Natalie Suarez (right) and friend

During the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference I mingled with a slew of established and new bloggers who were there to gain some stylish social media insights while also strutting their stuff. These ladies (and gentlemen) KNOW fashion and weren’t afraid to experiment with it either. A huge trend seemed to be prints– the wilder the better. There were also LOTS of gorgeous and eccentric accessories on hand and of course killer heels to match. I even got a shot of the lovely Natalie Suarez of the blog, Natalie Off Duty.

Black and white prints are always a chic & classy look.

Bright colored pants un-mute a casual style.

Even though we’re in the city, western wear is always a playful look.

Take the eye’s attention where you want it to go, loud pants and sheerness show of their assets.

Now who’s ready to kick their style up a notch?

The model lit up the room in an orange bodycon dress making paparazzi lose their minds, but she was the only woman they had their eyes on. Mega actresses Uma Thurman, Naomi Watts, Chloe Moretz, and Ashley Greene were also front row in graceful minimalistic Calvin Klein dresses. Opposite the celebrities were power editors Anna Wintour, Hamish Bowles, and Grace Coddington. If that wasn’t enough, we also saw Bryan Boy seated behind Joe Zee, Brad Goreski chatting it up with Nina Garcia, and of course Rachel Zoe in attendance.

With a seated Lara everyone was wondering who was going to be opening the show. It was none other than the fresh faced Josefien Rodermans in a nude slip dress. Following her, models came out in an onslaught of nude pieces that echoed sexy lingerie. Strategically pleated skirts and collarless jackets complimented by t strap stilettos were seen throughout the show. It appears a trend creative director Francisco Costa is aiming to return are deep v necklines. Overall his minimalistic pieces all had a sprinkling of sexuality to them. Many of the looks easily translate from the office to the bedroom, yet in true CK form, they remain completely classy while doing so. Although, there are a few that clearly scream subtle seductress.

The CK minimalism followed suit all the way up to the hair and makeup looks donned by each model. Beauty artistry dream team, makeup artist Pat McGrath and hair stylist Guido Palau, were responsible for each model’s delicate appearance. And who were these stunning young beauties? Along with Rodermans, we spotted Nimue Smit, Emily Baker, Hanne Gaby Odiele, and Julia Nobis on the runway.

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[images via Calvin Klein]

via Getty Images

Commencing with a tribal style instrumental version of the favored Adele tune, Karmen Pedaru opened the show in sage shorts and a complimenting large linen sage serape with Simon Nessman (both current faces of the brand). The audience was immediately taken on a voyage to Africa with the laid back high fashion looks that were described as, “Afriluxe.” The designer’s use of rustic textures, leopard and snakeskin prints alongside flowing silhouettes evoked a wildness in everyone. The music switched up to Florence + The Machine’s “Drumming Song” and these feelings carried over to the menswear, which consisted of a utilitarian on vacation vibe. Cargo pants, olive hues, and messenger bags were seen throughout on the male models.

Karmen Pedaru with Simon Nessman opening Michael Kors

A few standout pieces included a leopard hand painted feathered shift dress rocked by Daphne Groeneveld (left), an ivory wind coat and matching swimsuit worn by Karolina Kurkova (center), and an olive linen hand dyed trench on Karlie Kloss (right). However, it was an impala python print swimsuit which really got everyone’s taste buds slithering.

Kors’ all star model lineup also included Arizona Muse, Erin Wasson, Jourdan Dunn, Izabel Goulart, Liu Wen, Lindsey Wixson, Fei Fei Sun, Frida Gustavsson, Hilary Rhoda, and Hanne Gaby Odiele. Their pulled back hair and natural makeup looks perfectly coupled the raw jungle aesthetic. Hair stylist Orlando Pita and makeup artist Dick Page took care of all of the models backstage.

Kors is a designer who has worked hard for his achievements, but continues to stay true to his chic sporty look that the world has come to adore. So I ask… Who’s ready to go on safari?

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Celebrities on hand to celebrate the styles included Ashlee Simpson, who was seated between Katie Cassidy and Jessica Szohr, and sitting opposite to them was LeAnn Rimes. I’m sure the men in their lives will be thankful they came to this show. Simpson showed off a severely short new do, while country singer Rimes graciously smiled for photographers.

The tone of the collection overall felt futuristic as models walked the runway to earshot techno beats. I later found the designer was going for the “Golden Age of Americana.” Unless the “Americana” he’s talking about involves scantily clad models reflecting opulence and dominance? I’m not sure he’s on point with that one. Although, with all the headline making scandals, I suppose it could be true. Azria also had an architectural influence, which translated to his color palatte consisting of neutrals and blacks that were complimented by gold and metal accents. Major industrial hardware for some seriously smoking dresses! All of his fringed accents added a touch of playfulness along with sparking sexuality.

On the runway models Daga Ziober, Nimue Smit, Marike Le Roux, and Herieth Paul donned the sultry looks. Their slicked back up-do’s were created by hair stylist Neil Moodie for Bumble & bumble. All of the models had natural makeup looks and shinned on the runway’s lights thanks to makeup artist Lisa Butler from Temptu Pro.

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The venue’s large open space was soon filled with fashion forward guests including Anna Dello Russo, Carine Roitfeld, the youthful Julia Restoin Roitfeld, and Franca Sozzani. Bloggers Bryan Boy and Susie Bubble were spotted and of course Rumi Neely wasn’t too far behind. A few minutes prior to the show’s commencement, Gerard Butler was escorted from backstage and the photogs (and females) went crazy.

Once the show commenced thunderous beats turned eyes to the catwalk where heavy metal metallics were all the rage. Arising from backstage silver metallics were taking over; the men’s and women’s looks we’re so bold they couldn’t be ignored. A plethora of silver metallic pieces were followed by pink and forest green reflecting garments. The detailing was a real stand out, as were the shoes which brought the metallic trend to the toes. Like shards of glass coming at you, each new ensemble was breathtaking and inspiring– which is exactly what the collection intended to do.

“As the world becomes increasingly complex, Diesel Black Gold’s new collection proposes light and reason. Fashion becomes utilitarian and optimistic. Instead of looking inward, it sets out to explore.” said the brand.

Models Erjona Ala, Karmen Pedaru, Maryna Linchuk, and Kate King were glistening in the metallic clothing. Their natural hair and makeup looks were done by industry dream team, makeup artist Pat McGrath and hair stylist extraordinaire Guido Paulo.

Thanks to Diesel, I’m ready to get my shine on!

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Rooftop parties are always a hit, especially during fashion week, and particularly when they involve chic attire. Flooding on to the roof of the Empire guests got intimate with designer Walter Baker’s new collection. Opting for a presentation, models towered above on pedestals for the showing. The designer is all about the details when it comes to his urban line, WALTER. Made with the city girl in mind, the clothing had immaculate detailing and playful accents that upgraded them from casual to edgy. “My clothes tend to attract uptown girls with a downtown sensibility” said Baker. You don’t have to be a good girl gone bad to rock the pieces either, some looks were simplistic, while others were much more daring.

Complimenting each ensemble were the makeup looks done by Ricardo Rojas Salon. Winged tipped eyeliner and coral lips really are the perfect summer beauty combo. Completing the ensemble were Michael Antonio shoes in nude and black hues.

It was a gorgeous out and we were excited to spot America’s Next Top Model alumna Jaslene Gonzales (above right) along with Real Housewives of New York‘s Alex & Simon van Kempen.

See more of the even in the photo gallery below.

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True Blood's Joe Manganiello next to Tyler Ellis, daughter of Perry Ellis

Once the house lights dimmed the audience adverted their eyes to the catwalk, where neutral hued pieces constructed from lightweight linen and cotton were center stage. The collection was relaxed and casual, but I was inspired to see how color blocking made its way onto some shirts. Everything was simultaneously modern and classy, yet sportswear chic at the same time.

The audience started howling once again when the models hit the stage sans shirts for the show’s finale. Earshot applause for both the clothing and the guys was all that could be heard. Post-show Manganiello didn’t pull an Anna Wintour and dart off, instead he was mobbed by females who wanted to sink their teeth into him.

While there were highlights before and at the close of the show, the garments continued to receive positive praise (and not just because of who was wearing them). Oh and if you’re wondering, the boys in the video are rockin’ the brand’s “desert floral trunk.”

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Claws out…Carlos Miele‘s “immersive landscape” collection for spring/summer 2012 is perfect for any mature well to do socialite who’s looking to holiday in St. Barts. Miele went for organic prints with a natural twist. There were vivid oranges and sea cliff hues, along with fluid black and white prints that evoked movement.

The gowns were crafted from silks and ciffon, which hung naturally against each model’s silhouette. If you’re really looking to bring out your inner cougar, the designer of course showed some flashier pieces accented by gold leather belts, which you can see in the finale video below.

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Designer Custo Dalmau envisioned the brand’s spring/sumer 2012 collection to be “Tripolar”. Consisting of three groups, each with their own theme, the show’s audience became acquainted with Dual (androgynous looks), Kaleidoscopio (patchwork fabrics), and Mirame (3D technology). The categories might as well have been named Ecstasy, Acid, and Shrooms because that’s what they felt like.

Given the brand is well known for their psychedelic style, they took the concept to a whole new level with a 3-demensional aspect of their show. Some show goers had 3D glasses on hand to see the fabric of the Mirame grouping which was made using 3D techniques. The very few members of the audience who did have glasses didn’t seem to know when to wear them or why they had them. Talk about a miscommunication, the seemingly “cool” 3D feature was completely missed. (Next time give EVERYONE glasses.)

What wasn’t missed were the outrageous clothes and the even wilder shoes. What I like to call “stegosaurus shoes” (due to their dinosaur-like strips on the heel) were a major crowd pleaser. The dinosaur shoes complimented futuristic prints that I don’t even know how to describe because I’ve never used any hallucinating drugs.

Jurassic Park wouldn’t even know what to do with this collection because it was all over the place.

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“Evening is all about sexy sihouettes, open backs, cut-outs with lace insets, and graphic prints infused with cadmium yellow and cobalt blue” Lhuillier said of the collection.

The garments were practically made for the front row, which included Mandy Moore, LeAnn Rimes (with her boo), Emily Current, and Meritt Elliott –all very fit ladies with trendy styles. Although, you (and I) may want to pick up some dumbbells before sliding into her slinky spring clothes. A few pieces which stood out in my mind were black and blue color blocked dresses which were very tight on the body. Before wearing them I think I’d need the gym to turn me black & blue first.

Model Erjona Ala opened the show in a cyan blue strapless corset seamed cocktail dress and I also took note of Nimue Smit and Daiane Conterato on the catwalk. All of the girls walking in the show had ponytail hair done by Odile Gilbert and dark lined eyes thanks to makeup artist Val Garland.

The collection was phenomenal, but too bad it doesn’t come with a gym membership.

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