James Aguiar's Full Focus on New York Fashion Week Spring 09

James Aguiar, the vivacious but deeply knowledgeable host of VOOM Ultra HD TV Network's "Full Frontal Fashion," "Behind The Label," and "Where D'Ya Get That?" and recurring personality to the Style Network's "The Look For Less."

Don't be fooled by his bubbly persona. This man knows the fashion industry cold due to his years as Bergdorf Goodman's fashion director then overhauling Paris fashion house, Nina Ricci.

After interviewing him for the past two fashion seasons, he is now my go-to expert on fashion and most significantly, the business of fashion.

As usual, I always ask him what are his favorites during a particular fashion week. Then, we launch into an intellectual discussion into the concepts and themes dominating the shows.

Marc Jacobs

He immediately inject Marc Jacobs. Aguiar was not afraid to highlight that the show started on time, a big change from Marc's previous tardiness. Leaving A-List rap stars, Jay-Z and Kanye West, standing up with the general public.

Marc Jacobs

Mr. Aguiar called Mr. Jacobs' current collection, "eclectic, a mash-up, a mix-up of "Mad Men," "Eliza Doolittle," and "Belle Epoque."

Marc Jacobs

I agree with Mr. Aguiar's sharp observation. I noticed a toss up of Orientalism of the big, wide Obi Belt which is more mature yet more fashion forward than the Eighties repeat of the big elastic belt and quasi-Mandarian shirt with colorful butterflies. Then, Mr. Jacobs mixes in the Fifties Primness and Forties Severity.

Marc Jacobs

Mr. Aguiar carefully stated that it takes the caliber of Mr. Jacobs to pull off this ability to take such diverse eras and time periods then to mix them together into a very out-of-box collection shows how experienced and how confident Mr. Jacobs is. Whereas, a younger designer would trip.

Marc Jacobs

This is an exhibit of a designer at his peak.

Although Mr. Aguiar added New York is still very much a business town, the designer has the goal and the responsiblity to present outfits in a fresh different angle. He emphasized how designers need to break the limits in order to push fashion forward. The designer needs to be both artistic and business savy.

Narciso Rodriguez

If Marc Jacobs is the wild card, then Narciso Rodriguez is the slow but steady reliable. "Slow, steady, subtle changes," Mr. Aguiar commented, "Mr. Rodriguez is true and pure."

Narciso Rodriguez

This doesn't mean dull. He is refreshingly classical.

Narciso Rodriguez

By being steady and subtle, Mr. Rodriguez developed a definite style that is unmistakably his. With these soft touches, these are black and white wardrobe investments to keep for years.

Narciso Rodriguez

Contrasting both Mr. Jacobs and Mr. Rodriguez are good case studies of two designers at the peak of their skills and creativity.

BCBG Max Azria

I asked Mr. Aguiar what is his opinion of the Max Azria show. He calls him a trend-setter.

BCBG Max Azria

Mr. Aguiar said Mr. Azria is very aware to changing ideas and concepts. He has his finger on the pulse.

Michael Kors

It was interesting that Mr. Aguiar hinted that Michael Kors added metallic platform high heels to spice his classic Middle-Class Americana.

Overall, Mr. Aguiar found this recent New York Fashion Week Spring 2009 to be very optimistic and very positive.