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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

NY Fashion Week Wrap-Up: The Indies

There were plenty of publications, tv stations and blogs that provided explicit coverage of all the major shows during Fashion week. I attended many of them myself, and collected many hair products, designer totes and refreshing beverages in the process.

I covered the bigger names of course, the ones with paparazzi stalking the front row (and blinding me in the process) the ones whose after-parties made more press than the clothing itself. For my thoughts of these shows, you can check out the runway reports on the Purse Page.

For this blog however, I decided to cover the lesser known designers.. These are names I did not know before the festivities of last week, but I'll remember them now for their artful outlook, delicate craftsmanship and inspiration for me to keep trying to continue my creative path.



At the Arise African Promise Collective show, there were a few paparazzi-bait guests like Amerie, Chanel Iman, and a bevy of beautiful boys. Despite this, the actual talent of the designers did show through. Eric Raisina is a Cambodian-based designer who mastered the arts of his native country's silk weaving and dyeing. The bright hues and contemporary uses of traditional techniques lit up the runway. (Of course, the end of the show, Tyson Beckford lit up the female audience for reasons other than fashion).

 


How lovely it is that the Academy of Art spent the time and money to promote its star students during Fashion Week? (One would think that FIT and Parsons would do the same, but they don't, and no, I am not bitter). Richelle Valenzuela's gorgeous silk organza creations above were inspired by the facets of gems. Richelle was definitely the favorite among the crowd at this show.



At the Argentine Designers collective, this presentation was sponsored by their government to spotlight the stars of their country. The gift bag on each guest's seat contained a pictorial map of the country and a giant back of Argentinian toffee. I can only assume they are also trying to promote the nation's dentists as well.

Of course, it may only be appropriate that the standout designer in this show was Fabian Zitta. A licensed anesthesiologist (!) ;You can insert your various jokes here. > His label is coveted by Argentinian socialites, and the likes of Katie Holmes and Pink on this side of the border. It was not clarified if this was a collection of bridal looks or not, but the creamy fabric manipulations would like as good down the altar as they did on the runway.

My very favorite look for Spring/Summer 2010? Ok, I'm not exactly practical, but I spotted these floral creations by Niels Van Eijk/Miriam Van Der Lubke. They were sponsored by the Floral Council of Holland to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the country. These all-bloom gowns were at the lobby of the Museum of Art and Design on my way to the Bespoken Men's fashion show. Does anything declare "Le Printemps" more than this?

madmus dutch dress
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Friday, September 18, 2009

NY Fashion Week: Tory Burch Spring 2010



Tory Burch, whose flats bearing the signature double ‘T’ logo made her brand one of the most coveted (comfortable) shoes of recent years, presented her first showing at NY Fashion Week Wednesday. Opting for a more intimate ‘party’ setting, she helmed the front of the stage, greeting guests. Models stood and posed together along the length of the runway. Her previous Bryant Park showing was as part of the Barbie 50th anniversary show.

The clothing was a mix of preppy and tribal prints. Some ladylike rock n’ roll was also evident. The style was comfortable, chic and upscale casual (think party next door in the Hamptons). I always think this is a great way to present a collection, especially in a smaller venue. Rather than a 20 second runway strut, each guest has a chance to get up close to the clothing to appreciate each detail. Models can respond, turn for better views and offer the amateur photographer the opportunity to take great photos. The designer has a chance to discuss and explain her inspiration, the work she put into the collection and answer questions.

Some of the handbags were leopard, to carry on the tribal theme. Details included chain handles, tie-dyed patterns, braided trim and studs. A couple of larger clutches were represented. Pouch bags with extra long skinny chain straps and oversized business bags were also on display. The big gold double ‘T’ logo was more discreet in this collection, allowing the pieces to speak for themselves.

Front Row (mingling): Toni Braxton, Anna Wintour, Tory Burch

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

NY Fashion Week: Mulberry Spring 2010


Tuesday evening, “It” bag brand, Mulberry presented its Spring/Summer 2010 collection at the Soho House. Guests walked into a fantasy of candy apples, carousel horses and walls imprinted with the season’s signature “Crazy Horse” print.

What followed were very pretty, feminine takes on a schoolgirl theme, with a decidedly grown up edge. Classic leather jackets and flirty skirts were interpreted in candy floss colors. Oversized bows and darker floral appliques were a tongue in cheek styling detail on traditional ladylike motifs. The vibe was fun, like a rock n’ roll tomboy who wanted to dress up for a day.

The handbags were the stars in this show of course. The famous Mulberry Bayswater bag was re-invented in sugary colors, as well as punk-inspired neon pink haircalf cheetah. A ‘bluberry’ ostrich Hayden shoulder bag, ‘cookie’ leather shoes and ‘gingerbread’ fringed nappa leather Daria satchel were standouts in the sweet-themed collection. The signature mulberry tree logo plate in antiqued brass of ‘glammed up’ for this season in a shiny, oversized nameplate on some purses as well.

Front Row: Stylish fans of the Mulberry and the mascot dog

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Friday, September 11, 2009

NY Fashion Week: BCBG Max Azria


You can always tell there is a warm front coming from the West Coast. California-based BCBG by Max Azria showed their Spring 2010 collection on the runway Thursday morning at Bryant Park. The show consisted of very pretty, flirty dresses in bright prints and bright colors reminiscent of the 1980’s. Shirring, ruffles and banded details added interest to body conscious (though mostly flattering!) silhouettes. Some of the banded styles had hints of Max Azria’s sister label, Herve Leger. Think Leger Lite (no bi-lingual pun intended).

For the red carpet diva who likes to use her purse as a prop? The models sauntered down the runway with shiny metallic clutches. The shapes were retro to the 1940’s-1960’s, delicate minaudieres, and a few clamshells (just big enough for lipstick, phone and car keys). Each bag was embellished with a long dark tassel, perfect for wrapping around the wrist and flicking dramatically to make a point.

Can’t wait until 2010 to shop these looks? BCBG can cater to the eager. Their website offered two of their runway looks for sale immediately after the show.

Spotted in the front row: Amerie, Anna Wintour, Amanda Bynes, Nina Garcia.
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NY Fashion Week: Cynthia Rowley Spring 2010



The dramatic and palatial Gotham Hall was the setting for Cynthia Rowley’s Spring presentation Friday. The gilded soaring room was draped in muslin, giving it a vintage, forgotten museum quality. The show began with stagehands dramatically pulling down a drop cloth from the lighting rigs to drape the runway. Spooky, Tim Burton-esque music opened the show, and then transitioned into yearning rock and roll.

The clothing had a certain dark, Stepford Wife meets Alice in Wonderland quality. The light, flowing dresses had lots of slashed details and prints that looked like watercolors left to run in the rain.

The handbags had a 1960’s look with pieced leather stripes and folded clutches. The purse silhouettes showed retro trapezoid and triangle shapes

Spotted in the front row: Jill Hennessy, Lauren Bush
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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Fashion’s Night Out in NYC (and the UK, Spain, Italy, China, Japan, Brazil, Germany, etc.)


Did your Fashion Week show invitations get lost in the mail? No worries. All of the top designers and stores are having fabulous parties, designer and celeb appearances to give you the VIP treatment on Thursday night. Vogue magazine, the CFDA and the city of New York have collaborated to bring you, the stylish fashionista you are all sorts of spa treatments, goodies, champagne and hors d’oeuvres to make a shopping for your Fall wardrobe as fabulous as it can be. You won’t be missing anything on the runway, as the designers and models are breaking for this event.

In NYC, Henri Bendel will have appearances by Carlos Falchi and Trish McEvoy. You can be styled by Gossip Girl costume designer Eric Daman while sipping cocktails and nibbling fancy snacks. At Sak’s Fifth Avenue, say hello to Kooba designer Abbe Held while checking out the awesome new bags and chatting with Rihanna’s stylist. The Ralph Lauren store on Bleeker Street will be dishing out Magnolia cupcakes and possibly a secret Blake Lively appearance (shh!). Macy’s will have Tommy Hilfiger and free jazz performances.

Of course, it’s not all about shallow shopping. Many of the participants are involved in a clothing drive for the needy and are offering limited edition items, where the proceeds benefit charity.

Not in NYC? Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills will give you the New York vibe with cheesecake and Nathan’s hot dogs while you shop, Los Angele’s Fred Segal will host several designers. More on L.A. here.

Cities around the world are also joining the fun. To check out International events, click here.

Look up your favorite designer for how they plan to party Thursday night here.

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