I have to admit that it took me a while to get this post written because I could not help but obsess over Alexandre Herchcovitch’s collection. The collection was filled with inspiration pulled from traditional folk costume of Russia and it’s neighboring Georgia, Armenia and Turkey. The old-world looks had a punk/tribal twist to it, with lavish embellishments of hardware, paillettes, rhinestones and intricate embroidery.

NYFW10 Alexandre Herchcovitch: Short-sleeved coats in grey and punked-out plaid

NYFW10 Alexandre Herchcovitch: Tribal style with Turkish-inspired geometric all-over print vest, pant, and jacket with slashed jumper.

The color scheme played out in the beginning as grey, mauve, and slate. It then jumped to red in the form of plaid and Turkish geometric patterns, followed by a rosette ornament print with shades of teal, burgundy, navy and yellow. The show ended with black ensembles of different fabrics and structures that were often adorned with black trim, beading and paillettes. The 21st and 22nd looks of the collection were pieces to drool over. They feature crochet work, the 21st being a top with a fur-trimmed circle skirt, and the 22nd being an a-line dress in which the crochet stitches thickened as it worked it’s way into a hem.

NYFW10 Alexandre Herchcovitch: Russian-inspired look and crocheted dress

The collection consisted of dresses, outerwear and pant/blouse or skirt/blouse separates. You’d often catch the sleeve of a mesh top peeking from under the vests and short-sleeve coats, or fishnets as a juxtaposition to the sweetness of a dress. All looks however were matched with a head wrap or band draped with chains, braids and baubles around the face. In a word, the collection was fierce (and I actually hate using that word!)

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Images: Style.com, Corbis.com, MBFashionweek.com

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Rosa Cha Fall/Winter 2010 collection

Sure, Fall/Winter collections are usually associated with muted colour palettes of blacks, greys, and browns, maybe some navy – but not at São Paulo Fashion Week, and definitely not on the Rosá Cha runway! The first collection shown in Brazil since the departure of founder Amir Slama last year was a highly anticipated one, and new Creative Director Alexandre Herchcovitch didn’t disappoint.

Taking a step forward with the addition of more elaborate tailored work, Herchcovitch injects a fresh aesthetic while not losing sight of the label’s roots, stating that “this is a fundamental moment for us to be able to use the brand’s DNA in a larger number of pieces that go from fitness, spa, and the beach, to outwear.”

The designer mixes colourful full-length printed body suits with lingerie-inspired pieces while adding references to the beach and the feminine body. High-waisted bottoms, pin-up girl tops paired with cute swim caps give a nod to the past.

M.I.S.S. NYFW: Rosa Cha Spring 2010—Mr Sean Paul himself posted up in the front row!

With creative direction headed by Brazil’s Alexandre Herchcovitch, a catwalk debut modelled by Chanel Iman and Mr Sean Paul himself posted up in the front row, Rosa Cha’s Spring 2010 swimwear collection was set to make an impression on the crowd at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

M.I.S.S. NYFW: Rosa Cha Spring 2010

Embracing a more retro approach to swimwear for spring, Rosa Cha’s collection boasted a bold splash of vibrant colour, with pieces featuring in orange, yellow and pastel blue along with the ever classic black and white combinations. Polka dots and diagonal stripes claimed the runway for this collection, strategically teamed with less bolder pieces to balance things out perfectly. A creative addition to this collection were the woven pieces, an intricate spin on modern swimwear cuts – definitely the stand out pieces for me.

M.I.S.S. NYFW: Rosa Cha Spring 2010

With a great emphasis on flattering cuts for this line I was pleased to see high waisted and one piece swimwear hit the catwalk, along with bandeau and halterneck pieces tailored well to fit women not only of Chanel Iman’s stature, but us curvier women as well.

Eyes To The Sky: Sheer Delight. See Through To The Future in 2010. Left to Right: Philosophy, VPL, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Marc Jacobs, and Jill Stuart

To sheer or not to sheer….but never too Cher a lá her Turn Back Time days. The catwalks were full of peeks of  skin for SS10, from small panels to full on sheer pieces, layered on or used as a delicate barrier between your skin and the elements. Sheer fabrications look great when layered with more sheer fabrics, creating varied colors and shadowing. Sheer tops are a great way to work-in another trend…lingerie, without your goodies being totally out. Sheer fabrics add a level of lady to your look when soft or flowing and up your sexy quota when nice and tight. How will you wear your sheer?

Eyes To The Sky: Sheer Delight. See Through To The Future in 2010. Left to Right: 3.1 Philip Lim, Roberto Cavali, BCBG Max Azria, United Bamboo and Zac Posen.

Alexandre Herchcovitch S/S 2010

So to be completely honest I was extremely nervous reporting on this year’s Fashion Week.  But after getting a chance to look at the Alexandre Herchcovitch pieces I became slightly comfortable and said, just be honest and say what you think because after all this is an interpretative art.

Sports inspired elements from the satin of boxers’ robes, to knee-high tube socks added a collegiate feel to the collection that was nicely offset by the vibrant color palette. Most of the designs bordered right above the knee, so it was an automatic win in my book. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the clever balance between the model and her space -  Herchcovitch put the focused the viewers attention on the clothing by removing all distractions like big hair pieces and high heels.

Alexandre Herchcovitch S/S 2010

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Jelly shoes have sure come a long way since the 80’s! Thanks to original Brazilian jelly brands Melissa and Alexandre Herchcovitch , the jelly has gone through many transformations and has become its own category in footwear.

This year luxury designers are hopping on the jelly trend and are not disappointing! Earlier this month I reported about the F08 collabo between Melissa X Vivienne Westwood. Muito quente! If your jonesing for some designer jelly shoes now, no need to fret because some of our favorite brands are offering up their own version of the jelly this spring.

Top Right: Gucci, $150, Top Left: Givenchy, $165, Bottom Right: Fendi, $175, Bottom Left: Marc Jacobs, $160

And remember, aside from being super cute and affordable, jellies are waterproof and vegan friendly!