Ladies and gentlemen, it’s NY Fashion Week. And let me start with one of my favorite designers, Diane von Furstenberg. This woman of many facets, recently inducted into the Seventh Avenue Fashion Walk of Fame, was inspired by former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland when creating her Spring 09 collection. In a celebration of ‘rock goddesses’, von Furstenberg presented an array of floral prints, sequins and flimsy chiffons. “She walks where she wants her life to go…firmly on the heels of her wooden wedges with a slouchy bag swung over her shoulder or a sharp trousee clutched with attitude,” the designer said of her muse in her notes to the stylists. 

 

 

 Diana Vreeland—- 

 

The show consisted mostly of breezy dresses with ruffles and lace, along with super-sized bags decorated with beads and floral motifs. Actress Veruschka von Lehndorff served as inspiration for the models’ makeup and Gucci Westman, head makeup artist, achieved the icon’s signature look by using glistening, light pink lip color and white eyeliner.

 

   Veruschka—- 

 

The models strut down the runway with their hair flowing loosely, decorated with flowers and feathers. Patchwork dresses, sequined tuxedo shorts, and pieces embellished with leaves, butterflies, flowers and other frenzied images gave this collection an idiosyncratic glamour worthy of the ‘Summer of Love’. Hippie chic is back, and von Furstenberg seems to lead the way. “The new freedom I hope is in the air,” said the designer. And it certainly was.