Roving Reporter: Qasimi

After running to the wrong venue (I went to the party venue rather than the show, stupid I know), I finally made it to the Qasimi show in Baker Street this afternoon. I'm tired and the great news is- it's only day two.

I love the way designers are using the location of their shows to develop an idea or concept in their show. Last season, Stefano Pilati showed his collection for YSL in a cage like space, linking to this season's most talked about 'cage shoe'. Today the show was in an old church, developing the gothic influences.


It's hard to believe that design duo, H. H Khalid bin Sultan and Elliott J. Freeze, only started their brand in August 2007. Their debut collection in February for sping/summer 2009 receieved raving reviews, making the brand a firm favourite amongst fashion industry insiders. Erin O'Conner made another appearance on the catwalk for the duo, after convincing her to walk for their debut spring/summer collection.


The duo definately know how to work with a trend, run with and make it even better. The collection referenced the dark romance and 90s goth influences that has been doing the rounds over the past week. Leather appeared in abundance on dramatic multi layer dresses, waistcoats and on headwear. Menswear was exquisite. Male models were dressed in slim line tuxedo jackets layered over a black waistcoat and shirt.


It's not surprising that Khalid is architecturally trained. The detail in the corsetry on the dresses and the designers experimentation with leather was exquisite, not to mention the major Harry Winston blingage that was going on.

It was refreshing to see a brand not fall victim to the pressure the economy is having on designers. The collection was far from understated and the design duo were not apologetic about it. Qasimi is definatelty "luxury without compromise". "The brand has a classic air to it but the cut and fit is very contemporary- pure lines which posses a high degree of sophistication and elegance" says Khalid.

Roving Reporter: Badgley Mischka

While everyone is reverting to refined glamour, Mark Badgley and James Mischka, the duo behind super brand Badgley Mischka, served us with a dose of full on glamour this morning in New York. “It never makes sense to do something that we’re not about” says Badgley, sharing a similar sentiment to Matthew Williamson, who also stuck to his guns and went against the grain at his show this morning.

The collection was a well edited mix of understated elegant day time looks in all black, and full on glamorous evening dresses, many of which will undoubtedly be making a red carpet appearance this weekend at the Oscars.

The show started with very sophisticated black statement pieces. Coats and dresses were all nipped in at the waist and teamed with simple black necklaces and patent clutch and totes, building on the ladylike elegant trend that has been building in New York over the last few days.   The feel of the first few looks was very elegant without trying too hard. Silhouettes were clean and timeless and presented wardrobe staples like the shift dress that will easily take you from season to season.

Despite retaining their glamorous aesthetic where most designers are pulling back due to the economic climate, the duo did serve us with a very wearable collection that will definitely have the buyers bringing out their cheque books.

Black looks were interestingly prevalent in the beginning of the show, emphasising the infrequent burst of gold and silver on some of the key evening looks.

So not to disappoint, the last part the show showcased what Badgley Mischka do so well. Evening dresses in beautiful jewel tones made the front row swoon with the immense attention to detail on the folds and draping.

The collection was solid and definitely the most sophisticated collection we’ve seen from New York yet this season.