Chris Benz Fall 2011

The David Rubenstein Atrium was packed beyond capacity on Valentine’s Day.  The occasion was the presentation of Chris Benz’ Fall 2011.  Crowds pushed their way slowly through the exhibit, frustrating photographers and celebrities alike.  Susan Sarandon was spotted swimming with the tide.  Fashion blogger BryanBoy was observing the collection while inexplicably dressed as a lion. ...

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Oscars Red Carpet Winners

Red and variations thereof ruled over the red carpet for 2011.  A continuation from the Golden Globes.  Anne Hathaway went through numerous gown changes throughout the night, but she made her entrance in a Valentino gown with a poufed train.  She thanked the designer right on the carpet with a kiss.  Natalie Portman looked as gorgeous as a very pregnant woman (and most non-pregnant...

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Richie Sambora's White Trash Beautiful - Rock N' Roll Style

 Be honest, when you hear "celebrity fashion line" or a rocker is starting a clothing collection, do you have high expectations?  I didn't think so.I have to admit, that when I first received Style360's invitation to the runway presentation of Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora's label White Trash Beautiful with Nikki Lund, I was skeptical.  I am happy to say I was pleasantly surprised.  The...

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Dennis Basso Fall 2011 collection

Dennis Basso is famous for his decadent use of fur and attracting ladies who lunch. Naturally, his Fall 2011 collection had plenty of both. The audience in attendance was different than the usual fashion week crowd of outlandish characters and expressionless editors in black. Instead, the ladies who lunched and socialite set of the Upper East Side came to support their favorite furrier designer.  Entire...

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NY FASHION WEEK:Christian Siriano Fall 2011

Project Runway's most celebrated alumni sent his darker event dresses down the runway at the beginning of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  He played with volume and sheer, with elaborate ruffling to dress up the ballgown silhouettes.  Black favored heavily in the overall palette, as Christian Siriano understands what "fierce" NY women like to wear.  One would think that the monochromatic...

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Balenciaga and Spain Exhibit in NYC and San Francisco

Cristobal Balenciaga left a legacy of elegance in Haute Couture.  The designer was heavily influenced by the culture and religion of Spain.  This relationship was explored in an exhibit that just finished at the Upper East Side’s Queen Sofia Spanish Institute and will resume in expanded form at the De Young Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco. The exhibit was curated by Vogue’s Hamish...

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NY Fashion Week: Nautica Fall 2011

How relevant is sailing attire in the very urban center of Manhattan?  While you ponder that, take a peek at the Fall 2011 offerings from Nautica Sportswear.  This (mostly) menswear label has never been the trendsetter of the industry.  However, it brings value to sportswear staples with nautical details.  Outerwear was the standout of their presentation.  Variations...

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NY Fashion Week: Zang Toi Fall 2011

It was the last show after a thirteen hour day at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week… A ray of beauty perked a roomful of exhausted fashion elite.  In a stunning runway presentation last week, Zang Toi gave a show that drew constant applause and the first sincere standing ovation I have ever seen at Lincoln Center.The very first look was a dramatic caped cashmere figure that drew gasps from the audience....

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NY Fashion Week: Norman Ambrose Fall 2011

Norman Ambrose embodied the Luxe Life in his Fall Winter 2011 collection with vignettes reminiscent of classic Vogue or Bazaar photo spreads. Furs, silks, feathers, hand appliquéd beading were enticingly incorporated with premium knits and delicate fabrics for the woman who is both a woman of leisure and the CEO.The show was divided into two sides, with daywear on the left and evening wear on the...

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NY Fashion Week: Betsey Johnson Fall 2011

What was the highlight of fashion week for me? The irreverent, vivacious Betsey Johnson presenting her Fall 2011 collection at Lincoln Center on Valentine's Day. Undoubtedly, her show is the brightest  trip of the week.   This season, she presented both her upmarket Black Tag collection and her more affordable, Pink Patch lines on the same runway.  For the 33 years, Betsey has put on...

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