FASHION WEEK: Proenza, Vera, Lauren oh my!

Proenza Schouler seems to have ditched their geometric bra-cup fascination for vests and blazers with big, bold buttons and the British touch, as well as mixed patterns of stripes and diamonds (as shown left).

Jovovich-Hawk is in its third season. Mila and her model pal Carmen revealed their line to a number of people only by appointment--to convenience the busy fashion show attenders of course. Those with the pleasure of private viewings said it was essentially "underwear as outerwear" in the style of both the Victorian and Cold War eras.

I wasn't really a fan of Vera Wang or Tracy Reese's new collections. Wang's was all very flowy and stained with unappealing earth colors and Reese just didn't quite bring the old school dame theme she was going for into the new age.





Meanwhile, Ralph Lauren was busy celebrating his 40th anniversary in the biz. And he did so by doing whatever he damn well pleased, showcasing all his favorite styles from equestrian to 1920s top hats to ruffles to florals--he ran the gamut like it was his last show.

3.1 Phillip Lim went to the beat of his own drummer again. Over-sized blazers, bright reds, etc. I guess it's an acquired taste for the budding designer.



DKNY seemed at first primed for Halloween with a lot of oranges and blacks, but then it edged its way into rich pinks and calming grays with ties nicked by one stripe and kimono-style belts (as shown left). Diesel was also fond of that very belt, as well as the pinks, grays, and whites. It had a very rocker/80s/futuristic feel going for it. I particularly love how all the ladies had to sport a magenta wig, similar to how all of Cynthia Rowley's models wore the same heels.





Baby Phat's new line was decked out in Bahamian colors: aqua, peach, and yellow (as shown left). You'll definitley find your Spring Break wardrobe among these laid back pieces. Oddly enough it seems like Diane Von Furstenberg and Michael Kors followed suit with several breazy outfits perfect for St. Tropez. Furstenberg also had a couple safari-themed outfits, like Derek Lam who was feeling the tiger print. And Lacoste could be perfectly paired with Baby Phat, because of its laid back boating and tennis gear.

And just when you thought all the fun was over...not quite. Monday, groggy VMA partiers, will make their way out of sin city and back into the big apple for Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Jill Stuart, John Varvatos, and Helmut Lang.