Cheryl Shops

Terexov Fall 2009
Where & When: Monday, February 16th at 6 p.m., the Promenade, Bryant Park
Runway Recap: Remember two or so years ago when a bunch of boxy, ubiquitous, totally unremarkable condos started hitting the real-estate market, and even though they were $800k for a one-bedroom, people would buy them sight-unseen just because they wanted a piece of the real estate market, which was oh-so-hot at the time? I feel like Alexadr Terekhov's clothing is the fashion equivalent of the aforementioned unremarkable condo. Sure, it's tasteful and cut well and made of luxurious fabric, but is it unique and inspiring enough to be really worth the price? In these difficult economic times, when consumers are pinching pennies left and right, and fashionistas are more fickle than ever, designers need to distinguish themselves. And I don't know about you, but I don't want to be wearing an $800k 1-bedroom condo.
Standout Look: Amidst all the mink-trim cashmere coats and prim dresses, the pieces that truly made me sit up and take notice were those that featured an art-deco cityscape print, such as this flowing sleeveless dress.
Bonus Points: I am giving bonus points to myself this time, because, after leaving Maticevski at 6:05 in Chelsea, I managed to get uptown to the tents by 6:20, just as they were letting in the standing room. I pretended I had an assigned seat right at the end of the runway, so I could make a break for the William Rast show at 7. I think I was the first person out of the Promenade, and for all of that, I was quite pleased with myself.
Where to Buy: Visit Terexov.com for more information.

Terexov Spring 2009
Where & When: Sunday, September 7th at 2 p.m., the Salon, Bryant Park
Runway Recap: Word on the street is that the buyers are looking to stock their stores with vibrant color next spring; I hope they all went to Alexander Terekhov's show, as he sent out dress after dress in green, pink, purple, yellow, and sometimes prints combining all of the above. Some looks were a bit too fussy (and reminded me of the recently auffed Keith from Project Runway!), like the fringed, Muppet-like skirts and puffy, ruffled vests, but the flowing, disco-goddess caftan gowns toward the end more than made up for it.
Standout Look: Asymmetrical looks are definitely an emerging trend for spring, and I thought this lemon-yellow dress was a graceful way to interpret it.
Bonus Points: In a world where many designers send out models to, say, the sound of drilling, or anonymous techno beats, Terexov had Goldfrapp and Muse. Thank you.
Where to Buy: Terexov has two stores in Moscow, but as for the U.S., you can try your luck on his website.

Terexov Fall 2008
Where & When: Sunday, February 3rd at 9 p.m. in the Salon, Bryant Park
Runway Recap: When I think "Russian fashion," I think blonde, cleavage, huge designer logos, animal prints, furs, and so on. Fortunately, Russian designer Alexandr Terekhov has a far more sophisticated, refined style, especially considering the fact that he's a mere 29 years old. Simple but luxe belted jersey dresses, puffy parkas, and chic suits appeal to the working woman, whether in Moscow or, say, another cold and dreary city like Chicago. After so many sheer blouses and microminis on other runways, it was a delight to see so many wearable clothes.
Standout Look: Terekhov is Russian after all, so there was quite a bit of leather on the runway, my favorite of which was this quilted gray miniskirt, paired with a wintry white cashmere sweater.
Bonus Points: Nigel Barker was in the front row, but he couldn't hold a candle to the designer himself, who, should his design career falter, could take to the runway as a male model. See? He's a cutie!
Where to Buy: His website is in Russian, so your guess is as good as mine.