New York Fashion Week: Nicole Miller Spring 2011

Okay, Glamazons, I'm excited.

Remember when I said Nicole Miller presents collection after collection of fabulous, but predictable, ruched dresses? Well, she surprised and thrilled me this season with a line devoid of her signature ruching. What showed instead were breathlessly beautiful garments which embodied the motif of ease and grace that will define the upcoming Spring season.

Silhouttes were fluid with airy yet fitted lines that were full of brevity. White was a strong trend (in several collections like BCBGMaxAzria and Port 1961 as well) but here, we see the hue in great separates that provide a tailored yet effortless fit on the body. Highlights were the sharp bone and beige trench coats and vests that brought structure to fluid sheer dresses and tops.

Miller experimented with sheer fabric in the most elegant way, creating sex appeal with an air of sophistication. This delights me as it shows that even though she's used new fabrics and experimented with a different aesthetic, she hasn't lost her penchant for creating sultry, womanly garments. This fact will surely delight her more trendy fans like Cassie, Keisha Whitaker and June Ambrose who filled the front row (pics below).

Prints were also a theme on the Nicole Miller runway with gorgeous blue and white watercolor and black and white painterly patterns showing up on languid, draped dresses.

The look is much more refined than previous seasons but garments, like the sheer top and skirt shown here on Rose Cordero, are packed with Miller's signature edge, youthfulness and femininity. I'm so impressed with this collection. Bravo!

Love the sleek, colorblocked heels!

Here's Nicole Miller backstage with the models.

What do you think of the line?

And check out the fashionable front row:

Cassie and Keisha Whitaker, wife of Forest Whitaker and co-owner of Kissable Couture with Celebrity Makeup Artist, A.J. Crimson made for a gorgeous front row.

Miss Cassie chose a sexy little black dress for the festivities.

Love Keisha Whitaker but not my favorite fashion moment from her.

Kisses,

Coutura

Countdown to New York Fashion Week: Nicole Miller, Rebecca Taylor, Milly and Elie Tahari Fall 2010

Hey Glamazons,

With Fashion Week on the horizon, some of my favorite designers are offering sneak peeks to their collection and revealing the inspiration behind the looks. Check out sketches from some of New York Fashion Week's best below. I'm so excited to see the full collections when they debut in the coming weeks! And stay tuned because, of course, I'll be sharing them with you!

Rebecca Taylor

"The fall 2010 collection was inspired by a mixture of 70’s Parisian attitude and an urban New York City girl.  With a renewed love for classic sportswear, silhouettes have been re-worked with a twist to give subtle edge on signature feminine designs.  The palette includes dusty hues and new neutrals contrasted with military olives and hints of old gold.  Fabrics are washed to provide a worn, overly-loved appeal and are combined with cashmere wool suits, leopard faux furs and down quilted coats, together giving this collection an affordable luxe quality."

Nicole Miller

The inspiration for Nicole Miller's upcoming collection comes from the "street." In an exciting departure from her signature dresses (seen in her Spring 2010 collection), Nicole Miller is venturing into menswear territory. This sketch reveals a style that's posh and polished with smart shapes and clean lines.

Elie Tahari

"My fall 2010 collection is homage to the great women who traveled the globe in style." – Elie Tahari, Designer

Milly

“For my fall collection, the artsy, chic girls of Paris’ Left Bank are my inspiration, in a combination of luxe fabrics, clever techniques and cool attitude.” – Michelle Smith, Designer

What do you think of the sketches? What collection are you most excited to see? Let us know, and check out The Glamazons Blog daily for Fashion Front Row and Beauty Backstage coverage.

Kisses,

Coutura

Nicole Miller Spring 2010 Show with Amber Rose, Ciara and Amerie

Hey Glamazons!

After jetting back to the office to get cover credits and blog for ESSENCE.com, I finally made it back out to the tents for the Nicole Miller show. And take my word for it, it was the right show to attend. Besides the star sightings, which we'll get to later, I was excited to see Nicole Miller venture beyond fitted dresses with rouching.

The collection was still sexy, sleek and streamlined, but with a fresh, sporty turn. Sheer necklines, cut-outs, one-shoulder necklines, color-blocking and vibrant graphic prints added to the new, fashion-forward aesthetic. Additionally, while most designers veered in the direction of soft hues like blush and gray, Miller presented chic, wearable dresses in oceanic tones.

What's more? Instead of relegating herself to dresses, Nicole Miller designed an assortment of sequined miniskirts and shorts (paired with sultry sheer blouses) and a phenomenal pair of harem pants that fit the model like a glove (paired with a sequined tank). P.S. If you read my guide to harem pants this summer, these are the right harem pants to buy! Here are faves plus a video:

Nicole Miller came out at the end of the show.

The front row of the Nicole Miller show proved to be as exciting as the collection itself. Dressed fittingly in black, edgy looks, Ciara, Amber Rose and Amerie looked like they could be a part of the show.

Ciara was sexy and sleek in a Nicole Miller dress. She told me she was excited to see the show since Nicole Miller is always "young, fashionable and fun," which is right up Ciara's alley.

Amber Rose showed up, sans Kanye West, in a form-fitting blazer and leggings accented with a statement link necklace.

Damon Dash made an appearance as well, bopping along to the music and taking a moment to pose with fans.

In over-the-knee boots, a sheer dress and a sleek blazer, Amerie, Ciara and Amber Rose, respectively, made for a fashionable front row.

Kisses,

Coutura

Front Row Photo: Getty Images.