Whiplash Inducing Designs at Baraschi

Nancy Brenner is on a roll this week...

'Cuz onlookers will crane their necks for a second sneak peek at sleek colorful creations like a blood orange bustier dress with an optional matching motorcycle jacket. Yoana Baraschi modeled a faux fun fur herself for buyers who shared her bubbly enthusiasm at her busy booth as she shimmied in and out of her slinky designs in seconds at the Coterie show at the Javits Center.  I asked Baraschi which one was her favorite, but she could not choose.

My pick for on-trend velvet seekers, Baraschi's black velvet jacket will upend all others with rhinestone encrusted adornment on the shoulders. A Fall 2010 collection for women who peacock and men who savor the view.

Rebecca Minkoff Prices Pared (report from the Front Coterie)

says the designer (via Nancy Brenner) at Coterie Show at the Jacob Javits Center today.  Minkoff may not be just for starlets and their celestial budgets anymore. The Morning After bag is one in her classic collection you'll see at a lower price point for Fall 2010. Since the core consumer price index fell for the first time since 1982, so did wholesale prices. Numerous designers at Coterie today said they trimmed prices, or held stable, the key word- affordable.  Why the reduction?   "We listened to our customer," says Minkoff.  How can they do it? By making small changes to the collection that won't be visible to the consumer and by committing to larger purchases. A standout in her new Fall collection - the metallic "boyfriend bag" good for both getting a boyfriend and keeping one. Finally, an night-out bag not big enough to carry around an ex around, but can fit a cell, lipstick, Purell and other essentials, was the size I've been trying to hunt down for several seasons.  It was made with a peach black wash to deepen the distressed look over time. Good seller so far for Minkoff was the "Lust" a small cross body messenger suede bag with antique brass studs.  Personally, I coveted the two-texture "Rapture" in electric blue suede and leather and their five zip bag in violet with studs on the handle.  And if you are one of those people already planning gift items for next year, keep an eye out for the two trends in one leather bracelet -  red with gold grommets. Minkoff mania will be bigger than ever this year - stake out your spot on the sample sale line now!