Monique Lhuillier’s aesthetics usually lends towards the dreamy, romantic, and elegant side – after all, she specializes in bridal and evening wear.  This time around though, for her Spring 2010 collection, Monique went for something more exotic and bold.  The petite L.A. based designer cited the Masai warriors of East Africa as her inspiration.  As a result, the collection showcased prints, colors, rope detailing, and intricate macramé work.  The collection also featured a lot of fringe and embellishments.  The cocktail dresses and evening gowns were elegant and beautiful, but what else would you  expect from a Lhuillier.  I suspect that we’ll be seeing a piece from this collection on the red carpet soon enough – perhaps for the upcoming Emmy’s.

On a side note, did anyone notice what was absent from this Lhuillier collection?  It was the first time Monique didn’t include a ball gown in her collection.

“The collection is inspired by the graphic wall murals of the Ndebele tribe in South Africa, with a Maude Lebowski take on styling so we created a bold, graphic lip in violet.” – Llyod Simmonds

FACE

• MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer and Select Cover-up Concealer - applied with MAC 190 Foundation Brush to create a matte finish on the skin
• MAC Prep + Prime Powder - applied to set the skin
• MAC PRO Taupe Powder Blush – brushed under cheekbones to contour

EYES

• MAC PRO Taupe Powder Blush – blended over the eyelids and along the lower lash line
• MAC Coquette Eye Shadow – applied to the crease of the eyelids
• MAC Clear Brow Set – brushed up through the brows

LIPS

• MAC PRO Lipmix in White, Burgundy, Blue and Red - blended together and applied to the lips to create a matte, opaque violet lip

top: Proenza Schouler

pants: Phi

shoes: Alexandre Birman

“It’s all about the individual.  The look is finished but not made up.” – Lisa Butler

FACE

• MAC Mineralize SPF15 Foundation – applied to the skin where needed and under eyes with 217 Blending Brush

EYES

• MAC Zoom Lash in Zoomblack – applied to lash line as a messy but chic liner with 205 Mascara Fan Brush
• MAC Zoom Lash in Zoomblack – applied to upper and lower lashes

LIPS

• MAC Lip Conditioner – matted down onto lips with sponge

What was the most buzzed about show so far of this week’s New York Fashion Week?  Alexander Wang’s.  The 25 year old, Northern California native and 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner presented his Spring 2010 collection to a packed house.  As per Alexander Wang’s usual, there were blacks and the focus was on sportswear.  Pieces evoked various sporty feels, running the gamut from boxing to rugby to football.  There was also a lot khakis, perhaps resulting from his collaboration with the Gap.

who: Chickdowntown

what: 25% off of everything

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when: now – 9.15.09

where: Chickdowntown

We already saw Carrie’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) Flashdance inspired outfit in what appears to be an 80s flashback.  Now we get a glimpse of what the whole gang was like in the 80s.  Carrie is naturally working a Madonna-esque outfit, while Charlotte (Kristen Davis) was all yuppied out, complete with the headband, sweater tied the shoulders, and pom pom socks.  Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) was rocking a Working Girl look with her big shoulder pads and suit and sneakers combo.  And what about that bowl cut?  Samantha (Kim Cattrall) was all punk rock, complete with big 80s hair.  Which Sex and the City’s 80s transformation is your favorite?

jumpsuit: Stella McCartney

shoes: Stella McCartney