What They Wear: Fashion Insiders

Technically, there are still a few shows left before the major Fashion Weeks are finally finished, but we’re waving our white flags today. As part of our terms of surrender, we’ve created one last batch of the best personal style seen at the New York, London, Milan, and Paris shows. We figured that you might be curious about how industry’s key players put themselves together for the season’s many presentations and parties, so, without any further ado, we’re pleased to unveil What They Wear: Fashion Insiders!



Though she spends less time on the runway than in days of yore, Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova is still an astonishingly gorgeous part of the fashion scene. Vodianova only attended a few key shows this season, but the "Welsh Wizard" Julien MacDonald made the cut during London Fashion Week. Vodianova turned up in a gorgeous open weave vintage cardigan over the designer’s black minidress, Kova & T’s Oxy Leggings($110) with stirrups, and a twinkling patchwork pair of Giuseppe Zanotti Pumps($904.95). On the opposite end of the color spectrum, we have top stylist (and new TV star), Rachel Zoe, who selected a stunning patterned Dolce & Gabbana Long Sleeve Scarf Dress (similar to this Sleeveless Scarf Dress ($3470) at eLuxury) for the designers’ spring show. The impeccably coifed Zoe kept the rest of her outfit from completing with the silk frock by choosing a simple black patent pair of YSL’s Trib Two Pumps ($795, 212.988.3821) and an equally understated bag. (If only her assistants worked together this well…we kid, we kid!) Margherita Missoni also looked marvelous in Milan. As the ambassador for her family’s brand, Miss M wears the luxe knitwear to great effect, and her look for the Missoni S/S 09 show was in perfect keeping with this tradition. MM wore a figure-flattering pleated Missoni dress, cinched in with an interlocking woven belt, towering Versace platform heels (try Steve Madden’s Gizella Platforms ($109.95) in taupe), and a vintage pair of sunglasses. We love all the personal touches she added to the standard dress; they really take the head-to-toe look to a higher level. Speaking of perfectly selected details, let’s discuss another duo who understand the power of savvy accessorizing, Emily Current and Meritt Elliott (the genius girls behind Current/Elliott). Despite their slammed schedule of shows, they still made time for a little merrymaking. Seen here at the Intermix 15th Anniversary Party in New York, the pair reminded the world that, in addition to their breakout denim line, they’re fantastic stylists to boot, as evidenced by their own outfits. Emily (the dainty blonde on the left) chose a vintage fifties one shouldered dress from The Way We Wore, Chloe Studded Ankle Boots ($1245), a Balenciaga City Bag, and gold vintage jewelry. Her lithesome other half, Meritt Elliott, looked equally amazing in a vintage men’s shirt over LnA Leggings in black licorice ($105), a gorgeous pair of Golden Goose Chain Detail Boots ($1036), and a vintage hat and jewelry.

Of course it wouldn’t be Fashion Week without some style statement from Agyness Deyn, and the model du jour didn’t disappoint. She attended the Swarovski-sponsored after party for Giles wearing a sheer nude t-shirt and silver leather trousers fresh from the designer’s Spring 09 runway show. Her shoes were equally current and coveted: they’re next season’s Christian Louboutin for Giles of course! Another one of our favorite, formerly spotlighted subjects, GOTM Clemence Poesy, was spotted out and about during the Paris shows. The French actress showed up for the Balenciaga show in a simple, understated outfit. Naturally she showed her devotion to Nicolas Ghesquiere by wearing a past piece of his, specifically the gray wool, double-breasted, military coat that’s been seen on tastemakers like Kate Moss. Though Poésy’s jacket has long sold out, we like the similar look of Les Prairies de Paris Le Laurence Coat ($525) and or French Connection’s Stripe It Lucky Jacket ($198). Poésy might have taken the subtle approach, but we love a livelier look too, like the one that her compatriot in style, Irina Lazareanu, turned out for a New York Fashion Week party. For the V Magazine party at Mini Rooftoop NYC, Laz wore a sequined vintage top over jean shorts, and accessorized with a feathered hair band (like ban.do’s Sequined Band $150) and ankle boots. (If you enjoy her sparkle but fear it’s a bit much, check out MLH’s Louisa Peacock Sequin Dress($495).) To the right of Lazareanu, we have the ne plus ultra of chic: French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld and her gorgeous daughter, Julia Restoin Roitfeld. The pair were spotted making their entrance to the Dior show, mom in her favorite Earnest Sewn Charlotte 60 Pencil Skirt (she’s worn it all summer, $198, 877.475.5326), a nude top, and sharp, snug, striped blazer, while her offspring chose an interesting black skirt (like Samantha Pleet’s High Waisted Skirt($264) in black), ankle boots, and a black blazer (Gap’s Long Tailored Jacket($88) has a similar shape).

To conclude our Fashion Insiders coverage, we’re going to head back to New York and showcase a few of our masthead favorites (and one lovely model too). Virginia Smith, Vogue’s Fashion Market/Accessories Director was snapped at front row at Michael Kors in an excellent transitional outfit. Her Ann Demeulemeester Cropped Wool Trousers ($900) are the perfect shape for fall while her studded Balenciaga gladiators are a stylish nod to the still summery weather. We also adore the way she played her striped Sacai sweater against the wilder leopard Lanvin Bowler ($2740). Continuing on, we next have a future Model of the Moment, Australian stunner Abbey Lee. Lee cut a gothic swath at the V Magazine party in a black strapless frock, bondage heels, and blood red lipstick. Her witchy sandals remind us of some of the sex-on-stilettos footwear coming out of Nicholas Kirwood's atelier—yum! Meredith Melling Burke, Vogue’s Senior Market Editor (and our not-so-secret fashion girl crush), opted for some equally S&M-style shoes for the Calvin Klein party. The delicate blonde showed off a corseted pair of Givenchy’s Peep Toe Booties($447 on sale), worn with some shin-grazing satiny 3.1 Phillip Lim pants, similar to the designer’s Cropped Carrot Pants ($275). MMB also wore Nation LTD’s California Tee in White($63) with sleeves slightly cuffed. Our final Fashion Insider is none other than Nylon’s Style Director, Dani Stahl. Seen here making her way into the Calvin Klein Collection S/S 09 show, the downtown darling wore a very uptown selection of clothes, including a timeless YSL Tuxedo Jacket and one of fall’s must-buy shoes, YSL’s Patent Pull-On Low Boots ($1000). Stahl mixed these pieces with a basic black Calvin Klein tank, bright 3.1 Phillip Lim skirt, Versace Sunglasses, and Cartier’s Large Marcello Bag ($2350), creating a winning combination of classic and au current.