New York Fashion Week: Diane Von Furstenberg A/W 2009 Gallery

Diane Von Furstenberg's flower children have definitely grown up for Fall 2009. Picking rich, sumptuous fabrics, glam prints and beautiful brocades, the collection was a touch of subtle glamour for a season that's driven mainly by the recession. Huge cocoon coats and slouchy draped cardigans concealed layered looks in clashing prints like leopard, Prince of Wales check and geometric swirls. The usual wrap dresses, chic knits and wearable shaped were teamed with leggings, huge pom-pom hats and chunky jewellery for a youthful edge. By night, it got more glam with bacofoil dresses, animal print sheaths and sequin shifts.

[all images courtesy of Coutorture.com]

New York Fashion Week: Unconditional A/W 2009-10

I just love Philip Stephens, and this autumn/winter 2009-10 collection of Unconditional luxury basics proves why. Warm, fun and tough-cool, this label does not disappoint. Stephens created a look with a strong silhouette with funnel necks that displayed his need to cocoon, protect and exude confidence.

Fine cashmeres, leathers, merino wool and fine silk and cottons in black, white, grey and splashes of orange or yellow were interspersed with rugged zippers and tough boots.

A slim purple velvet jumpsuit was my fave pick, along with the strong lines of the menswear tuxes and trench coats lending a sophisticated aura.

ALDO boots and heels were rugged and fierce, adding to the confidence of the collection. The Unconditional show was set in a relaxed atmosphere high above the city, where models and fans alike mingled on a Sunday afternoon, but you never forgot you were seeing some sexy history being made.

New York Fashion Week: Preen A/W 2009-10

Guess what? Body-con ain't going anywhere according to the folks at Preen. Their autumn/winter 2009-10 collection was choc-full of sliced body-con frocks offering just a glimpse of skin here and there. Add to that oversized houndstooth coats, fluffed up with Mongolian wool in black and white, skinny shiny trousers, and mini mod dresses in check. There was an interesting use of leather in one tight-fitting dress, modelled by Catherine McNeil, which featured a knot in the middle and cut-outs all over. Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi's continual pushing of the envelope was even enough to bring Kanye West and his entourage to the front row. Yes, really.

[Photos: via Coutorture]

New York Fashion Week: BCBG Max Azria A/W 2009-10

Max Azria went sombre and sophisticated with his BCBG line for autumn/winter 2009-10. While there was lots of eveningwear, it wasn't really the stuff that dance and bar night dresses are made of - BCBG's usual niche. Beautiful draped velvets and modern silhouettes seemed made for an older customer, rather than who BCBG usually designs for. Perhaps Azria's plan is to shift BCBG a bit upmarket and hold onto the girls who wore the line in their younger days to make room for BCBGeneration's younger customer.

[Images: Coutorture]

New York Fashion Week: Charlotte Ronson A/W 2009-10

Unfortunately, her famous family (and their significant others) remains the best thing about Charlotte Ronson's fashion line, as far as I can tell. Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan were on hand for the autumn/winter 2009-10 collection, as were Mark Ronson and The Like drummer Tennessee Thomas. The clothing was sort of amateurish styling of Marc Jacobs parodies. I did like the floral print used, and the floral shirt dress (pictured above) was one of the pieces I enjoyed from the show.

Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan.

Tennessee Thomas and Mark Ronson.

[Images: WENN.com]

Get into the mood for London Fashion Week with London Fashion Spectacular

I get a feeling that not a day will go by on CQ until February without me mentioning London Fashion Week.

Today's mention comes courtesy of Radio 4, relive the excitement of the September shows with

Bronwyn Cosgrave presenting. Cosgrave is the author of 'Made For Each Other, Fashion and the Academy Awards' and despite a slightly lacklustre performance at a Barbican lecture the CQ team went to last year 'London's Fashion Spectacular' makes good listening.

Cosgrave is investigating why London has become the centre of the fashion world, something which you could undoubtedly dispute but with people like Mandi Lennard, Todd Lynn and Agyness Deyn giving their tuppence worth it's a must-hear programme. It's worth it just to hear Phillip Green's uber-cockney voice bemoaning designers saying: "you can't get these people to sit still for five minutes... Most of them are out with the fairies." Ha!The next and last episode is scheduled for tonight at 11.30, or catch it again on iPlayer.

[Sipa Press/Rex Features ]

London Fashion Week schedule announced!

While everyone else is still panicking over present-buying, Christmas food and getting a tree cast your thoughts to as the BFC have released the catwalk schedule for London Fashion Week.

The days and dates have changed so Paul Costelloe who usually opens proceedings on a Sunday is now showing on a Friday with shows finishing on a Wednesday. All the usual names are on the sheet, from old favourites like Paul Smith and Julien Macdonald to established newcomers like Christopher Kane and Roksanda Illincic.

Newer names on the roster include Mark Fast (pictured right) whose knitwear designs propelled him into the limelight and with a debut collection available at Browns in the spring he is sure to be a hot ticket come February. Other designers to look out for include Peter Pillotto who is maturing nicely, fairly recent graduate Mary Katrantzou (pictured left) and this year will see the first catwalk show for Twenty8Twelve, the label run by Sienna Miller and her sister Savannah.

The Best of Fashion Week: Kelly's accessories picks

Following on from Gemma's picks yesterday of her favourite bits and pieces from the recent Spring / Summer collections, being The Bag Lady that I am, today I bring you my favourite trends and creations within the world of accessories. From lush leather handbags to gorgeous gloves - and of course, more hats and hair accessories than you can shake a stick at - these are some of the standouts from New York, London, Milan and Paris.