New York Fashion Week Day 3

It's always puzzled me how über cool bloggers and fashion folk walk along with their fabulous coat draped in such a chic manner over their shoulders exposing their even more wonderful outfit underneath without it falling off. It's true that once you put on your outerwear (unless you are going for the 'trench coat as a dress' kind of look) it fully conceals what could be your most fantastic outfit to date. I am certainly not saying that this is one of my more fantastic looks, rather my favourite knit and a pair of oversized vintage levis yeah sometimes comfy is chic. Anyhoo, I decided outside of the Eyebeam show space which Rolando Santanta just showed his most fabulous collection at, to try this little styling trick out. To much astonishment and a couple of failed attempts, I managed to succeed cue silent squeals of delight and with my friend Shelly on snapping duty she clicked away capturing this joyous moment just so perfectly! Last day of fashion week tomorrow. Gosh what a blast!

Donna Karan Fall 2014 #NYFW

30 years in the business clearly leads to a whopper of a show. With Donna Karan celebrating her 30th year anniversary at the top of the New York fashion scene, it's not surprised she had one of the best #FROW's this fashion week so far; Katie Holmes, Hugh Jackman, Rita Ora, Trudie Styler and Bernadette Peters to name a few.

Using her New York roots as the inspiration of the collection, Karan presented the perfect balance of soft and structured, reflecting the electricity of the New York skyline. “I have the honor of looking at the city lights from my apartment every night,” said Karan, "this place is so, so beautiful, and I wanted to capture that."

Showing at a somewhat draughty cue shivering guests down on Wall Street the designer was enabled to have a large show space which would accentuate her designs; think exposed beams, rugged brick walls; that authentic New York City vibe. The huge LED screen at the start of the runway sparkled and shimmered in complementary hues which not only reflected off the mirrored runway but matched each look as models including Karen Elson, Karlie Kloss and 19-year-old British beauty Malaika Firth.

Boasting a collection in black, dark grey, white and ruby, Karan and her team created combination of masterful tailored jackets and blazers teamed with sumptuous sheer skirts showing off the over-the-knee boots worn underneath a great substitute for trousers indeed.

Fabrics included silks and chiffon's draped impeccably, devoré velvets, black viscose, ivory shearling and shaggy fur, some of which were embellished and beaded to depict the twinkling New York night sky.

The womanly focus of this collection was undeniable with belted waists, illusion bodysuits, sheer gowns exposing large areas of skin- it's safe to say sex appeal was at a maximum. "It's all about the body", said Karan. "The movement of the body and the expression of the woman and how she is so core in her strength."

With a jubilant tear from Karan as she did her victory lap down the runway, the audience applauded in celebration of this fantastic mark on the companies 30th year anniversary.

"New York is what I stand for — the past, the present, the future."

A fashion moment in history. 

This was no regular Fall 2014 collection, this was a tribute to the city that made Donna Karan who she is. New York.

Rebecca Taylor Fall 2014 #NYFW

Watching Rebecca Taylor's Fall 2014 collection, it's hard to believe that she used to design the frivolous cocktail dress for little miss New York socialite. This collection was everything but that, exuding a cool almost nonchalant chic vibe boasting tonal separates  tailored to perfection. Opening the show in a look of winter pastels, you instantly got the real, raw grunge feel of the Fall 2014, a trend which has hit New York Fashion Week by storm.

Not quite midi, not quite maxi this silky warm blue number layered with a mesh rugged knit, was an absolute showstopper. Certainly a new length for Fall and an absolute must by on my list. 

Unlike many other Fall collections, Rebecca opted for icey blues and marbled petrol hues rather than the typical black/brown combo, which was rather refreshing change sight this show season so far. 

Every ensemble was perfecty interchangeable for that ideal day-to-night transition, with the ideal combination of cool dressed down separates for the somewhat edgier downtown girl.  Stylish asymmetric hems and layered sumptuous silks and chiffons poked out under popover sweatshirts stamped with that lustworthy metallic foiling detail.

The make-up was kept simple to complement the effortless feel of the collection. Mac focused on bold brows with matte berry lips using Gigalo and Hearts a Flame, no doubt being added to every fashionista's list of the new must have lip colour.

Despite a rather spring like feel to the collection, the light floating layers were topped with masculine style outwear adding that unique twist. For those New York It girls, looking to stand out of the cocktail dress wearing crowd, this Fall 2014 collection has hit the nail on the head. 

Follow my NYFW adventures and more on my instagram @georgiabenj.

New York Ephemera

What I'm Wearing: Zara Coat & Shirt, Topshop Sweater, Levi's Jeans & Office Shoes.

New York is ephemeral. 

The highs, the lows, all lasting for a matter of moments. I often feel like a mayfly in this city. One day dining in New York's finest restaurants rubbing shoulders with the likes of Leo DiCaprio in TAO Downtown and the next sitting in Starbucks for an entire day fully utilising the unlimited wifi and free refills. Sometimes it's hard to keep up. What seem like days pass by in a matter of hours and every mere morsel of time here is spent keeping busy. Perhaps that's why I love this city so much. The never ending list of things to do. With nothing but a moment wasted. 

'YOUR eyes that once were never weary of mine

Are bowed in sotrow under pendulous lids,

Because our love is waning.'

And then She:

'Although our love is waning, let us stand

By the lone border of the lake once more,

Together in that hour of gentleness

When the poor tired child, passion, falls asleep.

How far away the stars seem, and how far

Is our first kiss, and ah, how old my heart!'

Pensive they paced along the faded leaves,

While slowly he whose hand held hers replied:

'Passion has often worn our wandering hearts.'

The woods were round them, and the yellow leaves

Fell like faint meteors in the gloom, and once

A rabbit old and lame limped down the path;

Autumn was over him: and now they stood

On the lone border of the lake once more:

Turning, he saw that she had thrust dead leaves

Gathered in silence, dewy as her eyes,

In bosom and hair.

'Ah, do not mourn,' he said,

'That we are tired, for other loves await us;

Hate on and love through unrepining hours.

Before us lies eternity; our souls

Are love, and a continual farewell.' 

William Butler Yeats

Helmut Lang Pre-Fall 2014

Nicole and Michael Colovos have created a collection that is layer on layer Helmut Lang. Signature pieces with a new element of destruction all layered in an asymmetric fashion to create yet another great collection. 

Despite it being frightfully cold in New York at the collection's preview, it is rather clear that this collection was not created in the harsh temperatures of winter but amidst a New York heat wave seeing daisy dukes, teenie bra tops and knitted tanks scattered throughout.

Layering is the key element to the story with light, soft luxe fabrics used to create multiple hems all cut at different angles exposing the unique architectural monochrome print which is used throughout to complement the black, white and navy collection.

Crisp which crepes, cut on the bias model-jerseys and super soft leathers. 

Say hello to my absolute favourite piece, the leather bomber. 

Gosh just look that that beauty. 

The signature Helmut Lang tote in complementary printed leathers now available in a new medium size. 

Photo's by Salvatore Spaltro

Although a very Helmut Lang collection, sticking to their signature oversized tailored silhouette, the layering aspect of the collection certainly brings in something new and will undoubtedly make this pre-fall 2014 just as covetable as ever.