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Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Owns Fashion Week

by Tamara on February 17, 2010

in AUTO NEWS, FEATURED, Mercedes-Benz, New York City, fashion, luxury cars

courtesy: Mercedes-Benz

The first brand the fashion industry types came across was not Halston, Rodarte or Marc Jacobs. That distinction belonged to the event’s title sponsor whose logo was plastered on closeups cutaway shots at Bryant Park. It was Fall 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the last season for the Bryant Park Tents. At the overcrowded tents, the traffic-stopping Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Mercedes-Benz E-Cabriolet managed to cut a sharp figure.  For those who wandered close enough to take a peek, product specialists were on hand to provide details about both cars’ nifty features, which go on sale later this year, as they waited to be harangued into the show of the hour at the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fall Fashion Week.

The view from Mercedes-Benz seats at Tadashi Shoji, Feb. 15, 2010

While some would argue that fashionable women and men could care less about cars, it’s undeniable that the title sponsor adds to the ambiance — hinting at a world where the finer things in life are indeed still a possibility. As the dirge of shows commenced,  details were being finalized for the automaker to expand their roll even further when the New York Fashion Week moves permanently to Lincoln Center in September for Spring Fashion Week 2011. “The important piece is to relate the brand to the style, the quality and the craftsmanship of Fashion Week,” said Lisa Holladay, Manager, Brand Experience Marketing at Mercedes-Benz USA, who has overseen the German automaker’s relationship since signing on for sponsorship in 2008. “We’re in discussion over a multiple year contract. It’s a very important platform for us and we planning to grow that on a more meaningful level. Lincoln Center will be great because of the fact that we have big sexy cars to move, and it makes it easier for us to actually drive the cars.”

Eric Villency, Manager of Brand Experience Marketing Lisa Holladay, and Adam Paige of Mercedes-Benz attend Fashion Week Spring 2010 presented by Mercedes-Benz at Bryant Park on September 12, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

The fashion industry, faced with cost-cutting measures, is particularly reliant on sponsor dollars and the Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer program (featuring past pairings with Yigal Azrouël, Chado Ralph Rucci, Badgley Mischka, Diane Von Furstenberg, 3.1 phillip lim, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and  Narciso Rodriguez) carries a certain amount of cache. This season, the program centered on the pairing of Rodarte and Alexander Wang’s collections with photographer Nick Knight’s SHOWStudio — a well-placed tie-in for an automaker that strives to highlight its technical prowess.


During Fashion Week, Mercedes found clever ways to connect with prospective customers through invite-only online groups such as  Generation Benz. Selected members were invited to Bryant Park to witness the action up close from the vantage point of the Mercedes-Benz backstage lounge. “Mercedes-Benz owners put an importance on fashion. Fashion indexes high with current consumers and prospects,” Holladay said. Wedged between the IMG and W Hotel lounges,  celebrities, newscasters, fashion editors and a designer or two wandered in and out  of the lounge for a cocktail and to plop down on the fluffy white sofas. There was  a bit of tittering when someone new strode through the door as the guests nonchalantly whispered among themselves, “What show is he on? Oh, I don’t watch Gossip Girl.”

More Fashion on Gotryke:

Karl Lagerfeld x Les Ateliers Ruby helmet

More Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week:

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2010

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Carl Craig Shops for a New Car: Volume 1

by Tamara on January 8, 2010

in Aston Martin, CELEBRITY CARS, DESIGN, FEATURED, Ford, SOUNDS

photo: Santa Fabio

photo: Santa Fabio

Carl Craig is known for his electronic musical wizardry, sophisticated DJ skills and curatorial ear that play out on his Planet E Communications label in classic tracks like “Bug in the Bassbin” and “Throw” and high profile collaborations/remixes with Herbie Hancock and Tori Amos. A visionary in his own time, Craig was brought back on board as creative director of the upcoming 10th-anniversary Movement Festival in Detroit.

But what most people don’t know about Carl is that he loves to drive fast cars, unless of course close attention is paid to the intro of his 1995 album “> Landcruising.

“I did an album called Landcruising and the first note is the 318i and it goes into the track,” he says sipping from a glass of white wine in his Michigan kitchen. “I took microphones and turned on the ignition.”

Carl called me last summer with an interesting objective — he wanted to document his search for a new car. A longtime BMW loyalist, the lease on his 7-series was winding down, and he wanted to explore the world of speed. And so Carl and I set forward on a journey through the particulars of his car buying aesthetics. The search took Carl high and low, from the fast to the furious, as he navigated through the particulars of financing his car taste.

One of the highs was at 180 mph, when we spent on the race track with Carl Craig, test driving Aston Martins at the Ford Proving Grounds in Romeo, Michigan as a guest of the British manufacturer. Read the story in the February issue of Hour Magazine about Carl’s affair with the Aston Martin DBS, DB9 and V8 Vantage at the newly opened performance driving school with top-notch instructors.

We’ll bring you more of our story of what happens when Detroit techno and cars converge, and how Carl narrowed down a shopping list that included an Aston Martin DB9, BMW 750i, Mercedes-Benz CL, Mercedes-Benz E class, Porsche Panamera and Maserati Quattroporte. Decisions are the worst, (but so much fun to watch other people make.)

Carl Craig on Rolling Stone

Carl Craig on Royal Oak Daily Tribune

Carl Craig on Stylus Magazine

photographer: Santa Fabio

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Top Ten Cars of 2009

by Tamara on December 29, 2009

in BMW, Chevy, DESIGN, Dodge, FEATURED, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche, ROAD TESTS, Top Tens, Toyota

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It takes a realistic optimist to be enthusiastic about vehicles in 2009. A realistic optimist looks at 2009 as the basis for a meaner, leaner decade, shaped by some sense of purpose. And purpose is surely what’s been lacking in the credit-driven capitalistic society. It’s an old trend with a new name: maturialism.

The reality is that 2009 was full of painful and complex issues that played out in the car business — the demise of the Detroit way, the deflation of sizzle in the super-luxury fantasy world, the further spiral of vehicles as banal, utilitarian means of transportation, and the omnipresent melting polar ice caps. But, there are some optimistic aspects of the moment. People managed to make cars happen, cars that have been in the works long before the bubble burst, and in this forward movement are beacons of hope — yes, hope, for a way that dictates a new approach for a new century, with research dollars devoted to looking at four wheels with fresh perspective

So without further adieu, Gotryke’s maturialist and guilty pleasures for 2009:

1. Ford Fusion Hybrid
The great Ford hope that betters the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s city mileage with 41 m.p.g. floss. The Fusion is a metaphor for everything that’s gone right with Ford lately — it’s attractive, it has a conscious and it’s mindfully made for the average new car buyer.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2. Audi S4
When the S4 landed in my universe, we had the aha! feeling that’s been missing lately in test driving. The beauty of driving expensive, extraordinarily crafted, svelte new cars. And then we drove S4. 333-horsepower supercharged V-6, clocking in with 26 mpg.

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3. Volvo XC60
Volvo continues to invent modern day safety and will carry the torch for clean Scandinavian car design. As parents, we can’t deny them. Everyone else step in line behind the holistic approach to driving.

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4. Land Rover LR4
What is your favorite SU…. Land Rover. Always. Land Rover knows the thick of the luxe SUV business — combining driving prowess with thorough cabin design and the pedigree that makes any mountain man feel right at home. In a future with less SUVs, only the strong survive.

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5. Toyota Prius
Toyota invented the hybrid game, and they own it with the most iconic hybrid shape, and a few additional highlights.

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6. Nissan Cube
When we climbed into the Cube with three adults and one baby, we didn’t expect to find unanimous love for the white box, but that’s exactly what happened. The interior created an eccentric ambiance that made our journey more fun, and redefine the geometrical car battles.

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7. Jaguar XFR

The XFR vehicle restored our faith in Jaguar as a true contender in the sly sports car segment. It was a head turner and a stand out and a ridiculous performer — and we want to go back.

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8. Porsche Panamera
Think of it this way — the 911 DNA, with the practicality of a sedan — ideal for a long Autobahn trip or picking up friends for a night of flossing. The design proportions of Panamera are different. And we need our design envelope stretched. We all know Porsche makes fast cars, but after the success of the Cayenne its interesting to see how they move forward in the future.

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9. BMW 750LI
We can’t help ourselves. B stands for Bad with a capital B. Here’s what we said in the review:
When you’re the big dog, sometimes it’s hard to decipher your finer points, but living with the 750 is an exercise in appreciation for the finer elements. While it’s voluminous, it’s also sleek, a canon cocked to unleash, that is best when zipping by on the highway.

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10. Dodge Ram
The fact that Chrysler could deliver a class A Dodge Ram in the midst of so much turmoil is proof in the pudding of how strong the truck biz is in Auburn Hills. And yes, we do need our trucks for towing and doing the big jobs.

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They figured out how to put coil springs on a pickup. Somebody send these guys to CERN to fix the Large Hadron Collider.

Honorable Mentions:

Chevrolet Camaro
The Camaro turns head. Outside of Corvette territory, it’s been sometime since Chevy has turned heads like that. While we have some quibbles about the roofline, it’s still an extreme pleasure.

Mazda 3
We drove Mazda 3 this summer. We hope Ford takes notes in it’s soon-to-be cousin Fiesta handling. I’ve long been a 3 fan, for it’s deft handling, but the grand touring five door really is the max to the minimum. Three’s good company.

Mercedes-Benz E Class
We like the elegance restored in the new E Class. We haven’t experienced it due to scheduling oversight. (The vehicle launched earlier in the year.) It’s our new year revolution to drive it.

Volkswagen Golf TDI
Yippy! It’s fun, it’s fast frugal feisty Fahrvergnügen. And also at 41 mpg on the highway. For the Wunderkind

Next Up: Why we are amped for Twenty-Ten.

Our Picks Reviewed on Gotryke:
Audi S4
Nissan Cube
Jaguar XFRDodge Ram
BMW 750li
Chevy Camaro
Land Rover LR4
Porsche Panamera
Toyota PriusVolvo XC60

More on 2009 lists:
30 Most Expensive Car Crashes of 2009: Jalopnik

10 Defining Feminist Moments

Wall Street’s 10 Greatest Lies of 2009

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Dispatch Detroit: LGA to DTW with Mercedes-Benz, GM, Ford and Monica Blaire

by Tamara on December 17, 2009

in FEATURED

I can see Canada. When I land in Detroit, I never feel like I’m home until I drive to the edge of the Detroit River and look out on the horizon. It feels so close that if I shout with all my might, someone across the border may hear me. But the closeness is an illusion, much separates the two sides of the water’s edge.

The international border is the least of Detroit’s news, but there’s something inspiring about living on the edge of the country; its a place of beginnings and endings, of bridges and tunnels.

I can see Canada, because I’m at General Motors world headquarters, looking ahead to 2010 – a new era in automotive thinking. GM will launch the Chevy Volt, and that’s much of what I’m here to learn about, how the nuts and bolts of the Volt will jolt the marketplace with plug-in technology, figuratively and metaphorically. I’ll also learn about the roll Buick, GMC and OnStar will take in the company’s future.

I’m here to visit Ford Motor Company and to get updated on the implementation of green initiatives, and to take a peek at the new Ford Mustang, a pony car after my own heart.

I started my day 600 miles away, but it could have been a million. I ducked in an express train to 59th St, in the holiday hustle and bustle of New York City, toasting the end of 2009 with Mercedes-Benz president, pr and media at Ed’s Chowder House. I quibbled over infrastructure and executive decisions, and reflected a bit on the E-class, too.

But now, I’m here, back in Detroit, my beginnings. Where I learned to write. about music. about cars. about people.

I’m hear to listen, to car executives, to the musicians I seek out for a dose of Detroitism and to the people I care about, who draw me here, no matter how far I wander.

It’s a busy time for most everybody, a flurry of activity capping off a year of wild unpredictability. From my vantage point of the moment, here, in the Renaissance Center, bracing for the unknown roads ahead, there is no map. No magic GPS. No sign. Just observation, experience, and a bit of pioneering.

Tonight, I can see Canada. It’s quiet and thoughtful, here at the end and beginning.

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2010 Audi S4: S-Tronic to the Fourth Power

by Tamara on November 23, 2009

in Audi, FEATURED, ROAD TESTS, luxury cars

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Try saying this three times fast: 2010 Audi S4 quattro Auto S-Tronic Sedan. Too late — the sportier version of the A4 sedan was here and gone already. That’s how I feel at the moment — a bit awestruck with the sleeper car that sneaked into the driveway and disappeared all too soon. If the Audi S4 were a person, it would be an art collector — it arrives early, it’s unassuming, and it will have you talking more about it once it’s left the premises.

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The S4 came my way one week ago. It was a busy bustling week in New York, where sometimes, it takes planning to schedule driving time, when walking is a leaner, hassle-free option. (Yes, this is counter-intuitive to a car journalist lifestyle, but it is what it is. Call me a new-age car journalist.) Days were passing, and I was clamoring for seat time in the S4. At last, I took my first spin on a bright blue morning on open roads, and was to coin an old phrase, Audi 5000.

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In the cabin, the S4 interior feels architecturally German, ala Walter Gropius, particularly with sport seats and the wrapped leather steering wheel. There might be other options, but I see black as the only recourse here. The glass sunroof creates a panoramic sense that opens up the space, as is the same case on the respectable A4 everyday driver, which was sculpted into a sportier shape and applied new headlights that make for a wider stance. And there was enough room to get the baby seat snugly in and out of the backseat.

With ants in my pants, I finally had the opportunity to really sashay in the S4 on the a wide-open stretch of pavement along the East River, fancy, fast and fresh… did I say fast? The addition of Sports Rear Differential (quattroSport) kept under steer out of the game, and I co-sign on claims of great agility due to torque split between the rear wheels. The new 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged is faster too than the hulky previous V8, reaching 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, but with less horsepower and torque at 333 hp / 325 lb-ft.

S4 is the upgraded model of the A4 2.0T, replacing the 3.2 V6 that is out of the lineup, according to my Audi sources. The S4 sedan S tronic makes good on speed bucks at $47,300 (7% less than 2008 S4 V8 $ $49,710 that also included a $1300 gas guzzler tax), while the manual saves a bit more S4 sedan manual is priced at $45,900, which also is 9% less than 2008 S4 V8 $48,610, and was slapped with $1700 gas guzzler tax.

Fuel economy 2010 S4 S tronic: is markedly improved with this engine change reaching 18/28 verses the 2008 guilty model at 14/21. S4 battles against the BMW 335i and Mercedes-Benz C350. And it’s not the vehicle for everyone — which is what I like about it best. Like the art collector, the S4 has it’s own distinct persona with A4 practicality, and S-style sense of adventure. I’ve decided the S4 stands for something, as in S to the fourth power, or sophisticated, speedy, savvy and suave — here are pure S-tronics at work. My only regret about the S4 is that I didn’t get the opportunity to log more miles. We’ll be waiting for the next opening.

More Audi on Gotryke:

Audi Q7 TDI: get diesel!

Audi Forum Fashion with Jillian Lewis

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A Perfect 10: Backstage at Spring 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

by Tamara on September 15, 2009

in FEATURED, Mercedes-Benz, fashion

IMG_2700Backstage at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge lived up to it’s name with full-fledged glamour on day six of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Kelly Rowland, Desperate Housewives of NY, Mickey Rourke and Maxwell lounged just outside of the backstage dressing rooms — and that was hours before the coveted Narcisco Rodriguez collection debut.

To set the scene, picture this: Under subdued lighting, friends of MB and the fashion elite sip cocktails and soak up the interior design ambiance commissioned by Mercedes. While corporate in context, the atmosphere is relaxed and not advertorial. It’s the kind of room, a scenester may want to be on the scene and seen — but couldn’t get in with good looks alone. You got to know someone to get the proper wristband that changes frequently.

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Back stage is the real way to enjoy fashion week, sans the lines and attitude, in true Star comfort, with runway moments projected live on dual screens, and the occasional flourish of a celebrity’s grand entrance, publicist/stylist in tow. It’s all very hush-hush and exclusive — which is how Mercedes likes it. Here is an opportunity to observe what’s happening in fashion, without the hassle of circumstance to go alongside the pomp.

In good taste, we held off on paparazzi photography, but we can tell you that Ms. Rowland took notice of Tyson Beckford’s runway appearance, and mused over Kanye West’s controversial VMA outburst before she commented to E later in the day.

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Speaking of runways, we did that today too, as a guest of our host automaker/title sponsor. The Brian Reyes collection was our first stop. We sat next to up-and-coming Florida designer Laura Brodsky of Cross My Heart Couture and her partner (a Tampa area Mercedes-Benz dealer). Brodsky, a self taught atelier, makes romantic gothic creations. She was inspired by Brian Reyes 2010 and described his collection as “flirty and feminine” to her liking. The Brian Reyes collection featuring textured, cinch-waisted chartreuse dresses and high-waisted shorts paired with suggestive bustiers. The nostalgic quality was enhanced by a Motown backdrop as the Temptations “Get Ready” closed the show.

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Later in the afternoon, Max Azria pulled out all confident, cool stops with elegant nude and black slashed silky creation in his form-flowing collection. The Tunisian-born French visionary behind the haute-chic of bon chic bon in his BCBG line, reserves evening wear for his namesake collections.

Contrary to New York Magazine’s cheeky take Mickey Rourke, he eyeballed every design with genuine interest. We swear his draw dropped over the fabled chain dress along with Lucy Liu, who tossed back her long locks to get a closer look at the elaborate cuts of Max Azria evening wear with slits to boot. We drooled over this collection alongside Bliss Spa’s creative director, agreeing that Max Azria didn’t disappoint with his vision for 2010 — a decade in the making.

More Fashion Week bonanza:
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Tam on Tam: Vivienne Tam’s new laptop

by Tamara on September 13, 2009

in Mercedes-Benz, fashion

When I got my first laptop I covered it in stickers that djs, bands and record labels gave me — and carried it under my art. Some of the edgier imagery drew funny looks at airport security.  Apparently, I was on to something.  Here’s just what a race car writer needs for press trip savvy notes — the new Vivienne Tam laptop, or at least needs to know they exist.I’m sure undercover fashionable car writers like Guzik at Driverside.com already has three, but I’m usually late to the party.

But wait, there’s still one big problem – it’s HP.  Will my reviews convert? Oh, well maybe next time. Our love for Apple is basically unanimous – a two decade relationship, really, but for $699, this might be a travel accessory that’s worth it. The original grabs my fancy, but the marmalade-hue on the first-edition butterfly is fetching, and organic than my stickered mac that’s long since gone to computer heaven.

Thanks to Blaynista, for posting on her very own VT experience and upclose snaps:

VIA Blaynista:

@vivienne tam, backstage

Blaynistas! As you know from the right had side of the screen (scroll down) the Blay Report is powered by the Vivienne Tam laptop (as well as the awesome Google G1 phone which I am typing on right now.) So naturally, it only makes sense that I attended her 2010 show. I chatted with Tam, who I met at an intimate reception last week, backstage after the show. In between hugs and kisses she signed my laptop, and that of my homie Julie! I am beyond excited right now and giddier than a toddler in a candy store! See the image above!

@viviene tam show and this is…

Her new laptop! It just debuted down the runway for the first time! It is champagne with gold butterflies. It will retail between $600 to $800, and like her previous laptop mirrors her clothing collection. I die!

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Audi Q7 TDI: How we love thee

by Tamara on September 12, 2009

in Audi, FEATURED, ROAD TESTS

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I feel good behind the wheel of the Audi Q7 TDI — good being a general state of mind that carries over on many levels. Good because I’m cooly confident behind the wheel of a properly engineered vehicle that takes cues from the R7 Le Man-winner. Good, because I’m in clean diesel vehicles that rely on high compression ratios creating additional power and torque (225 hp / 406 lb-ft), while keeping fuel economy sweet and low. ( 17/25 city/highway, 20 mpg combined.) Good because I know can go long and wide — over 600 miles without fueling up. That’s enough to drive from Detroit to New York City without refueling.

Doe the Audi Q7 TDI take down the competition? (The BMW X5, the Mercedes GL320 BlueTEC, GL450, and the GL550.) I would be a fool to straight diss any of these vehicles out and out — each has it’s merits – preference comes down to detail and I like the smoothed-out aluminum tailgate and interior refined touches like the bonanza of 14 cup holders. This segment is interesting — it establishes benchmark for the clean SUV circuit that will be instrumental at all price points.

Next up, we’re really looking forward to the svelte 2010 Audi A3 TDI: Hello 42 MPG!

More Gotryke on Audi:
The Q7 story at the NY Auto Show
Audi at Sebring

The diesel debate on Kicking Tires.

More on the Audi Q7 TDI
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Erin Wasson x RVCA: Friday Night at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

by Tamara on September 11, 2009

in FEATURED, GO GREEN, Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, fashion

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Just back from a romp on the runway. Erin Wasson showed her line for RVCA on Friday evening to a young unassuming crowd by Fashion Week standards. The content was built upon glimspes of flowing frocks, ratty silk blouses and slouchy denim as part of her spring 2010 collection at Bryant Park with Gang Gang Dance performing live. We love the premise of art-based fashionology, which also boasts Barry McGee among its designers, advocates and band allegiances (Modest Mouse and Animal Collective are also among them.)

What had us still ahhing after the show were her denim overall cutout shorts — hot stuff, obliques exposed. We like her floor length silky overcoats – very Flowers in the Attic je ne sais quois. Her fans were young, grungy and unpretentious, with a little LA deliberateness.

After the showing, Erin emerged for a quick bow, deliberately not-model like, beanie cap covering her blondish locks. We spotted her in the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge later in the evening, not long after Bruce Willis made his exist. A low-key lady, she relaxed on the couch, her runway moment behind her, a wistful memory of worn fabrics gone by.

Our fashion consultant Madyha Farooqui says this of the collection:” Just looked up RVCA…I think it’ll be ‘hipster-esque,” young and cool in terms of the crowd and presentation. The clothes look cool, but simple everyday. If you have time to go…also a good one in terms of scene more than anything else I would imagine.” She nailed RVCA, spot on.

*We don’t like our late night photos, so we bring you this one to give you a sense of Erin’s personal style, and a look her models rocked in 2008.

A NY Fashion Week Smorgasbord of Articles:
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Jillian Lewis at the Audi Forum

by Tamara on September 10, 2009

in Audi, DESIGN, FEATURED, Mercedes, fashion

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Fall is in the air, which means spring is already here, at least it is in fashion speak as the Mercedes-Benz Spring 2010 Fashion Week hoopla gets underway.

Fashion Week in New York is underway, and where there are designers and parties, cars are never far from the runway. Mercedes-Benz remains the title sponsor for the event, and we’ll bring you a glimpse of the action later in the week, but in the mean time, check out Sicka Than Average’s descriptive coverage of Project Runway Season 4 graduate Jillian Lewis’s collection at the Audi Forum:

VIA SICKA THAN AVERAGE:

Project Runway Season 4 alumni Jillian Lewis showcased her Spring/Summer 2010 collection at the Audi Forum yesterday, where models were staggered on blocks within a circular platform that spun around at a slow pace, rotating a full 360 degrees. The collection consisted of separates and dresses in muted colors like lavender, winter pink, lilac, black, silver, gray, gold, coral pink, champagne and khaki, all boasting form-flattering silhouettes that oozed femininity while also evoking a sense of strength. Belted leather jackets, for example, featured side zipper closures, strong shoulders and cascading pleats along the sleeves for an armor-esque effect.

Lewis’s designs cleverly tread the line between naughty and nice. Broad shoulders were paired with delicate, embroidered details and sexy, see-through mesh fabrics (just look at the white dress pictured above, with its bustier-like top and the sheer, beaded overlay covering the entire design and adding a demure and almost bridal, veil-like effect). Tough components like hoods, zippers and cinched waists were given a feminine touch with soft, curved, petal-like cuts (such as those along the front panels of the lightweight, sleeveless hooded jacket pictured at top). And knee-length trench coats in slick, satin-like fabrics were given tulip-like cuts and ruffled details along the sleeves’ cuffs and the hemline.

The emphasis on broad shoulders, oversize lapels, leather accents, see-through mesh, and skin-tight leggings, along with the crimped and teased hair sported by the models, suggested a nod to ’80s fashions — but with a much more refined and sophisticated approach.

See also:
Spring 2009 Fashion Week Coverage
Feeling EcoChic

Fall 2009 Fashion Week Coverage
William Rast Struts Biker Chic

Related articles:

Driving Fashion: Acne

Project Runway and Saturn
Project Runway

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