Fashion Funhouse Emporium

RACHEL COMEY

Rachel Comey started off as a men's designer which strangely had a women's following. Rachel Comey launched her women's wear in 2003 and now has a distinct clan of followers.

Colors: Black, cream, white, pops of orange and blue

Materials: Chiffon, silks, cotton

Loved Looks

Photo via WWD. Click to see full collection

Photo via WWD. Click to see full collection

Photo via WWD. Click to see full collection

Rachel Comey's vibe was Sexy Little House on a Prairie with an Asian Indian vibe. On the first day of shows when some are rather blah, it was refreshing to see this splash of life. Comey's pieces are not for everyone, but the woman who buys her clothes knows who she is and brings a bohemian spirit into everyday wear. With flowing dresses that seemed a bit sari inspired to Comey's signature high waisted pants, mixing of patterns and of course her very successful and coveted bags and shoes, its apparent she knows whos she's dressing. I loved the white pieces best, a flowing ease that can be punched up with turquoise accessories or worn minimally.

Unloved Looks

Photo via WWD. Click to see full collection

None of Rachel's pieces were particularly off putting. For me personally, the black and white check sketch prints combined with a similar pattern resembling Madras was similar to Prada and an Ralph Lauren's scheme, which I could've done with out seeing again.

Music

Like last season, Rachel Comey opted for live music. The fusion of violin and drum machines by musicians Sasha Vine & Tim DeWitt solidified an exotic traveler theme.

People and Scene

Women and men alike at this show were very Rachel Comey. From a girl in a turban, short floral skirt and knee socks, to women in cropped colored wide leg pants and button downs. It was a very hip, artsy crowd, where no one looked out of place. Truly it was full of her devoted fans. The show was held at Pier 59, at Chelsea Piers. Natural finish wooden benches filled the small studio, giving it a very intimate, far away land setting.

To Gift or Not to Gift

A pregnant Rachel Comey took a bow at the end of the show. Other than that, I don't believe I saw any one getting gifts.

Tweet

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer: Rachel Comey

Launched almost ten years ago, Rachel Comey started out designing menswear only.  I'm glad she decided to venture into women's wear. Comey is not a household name as of yet, but has a loyal indie following due to her off-beat original designs and trendsetting well-made shoes.

This collection was a vibe of Annie Hall meets Faye Dunnaway in Network with a dash of Hells Angels, but if they were seen through the eyes of a tripping hippie. I don't mean that in a bad way. It was imaginative, fun and original.

Colors

Oranges, blues, forest greens, browns and blacks

Looks Loved

I don't know if the shoes were a combination of a leather "sock" or if the leather was fitted to look as such and connected to the shoes, but retail buyers take note, I want them so place an order now!  I also loved the printed jeans, but would leave them to an editorial shoot or a much more adventurous dresser.  I have a thing for mixed mis-matched patterns together and Comey does this well.

Photos: The Envy- To see the entire collection, click here

Unloved Looks

The swirled, multi-colored velvet pattern skirt read 50 something year old bohemian art professor to me.  Even the extraordinarily tall, young models had a hard time pulling off these looks.

Music

Hex Message, a live band played in the center of what looked like an unfinished loft space.  In the beginning their experimental instrumental chiming and drumming was charming. By the end of the show, the gradual crescendo of piercing keyboards and guitar shrieks were distracting. It was like when someone trips a car alarm outside your bedroom window. At first you think, meh. Then as it goes on and on you contemplate chucking the closest thing in your reach at it.

People and Scene

The show was held in an art building, on a floor that was not built out completely, which was great in terms of spaciousness. I set my bag down, only to notice it was covered in white dust. The Hex Message rocked out in the center of the room.

While there was enough footage for the models to walk the entire room, there was an odd three bench only seating. If you got there late, you stood. If you got there early, like I did, you planted your butt on a bench. Jealous? Oh you know you are! Really though, the venue was so large anyone who was anywhere in the room should've been able to see all the looks with ease.

There were some complainers.  One editor complained "This is sooo stupid?  Why did they do this? Im going to make them give me a seat." I didn't mind at all though. I was so close to the clothes that I could see all the fabrics and details.

To Gift or Not to Gift

There were no swag bags here, though I was hoping for a lint roller to clean off my bag.