New York Fashion Week: BCBG channels sun, Jessica Simpson celebrates

NEW YORK -- The Associated Press is all over New York Fashion Week, from the runways to celebrities as eight days of spring previews open Thursday.

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BCBG MAX AZRIA CHANNELS CALIFORNIA SUN

Husband-wife design team Lubov and Max Azria brought the west coast sun to a dreary New York day as they kicked off Fashion Week on Thursday with a beachy, casual collection.

"California was our first impulse," said Azria before the show in midtown Manhattan. "The beach and the sun and the weather, the good weather."

The bohemian line included flowing floral frocks layered with tie-dye tees and tribal print vests topped by hipster bucket hats. Models looked comfy in loose-fitting palazzo pants, long skirts and moccasin-inspired wedges complete with fringe. There were also cozy pullovers, embroidered ponchos and slouchy leg warmers- just in case the breeze picks up at the beach.

"It's very (sporty) day wear," said Azria. "It is more about the fiesta of the fashion."

-- Nicole Evatt

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JESSICA SIMPSON CELEBRATES 10 YEARS IN FASHION

As Fashion Week kicked off, singer and designer Jessica Simpson celebrated the 10th anniversary of her clothing brand in Central Park on Wednesday.

"I am blessed that I am here and that God has given me a talent to succeed," she said.

Celebrity chef Martha Stewart, who attended the event, praised Simpson's latest collection, which rolls out this month.

"I think Jessica is on the right track right now," Stewart said. "It's more earthy, more girly, more approachable."

Besides her work in fashion, Simpson said she is about to return to singing.

"I have been having babies for the past couple years so it's exciting to get back into the music industry and I think that it will only make the fashion industry that I am working in even better," she said.