Fashion In Film Festival: Birds of Paradise

What are you doing Friday?  If you love costume and movies, the Fashion in Film Festival is running April 15^th through May 2^nd for true geeks. Their tagline promises “a major extravaganza in costume spectacle, dance and diabolical glamour”.  How can you resist that?

Birds of Paradise  “highlights those episodes in cinema history which most distinctly foreground costume, adornment, and styling as vehicles of sensuous pleasure and enchantment.”  The festival explores underground film, silent films.  Archival examples demonstrate how fashion and costume have showcased movement, light, theme and aesthetics since the beginning of cinema.

For the full schedule of screenings, lectures and themes, click here.

The festival blog is a treasure trove of gorgeous costume photos and stylish film history.

The events take place at the Graduate Center at City University of New York and is hosted by the Museum of the Moving Image.

The Graduate Center, CUNY

365 Fifth Avenue

New York 10016

www.gc.cuny.edu

Museum of the Moving Image

36-01 35 Avenue

New York 11106

box office: 718 777 6888

www.movingimage.us

The Graduate Center, CUNY

365 Fifth Avenue

New York 10016

www.gc.cuny.edu

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Robert Pattinson Was Not Sexy While Filming 'Water for Elephants' Love Scenes

Robert Pattinson commands the lust and admiration of girls around the world, but Reese Witherspoon says her love scenes with the British actor in Water for Elephants left her disappointed. That's because Rob was apparently suffering from the most disgusting cold ever during the shoot.

“Rob possibly had the most hideous horrible cold of any co-star I’ve ever had to do a love scene with ever in my entire life," Reese told intouchweekly.com. "I’m going to say it’s a little bit of a downer. I was a little disappointed. It wasn’t sexy.

“He was literally snorting and snotting through every second of it – and it was not appealing. I’m talking green, infectious, disgusting – I’m not kidding!”

Their unfortunate timing aside, Rob has had nothing but good things to say about filming the movie, especially since it doesn't involve loads of make-up and yellow contact lenses.

“It’s nice to be able to actually touch your face without thinking you’re going to get a huge smudge mark over it," he said. "Not having a big kabuki mask on and contacts lenses for ‘Water for Elephants’ was a totally different experience.”

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Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2012

Chado Ralph Rucci's exquisite tailoring always makes him a favorite at museum fashion exhibitions.  Design students take notes on the signature seaming that dissects the anatomy like a surgeon.

For spring 2012, Mr. Rucci did not disappoint.  The runway was awash with a palette of white, more white and some shades of off-white. Shiny silver was the second big color, with inky grey/black as part of some spot prints as an accent.  Silhouettes were very body conscious.  Separates, dresses, framed the body in ultra-flattering shapes.  The only misstep was the use of clear vinyl in some looks.  It veered dangerously into spaceman costume territory.

The highly polished runway reflected the collection from below so all of the clothes looked like they were glowing from within.  I don't know how much philosophy plays into this designer's creative process, but if there was a church of fashion enlightenment, this would be it.

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Naturalizer Fall Collection & Shoe Giveaway

Not your mother's shoes...That was the message that the Naturalizer team set out to show shoppers last week.  My younger sister wouldn't let my own mother walk into a Naturalizer store for years to ween her away from frumpy but ultra-comfortable shoes.  

Angelique Joseph, the brand's director of product design has overhauled the look and direction for today's fashionistas.  The chic designer set out with distinctive trends to design around this fall.  My favorite, the ultra-hip "Mad Men" influenced retro-style.  This included vintage details like suede pleats and demure bows.  These were updated with stacked heels with platforms and stitched color blocked panels.  

Another direction was the Americana-inspired shearling collection. Rugged suede and warm shearling, faux fur were interpreted into trend-right platform boots.  

Naturalizer is not about style without substance.  The new design direction does not pull the brand away from its roots.  The team invited guests of their Fall fashion event to try out the actual shoes.  They are offered across a wide range of sizes and widths.  The pleasant surprise was stacked platform heels, prim pointed heels were actually very flexible and comfortable.  Their signature wearability was not lost in the stylistic revamp, and their price point stayed friendly too.

So...Are you inspired?  What if I told you that we're giving away a pair of these shoes for you to try yourself?  Check out their website and tell us which style is YOUR favorite in the comments section and we'll pick a winner at random.  (Winner chosen on October 31st).

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Adam Spring 2012

Transparency and pastels.  A few black and white prints thrown in.  Adam Lippes' collection for Spring 2012 was like finding a luxe box of licorice all-sorts.  The sweet pinks and lavender colors were never too sugary as they were used in sleek, well cut silhouettes of pants and jackets.  The dresses were feminine and smart, but never frivolous.  This is a grown-up's version of spring dressing.

Adam has loyal following by the young and chic of the city because the designer produces effortless sportswear for the lifestyle.  According to the website, the brand is inspired by "real women" as opposed to celebrities.  That seems like a no-brainer concept for success, yet it is also a rare one...

More photos:

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Elie Tahari Spring 2012 and Fall 2011 Sample Sale

Merchandised, perpetually wearable, priced appropriately.  The traits that make Elie Tahari a commercial success are often the same reasons that the fashion elite don't consider him a respectable designer.  Customers are very loyal to the brand.  The collections are 'trend-right" and produced very thoughtfully to what the customers want.

One does not hear "innovator" or "trendsetter" associated with the Tahari label.  The color palette for Spring 2012 looked like it was picked directly out of the Pantone list handed to them from a trend agency, (sunburst orange, gold, cream, pale blue).  Femine, sexy, but nothing too risque that would offend their core audience.  Sometimes I wonder if their design meetings are actually focus groups.

You may not find these outfits on a cover of Vogue, but seeing on the backs of tons of successful women in the city seems like the bigger win.

FYI, if you're looking for THIS season's clothes at up to 70% off, check out the TAHARI SAMPLE SALE happening October 18 - 22nd in NYC.  Silky leather jackets will be $279 (down from $998), little black dresses are $129 (down from $398), etc.  There will be menswear, womens, footwear, outerwear, handbags, all the good stuff.

When:                    Monday October 18^th- Saturday October 22^{nd 
                              Tuesday - Friday (8:30 am - 7:30pm) Saturday (10am - 5pm)}

Where:                  501 5^th AVENUE (Entrance 42^nd Street and 5^th Avenue – 2nd Floor)

Phone:                   212-398-2622

Payment:              All major credit cards, cash, no checks

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Theia Spring 2012

Romanced on a bed of roses?  I can't imagine a lovelier way to present a Spring 2012 collection.  With Goddess Chloris as a muse, designer Don O'Neill showed a meticulous collection of gowns and the debut of the Theia day dress line.

Chloris was the Goddess of flowers.  For Theia, this mean light, petal-like transparency. This inspiration was also translated into high tech digitally printed floral fabrics to hand-embroidered blooms on bodices.  A dimensional technique rarely produced in modern textiles was incorporated into an all-over gown.  

The day dresses included flattering seaming, prints, a sorbet color palette, as well as black and white.  Another innovative technique was Mr. O'Neill's use of laser-cut paillettes.  Instead of hard, shiny sequins, fabric was laser-cut into delicate, soft shapes embroidered onto cocktail dresses and gowns.  This resulted in an elaborately textured dress without the heavy weight of typical beads and jewels.

There were gowns of Theia's signature "crunchy" sequins (a mix of over 10 tonal colors giving a rich, dimensional effect), and light-radiating crystal embroidery.  No wonder the siren call of Theia has attracted the likes of Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester (she wore a Theia wedding gown), Taylor Swift and Emmy Rossum.

The designer gave the Ms. FAB team an exclusive interview to describe his work on this season's collection and access to the full show:

photos by Mariana Leung, video by Nicholas Waickman

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Amazon's Contemporary Chic Giveaway

Amazon has always been my go-to for books and MP3 downloads when I am frustrated with ITunes.  Now, will it also be my go-to for contemporary fashion?  The e-commerce giant is stepping up its fashion game this Fall.  It stocked up its clothing offerings with labels like Rebecca Minkoff, BCBG, Twelth Street by Cynthia Vincent for the ladies.  For guys, they are rocking brands like Jack Spade, Paul Smith and Rock & Republic.  They have some good sales, and you can sign up for 20% off your purchase right now.

Their PR team had Ms. FAB over to play and style some of the Fall 2011 pieces to see exactly how stylish they can be... Anyone who knows me knows I love purple in autumn.  I found a cute dress paired with a chunky gold rope necklace, then a long maxi skirt (so on-trend!) paired with a deep violet cardigan.   I love dark jeans and jackets on guys, and their model was just a cutie.

The best news is that I have a present for YOU.  I am giving away a $50 gift card for you to spend on Amazon's Fall boutique.  To win, leave a comment below with your favorite pick from their Contemporary shop, or on our Facebook page.  (Winner will be chosen at random on October 15th).

Good luck!

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Byron Lars Spring 2012

How much of fashion is fantasy?  How do you bring dreams into reality?  My favorite designer Byron Lars just released a surrealist video presentation for his Spring 2012 collection last week. He wanted to democratize the presentation experience by making it accessible to all and at your convenience.  (This is a much appreciated sentiment after the chaos of NY Fashion week). 

The Spring 2012 collection of Byron Lars is presented in dreamy, dramatic fashion with a sense of humor.  The clothes themselves are picking up some of the trends from fall, but with a lighter, updated twist.  Belted jacket and dresses had detailed embroidery or faux leather pailettes.  Ruched chiffon made for voluminous collars, or styled as an alternative to fur (shout-out to PETA members...)

The signature flattering silhouettes with intricate seaming was in play with shirts and shirtdresses.  Prints also made their way into the collection via crocheted fabric mash-ups. Trapunto stitching gave texture to belts and other details.

When you're ready to walk on the wilder side, come join me this side of the moon. 

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NY FASHION WEEK: Richard Chai Spring 2012

Is next spring going to be really chilly?  What's with the blue lips?  I kid of course, I was just happy to see bold makeup when so many other shows displayed nude lips.

I went to school with Richard Chai where he was lovingly called "Richie Rich" (not to be confused with the blond club kid).  He showed graphic contrast stripes and bright colored cottons.  Like many emerging designs graduating to hit brands, he made menswear and womenswear equally important.  The floral prints had a 1980's edge.  They reminded me of the color palette and looks my Mom used to favor when I was a child.  She was a stylin' Mama.

The sportswear separates were flattering and casual.  Exactly what I would want to wear on a typical day in Spring.

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NY Fashion Week: Carlos Miele Spring 2012

"Will there be Samba musicians down this runway?"  There is only one designer I can think of where members of the photographer's pit would ask this question.  

Carlos Miele brought his brand of sophisticated Brazilian chic to Lincoln Center for New York Fashion Week.  There were no dancers or musicians, but the models brought South American style to Manhattan.  The first few looks to come down the runway were dramatic swirls of printed chiffon. 

The rest of the looks that followed were draped, sexy silhouettes showing off bronzed legs, bared shoulders and long necks.  Sunny orange, one of the most popular colors in the Spring 2012 collection was important in this collection as well.  Vivid blues and greens to reflect the beaches of Brazil were also very prominent.  The popular pattern were variations on a painterly swirled design interpreted in different color palettes.

Fabric manipulations were popular as a design detail on several gowns.  Fabric was twisted and braided.  Other gowns featured a gathered fabric floral technique. 

When spring hits NYC, I'm usually wading through dirty slush thawed from the winter.  If there is any luck in my world, next spring I'll be instead on a beach in Brazil, with a caipirinha in hand and a regal Mielle gown on my back...

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Cougar Pillow Boots & Joe Fresh Suede Boots

One of my favorite parts of fall is to shop for boots.  While cute strappy shoes are pretty in thesummer, the grungy NYC commute and wet rainy streets make open toes adisgusting part of summer.

Two new acquisitions for the season are a shout-out to twoof my favorite accessible Canadian brands. I grew up in Toronto, and while I love Manhattan, I gladly take theopportunity to reconnect with my peeps up North by a good dose ofshopping. 

Cougar Pillow Boots are an iconic fashion item in thehistory of Canadian outerwear.  The branditself came roaring back in recent years mixing their signature craftsmanship andcomfort with newfound fashion relevance. If you saw my tweets during last winter’s blizzard, you can see exactlyhow much I appreciated their black Ringo Star boots during the slushy frigid month. 

The Pillow Boot is one of the most comfortable, cushy bootsI have ever tried on.  I am so used toheels and impractical footwear, that I never realized boots could feel thisway.  While the Pillow Boot is adeviation from my usual girly style, I found it worked perfectly with Joe FreshLeggings, a cozy scarf and edgy All Saints cardigan.  The boots are made in Italy and based onfriends who still hang on to the originals, last a long, long time.  

Joe Fresh is a supermarket clothing chain in my favorite grocerystore, Loblaws.  That alone should haveany fashionista running for the hills. Surprisingly, it has cute, trendy pieces with a very affordable pricepoint.  The brand is putting in a bigeffort to market itself as a serious fashion collection.  It was one of the most sought after invitesat Toronto Fashion Week last fall.  Itopened a pop-up shop on the Main Street of East Hampton, and now opening twoboutiques on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

My little suede boots here have antiqued gold grommets and ahard-core rubber sole for serious walking. Despite the 3-inch heel, they almost feel like flats.  My Mom liked these because they could besporty, or paired with a very feminine printed silk chiffon CatherineMalandrino skirt and denim jacket.  Theleather rose headband is from another Canadian brand, Le Chateau.

How does a New York Fashion industry vet merge her CanuckEx-Pat roots for autumn? She shows love my marrying labels above and below theborder.

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Rihanna Wears C-Word Necklace to Check out a Jesus Statue

Rihanna's been having a blast this week in Brazil, where she's performed in itty bitty hot pants, partied with Katy Perry, and visited some of the country's most famous landmarks, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio and its adjacent chapel.

While Rihanna was relatively covered up in a yellow blouse and denim Daisy Dukes, there was one aspect of her ensemble that couldn't possibly be considered Catholic chapel-friendly: Her gold plate necklace, which was emblazoned with a very unpleasant 4-letter word that begins with a "C."

It's likely that Rihanna just hadn't thought her accessories through on this particular pilgrimage. There's also the fact that she uses the C-word pretty liberally, even applying a modified version (NSFW-ish) of it as a nickname for her buddy Katy Perry in public on Twitter. She definitely didn't intend to offend.

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Boardwalk Empire Costumes

Is there a show on television more gorgeous than HBO's Boardwalk Empire?  The period sets and costumes are researched, then executed in meticulous detail by a hard-working team.

Watch our exclusive interview by Mdivani Monroe with designers John Dunn and Lisa Padovani (Costume Guild Award winners!)  The interview took place right in the design studio on the Boardwalk Empire set:

Don't forget the season 2 premiere Sunday!  

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Custo Barcelona Spring 2012

Explode into Spring 2012 with the most patterned, printed and embellished brand on the market.  Custo Barcelona did not disappoint for their Lincoln Center show.  Jackets, skirts, pants, swimwear and dresses were splashed with attention-screaming looks. 

While it doesn't happen that often, menswear was given equal attention.  The runway saw coordinated pairs in a somewhat more neutral palette.  These looks were still bold, but might appeal to a more mainstream audience.  Either that, or obnoxiously cute couples who insist on dressing alike.

The show brought out celebs, from Gossip girl's Matthew Settle , True Blood's Carrie Preston and former contestants of America's Next Top Model.  

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William and Kate to Open a Children's Cancer Center

Prince William and wife Kate Middleton (that's the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to us common folks) announced today that they will open a children's cancer center at the Royal Marsden Hospital. Princess Di was the former president of the London hospital, and Prince William was appointed to the position in 2007.

Wills and Kate have reportedly been quietly researching various charitable organizations in an effort to decide which cause is most near and dear to them. The royal couple will visit the center on September 29, where they will meet staff and patients and take a tour of the facility.

Kate seems to have plans for other major charitable endeavors as well. "The Duchess is using the next few months to get to get to know a number of charitable and other causes better, so she can make well-informed decisions about her future role," a palace spokesman said in a statement.

In a world filled with daily Lohan shenanigans and celebs who take themselves way too seriously, it's great to see this classy couple using their influence to help make the world a better place.

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Lacoste Debuts La Machine and Fragrance Launch

The little crocodile invaded Grand Central Station.  I'm not talking about an urban legend about Manhattan sewers.  Iconic brand Lacoste threw a fun soiree to celebrate their fragrances, Blanc, Vert and Bleu, as well as introduce their social media installation, La Machine.

The fragrances were inspired by the brand's signature colors.  Co-ordinating cocktails were created to fete the scents.  Lacoste's marketing director spoke about the project and actor Max Minghella declared his (personally purchased) love of the brand.  Fans and dancers performed for the crowd in an enthusiastic dance before the unveiling of the "Machine".

While the installation was an impressive piece of art, I was still left in the dark on how the piece was interactive.  Names were projected onto the piece from their Facebook fans, and it claimed to turn a shirt into perfume.  I did see a hydraulic shelf bring a shirt up and down, while another shelf had a fragrance product on it, but didn't move.

The surprise guests of the night were Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five in great form.  It was a fun musical tribute to the time when Lacoste was in it's glory in the 1980's before it's resurgence again in recent years.

See the installation below:

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NY FASHION WEEK: Douglas Hannant Spring 2012

Do you love the China Club?  Not the cheesy one in Midtown Manhattan, but the posh one in Hong Kong.  Never been there?  That's ok, Douglas Hannant brought the glamor and elegance of 1930's Shanghai to the famed New York Plaza Thursday.

The designer did not use obvious Chinoiserie motifs in the clothes.  Instead, he evoked the atmosphere of the era in the bamboo backdrop.  The silhouettes were modern updates of classic silhouettes as seen in the gowns, sheaths and suits.  Mr. Hannant used the most luxurious fabrics available.

Douglas Hannant doesn't pander to Hollywood or red carpet dressing.  He prefers to concentrate on dressing his loyal clientele of socialites and grande ladies of the city.  His boutique is nestled right next to the famous Warren Tricomi salon at the Plaza.  Edward  Tricomi of the salon explained his direction for the styling was for classic hairstyles updated with extra volume and crimping.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Vera Wang 2012

The queen of all things bridal, Vera Wang showed a breezy spring collection at Lincoln Center this week. I meant breezy in a literal sense.  A fan blew the chiffon tails of the multiple short/long hems of dresses on the runway.  

The collection was very pretty, more avant-garde than one would expect from this designer known for classic elegance. There was an interesting use of seaming and bound edges.  The colors and fabrics suggested daywear, but the silhouettes definitely cried out for eveningwear.  The were a lot of prints that looked like a melting painting that was edgy for Vera Wang.  Variations on the bubble skirt and the leg revealing hems with flowing trains came up again and again.  If you were not a fan of the prints, you had your pick of bright sun yellow, pistachio, raspberry and neutrals of taupe and cream.

  

The front row notables of this show were one of the most diverse of the week...Top fashion editors Grace Coddington and Joe Zee were in attendance.  Kim Kardashian was on the other side.  Right before the show started, a hush came over the audience as a team of guards escorted Beyonce Knowles into the tent.  Most impressive for me however, was former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.  (Her granddaughter Ellie won tickets and chose grandma as her date). 

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NY FASHION WEEK: Zang Toi Spring 2012

Dreaming of Marrakech. Malaysian designer Zang Toi was inspired by a journey to North Africa for his Spring 2012 collection. He took influences from the desert for the rich browns and the deep sapphire blue from the night sky. There were a few djeballa type silhouettes included as a nod to traditional Moroccan attire. There were gold appliques in motifs inspired by Moroccan architecture that adorned gowns and capes.

Besides travel muses, the collection was, as always, pure luxury. Zang Toi always chooses the most posh of silks and other fabrics. Every look exudes elegance and sophistication. There were a few cream and black ensembles appropriate for the day that were beautiful, but the guests here reserve their applause for his big gowns.

Kirstie Alley, most recently a favorite on Dancing with the Stars walked out as a Diva of Lincoln Center in the show finale. The burly guys of the photographers pit had been taking bets on her shape and size prior to the show, so it was satisfying to see her look gorgeous.

The ever charming Mr. Toi gave the Ms.FAB team an exclusive interview, our video will be up soon...

Photos by Mariana Leung

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NY Fashion Week: LAMB Spring 2012 by Gwen Stefani

 Are YOU just a girl?  If so, you had plenty of fun, casual options for Spring 2012.  The Gwen Stefani helmed collection showed quietly in the small 'box' studio of Lincoln Center without the designer.  In previous seasons, her shows were big, celebrity-filled paparazzi-bait.

The clothing did not show a distinct theme, and you didn't really see the pop star's distinct personality in this collection as you would from the previous seasons.  What you did see were bright colors is solid separates or variations on stripes and zig zags of primary colors.  Other separates included neutrals in 1980's styling.

I was much more impressed with the handbag selection at this show.  Several bags had a sunburst-like seaming and braided handle.  Another series had cut strips of leather as a variation to fringe which was clever.

The models were styled with simple informal ponytails, dark eyeliner and neutral lips.  I thought they would at least style them with Stefani's signature red lipstick.  Again, this show just didn't feel like it had Ms. Gwen's stamp on it, so it ended up as one of the blur of collections this season.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2012

She's the girl next door, just much more stylish than the rest of your neighbors.  Rebecca Minkoff sent a light, breezy spring collection down the runway that any girl should want.  There were lots of easy, floral prints and bright Spring colors.  Dresses and skirts were flirty. Relaxed pants were paired with semi-tailored blouses or fitted, shrunken leather jackets.

Handbags included updated versions of her MAB (Morning After Bag) complete with designer branded condoms and vodka for guests at their seats. (How tongue in cheek is that?)  Warm leathers, studs, a little edgier than the clothes to balance the soft femininity of the looks.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Betsey Johnson Spring 2012

The Betsey Johnson show is one I most look forward to every season. Is it the fond memories of college? Or the fact that these are clothes I fantasized about wearing as an adult when I was eight years old?  I wasn't alone in this anticipation as other female photographers in the pit with me had the same giddyness prior to the show.  Whatever the reason, Betsey Johnson represents fun, flirty femmes.

For Spring 2012, our ageless Betsey sent some Punk/Goth Lolitas with a tongue-in-cheek take on skulls and bones. There were duo-sided skull prints, anatomically correct embroidered rib cage corsets and romantic floral skeleton prints.  Black and zippered tops and dresses.  Super bright pouf dresses were mixed with English garden rose prints in flowing long gowns.

The models were sassy, curvy and had a naughty attitude about them that told the men in the audience who was in charge.  Bright red lips with curls styled to the side had a hint of burlesque beauty.

Flamboyant fashion personalities Nicki Minaj and Johnny Weir sat front row to enjoy the festivities.  Of course, no show without Betsey's finale cartwheel, which she did (at age 70) and even ended with split.  She also gave credit to her daughter who more or less runs the 'bones' of the operation these days.

Always a party, models came out with big metallic balloons to celebrate the collection at the end.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Diane Von Furstenburg Spring 2012

 The iconic designer and head of CFDA, Diane Von Furstenburg presented one of the most talked about fashion shows so far.  She sent lots of brightly printed large florals down the runway. The designer also showed sold separates in beige, lemon yellow and pops of turquoise blue.  The prettiest pieces were the shimmering pastel day to evening looks.  There was a iridescent print used in 1960's silhouette dresses, embroidered sweaters, tops and sheaths.  The rolled neck on many looks were also quite retro.

The beauty styling was reminiscent of vintage Hitchcock leading ladies with elegant bouffant hair and ladylike pink lips.

Handbags were multiple variations of the envelope clutch.  Some were solid, some were color-blocked.  A few were produced to match the prints of the clothes. 

Fabulous four, Rachel Zoe, husband Rodger Berman, PR maven Lorenzo Martone, model

In a touching finale, Diane Von Furstenburg acknowledged the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by handing out American flags to guests along the runway.  I love the hug and kiss she gave designer Valentino when she saw him (below).

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