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Tuleh Fall 2009
Where & When: Sunday, February 15th at 7 p.m., New York Design Center
Runway Recap: It takes a strong designer to laugh in the face of a recession, and, well, I have a feeling Bryan Bradley of Tuleh will be laughing all the way to the bank. In a collection that recalled 1930s glamour--not coincidentally, the same time period of the nation's last great depression--he sent out one breathtaking look after another, in a mixture of gorgeously ornate fabrics. Sandwiched by tailored looks at the beginning and end, the middle featured dresses of every kind, from crisp coatdresses for day to gorgeous column gowns for evening. Everything looked expensive (and I could tell--I ended up in the front row, which afforded me a super-up-close view of everything), and I'm sure it will be, but then again, these clothes are for those who don't have to look at price tags.
Standout Look: Definitely one of the more youthful looks of the show--although I think Tuleh can work for a wide age range--this printed jersey was my favorite; it had interesting seam details and flirty little sequined godets peeking out at the hem.
Bonus Points: This was quite possibly the fanciest fashion show I've ever been to--it was in a showroom at the New York Design Center (where wealthy people's interior designers shop), and the audience was heavy on Upper East Side socialite types, including everyone's favorite fictional version of such, the very pregnant Kelly Rutherford, who plays Lily Bass on Gossip Girl.
Where to Buy: Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus.

Tuleh Fall 2008
Where & When: Sunday, February 3rd at 7 p.m. in the Promenade, Bryant Park
Runway Rundown: I skipped the Sunday-morning and -afternoon shows to catch up on my sleep and post some reviews, and by the time I made it back to Bryant Park on Sunday evening, the atmosphere was almost serene. Of course, that was probably due to the fact that the Super Bowl was being played at the same time; I got seats at both shows, though, so I'm not complaining! Anyway, designer Bryan Bradley, who's now working on helping Lord & Taylor modernize its image, presented a colorful collection that celebrated, in the days leading up to Super Tuesday, our great country. Full, tea-length 1950s skirts mixed with classic cable-knit sweaters and prim belted suit jackets, and the '70s came into play with fabulous fur-trimmed dressing gowns and, for lack of a better word, pimp hats. It was all very happy and hopeful, which, in these uncertain times, is a welcome sentiment.
Standout Look: While there were some fabulously luxe long cardigans, I liked this vivid metallic-stripe sweater and full skirt ensemble. After so many minis and bubble hems, the dirndl skirt looked incredibly fresh to me.
Bonus Points: From Madonna's "American Life" to Nirvana's "Come as You Are" and Timbaland's "The Way I Are," the music was refreshingly all over the place.
Where to Buy: Bergdorf Goodman