Fashion Funhouse Emporium

Tracy Reese

Jamar, Fashion Funhouse Emporium's fashion week correspondent is often snagged and photographed by street photographers for his unique and edgy style. He headed to the Tracy Reese show for me. He gives us his rundown after the Introduction below.

When it comes to overlapping shows, I'm glad to have another team member to cover shows that must be seen. As for this show, Tracy Reese, he was thrilled at what he saw.

Tracy Reese is one of the more commercially successful shows we get to attend over here at the Emporium. And as it goes, we promote fashion for everyone, so this was right up our alley. The Detroit native, launched her timeless cheerfully feminine line in 1998. Since, she has designed off-shoots like Plenty by Tracy Reese, a more casual everyday wear, and Frock! by Tracy Reese for those who covet just dresses. Her staying power in the fashion industry is because of her distinct point of view. She knows who she is dressing- the woman who wants easy, yet individual chic. The CFDA board member continues to expand with shoes, and even home candles.

Colors: coral and blue, pearl white, light greens, neon oranges, and black

Materials: Gauzy linens, silk jerseys, a few heavy knits, lace, and techno-fabrics.

Loved Looks:

View full collection on Style.com

On Sept. 11 a decade ago, Reese was supposed to show at New York Fashion Week for the first time. She said she was honored to be included on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. She said "At the end of the day, New York is unlike any other city in the world. Everyone worked together to pick ourselves back up."

As with most of the collections coming out of New York Fashion Week, Tracey Reese was all about feminine clothing with a sporty take on ease and comfort.  She showed her collection with matching hats, parasols, and shoes, which added a great element visually. Sheer, neon, athletica, outwears, florals, lightweight leather, and of course short shorts were all the trends presented in her spring collection.

Unloved Looks:

There were a few prom and homecoming dresses that were a miss in the line up, but that's part of what she does, right?  She's contemporary and it sells.

People, Music and Scene:

It was a celeb-packed Lincoln Center show with Solange Knowles, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Aisha Tyler, Angela Basset. There were soap stars, high profile stylists and models. June Ambrose and  Mary Alice Stephenson added some strictly fashion cred to the front row. The tree back drop added to the pleasant lady village vibe of the collection.

Rating:

Four out of four Karl Lagerfelds.

Charlotte Ronson

Jamar, Fashion Funhouse Emporium's fashion week correspondent is often snagged and photographed by street photographers for his unique and edgy style. He headed to the Charlotte Ronson show for me. He gives us his rundown after the Introduction below.

Charlotte Ronson has a loyal following. As mentioned every season, her price points never teeter from where she started combining quality with her signature bohemian style.  Recently its not just America that's been showing her love. In the Fall of 2010, Ronson signed a deal to open stores throughout China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Macau. She even staged her first runway show in China.

Colors: blue, black, taupe, grey, red, ivory, silver, orange rust, fuchsia, mint.

Materials: denim, cotton, linen, jersey, lace, chiffon

Loved Looks:

View Full Collection on Style.com

Ronson paired soft cotton linens and knits cotton jersey, lace and soft silk chiffon along side denim to ultimately tie the collection together.  There was a distinct prairie feel to it. Like other designers who just don't want to be too sweet, she had to add "edge" with the belts used as choker collars. The crochet details also seemed to raise a few eyebrows, in a good way though. Midi length skirts were ramped as well as cute little lace dresses with cropped knit sweaters over them.

Unloved Looks:

Some of the elements of the collection can come off as done before (cough*overalls*cough) especially in Ronson's past seasons. Though, that doesn't mean they wont sell come spring. Stick with what works.

People, Music and Scene:

Lincoln Center shows are always a frenzy of press, random celebrities, and fashion laggards, and that's no exception for the Charlotte Ronson show. Every season its a madhouse with as many celebs they can manage to pack in. Kelly Osborn and Angela Simmons looking all BFF (Dad Russell was there too.) Joy Bryant, Audrina Partridge, Elie Goulding and Nickly Hilton sat front row. Some chicks from SNL were there: Nasid  Pedrad and Abby Elliot (daughter of  Woogie from Something about Mary- Chris Elliot). Socialite Peaches Geldof sitting next to a bored looking man friend. Also, whats A Charlotte Ronson show without a family aspect? Mom Ann Dexter Jones was there looking lovely as was half-sister Annabelle. Samantha also took part, although safely tucked behind the decks.

Rating:

Two out of four Karl Lagerfelds