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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Win a $1000 Shopping Getaway to NYC and View InStyle in 3D!


Talk about interactive magazine experience… This month’s InStyle holiday issue has a few added features that you don’t usually find in print media. The special gift giving section is set up so you can participate in an interactive three-dimensional experience with the help of a webcam and internet. Click: InStyle Gifting in 3D to download the plug-in and immerse yourself into their most stylish picks for gifts. You’ll find messages for deals, tips, and you can even make your favorite items go viral!

Once you are sufficiently wowed by this new technology (think Matrix meets Neiman Marcus, or Lawnmower Man made over by Chanel). You can be really nice to yourself and a girlfriend … Enter to win the trip for two to NYC with a $1000 shopping spree. Click through to InStyle’s sweepstakes here and when you get to New York, I’ll share my best brunch spots over a cocktail!

Good luck, shop chic and beware the blue pills!

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Designer Insider: At the Studio of Kooba's Abbe Held


I was invited to visit the design studio and showroom of Kooba and designer Abbe Held to take a peek at this season’s hottest handbags:

The design room walls were draped in colors upon textures of leather swatches. Lauren, a member of the design team was applying antiqued studs by hand to a leather piece at her desk. Photos were not allowed as the concepts being worked on in this room were in the very early stages for next season, and many of the staff had not even been allowed in the design studio yet! While some of the staff apologized for the messy state of the room, it actually had a gloriously creative, busy quality. (It was also much neater than my design studio).


I was led into the showroom upstairs. The collections of bags were artfully arranged in a well-lit room to show off their textures at their best angle. Abbe Held, the design director of Kooba entered the showroom looking refreshed, if a bit camera-shy.

The fall collection showed studded styles in rich, deep hues of forest green and eggplant. Abbe’s personal favorite of this delivery was the Alex Bag in Eggplant. For holiday, she liked the bags in brighter colors of red.

My personal favorite out of this group were the Jagger pieces. Well placed zippers allowed the bags to open up into different silhouettes in unexpected ways, and adding practical additional volume to boot.

The Kooba startup legend describes the relationship Abbe and her mother Bonnie. The two of them founded the company together. She warmly describes her mother as muse, partner and “best friend”. What most people don’t know is that her eight year old daughter is also starting to inject her creative input, but she is Mom’s biggest fan.

What is ahead for spring 2010? The Kooba team is working with neutrals, ruffle details and fabric treatments for when the weather thaws out.

Thanks for inviting Ms. FABulous to visit Abbe!


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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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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Urban Zen and Industrial Feng Shui on the Highline


The Highline was originally built between 1929-1934 to lift food-laden trains off the streets to warehouses and factories in what was then the largest industrial district of Manhattan. Eventually phased out, (the last train ran in 1980), the elevated structure was abandoned, covered in graffiti and became a somewhat impromptu 'museum' of discarded beer bottles. (Volunteers found garbage and junk dating from several decades ago).

Now, it has been re-purposed into a very cool public park. The Ipe wood used on the High Line was chosen for its longevity and durability. The High Line's plantings are inspired by the self-seeded landscape that grew on the out-of-use elevated rail tracks during the 25 years after the trains stopped running. It looks like a lush, wildflower path gone rogue.

Depending on what time of day or week you choose to visit, the park can be overrun with tourists, or a an organic runway of Manhattan chic. Double width lounges allow you to overlook the Hudson river. A stretch under a hotel allow you to converse with the hotties at the Standard. (Be a dear and make sure you don't show up with fanny packs and cheap sneakers please...keep New York beautiful).

Need some art? For Spencer Finch’s "The River That Flows Both Ways" he snapped 700 photos of the Hudson River and crafted a glass pane to match the color of each shot’s center pixel. (First photo).

The layout of the benches, plantings, rails all have a very feng shui sensibility. The overall flow is relaxing and smooth. Benches come from curved beams leading up to the seat. Plantings are staggered into the curves. My chi-loving mother would love it. For more on the design, check out their site.

As of July, there are five entry points, at Gansevoort, 14th, 16th, 18th and 20th Streets, with elevators at 14th and 16th Streets. Park hours are 7am–10pm.

Photos by JakeRome, Dror7, Miss Pior, Marie Ray and David Berkowitz from Flickr's Friends of the Highline Pool.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Louis Vuitton Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing

louis-vuitton-journeys-campaign

jessica_szohr_and_melancebuzz_and_jim

Last night, the science-nerd in me loved being at Louis Vuitton’s party at the Rose Center at the American Museum of Natural History to meet heroes of my youth. CEO Daniel Lalonde introduced guests of honor Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell at the party celebrating the 40th anniversary of the lunar landing. National treasures in their own right, the two former astronauts, along with first American woman in space, Sally Ride, star in the new Louis Vuitton Journeys campaign.

With a history in creating high quality travel goods, I loved that this campaign focused on the accomplishments and dreams of the human race (rather than your typical pretty faces). The ad is simply gorgeous n’est-ce pas?

This being a fashion event, the party had no shortage of the chic and famous… Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szohr, Miranda Kerr, a glowing, pregnant Adriana Lima and handsome Lance Bass were mingling among the planets. Singers Cassie and Estelle also made their way across the red carpet. The celeb fashionistas were carrying the latest bags of the Louis Vuitton collection, Jessica with an embellished clutch, Miranda with the metallic leather purse.

Since I attend many more fashion events than I do for science and history, I have to admit I was much more ‘geeked’ about the guests of honor (no offense to the glamor crowd).

The nibbles were themed… “Moons” of white chocolate dipped rice krispy balls were served for dessert along with champagne topped “Cosmos”. (Beats Tang!)
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Monday, June 22, 2009

Independent Handbag Design Awards




Last week, NYC was home to several major fashion awards. The CFDA of course, feted the mega-clothing labels like Marc Jacobs, Rodarte and Calvin Klein. These are the guys you already know and have been around forever .
What about handbags and the truly unique, independent designer? Handbag Designer 101 held its annual awards this week as well. The chic, lively event was held at the classic New York Historical Society on Central Park West. This event recognized the best in individual creativity among handbag designers. Proving that the night was not just about pretty purses, categories like “Best Green Handbag Design” and “Most Socially Responsible Handbag” was awarded to designers who create with a conscience. The competition accepted entries from designers all over the world. The prizes were truly important in the assistance it gave to the winning designer. Awards included essential equipment like sewing machines and access to materials libraries. Apprenticeships for students, a contract to develop a collection with a Swarovski, a deal to sell the winning bag at Sak’s as well as a sponsored booth at the top handbag trade show in Las Vegas.

Lulu Guinness was presented with the Iconoclast award and made everyone smile by wearing a witty Giles Deacon dress paired with her own lip-shaped handbag to make a face onstage. In her acceptance speech, she hit home that independent designers were more important than ever in this time of economic trouble. People need things that are unique and well made.
Perks for attendees? They must have had one of the most useful gift bags I have ever received as a guest (and designer!) The glossy Lulu Guinness bag held a pair of the designer’s slippers (comfort), a printed silk scarf from Rosangel (keep a bad hair day in check), Vitamin Water (for dehydrated, malnourished creatives), Foot Petals (for fashionista heels), measuring tape, pins, Pantone color inspiration CD and Singer sewing guide (no explanation needed).Read about the winners here.





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Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Gala Weddings Magazine - Designer Profile

gala article

Shameless self-promotion time: This summer's Gala Weddings magazine has included me in an article profiling emerging designers. I am on page 33, designated as the "Embellishment Artiste".

I am absolutely honored to be included with so many talented people in this issue. As all creative know, it's a lot of hard work to do what we do. It's (really!) nice when someone notices the effort...

Thank you for the shout-out Gala Weddings!
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Sunday, June 7, 2009

Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art Festival - Talent Only, No Costumed Geeks Allowed





This weekend, the 69th street Armory on the East Side of Manhattan was host to the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art Festival. The soaring old space was home to tables upon tables of the hottest up-and-comic illustrators, artists and independent publishers. Along side of all the fresh meat, were legends, and established artists on hand for seminars and signings. This was not the event for costumed freaks of questionable mental stability found at those other conventions. The crowd here was here to appreciate and support artistic talent and unique points of view. A crowd that speaks to my heart. For the shy boys who fantasize about an evil comic temptress? What you will find here are sexy, smart and gifted women like Tara McPherson, Molly Crabapple and others doing what they do best without the aid of a latex catsuit, but wield a mighty pen.

Another of my favorite finds? The quiet and cute Michael J. DiMotta. His work featured brilliantly composed, whimsical scenes. Each of his images seem to be drawn from the viewpoint of a boy whose imagination ran amok.
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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Culture, Cupcakes and Cocktails at the Chelsea Art Museum



Social networking site Yelp.com, together with the Chelsea Cultural Partnership threw a fabulous launch party at the Chelsea Art museum to kick off the Passport to Chelsea campaign.

The "Passport to Chelsea" offered guests discounts and special offers to sample the culinary, artistic and athletic specialties all found in the neighborhood.

The three-level museum housed several art and design exhibits that I enjoyed. One was "Sustainability" presented by a collective of Italian design brands. It showcased furniture, art, living and functional pieces made from sustainable materials and concepts. The second was "Dream in a Contemporary Secret Garden". This was an exhibit of 12 contemporary Asian artists, using mixed media to interpret the concept of "garden" in their own way.

There was a lovely pianist on the third floor playing for guests of the exhibits, and a DJ in the reception room. Top restaurants from the Chelsea neighborhood provided the nibbles. Crema, an upscale modern Mexican restaurant served up a truffled chicken tortila goat cheese tart as well as coconut scallop ceviche. Late night favorite, Cafeteria, served up delicious red velvet cupcakes. Elegant Matsuri, could barely keep their spicy shrimp siu mai on the banana leaf for a few seconds before being ravaged by hungry guests.

Sake2Me, a new company, served up fruit and tea infused sake beverages that were light and flavorful withough knocking you on your butt. My new favorite liquor brand, Domaine de Canton, a ginger-infused cognac, also spread some cocktail love with their drink of the evening, using lemon and bitters.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Louis Vuitton Cocktail Party to Preview Fall 2009





Yes, the weather is just warming up. However, I know that you like to be ahead of the game when it comes to luxury design. I had the privilege of previewing the Louis Vuitton collection for Fall 2009 for Purse Page Monday evening at an intimate cocktail party for invited bloggers.

What is in store for you this September? The luxe went to glam for handbags. Jewel-toned metallic leathers, shimmery monogram brocade, prominent shiny hardware and glittery textured fabrics were all stars in the collection. The signature monogram pattern was re-embroidered in petite sequins for added elegance on one bag. On another the legendary design was imprinted onto fur for a demure clutch, (PETA be damned).

The clothing collection showed a rich palette of violet, saffron, burnt orange, browns and jewel tones. Highly elaborate seaming and complex embroidery embellished sculpted silhouette garments. On a tiny pair of shorts, I think I counted multiple shaped and pieced seams, pick-stitching, contrast thread pin tucks, beaded fagoting, all in addition to the chunky jeweled details on the front. I don’t think you can get more designer details per square inch than that.

There was the infamous "rabbit" ears headband that Madonna wore to the recent Met gala on display as well. The LV reps humbly admitted they were completely trampled in the press for it. Another snarky blogger had compared Madonna's outfit to the creepy rabbit in "Donnie Darko".

I sipped my champagne, nibbled steak tartare and chatted with fellow fashion bloggers. I also took the opportunity to make Daniel Saynt of fashionindie.com squirm a bit when I pretended to confront him about a catty review of my studio several months ago. He was a cutie and quite apologetic. I love the stuff that his crew and he are doing with their site.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Burlesque and Booze at Dr. Sketchy's

bambi26

Q: So what does a former art-school party girl do during the daytime on weekends?

A: Drink and draw dirty pictures at famed burlesque club Slipper Room on the Lower East Side at for Dr. Sketchy's.

Illustrator Molly Crabapple and writer John Leavitt hosted a debauched anti-art school drawing session with costumed characters, fully stocked bar and morally disturbing contests. This particular session was modeled by rock band Bambi Killers in a bloody homage (with props!) to the movie Grindhouse.

Molly is holding a drawing of Ms. F’s for a contest for the most gratuitous sex and violence in a sketch. For my particular illustration, I created an interpretive tribute to the infamous Elizabeth Bathory. For the lower brow, it was an illustration of naked lesbians in fishnets, heels and severed heads. This was as much gratuitous sex and violence as I could come up with under the influence of Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes and my second cocktail. (Who knew gin paired so nicely with buttercream?)

Unfortunately, yours truly did not win. The winning drawing was a sketch pad with some scribbles and the word “COCK” written in large bold letter across the page. For this crowd, the direct approach clearly has the most appeal. Lesson learned.

At least my art did elicit some nice compliments that afternoon… Some younger, male art students said very kind things. One older gentleman (who did not appear to be in attendance to draw…or do anything productive) came over to tell me he “Reeaaally reeaally liked my artwork and style,” with the demeanor of a wolf drooling over a sleeping rabbit.

It is the highest form of flattery for an artist to know that your work has the power to move someone.

Am I being too picky if I am creeped out about which actual part of the person it moves?

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Ahoy! Nautica Shows Fall 2009 on the USS Intrepid

nautica on intrepid

I absolutely love it when a brand puts the effort into presenting their collection in a fully realized theme. Nautica, eschewing the typical runways of fashion week decided to show the line during a cocktail reception on the newly re-opened Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

Setting up their models on tiered platforms, editors and buyers had the opportunity to see the clothes up close and in detail.

Guests were able to relax, grab a glass of wine, and wander through the historical exhibits in addition to the show. I wish more designers would present themselves in such a nice, laid back environment.

Somehow, I don't see Ralph Lauren showing the collection from the back of a horse anytime soon...
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Saturday, February 28, 2009

Second Lives: Garbage to Gorgeous


Have you checked out the new location of the Museum of Art and Design yet? That's the one that took over the long-abandoned "Lollipop" building at Columbus Circle.

Right now, they have the most gorgeous exhibit, Second Lives (through April 19). It features several floors of projects from artists and designers who have re-purposed discarded objects into beautiful new works. Many of them were functional, and would make great additions to any edgy home decor scheme. A chandelier composed of old eyeglasses, a wall of drawers from discarded suitcases. My favorite is pictured above, the flock of butterflies created from LP's. There was also a huge tidal wave of LP's in another part of the exhibit.

As with most of the great museums in NYC, you can check this exhibit out on whatever funds you can muster. Thursday evenings are Pay-What-You-Wish after 6:00 pm.
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Saturday, February 14, 2009

NY Fashion Week: Barbie's 50th Anniversary Fashion Show



Pop culture and fashion icon Barbie celebrated her 50th anniversary on Valentine’s Day at Bryant Park. It was a glorious fashion show featuring the works of 52 designers who were inspired by Barbie.

The show’s audience contained the usual fashion editors, industry vets. It was also attended by celebrities like Heidi Klum and Kellie Pickler as well as many young Barbie fans who were incredibly excited to see their heroine. While waiting to enter the tent, I waited next to famed photographer Annie Leibowitz. Only in hindsight, did I think of playing naĂŻve and asking her to take a quickie photo of me with my digital camera, (talk about a Facebook pic with serious bragging rights!)

This was probably the most fun and flamboyant show I have seen in ages, (as most apparel companies are no longer spending money on this kind of stuff… sigh). Jaded industry vets were no match for the infectious music, cute factor and drama of the outfits on the runway.

The presentation was divided into three acts, the first showcased retro-inspired outfits from designers like Monique Lhuillier, Michael Kors, and Carmen Marc Valvo. They represented Barbie through the decades with glamorous evening gowns and jeweled accessories. The next act, the “Faux Reality” act represented modern and contemporary Barbie with hipster contributions from the likes of Diane von Furstenburg (above) and Baby Phat (above). The last act was inspired by Barbie of the future, with a lot of metallics and funky clear vinyl from designers like Calvin Klein, Betsey Johnson and getting the biggest applause of the day, Bob Mackie (above).

Guests were treated to a great soundtrack of strong women, and tongue-in-cheek selections (”Doll Parts” by Hole opened the show – so wrong and so right). The most entertaining moments was undoubtedly the excitement on little girl’s faces when they saw the pink-ribboned box on their chair. Each seated attendee was gifted with Barbie chocolates by Dylan’s Candy Bar and a limited edition Debut Barbie Fashion Model doll.

Two floor length video screens acted as curtains and projected a sparkling set, the history of Barbie, the multi-ethnic faces of the doll and split apart for the models to make their entrance on the runway.

I am personally ecstatic to finally own my first Barbie doll, (about 25 years after I first asked my parents for one). Why the delay? My parents refused to buy me a doll because they did not want me to grow up with “An unhealthy pre-occupation with frivolous things like fashion”.

Yep, that made me laugh too.
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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Louis Vuitton Party Celebrating Stephen Sprouse



Hey! Let's pretend I am still 19 and still have the energy to party all night on the Lower East Side. Let's also pretend this rockin' concert by Debbie Harry is actually 1982, and not being sponsored by big luxury label Louis Vuitton. The grande dame herself was doing the same, acknowledging the change of times, " I don't think I have ever seen so much mink in this room..." We were all partying it up at the Bowery Ballroom to celebrate the opening of the Stephen Sprouse exhibit downtown.

Gorgeous waiters served up sweets like chocolate dipped rice krispie matchsticks, truffles and cotton candy. The bartenders poured out the champagne like we were drowning. The music was a great mix of vintage and current rock as well as nostalgic pop.

Lots of "It-girl" models like Erin Wasson and Agyness Deyn were on the dance floor. Lots of the old 80's and 90's art/party characters were on hand as well, (the drag queen Brandywine and friend above). Cute boys snapped Polaroids and set them on cards with the Stephen Sprouse/Louis Vuitton art rose motifs as party favors. My partner-in-crime, the lady Ritika snapped a bunch of fab party pics the like ones you see above.

Am I really old if I mourn the loss of evenings like this or just immature?
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