New York Fashion Week

NEW YORK - American designers are having their moment in the spotlight at New York Fashion Week and, in the process, they're building a bigger base of fans.Steven Kolb, executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, said Thursday that he's heard from buyers at the chicest European stores that they're increasingly looking to the U.S. for new talent. Derek Lam, for example, is one of the best-selling lines at London's Harvey Nichols, according to Kolb."Today's designers are talented and they're marketers. That's part of the excitement about American fashion - it's part of the enthusiasm. And the established designers really want to nurture the young designer. That's very American," he said."American fashion is alive and well," agreed Style.com's Executive Fashion Director Candy Pratts Price, noting that so far this month her Web site has had some 9 million visitors. "New York is looking strong this season. There's long, there's short, there's clothes to grab and go. They reflect the modern way of dressing."Fashion Week was set to wrap up Friday with shows by Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan, among other designers.Vera Wang : Poise. Grace. Elegance. Those are the words for Wang's spring collection and the designer herself, who went on with her show Thursday despite the death of her father earlier in the day.She placed a piece of paper on each seat with a simple note that her presentation was dedicated to the memory of C.C. Wang. When she took her bow at the end of the show, it was clear she had been crying.Immersing herself in fashion is probably a comfort for Wang. It's where she practices - and excels - at her craft.Wang said she was "exploring the emotionally charged space of the geisha's wardrobe and the ballerina's rehearsal layers" in her light, delicate collection.A lame negligee gown with oversized embellished pockets, worn over a nude tulle T-shirt, was like liquid gold, while a whisper-light blush crinkled chiffon dress with an open back was - in a word - stunning.Outfits that looked like the simple, inviting styles a ballerina might wear after a rehearsal actually had many intricate details woven into each one. One of the best examples: a black kimono blouse with a sheer organza back, a navy wrap tutu skirt with black floral embroidery and sheer black drawstring warm-up pants.

Paris Fashion Week

Around 100 ready-to-wear shows are scheduled as part of the Paris Fashion Week to last until October 10. New collections will be shown at various venues throughout the French capital, including some of Paris' architectural jewels such as the Grand Palais.During Fashion Week in Paris two Russian designers, Alena Akmhadullina and Igor Chapurin, made their debut appearances on the Paris fashion calendar on Sunday. John Galliano again shocked his audience with a pared down collection based on nude tones. Also such designers as Balenciaga, Junya Watanabe, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior showed their clothes and ideas for spring/summer 2006 on Monday and Tuesday night.Shows scheduled for Wednesday include France's Vincent Darre for Emanuel Ungaro, Rochas, Dries van Noten and Italy's Riccardo Tisci's first ready-to-wear collection for Givenchy. On Thursday Stella McCartney, Japan's Tsumori Chisato and Ann Demeulemeester will have their shows during Fashion Week in Paris.

London Fashion Week

Fashion, frolics, fake eyelashes and flashing flesh. London fashion week is here... and so too, are the parites. Win tickets to the Kaiz boutique Valentine's Day bash.It’s that time of year again… the women of London don their finest, primp, preen and set out on a night of glamour, cocktails and “daaahling - I just love your look”. The heels are on, the talons are polished and the lashes are widened in permanent doe-eyed seduction. The London Fashion Week is approaching.It’s a time of parties, a time for ogling the super thin and super stylish as they prance about in clothes that mere mortals could never dream of affording (let alone fit into!). Guest lists are poised and ready, door men are quick to turn away even the classiest Z-list celebs and again, the average pedestrian is forced to walk past - muttering in feigned aloofness “I didn’t want to go THERE anyway… McDonalds is far better”. Right, sure it is…Don’t kid yourself - fashion parties can be fun. Some, better yet are actually accessible. The Kaiz Boutique London Fashion Week Party is one such event. Open to all and sundry - though don’t try to get past that VIP barrier unless you pay for it buddy! This year’s extravaganza will be held at Sugar Reef on Wednesday 15th February at Sugar Reef.The best thing about this party is not the buzz of waiting in line (?!), or the cocktail and canap? reception - finger food generally doesn’t go down well amongst models anyway. The real draw card here is the entertainment. My last fashion show featured Jodie Marsh as compeer, a move they have obviously improved upon… the emphasis this time is on the music. Thank the fashion world Lord above!