Once the people have gone home, and the tents are taken down, what are we left with? When its all said and done, how do we interpret the impact of Fashion Week? Basically, the shows are an indication of where we are headed as far as trends and style go. This year the message was clear, it’s a return to flowing feminine style. Each collection had a fluid element that danced down the runway. The pieces grazed the body, making it mysterious and quite sensual. The skin-tight, super fitted look was missing from the collections with exception of Herve Leger. We also took notice of the shoes throughout the week, and they did not disappoint! This summer’s hit, the gladiator, will return for Spring 2009. The difference: it will be a “must have” in nude patent leather, which is like a beautiful extension of the foot with added texture. We also saw a lot of wedge heels, and strappy ankle platforms. There’s nothing delicate about the shoes for Spring, they are eye-catching and make a statement. The prediction on color is bold like the vibrant colors found in a beautiful floral landscape. There were also muted colors like grey used as a backdrop with a pop of color peeking out, as we saw in the BCBG show. We also saw a nice mixture of color and pattern, which DVF’s show portrayed beautifully. Overall, we think you should be excited for Spring 2009. There are no crazy surprises, and no uncomfortable fashion trends headed your way. It was all easy, relaxed, wearable pieces that will flatter the female physique.

Herve Leger’s designs became famous in the nineties, when his dresses started appearing on red carpets around the world. The bandage dress was his signature style, and it earned him huge accolades. We have recently noticed a resurgence; his designs seem to be everywhere right now. Don’t be fooled though, the band dresses you see now weren’t made by Herve Leger. He was bought out, and then kicked out of his own fashion house. The BCBG group took over Leger in 1999, promising him undying support. Six months later he was out, and couldn’t even fight his way back in. Herve could no longer design under his own name. At the encouragement of his good friend, Karl Lagerfeld, he changed his name and started over. In 2000 he opened a boutique in the left bank, he currently designs under his new name, Herve Leroux. He has taken his new line to even greater heights. It’s elegant, ultra-feminine, and molds the female form beautifully. It just goes to show you, you can kick the designer out of the house - but you can’t keep him from designing.