Vera Wang's take on 'clothing as sanctuary' is anything but safe at New York Fashion Week

Vera Wang, she of that phenomenal body in Harper's Bazaar last month, does have a day job that doesn't involve posing in swimwear and heels.

She is, of course, one of America's most loved fashion designers, and the volume of stars in attendance at her New York Fashion Week show were testament to that fact.

Renee Zellweger and Leighton Meester were in the front row, while actress Viola Davis and tennis star Maria Sharapova were seated in prime position next to U.S. Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Daring: Sheerer-than-sheer swathes of fabric allowed for plenty of sensual flashes of skin at Vera Wang

The future's orange: As well as greys taupes and teals, Ms Wang sent searing pops of neon down the runway

They were all there for the fashion, of course, which was based on the concept of 'clothing as sanctuary'.

Ms Wang's take on the theme was anything but safe, though. Sheerer-than-sheer swathes of fabric allowed for plenty of sensual flashes of skin, whether the shade was searing orange, teal blue or creamy champagne.

Her description in the show notes read: 'The body protectively enveloped in the soft armor of a fitted sheath, the sharp discipline of fencing-inspired jackets, the structured carapace of a coat.

Devoted fans: Leighton Meester (left) and Renee Zellweger sat on the designer's front row at the show today

Prime position: Actress Viola Davis and tennis star Maria Sharapova flanked Vogue editor Anna Wintour

'The female form revealed by smoky transparencies that allow a glimpse of skin and of delicate lingerie not meant to be hidden, but seen.'

Though the silhouettes were sleek and streamlined, they were also feminine, and Ms Wang played with proportions at the hips, adding peplums that added structure to the otherwise fluid garments.

The graphic prints on some of the fabrics also added to the idea of femininity, as the sharp lines curved and played around the models' bodies.

Back to the day job: Vera Wang, who posed in last month's Harper's Bazaar, takes her bow at the end

Leighton Meester, who fronts campaigns for one of the designer's fragrances, loves Vera Wang the woman as much as the label.

'She's a woman and she owns it,' she said. 'She's smart, quick and funny.'

She came to the show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to support 'Vera and all her wonderfulness.

'I am a big fan,' she added.

Rihanna lands own fashion show

Rihanna has announced her debut television project, launching a fashion series where unknown designers will compete for the chance to dress her when she performs at London's Wireless festival in July.

Launching exclusively on UK channel Sky Living HD, it was announced January 26 that the singer will be executive-producing and appearing on the currently unnamed program.

Despite being the current face of Armani Jeans and lingerie, the star is known for championing more obscure designers on the red carpet from time to time.

have been very fortunate to work with some truly amazing Fashion designers and stylists throughout my career, and they have been instrumental in making sure my creative vision reaches the stage," explained the star.

"I am excited to follow the journey of our aspiring contestants and see how their individuality influences their efforts during the course of the show."

The show will run over ten weeks, challenging the unknown creators to create outfits for a string of celebrities before the ultimate challenge of creating Rihanna's unique stage outfit.

Set to air this summer, it will be presented by Nicola Roberts of UK girl group Girls Aloud, whose fashion credentials include launching her own Dainty Doll makeup range.

iD reveals 2012 Emerging Designer finalists

Fashion history will be created and careers launched when the world’s hot new fashion talent show their collections at the 8th annual iD International Emerging Designer Awards in Dunedin, New Zealand. 

Twenty eight finalists from seven countries have been selected to show at this year’s prestigious event to be held on Thursday 29 March 2012, at the Lion Foundation Arena, Edgar Stadium, Dunedin.

Victoria Muir, iD’s event co-ordinator says the iD Awards are continuing to attract international talent who travel from around the globe (including Switzerland, Israel and Croatia) for the opportunity to show at this must-see fashion event. 

“For the first time since this international fashion competition was launched in 2005, we have a finalist from Canada, with an even stronger representation from New Zealand and Australia. Every year I’m amazed at the quality of the entries we receive, and this year is no different. I’ve collated over 100 entries from 11 different countries, representing some of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world.”

Tanya Carlson, fashion designers and selection panellist, says it is exciting to see more menswear collections in this year’s entries, alongside many applicants showing sustainable processes and a greater awareness of the environment.

“It’s great to see an increase in the number of Australian finalists embracing the opportunities the iD Awards offer – including having their collections seen by one of the industry’s best, Hilary Alexander, who I’m looking forward to meeting again!”

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Project Runway Season 8!!!

Yaaayyy!!! its Designer fiesta Season all over again!! the new Project Runway is fierce, feisty and leaves you ready to tango!! plus i'm looking foward to Models Of The Runway cos guess what?? A friend of mine is a model on Season 8 of Project Runway!!!! J'taime Heidi Klum's Premiere outfit!! its all ive been thinking about. lol.   Auf Windeschen!!

In the mean time, watchout for IFY JONES baby!!...