ARISE African Fashion Collective - Spring 2010

Earlier this month, the ARISE African Fashion Collective made its second New York Fashion Week appearance to present its Spring 2010 collection. The collective gives exposure to African designers that otherwise would get lost in the fray. This season, the collective introduced four designers: Lisa Folawiyo, Tiffany Amber, David Tlale and Eric Raisina. Here are some pieces that caught my eye.

Desirée Rogers Hits New York Fashion Week

White House Social Secretary and fashionista, Desirée Rogers took a break from her White House duties to attend her first New York Fashion Week.

Desirée Rogers with Anna Wintour at the Carolina Herrera Show
Diane Bondaref/Associated Press

Ms. Rogers with Donna Karan

Looking chic in a pink floral jacket and skirt by Nina Ricci, Ms. Rogers sat in the front row at the Carolina Herrera show next to Vogue editor, Anna Wintour. Ms. Rogers had nothing but praise for Ms. Herrera's show, telling WWD: “The fashions were amazing. I do like her work, but this collection was very different from what I have seen in the past. I particularly liked the dresses for daytime that were a classic silhouette, but had a bell sleeve and were a little shorter, just below the knee. Those are easier to wear than the long ballgowns.”

After a quick change into black flannel trousers, Ms. Rogers (along with Ms. Wintour) later attended the Donna Karan show, where she raved about the coats, and the fashion show of one of Michelle Obama's favorites, Thakoon.

Hmm.....Carolina Herrera? Donna Karan? These are two designers who Mrs. Obama has not worn. Could they be added to the First Lady's wardrobe repertoire? Time will tell.