New York fashion week: Colors & patterns

By SARA GLASSMAN, Star Tribune

Last update: September 8, 2008 - 8:26 PM

NEW YORK - For spring 2009, designers want you to put some dramatic contrasting colors and bold patterns into your wardrobe.

On day three of Fashion Week in New York, Renée Zellweger sat in the front row of the Carolina Herrera show. She surely saw plenty of gowns that would suit her red-carpet needs, such as a floaty chiffon number with an asymmetrical ruffle in marigold or possibly a black and "vanilla" gown with a face-framing portrait collar. With tailored suits for day and floaty gowns for evening, this was the designer's most vibrant and beautiful collection in seasons.

An odd couple of athletes were at Peter Som's show -- the towering tennis player Maria Sharapova sat next to petite Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin.

Som used an abstract graphic pattern, called "dune" in multiple color combinations. Sharapova pointed to a body-skimming black-and-white, short-sleeve, floral-print dress with a Swarovski crystal belt, probably for an off-the-court event.

The drama continued at Catherine Malandrino. "Dawn is one of those rare moments when you get the impression that something magical could happen to you," explained the French designer in her program. Inspired by the transition from night to day, the collection consisted of nude tones paired with black. There were lots of textures with scalloped fabrics, bold stone belts and a layer of tulle. In the morning light of Malandrino's spring, you can wear a champagne-color leather motorcycle jacket over a black cocktail dress -- quite a chic way to greet the sunrise.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7310