Ronnie Kroell Album Launch at Paris Commune

Ronnie Kroell hosted a gathering of friends including Tyson Beckford at West Village staple Paris Commune recently to celebrate the launch of his new album “Chemical Addictions”. Guests were treated to specialty “Taste of Her Sin”-tinis in the uber-chic, subterranean, Rouge Wine Bar. In addition DJ Drew G playing tracks from the album and his own remixes of Ronnie's debut singles, "Miserable Attraction" and "Taste of Her Sin," guests got a live performance by Ronnie and fellow Make Me A Supermodel contestants Perry Ullmann and Casey Skinner. The guys had formed a mock boy band in Times Square during the filming of the show; putting out an alleged record 50 hits in under 4 minutes. The performance of one such hit was followed by a reenactment of Ronnie deciding to go solo. The lighthearted atmosphere was a great compliment to the fun dance tracks on the album.

The 52nd Annual Bal Polonaise

The 52nd Annual Bal Polonaise benefiting the Polish Assistance was held in the ballroom of the Plaza Hotel again this year. The dancing ticket for this event is usually a favorite of the younger crowd coming off of either the Viennese Opera Ball or the Quadrille Ball. However, this year was significantly scaled back – one of the first major events to be noticeably affected by the current economic environment. Given the lower attendance and shorter hours, the event was still in many ways a great success. Those who did attend found themselves treated to an open bar (last year the dancing ticket featured a cash bar) and a dance floor with room to show off some moves. Elizabeth Brown and I even had the whole floor toward the end of the evening for an exhibition of our Viennese Waltz. Many debutantes from the International Debutante Ball re-convened for this evening with Elizabeth Brown, Anne Moody, Patricia Poekel, Abigail Tufts (all 2008) and Breanna Sage (2006) in attendance. The evening continued onwards as many of us piled into an impromptu limo ride over to PJ Clarkes and then on to Nikki Beach Midtown for the after-parties. An upcoming Champagne Brunch at the New York Athletic Club was the talk of the evening, with many guests planning to attend. Look for coverage of that event coming soon.

Luca Luca AW 09

Simple classic and well tailored, these clothes are traditional Luca Luca. Hosting the show in the Plaza Hotel’s Palm Court, with an audience who looked like regulars, only seemed too fitting. The models looked as though they could have sat down at any of the tables and taken tea. A beautiful and restrained use of fur throughout the collection, I particularly loved the fox vest-dress. Colors were generally dark and deeply saturated – two of my favorite color choices were the deep teal and eggplant. Additionally, there was a nice subtle use of print with the iridescent multicolor fabric. Accessories were distractingly large and off-putting. Elegant, well made, and wearable without being breathtaking; these clothes will definitely sell - which is what you need in a recession... I guess.

Poleci AW 09

Guests were greeted by several of the best pieces at this in-store presentation. Two long Grecian column dresses with asymmetrical seaming were interesting but unfinished. The mannequin in the window had on the most stunning piece - a blue metallic fringe skirt with a black Grace Jones inspired jersey hoodie. The burnt gold overdress of tulle rosettes was intriguing but bulky. From there in the pieces became more un-wearable and unfinished. Some of the metal accents embroidered into the dresses weighed down the lightweight ground fabrics. This was most evident when the models would change pedestals. I found myself wondering if the presentation format was beneficial in not showing the hindrance of movement or if it was a mistake to allow guests to see the unfinished hems, buckling seams, and general sloppy finishing up close. Three standout pieces included a textured metallic silk skirt in silver, the same fabric top in gold, and a fur smock that was precariously held in the back by a large safety pin. As for accessories, a gorgeous indigo necklace looked almost like coral forming, or some moss from a magical forest. However, the other accessory pieces looked like last a bad grab bag from last season. The shoes were interesting although clearly uncomfortable. In all the show was almost as unbalanced as the hastily made asymmetrical garments.

ADAM by Adam Lippes AW 09

Finally some color. ADAM is currently the best show I have seen this season, and with the Blondes not showing all bets are that this will be my top pick for AW09. Amazing range from sequins, to bright colors, to amazing cherry tree embroidery, to fanstastic coats – this show had everything you will need to keep you happy and warm next fall. The detailing on one of the coats almost looked like oysters laid out on the collar – not that you would need any help from aphrodisiacs if you were wearing anything from this collection. All of the color choices were very warm, including one amazing orange fur coat, a welcome break from the somber collections walking all over Bryant Park this week. It seems it is Adam Lippes’ time to shine. This grouping of great wearable pieces will warm your heart and your body.

Academy of Art University AW 09

The first pieces out were over worked and understyled. Talk about depressing clothes for the depression. Not much to say other than a general disconnect with the clothes. I understand it is a sad time, but why do we all have to look like we were hit by a tornado.

The second designer came out with an overly neutral palate of taupes and khakis - more focused on the textural and playing with linear patterns. Somewhat African inspired including one pseudo-zebra coat which was interestingly constructed. The see through fabric gave a sense of lightness while still appearing warm.

Hobo hats and loose garments. Whoever decided grunge was back needs to be shot. I am all for the age of recycling and whatnot, but I hope the green movement in fashion sticks to fabrics not style. These garments will be dressing a new generation of bag ladies. Though it was somewhat redeemed at the end with some interesting prints such as the faces print included here.

The group began to get a bit better with the menswear looks. Oversized outerwear but great sweaters underneath the knit coats. I love the pastel pink palate for winter - particularly how it plays off the soft greys. Pants are a miss generally in that their fit has yet to be perfected. It is almost as if the models are walking in their long-johns. Finally there is something for a long walk down the beach in the Hamptons in February.

The women's sweater dresses are a ray of hope after all the darkness the other womenswear designers before. Extremely interesting patters with great abstract prints over stipes. I personally love the stripes gloves - a sleek and chic accessory. Definitely clothes to keep the starving artist beauties warm next winter.

Saving the best for last apparently, the final collection was full of interesting prints. Very Japanese, these clothes look like nihonga paintings on wool. Incredibly simple, wearable, and beautiful. These pieces are for those well-heeled ladies who are still lunching and want a soft look to cushion the economic freefall.