Day Five with fashion blogger Textstyles.ca behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, Fall 2011

Photography by Stefania Yarhi

Keri Hilson, Kanye West and Vanessa Hudgens at Jeremy Scott

8:30 am: It’s getting harder to wake up. This morning my feet feel like lead weights. But gotta get to the tents!
9:10 am: First show is
Yigal Azrouel. Love the collegiate vibe: Tailored suiting, knits with tails, tuxedo pants and, naturally, plenty of layering. The palette was so beautifully neutral, but I adored the electric pops of colour (reminds me of
Jil Sander‘s spring show). An orange car coat is calling my name…
Stefania… (Don’t clothes whisper your name?)
10:00 am: Searching for a coffee that isn’t Starbucks. This has been my other mission for fashion week: the  great
Americano. So far,
niente.
11:30 am: Work, work, and more work. My fingers ache.
1:00 pm: Now for
Jeremy Scott, I’m expecting the usual London street-inspired day-glo brights and the man did not disappoint. Riffing on Coca-Cola branding, his logos, on red sequined dresses, was cheeky: "Every One is GOD."  Then came the candy-raver sweaters and mile-high platforms stomping down the runway. His shows are about the spectacle and everyone knows it and loves it. The finale was my favourite:  a blue  skin tight, floor-length gown with the Superwoman crest and a 10 foot red cape/train. Sitting front row, was
Kanye "
I don’t do photos anymore" West.

Superwoman finale gown at Jeremy Scott

1:45 pm: Head up to Chelsea where I’ve got some time to kill before the next presentation. Thankfully I find a great pub,
The Half King to watch Barcelona vs. Arsenal. You have no idea how well
football compliments fashion. Ok, not really, but it’s nice to have a moment outside the din.
4:15  pm: On the 21st floor of the Chelsea Arts Tower
Devi Kroell showcased her new accessories line:
Dax Gabler. Inspired by her Tyrolean grandmother, Kroell worked with traditional Tyrolean costuming: very hunter/gatherer. Hand-knit, wool cardigans were cozy and totally layer-worthy.  The bags, oh the bags… Saddlebags and totes in leather and (?) crocodile. Perfect for the urban warrior.

Dax Gabler Presentation

8:00 pm: Dinner at the French brasserie beside my hotel—french fare and some french conversation.

10:30 pm: Heading down to the Bowery Hotel, where the party is at the side-entrance and you need a password (Velour!) I love fashion week.

12:45 pm: The party decides to move elsewhere and so do I. ‘Night.

Read more of Textstyles.ca Adventures at New York Fashion Week here.