Fashion Funhouse Emporium

BCBG

As if BCBG needs an introduction, this donimnant contemporary brand can be found in its own stand alone stores and in specialty department stores world wide. What is interesting about  the BCBG collection is, though it aims for a younger demographic, the over 30 crowd can still manage to find timeless, quality pieces that don't seem as if they are dressing in their teen daughters wardrobe.

This season, minimalist trends rule the runway. BCBG was no exception and paraded out models in the Lincoln Center's packed tents, complete with its usual celebrity follower (Ashlee Simpson, Kelly Rowlan) front row and every editor (including the notorious A-N-N-A) blogger and buyer in town.

Though, I can't let BCBG's show escape some criticism. What the hell was that  Ronnettes' Cover of Be My Baby by DM Stith? Ouch my ears! It was as if Will Farrell was spoofing it. I'll take the original please. And thank you.

Costello Tagliapietra

Lovable designers Robert Tagliapietra and Jeffrey Costello can often be seen dressed similarly in plaid shirts and suspenders, a burly pair often not what most picture when seeing such feminine collections. The two met at Parsons and formed Costello Tagliapeitra and sent thier first runway collection down the catwalk in 2005. The CFDA member designers have been slowly gaining acclaim since and even snagged a collaboration with the Japanese based brand Uniqlo.

Colors: nude, gray, brown, blush

Materials: georgette, jersey

Loved Looks

Photo: WWD/John Aquino

Photo: WWD/John Aquino

Photo: WWD/John Aquino

Costello Tagliapietra's collection was inspired by women who want to dress up, but without too much effort. It was the answer to today's casual society: down with velour pants suits! Jeans and tees are okay, but there is a time and place for everything, they say. Most of this collection was beautifully executed with a refined dresses for a woman who wants to get noticed, but doesn't want to be gawked at. Hits include the brown off the shoulder dress with draping, asymmetric sheath dress and printed off the shoulder dress.

Unloved Looks

Photo: WWD/John Aquino

Not unlike other designers this season, Costello Tagliapietra tended to go a bit overboard on draping. I think that the majority of women (and I am a woman) do not want to dress in a sack-like garment. Though the garments weren't completely unlovable. I did find the brown structure shoulder top and the pea green skirt to be a gross color combination.

Music

Costello Taglipietra's creative musical muses while creating the collection were The Mishapes, Washed Out, Memory Tapes and Ariel Pink.

People and Scene

MAC & MILK Studios shows have been giving the tents a run for their Mercedes money. With ample space and a "u" shaped runway, the crowd was able to catch every look that came out. If you weren't invited, the show broadcast live on MilkMade, Milk's site that covers the shows that happened there this week. More and more designer's are turning away from celebrity based arena-rock style shows, and evidenced by the people here, this duo shared the same sentiment. Though, designers know that famous faces will pull in a bit of extra attention, so this show was not without Leigh Lezark and other quasi-celebs, most likely personal friends of the designers.

Read a great article on the Starworks blog about Costello Tagliapietra and thier Spring 2011 inspiration.

Watch the Spring 2011 Costello Tagliapietra Show at MilkMade.