Hacker Fashion for Geeks and Dreamers

A week outside of the mainstream NY Fashion week, a Season 2 Project Runway alum presented her high-tech project to the world. Diana Eng, self proclaimed "Nerd" has been working on her "Fairytale Fashion" project at Eyebeam Atelier. The audience was noticeably absent of self-absorbed editors, preening socialites and all of the usual Garmento suspects. Instead, it was filled with students, brainy crafters, and the mathletes that would be Diana Eng's supportive fans.

The show itself was creatively inspiring. I'm happy to say that after a week of seeing the same color palettes at Bryant Park and Milk Studios, I was witness to something truly different. Diana Eng applied scientific principles, wiring and LED lights as embroidery and hems to cocktail dresses. A chic wedding dress inflated into a dramatic over-sized bow. A whimsical ballgown was filled with balloons that were released into the air, with twinkling lights as anchors. There were jackets with geometrically calculated pleating that collapsed onto itself for a hood or collar. Origami pleated sleeve adorned another jacket. One dress had roses projecting to the surface from within.

Instead of a pretentious DJ doing the soundtrack, four hackers created digital music with a wired felt pillow, hacked sewing machine and a bunch of laptops.

The only thing I miss from regular fashion week are the cocktails...Guests here were served fruit punch and honey tea. So much for giving up sobriety for Lent...

Photos by See-Ming Lee

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NY FASHION WEEK: DKNY Fall 2010

Donna Karan’s more accessible collection always served a work to play function. The inspiration this season was a bit of Bauhaus, with a slighly boyish attitude. There were two-tone jackets, military meets pop-art patterns and pieced geometric collages. Colors were dark brown, grey, maroon, with some bright blue to pop. The blue accents came in the form of sequins or textured leather. A few menswear grey trousers or menswear blazers came together with short skirts.


For the handbags? There were a few coloblocked, muted mondrian totes and flat clutches that worked back to the patterns of the clothing. The leather was pieced. There was a bright blue crocodile tote and black one to coordinate.


Spotted in the front row: Hilary Duff, Keke Palmer

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NY Fashion Week: BCBG Fall 2010

The BCBG collection for Fall 2010 was a cohesive display of cool urban chic. Sleek blacks, greys, acid yellow, navy and silver flowed into drapey tunics and dresses. The silhouettes were embellished by graphic bands of wide stripes and sprinkles of gun metal sequins. The feminine but somber palette also a lot of asymmetrical hems and necklines.

The BCBG handbags that were carried were larger, handheld clutches. Soft square and oblong shapes were made in soft bodies (instead of a framed bag), almost like a feminized, dainty briefcase.

Spotted in the front row: Michelle Williams, Maggie Rizer

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NY Fashion Week: Alexander Wang Fall 2010

One of my favorites this season, was Alexander Wang’s collection. It was a truly brilliant twist on the menswear vs. womenswear look. Using pinstripes and tailoring details, the runway showed look after look of re-proportioned pieces that were sexy and new. Velvets and leathers added richness and an urban edge. I witnessed first hand on my visits to the loft, how hard the Wang team works (late, late nights and weekends)

The bags had the same inspiration. An oversized backpack got extended long satin tails, boxy leather briefcases were reinterpreted into smaller clutches. A classic attache or file case was also reinvented to be smaller in waxed leather.

Spotted in the front row: Agyness Deyn, Nina Garcia, Zoe Kravitz

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Custo Barcelona's Hairy Metal Fall 2010

Extroverts, start your engines! The Custo Barcelona collection for Fall 2010 Sunday evening was specifically designed to make a (loud) statement for whomever wears their clothes.

Designers Custo and David Dalmau have earned a celebrity following with their flamboyant prints and sexy silhouettes. The presentation on the runway took this image up a notch. Elements of fur and sequins gave some luxe to the collection. Super short skirts and dresses, patterned suits and leggings. The color palette was rich with purple, royal blue, fushia and brights. The fur trim and jackets were more Blade Runner than Brooke Astor.

The show was lit like a nightclub with a soundtrack to match. It clearly marked the Custo girl as not the lady who lunches in beige tearooms. Handbags were large, slouchy and trimmed to match the clothing.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Christian Siriano Fall 2010

Probably one of the most successful of the Project Runway alumni,Christian Siriano showed his third runway collection at Bryant Park. The looks included some sleek femme fatales, a few of the ballgowns that made his mark on Bravo and some 1980’s glamor queens. Perhaps this collection is prepping you for Wall Street 2? The handbags were also a mix of recent past silhouettes of patterned patent leather in structured shapes. A power bag, a power clutch, absolute style. 

Spotted in the front row: Veronica Webb, Mena Suvari

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NY Fashion Week: L.A.M.B. Fall 2010

All right, I admit I am a wuss for whining about being soaked and freezing Wednesday when I went to pick up my Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week credentials. Gwen Stefani had a much tougher time with the NYC blizzard…Half of her collection got stuck in transit. The show must go on, and a fabulous collection it was. Military, punks and pin-ups ruled the runway with some Betty Paige muses thrown in. Longer jackets could be curvy or army. Pants ranged from edgy leather leggings, slouchy utility or cigarette trousers. 

The handbags did not have as distinct a vintage influence. For the most part, they were big, slouchy and relaxed.

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NY Fashion Week - La Perla Fall 2010

Ah, right before Valentine’s Day, La Perla presented a lovely presentation of exquisite lingerie for their Fashion Week showing. The elegant models were (literally) put on pedestals so guests could admire them as works of art. Objectified? We can debate that later. The delicate underthings were still drool-worthy despite the limited number of people (at least in my life) that would get to see them on me.

There was a film-noir grouping that had ultra-glamorous black lace, the softest lace and satin. A second grouping, named Villa Toscana had softer, more laid back silhouettes. Colors were ivory, neutral or pastel, with a few cascading ruffles.

Accessories? Hmm, a well-chosen lipstick shade? The closest thing to accessories would be the lovely silk and lace lingerie pouches guests received as souvenirs.

I got to say hello to Tinsley Mortimer, and thank her for the interview I did with her for the Purse Page. Her reality show debuts soon. The lovely Maggie Rizer was mingling also.

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Good-bye Alexander McQueen

The fashion world lost a truly creative talent today. London designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his home this morning. The 40 year old designer had started his career as a tailor’s apprentice on Savile Row, worked for Romeo Gigli in Milan, and was made the head of Givenchy in 1996. His own theatrical collections shocked and awed the glamour world with his dramatic runway shows over the years. He lost is mentor and creative muse Isabella Blow three years ago, and had recently lost his mother a week ago. The four-time winner of British Designer of the Year will be missed by the design industry and fashion fans around the world.

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NY Fashion Week: Red Heart Truth Show

I find that the most enjoyable shows are fashion week are always the ones connected to a good cause. Thursday night’s Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show was full of celebrity models and celebrity guests. Rather than the cliche fashionista ‘attitude’, the atmosphere in the Bryant Park tents was one of warmth and support.

Stars like Kim Kardashian, Jordin Sparks, Heidi Klum sashayed their way down the runway in custom red gowns by Marchesa, Badgley Mischka and John Galliano. Legends like Joan Collins made an appropriately dramatic turn in Stephane Rolland. Raven Symone strutted down the runway in full diva, (tongue-in-cheek)to the cheers of fans. She tripped towards the end and then kicked up her stilettos in the air as her last spin. Touchingly, an absolutely gorgeous Felicity Huffman strolled out in Oscar de la Renta, and was surprised to see her husband, William H. Macy in the front row. She walked off the stage and gave him a happy kiss. The Heart Truth is a campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in women. The Red Dress initiative, with Heidi Klum as their spokesperson has inspired millions of women to learn more and make changes to their health. Swarovski provided all the bling, as well as Kristin Chenoweth’s stunning gown.

Other stars on the runway: (Glowingly pregnant) Bethenny Frankel, Elisabeth Hasselbeck,Felicity Huffman,Dara Torres,Estelle,Heidi Klum,Joan Collins,Jordin Sparks,Kim Kardashian,Kimora Lee,Kristin Chenoweth,Mamie Gummer,Pauley Perrett,Raven-Symone,Regina King,Robin Roberts and Valerie Harper. Cheering from the front row were Robert Verdi, Wendy Williams and Tinsley Mortimer.
Photos from Getty Images

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NY Fashion Week: Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2010

I am actually blogging live on this incredibly snowy day at the Rebecca Minkoff presentation. I have already frozen my toes in 8 inches of slush to pick up my press badge at Bryant Park. Now I write to you live from a chic loft in Chelsea.

The Fall 2010 clothing and handbag collection from Rebecca Minkoff is here. The theme is Je t’aime Paris but with some Rock N’Roll edge. The colors are dark, with some Parisian stripes and motifs. The bags are lovely bright colors in some of the classic Rebecca Minkoff MAB silhouettes with a twist. There are the edgier zippers, studs and even some animal pattern thrown in on the smaller clutches.

The friendly staff is serving up champagne, macarons and madeleines. It may be wet and cold out there, but it’s nice and warm in here… The team here has set up a blogger's lounge and made us all very comfortable. Of course, being in a good mood to report the collection doesn't hurt... :)

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Elle Magazine/Guess by Marciano Party to Benefit Breast Cancer Research

Last Thursday, Hubby and I attended a cocktail party at the Guess boutique in Soho. The event was hosted by Eliza Dushku and Joe Zee from Elle Magazine to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer research. If you have ever worn a pink ribbon, it was most likely to support this cause.

Petite Eliza Dusku looked beautiful, though almost lost in a sea of other black-clad fashionistas in the room. The taller Rick Fox and Whitney Port of The Hills were much easier to spot. Mark Indelicato, the youngest of the Ugly Betty clan was romping around the party with his friend, along with a couple of reality tv staples, singer Mitsue and me. At the beginning of the party, it almost seemed that the guests were outnumbered by media (MTV, Bravo, NBC were all filming).

I must say, the Guess by Marciano collection has really stepped up their game, as there were some very cute party-worthy dresses. The handbags (I attended the party for the Purse Page) definitely had some edgy, designer style. They have come a long way since the Shopping Mall staples of my youth.

For a $5 donation, you received a 20% discount of any purchase, as well as a big goodie bag. Champagne and refreshing cocktails of vodka, Ginton and white grape juice made shopping that much more enjoyable. Nibbles of turquoise-frosted cupcakes, lobster/mango skewers kept the lightweights from getting too tipsy... (Hubby declared, "I LOVE fashion parties...No one eats, and there's more for ME").

Missed the party? Shop the Susan G Komen online store to support the cause.

http://www.shopkomen.com/?itc=centerhpban:39

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