Yigal Azrouel: New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Review

Born in Israel of French-Moroccan descent, Yigal Azrouel has been a well-known fashion designer here in the U.S. since 1998. He has two boutiques located in New York and offers lines of women's wear, men's wear, handbags, and shoes. According to New York Magazine, Mr. Azrouel is best known for his designs that emphasis "fluid, feminine draping," and several of his designer clothes look as if they could have been taken from the models' own closets. He has several famous clients including Natalie Portman, Liv Tyler, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes, and Charlize Theron.

Mr. Azrouel was quoted in Harper's Bazaar as saying "When a woman wakes up and does herself up a little, that's great. Nothing too contrived, something more natural. She's comfortable and confident. She doesn't feel like she has to watch herself in the mirror every minute." Looking at Mr. Azrouel's runway show of his Fall 2009 collection from the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, one can see his emphasis on the more natural, flowing, carefree look.

Recently, Mr. Azrouel presented his Spring 2010 collection at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. However, for the purpose of this article, the focus will be on his Fall 2009 line presented on February 13, 2009 at the previous MB Fashion Week.

Style Themes

Long, flowing sweaters, particularly cardigans, black leggings, loose-fitting pants, and layers, layers, layers were the predominant themes. Ruffles were present on some of the outfits, but they were not an overriding feature. The layered look was presented with a sheer shirt paired with a long cardigan and accented with a neck scarf. Black leather and fur also made an appearance. Dresses ranged in length from mid thigh to almost floor length and varied from form-fitting to free-flowing. A few designs had an off-the-shoulder look. The neckline of choice seemed to be the scoop neck ranging from a high cut to an extremely low one.

Colors

A variety of hues were present. While black, gray, and various shades of brown were most prominent, red, purple, blue, and an assortment of metallics also made an appearance.

Prints

Red "stones" paired with black and blue and black vertical stripes were a few of the prints provided at the runway show. One gray dress had purple and green accents that almost appeared to be flower-like.

Accessories Used

Scarves were one of the biggest accessories used. Black tights, black heels, black belts, black leather gloves, and even a pair of black sunglasses accentuated several of the designs. In regard to handbags, an oversized black bag and a handheld black leather clutch were two of the ones utilized. Silver, particularly earrings, appeared to be the jewelry of choice. The eyes were greatly accentuated with heavy mascara on the eyelashes while the rest of the makeup appeared to be more natural. A note of interest was the fact that almost all of the models had long, flowing hair that looked as if they had simply brushed it and went on their way.

To take a peek at Yigal Azrouel's runway show of his Fall 2009 collection, please visit http://mbfashionweek.com/newyork/fall2009/designers/yigal_azrouel/. To view the show, go to http://usweb03.nunet.de/fashionweek/nyf09/yigal_azrouel/. Another source to his fall collection is http://www.nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2009/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/yigalazrouel/#.

My Favorite Look

Black, gray, and purple are three of my favorite colors, so I definitely agree with Mr. Azrouel on his choice of those shades. I like the layered look and love the dark loose pants as well as the long, flowing cardigans. I love an oversized black bag, because it is very versatile and can carry all of my necessities. I am a fan of silver jewelry, so I admire his utilization of this as an accessory. I also like the long, free-flowing hair of the models and the more natural makeup look.

Ways to Incorporate This Look into My Fall Wardrobe

Gap offers a gorgeous cashmere blend shawl cardigan that is very reminiscent of some of the sweaters seen in Yigal Azrouel's line. This sweater is available in the colors of watermelon ice, camel heather, heather gray, and black heather, and it retails for $59.50. I would either choose the heather gray or the black heather one.

To pair with the cardigan, I would probably select Gap's supersoft layering crewneck T in a razzleberry color (this T is available in a multitude of hues). This shirt is presently on sale for $15.00.

To go along with the cardigan and T, I would choose a pair of Gap's supersoft drawstring pants in deep charcoal heather. These pants are also available in heather river bed and are priced at $39.50.

For the handbag, Amazon.com features a black oversized hobo/handbag with clutch style closure for $39.99. This same bag is also available in yellow.

Finally, to find my silver jewelry, I would go to the Southwest Indian Foundation website and order a pair of handmade silver earrings from their huge selection. Not only is the jewelry handmade and high quality, but it also helps to support a good cause.

By choosing the above-mentioned items, you can enjoy one of the looks as presented in Yigal Azrouel's Fall 2009 collection. You can be in style and still afford that cup of coffee. Have a wonderful and fashionable autumn season!
Sources

http://mbfashionweek.com/newyork/fall2009/designers/yigal_azrouel/

http://usweb03.nunet.de/fashionweek/nyf09/yigal_azrouel/

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Oversized-Handbag-clutch-closure/dp/B002HMZBPS/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1253188422&sr=1-17

http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yigal_Azrouel

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8993&vid=1&pid=663624&scid=663624012

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=17083&vid=1&pid=655081

http://www.gap.com/browse/productImages.do

http://www.nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/yigalazrouel/

http://www.nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2009/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/yigalazrouel/#

http://www.southwestindian.com/cat/Earrings-Jewelry.cfm