Cheryl Shops

Where & When: Friday, September 10 at noon, the Studio, Lincoln Center
Runway Recap: I attended a blogger conference on Thursday, and one of the keywords was "niche," as in carve out a market for yourself, and specialize in it. Michael Angel is definitely what I'd call a niche designer; he specializes in truly unique, graphic prints, and having attended his shows for the last few seasons, it's been interesting to see how he expands on that specialty. For spring, his prints took on a dreamy watercolor quality in beautiful shades of purple and magenta, and he worked in boxy yet opaque layers of latex to play with transparency. I think designers are so much more interesting and successful when they set parameters for themselves, then explore the reaches of those limits; this is exactly what Michael Angel does. He does take risks--I have a feeling the dickeys he showed are not going to take off, and exposed midriffs are not for everyone--but from those risks comes truly innovative, forward-thinking design.
Standout Look: While I found the latex pieces an interesting contrast to the prints, especially in that they let a muted version of the print peek through, I found the most wearable pieces to be the simple printed separates. Angel does deserve praise for the architectural yet draped look of his skirts, and--I am a stickler for this--everything was impeccably fitted.
Bonus Points: There's a newfangled technology at the tents which allows you to scan your press pass and get all your seating assignments for the day. I had no idea I was even invited to this show, but I was pleasantly surprised to be. Ah, technology.
Where to Buy: Shop online here.

Where & When: Friday, February 12 at noon, the Salon, Bryant Park
Runway Recap: Australian designer Michael Angel is known for his colorful digital prints, and thus it was a bit unexpected to see the first few looks down the runway--a series of draped dresses and suits in neutral wool and silk crepe. The signature prints turned up eventually, in both second-skin minidresses as well as more voluminous sleeveless styles and sharp-looking peplum jackets. The most successful looks incorporated jackets or vests in metallic laminated lace, which had the effect of spun sugar and created a softer, romantic counterpoint to the sleek, ultramodern printed pieces.
Standout Look: The contrast in textures and sensibilities between this gold lace vest and stretch jersey print dress seems counter-intuitive, but the pieces harmonize in tone and fit, and they pushed Angel's style forward without sacrificing its essence.
Bonus Points: Among the downtowny, fashion-cred audience were bloggers Susie Bubble, Bryanboy, and Julia Frakes, and rock-scions Kelly Osbourne and Sean Lennon were in the front row.
Where to Buy: Click here to shop.