Yigal Azrouls Spring/Summer ‘09 collection during NYC Fashion Weekwas packed with casual cool clothes that women can wear straight off the runway. The color palette was soft overall with hushed shades of khaki, grey, blue, pink, olive, and white. Dramatic draping and asymmetrical lines, his signature, were ever-present and added to therelaxeddowntown collection. Layeringdifferent pieces and fabricswas a big theme of Yigals along with cropped pants.That’s right, you can keep you fall purchases for another season! His models wore simple slicked back fold-over ponytails(throwback tosixth grade gym class)that allowed the clothes to be the focus. Heavy black cat eyeswere added for an extra bit of edge. This French-Moroccan born designer definitely has a way of making clothes exude a sort of quiet yet strong confidence that sneaks up on you.One reason whywell-known photographer and ANTM judge Nigel Barker with fellow ANTM judge Jay Alexander sat front row. ELLE’s Editor-at-Large, Nina Garcia, was also in attendance. FYI: She’s just as gorgeous and skinny in real life as on TV. So fabulous. When asked why she supports Yigal Azroul, Ms. Garcia answered, I think hes great, Yigal. Hes a straight man that appreciates real women, and its a different point of view. Its an interesting point of view when a straight man is designing, and I think its more feminine in a way. Hes a talented designer. The retailers love him, the press loves him. I couldnt agree more. Maria Denardo

This season, Nicole Miller really took us for a ride–a carnival ride, that is! Her spring 2009 show titled, “Carnival. Street Life. Passion.,” morphed spirited style, habitual pleasures, and exotic indulgences to create a cohesive fashion statement we can only describe as eclectic. Miller explains that her influence for the show’s contrasting details (silk jersey materials with sculptural tailoring, WILD prints against delicate gold) came from, “good-luck symbols from voodoo flags on the one hand; the necessities of modern life on the other.” No need to wish this designer any more luck–she’s got it in the bag!

xx, Alexandra Goldstein

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You already know Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Manolo Blahnik. The names practically speak for themselves. These three shoe designers are the top of the line and as popular as ever. Enter my newest obsession: Nicholas Kirkwood. His shoes simply make me swoon. They remind me of superheroes and villains. Actually, Im pretty sure if Batman was a woman, shed be kicking ass in one of these bad boys. His designs are aggressive, dark, and mysterious while also remaining glamorous and super feminine. This talented Brit jumpstarted his career in 2005 when he won the Conde Nast Footwear Emerging Talent award for his first collection. Later, in the spring of 2008, his signature stilettos and wedges walked the runways of designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Doo.Ri, and 3.1 Phillip Lim. Instead of bows and baubles, he opts for an architectural shoe that has power and intrigue written all over it. To go along with his unique ideas, the shoes are crafted from somewhat unlikely sources like lizard, stingray, and buffalo horn. A true one-of-a-kind; there is nothing on the market quite like them. Even if Kirkwoods shoes arent up your alley, theres no questioning his artistry and innovation. As Kirkwood says, Theyre not for everybody. Only the truly fashion-forward, which is fine with us. While New York Fashion Week launches today, stay on the lookout for Nicholas Kirkwoods footwear at the Spring and Summer collections of Rodarte, Alberta Ferretti, and Pollini! Maria Denardo

** Photos via www.nicholaskirkwood.com **

The first Friday of NYC Fashion Week SS ‘09 kicked off this morning, lucky enough with the BCBG Max Azaria show at the tents. (So worth waking up for, might I add!) Anna Wintour, sunglasses and all, graced her usual seat by the door, fashion editors alike hugged and posed for pics, famed photographer Nigel Barker graced the runway pre-models and tiny Jamie-Lynn Sigler gave a few quick interviews before preparing for the show. But forget about whose who of the week, the main event was how fabulous the clothes were. From flowy (long and short) jumpsuits, to alligator-skin, strappy stilettos and wide belts used for added texture, the theme of the show seemed to be chic comfort. The material flowed, melting down the runway, the retro colors gave a futuristic feel ironic enough and the music chopped along with each step. The Plain Janes had attitude today at BCBG and the bowed ribbons hanging to the floor, and the wine-splashed neutral colors mixed with neon-like pinks, oranges and blues gave that feel. Comfort was key. Thats all that mattered as the models vanished and Anna Wintour dashed out the door. - Erin Dustin

Launched in Spring/Summer 2006, MEK Denim (the phonetic pronunciation of the brands symbol, meaning Pulse) is designed, tailored, and processed for excellence and innovation. Each MEK Design features fine, hand-crafted detailing, plus their signature M-blem embroidered on the back pockets. MEK Denim is something newan edgy, urban style that actually retails for under $150! This seasons looks include a super trendy Bologna Boyfriend Cut, Capetown Boot Cut, gray Glasgow Straight Cut, and distressed Ibiza Flare. The pulsing vitality of MEK Denim transcends from chic urban capitals to glamorous vacation destinations. Its a way of lifeIts MEK Denim.

Check your Pulse at mekdenim.com and metroparkusa.com.

xx, Alexandra Goldstein