Fashion Week: Catherine Malandrino, Mary J Blige, Tyson Beckford, Kim Kardashian

Catherine Malandrino and Bernard Aidan invited us to Catherine Malandrino’s Spring/Summer 2010 Collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC. Staged at the Chelsea Art Museum on the West Side of Manhattan, Malandrino placed her models on pedestals instead of walking them down a runway. We arrived early to slip backstage and capture the pre-show mayhem and excitement. Recording star Mary J Blige, Grammy Award-winning British R&B singer Estelle, Ralph Lauren supermodel and Host of Bravo’s “Make Me a Supermodel” Tyson Beckford, E! Star Kim Kardashian, TLC’s “Who Are You Wearing?” and TV Guide’s “Live from the Red Carpet’s” Keisha Whitaker, the fashion press, NY fashionistas, socialites, and buyers and guests from Japan and Europe all came to check out the show.

This season, Malandrino got inspiration from diverse cultural identities around the world. Through different tableaux, her collection spanned the Saharan, Peruvian, Polynesian and Sudanese. In Catherine’s own words, “The silhouette is based upon draping and wrapping…Scarification of the leather reflects a native expression.”

The Diva herself Mary J Blige, Catherine Malandrino and Drue (wearing Catherine Malandrino). We had a soulful conversation.

Backstage Paparazzi!

Model Shanina backstage wearing chianti one shoulder asymetrical draped jumpsuit and Drue in Malandrino chianti knit dress with flower detail. ValleyZen approves of assymetry!

In Catherine Malandrino’s Sudanese presentation, the noir pierced bubble crochet bolero with ivory baba pant and the condo leather raglan jacket caught our eye. A very austere and sensual look for the modern woman.

Drue talks with Catherine Malandrino’s husband and CEO Bernard Aidan

Drue with Supermodel Tyson Beckford, Host of Bravo’s “Make Me a Supermodel” on his motorcycle

We caught up with Catherine backstage before the show. Moving quickly, she was a vision of elegance, in draped noir off the shoulder and platformed shoes. Without question, one of the most attractive designers in the industry– she truly understands modern femininity.

Always personable and insightful, Bernard Aiden has been a major force behind the rise of the Catherine Malandrino brand

Teen.com’s Kimmy Ratican talks with Drue backstage.

Drue with model Danni Li in foglia chiffon ruffled draped asymmetrical dress

Beria cutout trapuata bolero and zambia side jumpsuit filled the white, high-ceiling halls of Chelsea Art Museum with dark energy, and stunned

Hair was beautifully braided for the Peruvian looks, establishing subtle dialogues with the alluring, vortex-like patterns of the fabrics

Drue and the Peruvian tableaux

Machu picchu chiffon dress, terra cotta pierced treccia fringe dress and cuzco top were some highlights here. More dynamic and playful, we thought, compared to the elegant silence of the Sudanese tableaux.

Polynesian tableaux: baddulla flower dress in nu and lapis, mukdahan pleated drape dress, surin flower swaroski crystal headbands… Light, airy, sylphide-like lines capture the spirit of spring and early summer.

Walking downstairs from Backstage (which was upstairs). Interesting view from the stairs

Last few minutes backstage

Tyson Beckford, Catherine Malandrino, Mary J Blige, Keisha Whitaker and Estelle.

Keisha Whitaker and Phillip Bloch.

A moment of male solidarity: Svetlozar and Bernard

Fashion lover and NBA Superfan James Goldstein.

Svetlozar

Drue with Oscar Aidan

Svetlozar

Mary J Blige has also recently started FFawn — Foundation for the Advancement of Women.

After the show, Svetlozar and I were leaving. Bernard was calling to us. He was around the corner in the Malandrino limousine with Alexia and Oscar. We had lunch with Catherine & him.

Downtime after an intense and fabulous show. Bernard, Catherine, Alexia and Oscar.

Drue & Svetlozar and Bernard & Catherine with the kids. Oscar loves funny faces. Bernard orders two chocolate sundaes to share.

Svetlozar at Barney Greengrass, a century old NY tradition.

Incognito with salmon.