, high-end pieces was created. Well, not that easily. He worked for 2 years more as a lawyer, saving every penny, working at nights, and having people put together his samples during the day while he worked. After two years, he officially left law, and became a designer extraordinaire. In August of 2002, his first boutique opened in Harlem.

Two of the first celebrities to don his gowns were Vivica Fox and Patti la Belle. With the success of the line, and its ultra luxurious vibe, the designer picked up and moved his boutique to SoHo. For Fall/Winter 2010, his 10th collection, he was inspired by 1940s and 50s New York and Barbra Streisand’s “New York State of Mind.” Back in the day when women all dressed to a peek of sophistication, fully dressed, with the arrival of second tier monarchies and princess moving to New York, D’Angelo sought to bring that vibe back with a modern twist of edge. Black was the predominant color, with pops of other colors throughout, and his signature orange lining giving an added kick. The designer is way ahead, and even let me know that for Spring 2011, he is thinking of a garden-ish theme, with Lost Eden as the inspiration.

The Edwing D’Angelo collection has a young, modern vibe that is fresh yet luxurious. He dreams of dressing Megan Fox, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Lautner and Will Smith (yes, his line is available for men, too). His show backstage at the NAACP Awards is part of his plan of moving into the Hollywood lifestyle, garnering a larger following amongst celebrities and high-end consumers. While his pieces are one-of-a-kind, he plans to expand to create pieces that are also off the rack, but he will still continue designing unique pieces for his clientele. Regardless, he plans to stick to creating collections that are epitomized by sheer elegance.

For more information, visit Edwing D’Angelo.

All stand for the national anthem of Ashishistan’ proclaims the press spiel i.e. the fictional former Soviet Republic and homeland of designer Ashish Gupta’s autumn/winter 2010 girl. She’s a beautiful socialite returning to her roots after summer on a yacht in the Med, which, translated, means a wardrobe that transitions not just from day to night but also from a French summer to a Russian winter.

The sheath dresses could almost be termed ‘flapper’ as they fall below the knee and, being entirely covered in Gupta’s very favourite textile, sequins, they hang so sexily. Angular art deco-meets-Polska patterns ran vertically on some in a mix of white, maroon, neon yellow, orange and blue, while plain black versions stayed out of typical LBD territory with the use of matte sequins.  You could actually hear the crunchy swishing of the fabric on longer ones.

As our heroine journeys east, she starts to wrap up against the chill.  Cue thick cream cable knits, grey blazers that look like hand-me-downs from her father, and the baggiest tweed harem pants we’ve seen all week – there must have been five metres of fabric in them. At times, the two cultures clashed very effectively, for instance on rainbow-hued sequined harem pants and an off-white jumper enhanced with black sequins. Even more kooky and amusing were the reinventions of classic winter comfort dressing. A red and black lumberjack shirt glistened with sequins, and the show opener, traditional blue and white striped pyjamas, were decked out in, you guessed it, sequins. All the looks were topped and tailed with a beany hat and men’s brogues. It may be cold in the Kara Kum desert, but with a wardrobe this bright and cosy in her arsenal, no wonder Miss Ashishistan is heading for home.

- Katie Wright

For Fall 2010, Christopher Bailey pulled out all the stops and showed a collection strong in texture and seamless from start to finish. The prevailing military trend of Fall 2010 was the obvious inspiration, but it was done rather uniquely, mixing in interesting textures from python to fur, as well as supremely feminine silhouettes as a clever juxtaposition.

The models were ready to take flight with aviator jackets galore in rich fall shades from olive green to brown. Bailey played with textures, favoring shearling, but also using an array of rich furs, ponyskin and even leather. Not to forget is the classic Burberry trench that is spinned on its head every season. For Fall 2010, Bailey featured the silhouette with shearling lining as well as in wool with zipper detailing.

At the core of the collection were feminine silhouettes creating a stark contrast to the heavy outerwear. Color was rich from chartreuse to mauve and even to a cobalt blue. Silhouettes ranged from fitted blazers to pencil skirts and even to flirty dresses fit for nights out on the town.

The accessories for the collection were top notch from buckle shearling-lined booties to studded handbags. Bailey experimented with python, from chic totes to over-the knee boots covered in the exotic skin. Hair and makeup for the collection were relaxed: naturally the ready-to-wear and accessories were to play center stage.

Bailey is granting his eager customers with the chance to pre-order pieces from the Fall 2010 collection on www.burberry.com. This offer ends February 26th so immediate action is required.

More looks from the collection below. Images courtesy of WWD.

Erdem Moralioglu does pretty like no one else. He has turned floral into a womanly modern print, eschewing its previous schoolgirl notions. His Fall 2010 Collection is a study in complete femininity with a richer palette and textures, making Autumn dressing as easy as Summer.

The Fall 2010 inspiration stems from the idea of: “Picnic at Hanging Rock: girls surviving on the mountain. Elegantly, sort of.” This woodsy vibe can be felt from the darker floral prints all the way to a camel-colored jacket with a shearling-lined hood: a perfect piece of outerwear for chilly temperatures. Bird and leaf motifs add a quirky take on the theme and make “woodland-chic” a trend that we might all hop on for next season. Silhouettes still remain flirty and feminine in true Erdem fashion even in outerwear and knits that are cinched at the waist.

Lace-up leather boots in a rich brown add to the rustic feel. Watercolor print is even added to the footwear, reinforcing the bright colors and prints that Erdem is known for. Hair for the collection keeps in line with the feminine side of the pieces, pulled up into a perfectly-coiffed bun with the added girlish accent of a headband. Makeup is natural for the collection, no doubt playing upon the woodsy theme.

More looks from collection below. Images and quote courtesy of Style.com.

Perhaps Betty Jackson is a proponent of the forties revivalist ‘Keep calm and carry on’ motto that’s been so popular in the recession, as the weighty fabrics and sturdy shapes in her winter 2010 collection made them look durable enough to last through a war. Boyish wide-leg corduroy trousers were cropped at the calf and paired with sleeveless shirts and crop tops, while coats were cut in a more angular and loose version of the cocoon or textured with rough faux fur. Navy featured heavily to begin with, and much of the outerwear was in browns and greeny-greys.

Segueing into more feminine territory a run of breezy tea dresses (and a jumpsuit) came in red graphic patterns that could be mistaken for poppy print, and a couple of navy high-waisted knee-length skirts were seen alongside peg leg and harem pants. There was also a fair bit of leather used. A tan bra top worn separately would definitely be described as what Tyra Banks calls ‘hoochy’ but here it was layered over a sheer blouse to fit with the demure styling of the whole show. The addition of gold lame to this mix might seem incongruous but the dark metallic sheen of a day dress and sleeveless top lifted the autumnal colour palette and toned down the tougher edges of the tailoring. With chunky knitwear and fantastic weekender bags to boot, this was one of those ‘something for everyone’ collections. So shoppers can create their own capsule selection of wearable wartime separates.

– Katie Wright