RTR would like to congratulate Prabal Gurung on winning runner up for the Council of the Fashion Designers of America and Vogue Fashion Fund Award!  He will receive mentorship from the CFDA on how to grow his business as well as a $100,000 cash prize.  Prabal has already received critical acclaim in the fashion world (and from RTR members!) and his dresses have been worn by some of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities, but this award will ensure long term success for his brand. 

Many of the designers that attended the awards after party showcased their upcoming Spring 2011 on other guests.  We couldn’t help but share a sneak peek of some designs soon to be found on RTR! Which one are you dying to rent?

We are so proud to feature this incredibly talented young designer on Rent the Runway.  Bravo Prabal! -- Derek

Prabal and Leighton Meester in his design.

Yaya Da Costa, with Chirstian Cota in a floor length version of a mini-dress we will be featuring in Spring 2011.

Keri Hilson in a Spring 2011 Chris Benz frock.

Vera Wang and Leighton Meester Stop Traffic

Policemen rerouted traffic while Leighton Meester was shot for print and TV ads as the face of Vera Wang’s new fragrance. Do you think she’ll be wearing one of our coveted RTR Vera Wang styles? [Vera Wang Unveiled]

Matthew Williamson Book Giveaway

Fashionista is giving away a signed copy of The Matthew Williamson Book! The book chronicles the designer’s work and collaborations including features by Alexandra Shulman and Anna Wintour. [Fashionista]

Latest on Nina Ricci

Nina Ricci’s creative director, Peter Copping, wowed critics with his first two collections and now has his eye on something new- bridal and lingerie. We can’t wait! [LA Times]

More Shoes from Siriano

Christian Siriano continues to take Payless to the next level, expanding his shoe collection in Fall 2011 to include more than 20 styles of boots, flats and sandals. His Payless collection also will feature handbags. There’s also talk of a diffusion line to continue his efforts of bringing design to the mass market. Stay tuned. [Stylelist]

Judith at The Altar

As part of her expansion strategy, Judith Leiber is launching a special collection of bridal handbags, just in time for spring wedding season. The bridal collection features a range of minaudières for which she’s famous, including a whimsical three-tier wedding cake.  [WWD]

Theory's New Acquisition

Theory welcomes Olivier Theyskens as new Artistic Director. After taking the lead on designing the Spring 2011 collection, Theyskens will assume oversight of the entire brand starting Fall 2011.  Congrats Olivier! [The Cut]

Temperley Shoe Strings

Temperley London has a way to spice up your shoes – studded straps that wrap around the heel. Like a whole new shoe without the cost. [Zoe Report]

Yigal’s Blog

Want to learn about the inner workings of a NYC fashion design house? You’re in luck because Yigal Azrouel’s new blog, Inside the Studio, launched today. [Inside the Studio]

Style File Hearts Fallon’s Vieuphoria Choker

And we do too. What can we say? We’re suckers for spikes and anything by Fallon. [Style File]

Lanvin for H&M

As you know, we’re all about accessing designer fashion. Normally, we say rent and then buy, but for H&M’s Lanvin collaboration we might make as exception. [Fashionologie]

Here's some of our fave fashion news this week - what did we miss? -- Lara

Matthew Williamson's New Line

Muse by Matthew will debut in February 2011 - we can hardly wait! But in the meantime, we'll just peruse our own newest pieces from Fall. [Vogue UK]

Helmut Lang Handbags

Our go-to line for downtown edgy style has added some accessories to their Spring Line. We're already dying for this crimson clutch. [Elle.com]

Praise for Proenza

Style.com has put Proenza Schouler in their Top Ten Collections of Spring 2011 - and we couldn't agree more! [Style.com]

To finish up the week, we thought we’d share some of our favorite fashion finds online this week. Tell us what your favorites are in the comments. – Lara

Christina Hendricks on Christian Siriano

Critics may not have liked it, but Christina Hendricks still loves her Christian Siriano designed Golden Globes dress. [Harper's Bazaar]

Nicole Miller at New Zealand Fashion Week

The prolific RTR designer shared her diary from New Zealand fashion week with Style.com.  [Style.com]

Cuteness at Chanel

The most adorable fashion we've ever seen. [Glamour.com]

To finish up the week, we thought we’d share some of our favorite fashion finds online this week. Tell us what your favorites are in the comments. – Lara

Proenza Pre-Order

The season may have just turned to fall, but our minds are already on Spring. So the fact that we can purchase Proenza’s shoes from the runway show now makes us happy shoppers. Browse Proenza

Michelle Obama in Moschino

We always enjoy seeing what the first lady is wearing in TheCut’s lookbook, but it’s even better to see her in one of our prints. Browse Moschino

Net-a-Porter’s New Bag Video

A fun way to enjoy lunch at your desk. Speaking of which, have you seen our accessories video? Browse accessories

It's been a crazy week and the whole team is exhausted! Running from one show to the next has definitely taken its toll. Here's a little photo diary of what we've been up to! --Lara

Jenn, Jenny, Derek, Anushka, and myself were beyond excited to see the Yigal Show. So we ran out of the office as fast as we could and headed up to the tents on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, when we got there, we looked at the tickets and noticed one little problem - the show wasn't at the tents! We hopped in a cab downtown and crossed our fingers that the show would start late. To our great disappointment, the doors had closed. Here's all of us with our sad faces on when we realized we'd missed the show.

Next, we headed back up to Lincoln Center to catch Tibi in action.

Here's Jenn, Jenny, Derek, and Lauren in their front row seats!

Our last show Tuesday was Narciso Rodriguez, and we loved the beautiful minimalist statement. Here's a few images from the gorgeous show.

Finally it was Wednesday, and we arrived back in the tents in time to catch a sea of prints at Milly.

After our crazy two days, it was definitely time for a party! So off we went to US Weekly's Most Stylish New Yorkers Party. We spotted Adrien Grenier, Mary J. Blige, Katie Couric, and even snapped a pic with Bethenny.

We're headed back shortly for what's sure to be a wonderful evening - Yigal Azrouel, Tibi, and Narciso Rodriguez - but wanted to share a few pics from the day. Enjoy! -- Lara

Here's our fashion team enjoying a cocktail at Temperley:

And a sea of neutral bandages at Herve Leger:

For Spring 2011 Carlos Miele showed dress and separates in the hot non-color of the moment, white and layered in his trademark colorful prints and embellishments.  My favorites were a printed yellow chiffon one shoulder gown, a flame red satin asymmetric chemise and the finale dress, a black rosette one shoulder gown shown without a slip, Galliano style.  The best of part of the show though was the live music…Bebel Gilberto, a friend of Miele’s, sang an inspired version of Pink Floyd’s  “Another Brick in the Wall” during the runway show.

More updates to come…

--Derek