Project Runway Season 9 Begins Filming in New York's Battery Park!

DEEEEEsignersssss...

The Black Fashion Brigade: Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia: photo from Kim Kardashian's Twitter page

Today we got a glimpse of the taping of the new season (Season 9) of Project Runway in a outdoor runway show. It looks to be the taping of the premiere episode in which an unprecedented 20 contestants are vying for the coveted title of America's Next Top Fashion Designer and the $100,000 prize. What a brilliant way to reveal to everyone the 20 contestants selected to participate in this new season.

The taping took place in New York's Battery Park...

La Heidi: Miss Heidi, looked every bit of a Femme Fatale DIVA...in a black one-shoulder princess-seamed Alexander Wang dress, Wolford tights, Jimmy Choo peep-toe pumps and a Barneys NY Belt. LOVING the entire look of "Dominatrix Couture" and I especially love the slicked-back gelled "Robert Palmer Girl" hair. WUNDERBAR!!!

Kim Kardashian was the Guest Celebrity Judge and she was all serious in a black very fitted (of course!) mini dress with flange shoulders (look it up kiddies!) and white side panels; she accessorized with hoop earrings (of course, Part Two). And naturally, her hair and make-up are FLAWLESS...

Nina Garcia was wearing...

Giambatista Valli Fall 2011. Well, of course she is!!!! Leave it to Miss Nina to give it to them!!! She added her own "stamp" on it by adding a skinny belt and cinched in it--LOVE IT!

The Scene at Battery Park, on the "set" of the new season of Project Runway!!

And what would a blog post on Project Runway be without...

TIM GUNN!!! Looking so dapper in his blue window pane plaid suit, gingham tie and pattern pocket square. Tim is really stepping up the style quotient already this season. Love the "hints" of color. Keep it up!!
And...do I spot contestants behind him?! I wonder...

And as always Blogging Project Runway has the ultimate Field Report with tons of photos!

NY Fashion Week Fall 2011: Michael Kors and Marchesa

"What Recession?" Clothing, Furs , Slits, 70's Disco, and Oscar Gowns: The Big M's : Michael Kors and Marchesa!!!

First Class is Ready To Board: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Michael Kors Fall 2011:

Where Is My Vuitton Luggage: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Michael Kors Turned 30!! Well, his design company did! And so this show was a HUGE one--68 looks, menswear, womenswear, Brazilian Supermodels, A-List Front Row Celebs, you name it, they were there. In terms of the Collection: Very Michael Kors. Lots of double-face cashmere, LOTS of luxe furs, simple uncomplicated shapes, delicate draping, "Disco" plunging cowl neck draping, jumpsuits and VERY HIGH slits.

Cowl Disco: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Think 1979 Bianca Jagger/Lauren Hutton off to Aspen. Or...better yet, the mistress--or wife--of a Multi-Millionaire Goldman Sachs banking executive, getting on her private jet off to their Swiss Chalet near St. Gallen. Yep, these are clothes for the woman who has NEVER EVER seen what "Coach Class" looks like, and what a Recession feels like. Understated Luxe 2.0.

Brazilian Slit: Supermodel Isabeli Fontana in Michael Kors Fall 2011

Easy Breezy Luxe: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Hi-Low Caftan: Michael Kors Fall 2011

Click Below for the Full Runway Video of Michael Kors Fall 2011:

Marchesa Fall 2011:

Don't Step On My Train: Marchesa Fall 2011

While Elie Saab's Haute Couture Spring 2011 Collection--shown last month in Paris--had fashion commentators saying that it looked all very "Miss Havisham"---Marchesa's Fall 2011 Collection actually WAS!!! Marchesa Co-Designer Georgina Chapman said she was inspired by watching "Great Expectations" on TV one night and of course, the movie's "Diva", Miss Havisham.

Marchesa Mourning: Marchesa Fall 2011

Decadent dresses, gowns and overcoats and opulent silks, yards and yards of tulle, silk organza and applique lace embroideries. The show--sponsored by Range Rover--was once again done "Gallery Style" as models stood there, showing each and every piece in all their Almost-Couture Glory. Pay attention Red Carpet Watchers: I have a feeling SEVERAL of these will end up at the upcoming Academy Awards...Like these FOUR below:

Blush Best Dressed: Marchesa Fall 2011

Oscar Stunner: Marchesa Fall 2011

Rihanna, For Your Consideration: Marchesa Fall 2011

Belle of the Oscar Ball: Marchesa Fall 2011

Click Below for "Range Rover Sponsors Marchesa Fall 2011 Fashion Presentation" Video:

CFDA Awards 2009: Nick's Picks for Best Couples and Best Model

CFDA: The Other Awards...CFDA Womenswear Designer of The Year Winners Rodarte with actress Kirsten Dunst (in Rodarte)

This past Monday, New York feted--and awarded--American designers at the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America/CFDA Awards, hosted by comedienne Tracey Ullman. It was an evening with models, fashion and accessory designers, society girls-about-town, editors and a celebrity here and there. The nominees for Womeswear Designers of the Year were Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez and Rodarte. Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte took home the prize--which is a great coup for the Los Angeles-based designers. The menswear Designer of the Year was a surprise tie, with Calvin Klein's Italo Zucchelli and Band of Outsiders' Scott Sternberg winning the trophy. Marc Jacobs won the "International Award".

Well, naturally, after looking at some of the photos, I decided to give out my own awards, mainly to the Best Couples and the Best Model (at the CFDA Awards). Enjoy:
Cutest Couple: Designer and Actress---Designer Jason Wu and actress Diane Kruger (in Jason Wu)

Best Couple: Supermodel and Designer---Heidi Klum and designer Michael Kors

Cutest Designer Couple: Bear Category--- Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra

Cutest Couple: Non Bear Gay---Lorenzo Martone and Marc Jacobs

Best Model: Hana Soukopova in Altuzarra