NEW YORK, NEW YORK
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK, the first of the big four, hits Manhattan's Bryant Park today for eight days of non-stop shows from some of the world's biggest designers - as well as a crop of exciting new talent. Alongside the likes of
Diane Von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors, British label Preen is showing its second New York collection this season, while
Jonathan Saunders holds his inaugural Stateside show on Sunday afternoon. Other collections making their debut are the much-anticipated revivals of
Hervé Léger by Max Azria and Halston, which, albeit being hosted in a smaller venue, will be the one-to-watch for its stellar celebrity front-row. New talent we are looking forward to includes the debut solo collection from
ex-Trovata designers Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos, who are making a move from the West Coast to New York for show season with their new line Shipley & Halmos. We are told to expect the clean cuts that the designers are known for but with less preppy style - think high-waisted shorts and silk bow appliqués. Charlotte Ronson (Mark's sister), reveals a collection inspired by Jane Birkin - already a favourite with Nicole Richie and the Olsens - with extra kudos for having a soundtrack mixed by her twin sister, Hollywood DJ Samantha Ronson, for the show. Finally,
new designer Frank Tell takes his inspiration from Sixties icon Penelope Tree, geometric art and French cinema - and has French
Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld's daughter Julia as his art director (she designed the invitation). Click back daily to read our expert front row reports and see all the photos, just off the catwalks. (January 31 2008, AM)
Ally Pyle vogue.co.uk