New York Fashion Week: Thakoon

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Our friends over at Racked NY are currently in the thick of New York Fashion Week, and we'll be posting some highlights of their coverage. This time around: Pretty prints from Anna Wintour favorite Thakoon.

Show Location: Eyebeam Gallery at 540 West 21st Street
The skinny: A favorite of Anna Wintour and First Lady Michelle Obama, Thakoon knows how to turn out wearable works of art. His shows are always an insider love-fest, and this time was no different, far away from the tents as it may be.
Celebs spotted: Elle's Joe Zee, Ciara, Leigh Lezark (who's overstaying her welcome at shows by texting straight through them), Rachel Zoe, Wendi Murdoch, Sarah Lerfel of Colette, Suzy Menkes of the IHT, and Tavi.
The takeaway: While many go into a Thakoon show expecting him to turn out First Lady-friendly looks, it is simply just not like that. Thakoon is his own designer, and it's never been more obvious than with this latest collection. Vibrant prints, ruched drop-crotch leggings (Mrs. Obama in these, huh?), and some very downtown blazers and chain-adorned tops made up the looks. Giuseppe Zanotti for Thakoon shoes!

It was a very pleasant collection, full of eye candy in the way of beautiful swirls of fabric and even appealing leggings. But then there was a dress which looked like a car's floor mat had been cut and affixed to it, and we're not sure about wearing blazers with bike shorts (even if Alexander Wang emphatically endorses it).

Notes on the crowd: the movers and shakers were there by way of Rachel Zoe, Joe Zee, Wendi Murdoch and many toting it-bags (Wang especially), however we missed Anna Wintour. Perhaps she got tuckered out after Donna Karan Collection?

3:33pm: Technical difficulties resolved, we're back and ready to go. Insiders spotted while we were waiting: Suzy Menkes, Sarah from Colette.

3:38pm: It's started. We're seeing floral prints, belts, and samurai hair.

3:44pm: Chains! This is tougher than usual.

3:46pm: And it's done. We're reminded that so much of a fashion show is the build-up—once it starts, it's over fast. Also here, by the by: Ciara.