Rebecca Taylor & Milly: Fashion Week Inspiration

Pictured: A Collection of Fashion sketches by JulieLik on Polyvore.com

Fashion Week is just around the corner. Literally, it is next week in New York City. I am excited to go to Bryant Park for the last Fashion Week to be held there in the tents. To me, fashion has long been inspiring. And that continues in the midst of the economic challenges that we face. I still enjoy looking at a beautiful dress, a chic silhouette and at this time of year a colorful “topper” in the form of a coat, jacket or shawl. Today, I heard from a few of the designers about what inspires their 2010 collections. I thought it might be fun to share their thoughts and sketches. When you pick out their clothes to express yourself, and your own point of view, its interesting to know the “back story” about their creation. There are always pieces of art, nature or places that influenced the designer in the creative process.

Here is what influences a few of my favorites.

Rebecca Taylor: This New Zealand designer designer dazzles me with her romantic and whimsical looks. I have loved her Lord Byron type lacy shirts and muted pastel colors. Her clothing is sold at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and Barney’s New York. Look for her clothing for less at the Barney’s Warehouse sale (now in downtown Los Angeles), Gilt Groupe and Loehmanns. And of yes, the annual Saks end of season sales.

Pictured: A sketch from Rebecca Taylor’s Fall 2010 Collection.

Rebeca says, ” 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.”

I can’t wait to see this collection at her runway show! Yes, I have an invite. Good enough for Sarah Jessica Parker, good enough for The Recessionista. High five for the democratization of fashion!

Milly is the adorable feminine brainchild of designer Michelle Smith. The super stylish Michelle worked at Paris fashion houses Hermès and Dior. So its no surprise that Paris inspires her collection. She says, “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.”

Bring me a Cafe au Lait someone! 🙂 Mily is sold at stores like Bergdrof Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. In 2009, Dr. Jill Bidden wore $360.00 US Milly dress to the Inauguration Day lunch. Last year, Michelle Smith took a recessionista stance by lowering prices on her line by 10%. She is very aware of the current challenges for designers and the deep discounting necessary to get the clothes off the racks and into the hands of customers. For deals on Milly check the the racks of high-end consignment stores. Neiman Marcus sells Milly for less at their annuals sale. Loehmann’s is another good source for savings on Milly.