This is the first blog post by new Skimbaco Lifestyle Fashion writer Hallie McKay, reporting straight from the New York Fashion Week.

Cynthia Rowley’s Fall 2010 line was nothing short of exciting. While audience members vibrated in their seats to the head-banging, trampoline jumping, acoustic band on the balcony, models wearing feathers and fringe emerged from silver lined trees to strut down the runway in a style Rowley herself deemed as “chic monster-girl”. Indeed, the show gave merit to such a theme as the designer played on proportions and texture. Her oversized fringe coats and puffer jackets retreated from the ladylike style that is usually expected from the designer. Her outerwear, which centered first on functionality, traded architectural tailoring for warm dimensions and bold prints.

Although models rocked neon streaked ponytails, black leather motorcycle gloves, and vibrant eyewear, not all femininity was lacking from Rowley’s fall line. Cynthia Rowley showed soft, voluminous blouses and bubble skirts that seemed to float down the runway. An additional favorite was the silk billowy neck scarf that seemed an obvious replacement to the hugely popular knit scarf. For most of the show it was all about the texture and movement of the clothes. Long fringe draped everything– coats, dresses, skirts, and bags—leaving models swishing down the runway. Although the backdrop of Rowley’s collection consisted mostly of black, navy, and gray, there were a few looks in which Rowley mixed in some bright hues for a whimsical and playful look. One favorite look is a top done in a rainbow of fringe with swatches of the material placed along the neckline of a sleeveless blouse and paired with a black fringe skirt. Another favorite look was the designer’s red clunky platform with tie, especially when worn with a black lace dress accented by black fringe on the hip.

Overall, Cynthia Rowley’s fall collection had flair, edge, and charisma. Expect to see some of her runway hits to be top trends for fall 2010. fashion week