New York Fashion Week: Michael Angel Fall 2010

Before The Show: The scene was pretty calm for noon at the tents. Same faces, fur coats, and sequined berets (why [screaming] oh why has this become a trend??) milling around waiting for the show to begin. I killed most of my time staring at the backdrop - a kind of Rorschach cracked earth in black and white. I saw the desert in it. And also my mother.



Overheard In The Crowd: One man to another as the first model walked: "These girls are like Apple. There's a new model every six months."




Celebs: Sean Lennon accompanied by Charlotte Kemp Muhl in a hooded Angel creation. And Kelly Osbourne with lace gloves and a drop kick dog.



The Collection: There was a lot of grey, dusty rose, black, and muted purple. Gathered tulip skirts were frequent, showing off dramatic, stiff, intentionally disheveled draping. They were paired with fitted mohair jackets (some flared at the waist), and long leather gloves. The look was reminiscent of a Mad Men secretary curating the MOMA. As the show progressed, Angel introduced skintight printed dresses in the same cracked pattern as on the wall, but filled in with a watercolor-esque combination of colors.



Trend Spotting: Belts, belts, everywhere belts. Also leather gloves, slight shoulder definition, and sharp prints.

Overall Impression: Angel succeeded in deconstructing a typical feminine aesthetic without making it sloppy. However, there was certainly a disconnect between the first solid looks and the final patterned frocks. Effortless transition was not his strong point this season.