I flew to the Altman Building on 18th Street faster than you can say "Posen" and was ushered downstairs and through a long corridor to backstage. The scene was chaotic with hairstylists, media, celebrities, models and make-up artists all scrambling hurriedly in preparation for the show. Check out Ferocia's rundown of the backstage beauty looks here and some pics I snapped backstage of the scene below.
Sessilee Lopez getting her makeup done.
Zac Posen and head MAC makeup artist, Stephane Marias
Zac Posen greeting Alek Wek backstage.
Veronica Webb interviewing Miss J for her talk show.
After leaving the backstage area and securing a spot in the Standing section (Yes, I stood in my studded boots with a sprained ankle to see the show. Clearly, I'm a fashion addict), I mingled with friends until it was finally time for the show to start.
Celebrated hip-hop violinist, Miri Ben-Ari, stood to the left of the runway and gave a rousing rendition of songs by rapper, Styles P of the Lox, and Run DMC. While Ben-Ari's electric violin filled the room, backed by a thumping beat, Alek Wek, Sessilee Lopez, Anna Cleveland and Coco Rocha (who closed the show), stormed the catwalk. I love that Zac directed the models to bring some life and personality to their strut, smiling and flirting with the crowd as they walked. Sessilee Lopez even modeled with her hands on her hips, swaying them from side-to-side. (I met her backstage and she's a sweetheart! And totally, my new favorite model. She KILLED the Arise show, which I'll fill you in on later). All in all, it made for a youthful, fun, flirty show!
The front row was just as star-studded with industry legends, Sex and the City wardrobe stylist, Patricia Field, American Vogue's Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, The Washington Post's Robin Givhan and Elle Magazine's Joe Zee absorbing the fashions. Oh and a Glamazon Blog fan, Joy Adaeze of www.fashiondivalicious.
And now for the Fashion: The collection was fresh, vibrant and lavish with luxurious, colored furs, bright, flouncy skirts, swing coats and sleek pantsuits! The 40's style trousers were a study in exquisite tailoring and proportions. The colors were vivid and energetic with hot pink, purple and mustard hues invigorating muted camel tones. Posen experimented with texture with fur booties (a trend on the runway!) and velvet dresses and suits.
While his Fall 2009 collection (which I also had the pleasure of attending) centered on opulent, lavish gowns, Fall 2010 is decidedly wearable by comparison. My educated guess is Zac ventured away from more elaborate designs in an effort to curb recent financial troubles, as chronicled by the February 3rd New York Times article blasting the designer's business management. With a new collection for Target on deck, and the affordable line Z Spoke, Zac should be back to economic stability in no time.
What do you think of the collection, Glamazons?! Do you miss Zac's gowns or are you on board with his new "wearable" looks?
Kisses,
Coutura