blendnewyork…Fashion.Art.Style.Inspiration.Love

If you don’t have a golden ticket to sit with the insiders at New York Fashion Week, fortunately you can now watch live streaming shows thanks to the growing number of individual designers and fashion sites that have been offering web users a front-row seat.

For the first time, the organizers of Fashion Week are streaming more than 30 Lincoln Center shows — including those of Diane Von Furstenberg, Narciso Rodriguez and Carolina Herrera — on one website at YouTube.com/liverunway, in a partnership with YouTube and Maybelline New York. Also for the first time, the shows will be streamed live on your smartphone at m.youtube.com/liverunway.

“Fashion has become much more democratic in the last decade and certainly in the last five years,” said Judy Licht, creator of the television program “Full Frontal Fashion,” which once again plans to stream more than two dozen shows live during New York Fashion Week, including Calvin Klein and Donna Karan.

The live stream provides exciting real-time access to an insider experience that’s normally restricted to buyers, editors, and fashion insiders.

Check it out!

Nicole Miller found herself bang on trend for Spring. Playing with sheers? Check. Edgy nineties minimalism? Check. Neutral and moody hues? Check and check. As it happens, Miller has actually been exploring a harder-edged look for a few seasons now, and this collection was a logical, more elegant next step. The look today was attenuated and lean, with long chiffon skirts topped by long blazers and vests. Most of these tailored pieces came in technical twill or linen (on the front and sleeves) with a back panel in georgette to expose slightly bondage-y ribbon harnesses and pretty racerback tops layered underneath. At times all these moving, deconstructed parts devolved into confusion. Still, there were more than a few fresh moments. Among them: a white trapeze tank dress with zigzagging tucks; a cool, slouchy charcoal suit worn not with actual S&M straps but a smart knit that echoed them; and a simple yet modern black draped crepe dress with a lovely cowl back. Kudos to Miller for hitting on something that feels grown-up, but not boringly mature.
(by Meenal Mistry – style.com)

September 14

11am

Vera Wang

A native New Yorker, Vera Wang has spent her lifetime at the forefront of fashion. Drawing her earliest inspiration from her mother and their annual trips to the Paris couture shows, Vera Wang went on to become the youngest ever Vogue fashion editor at the age of 23, allowing her the opportunity to collaborate with the most accomplished personalities in the world of fashion.

Founding her own company in 1990, Vera Wang is known for her nonchalant approach to style and luxury. Her design vocabulary resonates with signature layering, intricate draping and exquisite attention to detail.

In addition to ready-to-wear, she also designs bridal, maids, footwear, eyewear, fragrance, china and crystal, silver and gifts, flowers, fine papers, home fragrance and mattresses. All of her products are sold in the most exclusive department stores and boutiques around the world, including her own flagship stores on Madison Avenue and Mercer Street in New York City and Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.

From the red carpet to the runway, the world’s most influential and fashionable women look to Vera Wang when dressing for their most important events and public appearances. The Vera Wang style has become a fixture on the world stage lauded in both the domestic and international press. In 2005, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Vera Wang’s innovation and dedication to her craft by naming her “Womenswear Designer of the Year.” The CFDA nominated Vera Wang for accessory designer of the year for her 2009 collections.

Vera Wang currently resides in New York City with her husband and two daughters.

September 12

4pm

Diane von Furstenberg

Diane von Furstenberg first arrived in the fashion world in 1972 with her iconic wrap dress, the seed of what is today a full fashion house. By 1976, Diane had sold millions of her dresses, coming to symbolize female power and freedom to an entire generation. In 1997, after a hiatus from fashion, Diane reemerged on the New York fashion scene with the re-launch of the dress that had started it all and began building her company into a global luxury lifestyle brand. Today, the DVF collection includes ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, accessories, eyewear, swim, DVF by H. Stern fine jewelry and watches, rugs, home and luggage.

In 2005, Diane was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) for her impact on fashion, and one year later, was elected the CFDA’s new president, an office she continues to hold. A firm believer in the infinite power of women, Diane sits on the board of Vital Voices, a women’s leadership organization that empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the world. In 2010 she established The DVF Awards with The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation to honor women who have displayed leadership, strength, and courage in their commitment to their causes. The annual event aims to provide the honorees with exposure and support. As a longtime resident of New York’s Meatpacking District, Diane is a vocal member of the local community and was actively involved in the campaign to save the historical High Line railway. Through her company and her family foundation, she supports a variety of women’s and environmental causes.

September 12

12pm

Malandrino

Catherine Malandrino arrived on the fashion scene with the idea of blending the romance and elegance of Paris with the energy of Manhattan. As a French designer in New York, Catherine has a universal appeal.

She channels her energy into poetic designs that encourage women to express their personality. With unique craftsmanship, color palette, and innovative draping skills, she conveys a timeless femininity and “joie de vivre” that Catherine values in her own life. Infusing this idea with a youthful spirit, Catherine Malandrino delivers a chic, feminine, and recognizable silhouette.

Born in the French Alps, Catherine Malandrino knew she wanted to be a designer from a very young age. After graduating from Esmod she worked in the Paris couture houses of Dorothée Bis, Louis Féraud, Emanuel Ungaro, and in the 90’s was the creative force at the French label ‘Et Vous’ in Paris. In 1998 she met Bernard Aidan, her partner of love and life and followed her heart to New York City.

She began her love story with America when she presented the iconic “Flag” collection in 2001. Her irresistible combination of patriotism, audacity, and femininity was acclaimed by the media.

That same year, she abolished boundaries, presenting her “Hallelujah” collection in the renowned New York City landmark The Apollo Theater in Harlem. In 2002, cult sensation “Sex and the City” featured Catherine’s Soho boutique.

Since then, Catherine has continued to show the world that femininity is a strength and that clothes are a means for women to unveil their individuality.

The fashion designer Catherine Malandrino currently designs two collections: her contemporary Catherine Malandrino line and her runway line Malandrino which features shoes and accessories including jewelry, handbags, and belts.

The company operates today 11 boutiques and the collections are represented in more than 400 doors around the world.

September 10

5pm

Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller is a fashion designer with a modern, ageless aesthetic. Her silhouettes are artfully draped to achieve a unique body consciousness. Her signature is feminine, sexy and refined.

Miller draws inspiration from a wide range of influences including cinema, contemporary art, mid-20th century architecture and exotic cultures. She is known for elements of whimsy and surprise, and is the preeminent New York- based designer among global fashion’s print and color elite.

An American born to a French mother, Miller was dually trained at the Rhode Island School of Design and Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Her fine arts background in painting and sculpture at RISD inspired a spirit of freedom and creativity. On the other hand, Chambre Syndicale instilled a strong sense of aesthetics and a mastery of the classical techniques of couture.

The nonconformist glamour of Miller’s clothes is a favorite of many in hollywood. Angelina Jolie, Halle Barry, Lauren Hutton, Leighton Meester, Eva Longoria Parker and Felicity Huffman have recently appeared in her designs. Her work is often shown on the covers and in the pages of leading fashion and lifestyle magazines world wide – and in cyber space, Nicole Miller is one of the most visible designer brand names anywhere.

In favor of all programs to protect the earth and our environment, she actively supports the Rocky Mountain Institute and Robert Kennedy Jr.’s Riverkeeper. Together with her husband Kim and son Palmer, Miller divides her time between her homes in New York City and Sag Harbor, NY.

September 10

10am

BCBGMAXAZRIA

BCBGMAXAZRIA was founded in 1989 by Designer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Max Azria. In 1991 Azria’s wife and muse, Lubov, joined BCBGMAXAZRIA as Creative Director. Named for the French phrase “bon chic, bon genre,” a Parisian slang meaning “good style, good attitude,” the brand embodies a true combination of European sophistication and American spirit.

Azria broke new ground when he launched BCBGMAXAZRIA, redefining the designer category by offering innovative, high-quality clothing at contemporary price points. With the overwhelming success of his women’s ready-to-wear line, Azria ultimately evolved BCBGMAXAZRIA into a complete lifestyle brand for women, with evening dresses, swimwear, footwear, handbags, small leather goods, eyewear, watches and more.

With critically acclaimed collections, a loyal following of Hollywood’s top celebrities and a strong worldwide presence, BCBGMAXAZRIA has become one of the hottest names in the fashion industry today. Continuously reinforcing its position in the market, BCBGMAXAZRIA creates a highly sophisticated advertising campaign each season with world-renowned photographers, stylists and models. In addition, celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Fergie, January Jones, Kristen Bell, Dakota Fanning, Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens have all deemed BCBGMAXAZRIA a must-have in their wardrobes.

Striving to consistently evolve their vision, the Azrias built upon the success of their women’s ready-to-wear line and expanded their offering to include a more exclusive collection for visionary customers. In Spring 2007 the Azrias debuted BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway during New York Fashion Week. This fashion-forward collection provides the Azrias with the perfect platform to share another facet of their artistic vision, showcasing a more elevated and directional line that is more elaborate in construction and created using only the finest fabrications.

The BCBGMAXAZRIA and BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway labels are sold in over 595 namesake boutiques throughout the United States, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, Jordan, Russia, Spain, Venezuela and other countries. The collection is also showcased in in-store shops in top department stores across the globe.

September 9

2pm

Christian Siriano

Christian Siriano began designing at just thirteen years old and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts and the American Intercontinental University in London, where he interned with punk legend Vivienne Westwood, and with Alexander McQueen. Upon returning to the United States and moving to New York City, Christian’s break came when he earned a spot on season four of Bravo’s hit program Project Runway. He became the show’s youngest winner, fan favorite, and a rising star in the fashion industry with his clothing sold in Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and stores around the world.

Christian shows a full collection every season at New York Fashion Week, with past shows being sponsored by LG, Sprint, Victoria’s Secret, Cibu International, and Aveda. He has designed for many celebrity clients, most notably Rihanna, Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham, Lady GaGa, Vanessa Williams, Christina Hendricks, Pink, Estelle, Mena Suvari, Kelly Rowland, Becki Newton, Kat DeLuna, and Whoopi Goldberg in her role as host of the 2008 Tony Awards. He has signed on to design a full couture collection to appear in the upcoming film Eloise in Paris, starring Uma Thurman. Alexis Bledel, dressed in Christian’s designs, was named to Vogue’s “Ten Best Dressed” list in September 2009. Oprah Winfrey calls his designs “works of art.” Tim Gunn calls him “a prodigy” and “the next great American fashion designer.”

Christian’s current additional projects include joining the likes of Isabel Toledo, Alice + Olivia, and Patricia Field in creating an ongoing line of shoes and bags for Payless which first became available in September 2009. He also created a line of makeup for Victoria’s Secret for stores in the fall of 2009, a limited edition design collaboration for Starbucks for the 2009 holiday season, and a collaboration last year with Puma. Between his design projects, Christian has also written a style guide titled Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self, available now, and he embarked on a book tour in the fall of 2009.