Must See Shows/Collections: Now and in Spring

Fashion Weeks to me are like high-end buffets. There may be many scrumptious appetizers, main courses, side dishes and desserts to choose from, but there is a limit to how much I can consume. When it comes to fashion, even if I have the invites to the shows, I may not be able to attend them all. And there also are time constraints, because after I attend an event I still need to write a blog post or produce a video about it. It’s easy to over-imbibe at Fashion Week, just like it’s easy to overeat at a smorgasbord.

The designers/labels listed below are ones I’ve watched, still watch, and/or want to see:

The Blonds: This duo has the talent to top their Fall 2010 Collection and runway show, which was simmering, reminiscent of Marlene Dietrich in the classic movie “Blonde Venus.” Their popularity extends beyond the U.S. They were slated to host one of the hip after-parties during Toronto’s recent LG Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011.

Calvin Klein: To me, the setting for the fashion show is just as important as the garments and presentation. Oscar de la Renta’s garments “match” his building. At the same time, Calvin Klein’s choice of venue, a vast warehouse on West 39^th Street, is as austere as the label’s garments.

Chado Ralph Rucci: Mr. Rucci was the first U.S. designer to present at the Paris haute couture shows. His gowns are elegant and each season even more beautiful.

Charlotte Ronson: I did see her and her sister Samantha (who ran the sound board) at Ronson’s Fashion Night Out event (in NYC on Sept. 10) at JCPenney, which was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with customers and fans of her “I Heart Ronson” clothing line.

ChoCheng: I love this young designer, Cho Cheng, a Hong Kong native who is following in his grandmother’s footsteps and creating impeccably tailored, classic suits, dresses and gowns.

Christian Siriano: I picked up press material right after the Spring/Summer 2011 runway show. The print outs said the collection “was inspired by African, Indian and Chinese influences,” and included silhouettes such as wide-legged trousers, safari shorts, cocktail dresses and evening gowns.

Oscar de la Renta: This man is 100 percent classy and so are his clothes. His venue of choice is 583 Park Avenue at 63^rd Street, which is spacious and beautiful, as well. If you can, try to get on his guest list.

Ports 1961: Designer Tia Cibani is blessed with creativity and inspired by the world around her. Each collection I’ve seen includes wearable, beautiful and figure-flattering pieces.

Ralph Lauren: See Oscar de la Renta entry. Both men and their designs are classic. Lauren also shows in another impressive venue, Skylight West (formerly know as Skylight Studios) in Tribeca. Guests at his shows look as if they’ve walked right out of his advertisements.

Suede: This former Project Runway designer and contestant is still at it.

Y-3 (for adidas): “Girl on the Run 2011”, a Sundance channel documentary now playing on Time Warner Cable TV, shows numerous clips from designer Yohji Yamamoto’s Fall 2010 Collection show, which featured runway faux fights and neon laser lights.

Yeohlee: Not only is she a top designer, Yeohlee Teng also is a strong promoter of saving New York’s garment district. Her clothes are both Asian and European and tend to fit loose, but not sloppy, emphasizing a woman’s figure but not adding bulk. Plus they’re classic. Her pieces from 10 years ago could still show on the runway today. (Her fall 2010 collection show is pictured).

Williamsburg Fashion Weekend: New and/or alternative designers are showcased here. This year, it was slated for the weekend after Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York ended.