OK I'm back!

I have been away for a while, mainly taking care of my own creations and projects. Now back to blogging and reviewing the latest FW09 collections. I do have to say though, that I was greatly disappointed today when I woke up from my poolside nap to go and check out McQueen's collection for Target.. horrid. Borderline tacky, looked something you could find at your local Rave location.

I will only go over a few since, well, its Artwalk saturday! :)

Academy of Art University - my full support. 100% new talent, coming out with great silhouettes. The four collections that I got to see were clearly well thought and put together. The first 2 or 3 being my favorites.

3.1 Phillip Lim - always impressive, playful with textures. This time, he did it again. My favorite looks? 7, 10, 16, 17. Check them out on WWD.

Alexander McQueen - one of my top 5 favorite designers. always thinks outside of the box and that is something i have admired since day one. FW09 is houndstooth to the max, Amanda Lepore lips... yet he pulls it off. It is ALL about the prints and that dark side that McQueen always brings to the runway. Umbrellas as headpieces? Check. Crazy scarves? Check. Usual McQueen genius? CHEEECK. The last couple of looks that are shown are simply amazing, made me want to stick my face to the monitor with hopes of being taken to the show, for real. Breathtaking. Ok, and I really had to narrow this one down... fave looks are 6, 10, 14, 17, 20, 21, 22!, 35, 36 (picture), 42, and 43. From the amazing headpieces made from recycled and reused materials, to the high-drama (classic McQueen!) gowns and coats. This man should NOT be taken for granted.

Balenciaga - Ghesquiere does an amazing job, yet again. From the first look all I can focus on is that beautifully draped skirt. I can't seem to choose a favorite look yet. His masterful use of color makes me wonder... How does he do it? The fabrics look beautiful and I can almost see the flow through the photo. Ok now, on with the review... loved how he played in the beginning with the rough v. soft of the fabrics. Texture has been a big deal for him as seen in his last collections. The draped silk skirts and pants blew me away. Although I am a bigger fan of his modern twist and point of view of clothes, I do approve of this collection. Faves are 2 (pic), 5, 6, 7, 8, ad 13.

OK I'm out of time for today. Many galleries to be walked. Will be posting more soon, I promise. In the meantime, be on the lookout for the Miami International University of Art and Design talent! Fashion Show takes place at the Fountainbleau (Miami Beach, Fl) on March 26th. Many students, myself included, will be showing their new work. Next week, also, I will be working backstage at Miami Fashion Week... I will let you readers, whoever you are, how that went.

xoxoxo

Barbie.