Designer Spotlight: Prabal Gurung S/S 2011 Collection

I have honestly never heard of designer Prabal Gurung (Singaporean-born, Nepal raised) until a friend of mine mentioned him to me. And then I saw a video clip of celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe visiting his studio and praising him as one of the best new designers, so I just had to check him out and feature him on my blog!

Creativity at its best. It looks exquisite!

I would've made this cut above the knee but otherwise, I adore the floral ruching (pronounced rooshing) on the top.

I love that he didn't stick completely to the nude trend and went with some bright colors to liven up his collection. I think he's definitely got some skills and has a very unique and modern way of designing cocktail dresses. I really hope he gets more recognition in the years to come because I think he has what it takes.

Click here to view the rest of the collection.

I rate this collection 3/5 runways!

I have yet to find a collection that can beat out my favorite Jason Wu, Have you?

Designer Spotlight: Vivienne Tam S/S 2011 Collection

(I know I'm jumping from Alexander Wang to this! Such a huge difference, but what can I say I have a very open mind and a taste for everything awesome! :P )

Finally an Asian Female Designer! haha Vivienne Tam used an array of pretty florals in whites, creams and blues in her collection (looks like Viv got the color memo) and while I'm not a huge fan of the Boho style on some of the dresses, I really enjoyed all the lace and crochets!

The hobo bags (or as my Asian mother calls them Chicken bags, because people in Asia buy their chickens alive and put them in bags like that LOL) complimented the Boho styled collection

Is it just me or is this model looking kinda slouchy?

I just love really girly clothes! (I previously interned for Rebecca Taylor so I grew a love towards florals and ultra feminine prints.) A lot of the clothes in her collection just make you want to travel, especially the dress in the second pic, perhaps it's the feel of summer I get from it. Whatever it is I am yearning to hop on a plane to Spain or Italy.

Photo Credits go to NYMag, go to their website for the rest of the collection.

I rate this collection 4/5!

Are you guys loving the colors (or non colors) being used for next season?

Designer Spotlight: Alexander Wang S/S 2011 Collection

WOW, there is no black in an Alexander Wang collection?! What is this season doing to all the designers? LOL Just a mass of white, nudes and pale greens; I think I can get used to this.

I am loving this vest!

Apparently this was based off the idea of a girl doodling on her cast.

The metallics definitely livened up the pool of whites.

No one does unique structured jackets the way Alex does.
I think someone took a trip to the Statue of Liberty and got inspired ;)

Very flowy and the lace up boots are perfection!

Even though there wasn't any black, if was very obvious that it was an Alexander Wang collection because no one else (in my opinion) can design a downtown style collection the way he does. I love how everything is loose fitting but in no way oversized. I really hope he considers doing a low-end collection sometime soon, I want a piece of Wang in my closet!!!

Credit for the photos go to Zimbio, click here to view the rest of the collection.

I rate this collection 4/5 runways!

Do you miss the black from Alexander Wang?

Designer Spotlight: Tadashi Shoji S/S 2011 Collection

And the nude/neutral tones have returned! Japanese Designer Tadashi Shoji presented his S/S 2011 collection of evening gowns sans runway on Friday.

Simple, sophisticated and sexy is how I would describe this collection.

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I can never say no to beautiful and elegant ruffling. The muted tones with pops of gold and lilac create a very soft palette that would look great under the summer sun (kind of wish his stage had better lighting, it doesn't seem to do his collection any justice). The dresses and gowns were all classic and sleek and would be perfect for celebs to wear to parties or premieres. I have a feeling many of these will end up on a red carpet somewhere in Hollywood!

Photo credits go to Zimbio/Getty Images, Click here for more pictures of the collection.

I rate this 4/5 runways...er...presentation stages?

Designer Spotlight: Peter Som S/S 2011 Collection

Peter Som, an American designer of Chinese descent, is known for his bold design aesthetic that creates classic feminine pieces and based on his S/S 2011 collection, he is definetely not afraid to use colors and prints. Take a look for yourself:

What's the word I'm looking for to describe this?... Groovy?

Happy to see that Leopard prints are still gonna be hot! :)

I wasn't in love with this collection as a whole but I still had some favorites. I was getting so used to looking at nude/neutral tones from the other designers that this burst of color and prints came as a nice and fresh surprise.

Photo credits go to NYPost, click here to see the rest of the collection.

I rate this collection 3/5 runways!

Designer Spotlight: Jason Wu Ready to Wear S/S 2011

Chinese designer Jason Wu debuted his S/S 2011 Ready to Wear Collection yesterday and I am starting to realize that color is not going to be a must next year. Nude tones (and nips? 0.o) are going to be everywhere and 2011 is the year of the sheer!

Best dressed Oscar dress anyone?

It's like a blooming flower, gorgeous!

Pedals are the new ruffles

The 2011 sexy librarian look? :P

I wasn't a big fan of the turban trend but I am actually starting to like it. #1 it's great for those bad hair days, #2 it can keep your head warm in the winter, #3 I'm oriental, people won't give me looks on the subway...I think...
Nothing beats a well made pair of high waisted trousers
Oversized bows are my favorite!

I find that long jackets look great on everyone of any size, as long as you buy them in the correct size, and with definition in the waist area (like this one), it can prevent you from looking too boxy

If Mr. Wu just so happens to read this, I LOVE YOU. This was my dream fashion collection. I can honestly say that I loved every single look, he just knows how to dress a woman. Amazing. Aside from wearing the sheers without a bra/tank top of some sort, I would love to wear those suits to work. I'm a simple girl with very simple expectations and he met them. Sigh* I'm in love.. with clothes... lol

Photo credits to Style.com, view the rest of the collection here.

I rate this collection 5/5 runways! Flawless!

Fashion's Night Out New York 2010

Instead of Raid My Closet Saturdays, I'm doing a special blog today on Fashion's Night Out New York, which happened last night! Full of long lines, designers, fashionistas, models, celebs, free makeup but minimal shopping (which I think is what the event is truly meant for...) But it was still a fun night to be out in the city and getting all dressed up for :)

Oh, and I met Anna Wintour, sort of...

The crowded streets parted when Anna walked by, it was like Moses parting the sea haha, she's that fierce; she was probably headed to the Marc Jacobs Soho store that my friends and I couldn't get into :( Anna was wearing a Chanel blazer and the official FNO tee.

H&M blazer and purse, Rodarte for Target sequined ribcage dress, Lela Rose for Payless shoes, Anne Klein NY ceramic watch

My friend Michelle is wearing a Razzle Dazzle faux leather military jacket, H&M shirt and flats, Paper Denim jeans from Filene's, Carol for Eva Graham earrings, American Eagle heart necklace

Free manicures, ice cream and drinks at Express

The Marc by Marc Jacobs ice cream and goodies truck outside of Bloomingdales

3.1 Phillip Lim and Rag & Bone block party!

Live Modelquins! I wish I had a job where I can stand around and flirt all day with a hot male model! LOL

Getting my makeup done for free at the Guess store

Really great night out, but I don't think I'd do it again, the crowds made it hard for me to focus on shopping (which was strange because I go insane on Black Friday [day after Thanksgiving in the US where all the stores mark down their prices]!)

Did you go to Fashion's Night Out? If so, where at? Share your FNO story with me!