New York Fashion Week-Spotlight on Stephen Burrows,Tracy Reese, Edward Wilkerson of Lafayette 148 and Patrick Robinson of the Gap

Spring 2010 is ready to be unveiled at the New York Fashion Shows beginning later this week. You can count on the multitude of American designers to interpret active sportswear with varying degrees. But, my focus is on Mr. Stephen Burrows who designs his private label collection,  Ms. Tracy Reese who designs the Tracy Reese collection and Plenty, Mr. Edward Wilkerson who designs Lafayette 148 and Mr. Patrick Robinson who is the executive vice president of Gap North America and designs the men's and women's collection along with Gapbody.

Tracy Reese designs the namesake collection that features very feminine clothes that have unusual prints and intricate patterns. The Plenty line of clothes are trend driven for the young lady that likes to be above the fray. Recently, The First Lady Michelle Obama grace the cover of People magazine wearing a pink shift dress that Ms. Reese designed. Ms. Reese is a discipline of color and fabric and sees the world of women's clothes filled with a myriad of color and style that fits the life of a full size woman.

Mr. Stephen Burrows is the iconic African American designer that ruled the 1970's disco loving era. His jersey and crepe creations kept the women dancing into the wee hours of the morning. Mr. Burrows continues to intrigue us with color blocking and fluidity in his designs. If you're out flea marketing, pick up his designer's duds, because you will not be disappointed. But, in the meantime, look at his new and well edited collection for spring.

I remember when Patrick Robinson was designing the Giorgio Armani Collectione in Milan many years ago and thinking how incredibly proud it was to see an African American designer doing great work overseas. Numerous design jobs later, Patrick is at the helm of the greatest American Sportswear company in the world, the Gap. The last four years at the Gap has proven  to be a huge task for Mr. Robinson. He continues to prevail in this arena and has taken the Gap sportswear program to Europe to show on the runways. For all purposes the Gap is a barometer of the trickle down theory that goes hand in hand in the fashion world. Meaning, what you see from many designers on the runway is watered down for the public. Patrick has put the trendiness back into the Gap's sportswear program and continues to help the company evolve.

Edward Wilkerson of Lafayette 148 epitomizes the softness and luxuriousness of fabrications for this women's collection. The fluidity of the lines for woman who wants a stylish ensemble for work is a constant at Lafayette 148 who's vision is informed by Mr. Wilkerson. Edward's work came into focus for me during his tenure at Donna Karan. Transforming the workday womens wardrobe is a mainstay for Ms. Karan, and Edward did a great job for the label. At Lafayette 148 his work stands alone for all to see, and what a immense collection of wares.

I feel a flutter in my heart during Fashion Week in anticipation of seeing what's new or not new.  I can't wait for the shows and as always will keep you up to date on these four amazing designers.