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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Steampunk Fashion at Webster Hall

Take a step back in time to an alternate universe…A very elaborate one at that.  Legendary NYC nightclub Webster Hall (once home to Surrealist balls with Salvador Dali) hosted The Anachronism’s Steampunk: Visit to Edo event Sunday. 

Steampunk started as a literary movement blending historical time periods with science fiction.  It quickly spread to a fashion movement too, encompassing corsetry, tailored pieces, intricate brass ornamentation and vintage mechanical gears.  The movement is very inclusive and for this event, incorporated the culture of Japan.

Outfits of guests ranged from courtly Renaissance, to studious spectacled gentlemen.  Corseted kimonos were popular, with many ensembles made by hand by artists and crafters themselves. 

My favorite of the day had to belong to Genevieve of the band, Psyche Corporation, who co-sponsored the event.  She had a fantastic outfit crafted from vintage spindles and spools. 

The event had a fashion show, music and even a cosplay burlesque showcase.  (Though to be honest, the actual talent level varied greatly).  The cocktail menu was appropriately themed, ranging from the "Tesla Coil" and "Clockwork Lotus" and an entire section devoted to Absinthe.

In a city of strict fashion trends, wouldn't it be nice to step into fantasy?

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Guess by Marciano Holiday 2012 - Amber Heard Campaign Launch

On a hot summer day, Guess, and Guess by Marciano presented their holiday offerings for the upcoming season.  The event took place in a hazy penthouse in Soho.  The company showed off their party clothes with a chic rooftop barbecue.   

The guest of honor was Amber Heard, star of their Fall 2011 ad campaign.  The starlet unveiled ad images while guests sipped summer cocktails and nibbled on burgers with the hazy city skyline as a backdrop.

The Marciano collection had plenty of highly stylized party frocks.  A variety of treatments embellished each dress.  One was a tank dress featuring all over mirrored embroidery.  Another had soutache embroidery and feathered fringe.  Lace was strategically used to conceal and reveal for maximum seductive qualities.

The regular Guess collection had cozy knits and faux fur collars in sleek silhouettes for women.  For the guys, quilted jackets, corduroy and faux shearling kept them warm.  Flattering jeans completed the look.

It was a little too warm to think about jackets and sweaters, but if you can't beat the heat, join it...

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Fashion's Elite Launches Tumi Tag Graffiti Collection

Corporate-friendly luggage manufacturer Tumi celebrated the launch of its collaboration with street savvy graffiti artist John Matos last week.  The artist, better known as “Crash” produced an edgy print inspired by street culture and a woman’s eyes for a limited edition collection.

The original artwork for the collection is being auctioned off on Artnet to benefit ACRIA, the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America.  The organization was founded by physicians, activists and patients living with HIV to pioneer new treatments for the disease.

The event was held at Industria Superstudios.  The NYC street culture vibe was projected with Manhattan scenes, digital graffiti on the walls, taxi-cab cookies, a bucket drummer and nibbles representing the various city boroughs.  Notable fashion guests included designer Anna Sui, Philip Bloch and model Yske Strum

The Tumi Tag collection with John Matos comes in four silhouettes in editions of 1000 pieces each.  A special edition I-phone case is also available if you prefer something that fits in your carry-on.

Shop for the most street cred your luggage could ever have, or donate to ACRIA and do some good right now!

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Rebecca Taylor Meatpacking Boutique Launch

Chic designer Rebecca Taylor arrived on a glittery silver (not red) carpet for the opening of her new boutique last night.  Amid the hail and high winds, fashionistas flocked downtown to shop the feminine items for Spring 2011.  New York celebrities came out in support of the designer like Gossip Girl's Michelle Trachtenburg, Tika Sumpter and 30 Rock's Katrina Bowden.

The store interior had beautiful moldings on walls of off-white rose.  The clothing racks were undulating shapes to give a rhythmic flow to the boutique.  Ms. Taylor explained that she wanted this location to honor the Meatpacking District roots.  The outdoor signage includes the classic chophouse awning with rusted metal lettering.

  The designer also forged ahead to open the Tokyo boutique this week at a time when many companies pulled out from fear.  Staff at the New York event sold raffle tickets to raise money for those in need in Japan.  The prize was a one-of-a-kind gown made for the film "Beautiful Dream".

The spring collection contained lots of delicate floral prints.  Some printed on floral silk jacquard.  Washed silk pieces had thread picked edges along with pleated or ruffled embellishments. Handbags were small and rounded.  The leather was embossed with snake texture.  There were canvas fish-printed beach totes for the summer. Jewelery rounded out the accessories.  The jewelry was designed by Tory, Rebecca's sister.  A special dolphin charm was created as a fundraising item to save dolphins in the Pacific.  On another shelf, handmade bracelets were sold to benefit the victims of Haiti.

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Richie Rich Styles Speakasy Moderne for Swiss Global

Fashion is theatrical.  How often does fashion actually elevate theater for a good cause?  Designers Richie Rich and Angelo Lambrou outfitted performers at the Midtown Lofts Saturday night for a “Speakasy Moderne” fundraiser benefitting the Swiss Global Artistic Foundation.

Guests were asked to dress in classic Broadway glamor for an event that honored theater legend Larry Fuller.  The evening was full champagne, haute hors d’oeuvres, jazz and amazing performances by up-and-coming pop artists and established theater stars. 

The Swiss Global Artistic Foundation was created to assist and mentor highly talented artists in need.  The organization recognizes that talent may come from all over the globe, but it still needs support in a competitive world.

The artistic audience was blown away by Jamar Rogers’ powerhouse performance and very young Amanda Barise.  Official Hank is more recognized in his glammed up persona helming the Richie Rich shows during NY Fashion Week.  He served as part MC, organizer and champion to the evening’s tribute to Broadway. 

Several performers called in ‘sick’ to their Broadway shows to perform numbers from shows from Larry Fuller’s career.  The theater legend has performed in productions of Funny Girl to Carousel, choreographed Evita and Sweeney Todd. 

As creatives, we should all support each other in the arts.  We can elevate our disciplines together.

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Chloe Sevigny Launches Her Collection Partying at Don Hill's

 

Downtown New Yorker's have always claimed this not-so-indie actress as her own.  Her Bohemian-waif chic is now a new clothing and shoe collection at hipster store Opening Ceremony.

The actress/designer launched the collection with a party at the classic West Village spot Don Hill's.  Celebs and other notable Downtown figures came out to support like film director Spike Jonze and Benjamin Cho.

The clothing itself is a collection short, feminine dresses in dainty prints.  The shoes are chunky heeled clogs and platform shoes.  Accessories included tinted sunglasses, patterned berets and half-moon handbags.  There are a few slim leather pants and cozy cardigans.  Each look represents Chloe quite well, it looks like everything came directly out of her closet.

Photos by Bettina Chin and Opening Ceremony

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Sofia Coppola's Fashionable Premiere for Somewhere

 
It's a movie about a Hollywood playboy surprised with an extended visit from his daughter at the glamorous Chateau Marmont.  It's no surprise lots of style was on hand for the NYC premiere of Sofia Coppola's new movie "Somewhere".

The director was clad in an understated sequined knit vest from Louis Vuitton.  Molly Shannon wore Diane Von Furstenburg.  Stars Elle Fanning wore an embossed suede and gold Rodarte dress.  Parker Posey wore a pleated chiffon blouse.  Multi-tasker James Franco arrived in collegiate-chic.

Do male movie stars care as much about their red carpet style as their female counterparts?  The film's star Stephen Dorff described his outfit, "This is made by Tom Ford. He has been so gracious to make all my suits for the premieres, starting with Venice.  He made me a beautiful tuxedo.  You work with Sofia, you get all these fancy clothes!"

Indeed, Ms. Coppola's down-to-earth personality certainly doesn't keep her from having uber-chic friends. Fashion designer Anna Sui attended the premiere, while designer Marc Jacobs showed up for the after-party in Comme des garcons.  

Photos by Ritika Wahal

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Petite Bateau Anniversary Launch

We were invited to an evening of all things Parisian last week for a party hosted by venerable French brand, Petite Bateau.   Fetted with Earl Grey macarons from Macaron Parlour and lovely Nicolas Feuillatte champagne, Ms. FAB Mariana and I shopped at the event for our adorable little nephews. The event was perfectly timed for the upcoming holiday season and was  partnered with the cool site, Refinery 29. 

Petite Bateau has been around for since the 19th century and was founded by Pierre Valton.  The line offers those distinctly European styled clothing for  children aged 0 months all the way to 18 ans.  The super soft and quintessentially chic tee we picked up was labeled "18 ans" - a bit of a tongue in cheek humor and clearly for the adult set as we were surprised to find out.  Along with beautifully designed in France onesies, tees, adorable socks and chic snowsuits, Petite Bateau also offered a chic line of understated and cool underthings, dresses and tees for those older than eighteen.  

 

Downtown hipsters mixed up the evening with stunning moms to be especially one sporting her belly bump with her gorgeous Cartier Panthère ring.   Designer Alice Ritter also stopped in to nibble on macarons and sip champagne and catch up on shopping.

Some of our favorite looks included the navy striped boat neck tee with shimmering subtle stars as well as the classic Marinièr striped tee. This classic style has been a wardrobe staple of eternally cool French women like Bridget Bardot as well as artists like Picasso. 
Anything from Petite Bateau would be tres chic....and you will be showered with kisses from the recipient - young or older.

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Dots Styles and Beats Launches with a Fashion Face-off

Downtown style mavens and music celebs like Jordin Sparks converged on the launch of Dots Style & Beats Wednesday night for a fashion face-off.  Stylists, designers like Richie Rich and Anne Bowen were among the party-goers sipping Effen Vodka and nibbling on cupcakes.  Documenting the festivities was Rocco Leo Gaglioti of Fashion News Live.

Guests were handed sparkly 'dots' and directed to browse the racks of the Dots collection to choose their favorite styles.  Dots is a retailer that knocks out tons of trendy, ridiculously affordable clothes.  The turnover is high to keep the looks fresh.  

Independent designers like Cora,  Islaet,  Ivan Helsinki, Steel Pony, Vu, accessories by Cleo & Cat,  Clara Kasavina and Eileen Gural showed off their wares for the holiday at the event.  Stylists from Brow-NY to help glam and pamper guests onsite.  

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Rebecca Moses - A Life of Style

Designer Rebecca Moses spent the last few years cultivating her brand in Italy as well as North America.  She showed her collection back in NYC for the first time in many years for Spring 2011 during September's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Last week, she spread her glamor gospel again with the launch of her book, A Life of Style: Fashion, Home, Entertaining.  The party was held at the boutique of Fratelli Rosetti and attracted other icons like Vera Wang and Ted Turner.
The book itself is filled with gorgeous, whimsical fashion illustrations.  The advice is more free form than textbook.  If you are a fan of Rebecca Moses, the tome is overflowing with her style and personality.

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Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Extravaganza

Forget Fashion Week.  Victoria's Secret has absolutely no intention of playing with the rest of the industry.  Their big presentation is for the purpose of pure spectacle, and Wednesday night, they proved they do it best.

The check-in was reportedly tougher than going through U.S. Customs with a ticking suitcase.  The guest list was a who's who of multiple celebrity disciplines...Movie stars like Gerard Butler and Malin Ackerman. Chef Daniel Boulud and athlete Serena Williams. The music contingent was represented by Maroon 5.  The fashion industry elite, like Alexander Wang and Zac Posen were the rare males in the room who were actually there to look at the clothing.

The show itself was an over-the-top glitterfest.  The runway sparkled with gold, with shiny metallic props that looked like Jeff Koon's garage.  The famous 'wings' were bigger and better than ever.  They seemed to be inspired by tough tattoo looks and preening peacocks.  The lingerie pieces are generally not the same outfits you would find at the mall.  However toned down versions of the novelty pieced corsets, wired and cleavage-hoisting lace bras and embellished panties will be on the racks soon.  Katy Perry and Akon serenaded the crowd with fantastic performances.
Photos by Josh Wong 

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Ralph Lauren Screening Invite - Fashion+Art+Technology

Ralph Lauren is celebrating the "ultimate" collison of fashion, art and technology and inviting readers to a screening at their Upper East Side boutique.  They are aiming to show Madison Avenue in a "whole new light" using a revolutionary '4D' technology.  

Dress warm, as the event will be projected onto the facade of their boutique outdoors!

Where: Madison Avenue and 72nd Street, New York NY

When: Thursday, November 10, 2010

Screenings are at 8pm, 8:30pm and 9pm.   If you can't make it, watch for it online on November 11.

Teaser pics:

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Manolo Blahnik Sketches Shoes

The legendary shoe designer was in town to sign his new book, Manolo's New Shoes.  The gorgeous tome showcases the designer's sketches.  The illustrations remind you how a shoe can be a work of art.  The new collection of Manolo Blahnik's shoes were also debuted on the Bergdorf Goodman floor that evening.  It was nice to see the sketch and final product next to each other.

Ladies who lunch with a shoe fetish sipped champagne as they lined up to meet the designer.  Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley camped himself in a corner to bellow out instructions to the department store staff.  He also bullied Mr. Blahnik into putting on a pair of his own designs to pose with his book for a photo op.  

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Cynthia Rowley's FEED Shop

Fashion feeds the world...At least some designers try to.  Cynthia Rowley and Lauren Bush hosted the opening of their FEED pop-up shop last Thursday in the back of Ms. Rowley's Soho boutique.  The shop sells products like eco-friendly bags, pouches and clothing to benefit FEED Projects.

The FEED Project's mission is to feed and reach hungry children around the world through the sales of their collection.  The line uses fair labour practices and uses organic cotton and burlap when possible.  

The designer and colleagues were on hand to sip champagne and answer questions.  Her Fall 2010 collection looked chic accessorized with the FEED totes.  My personal favorite was the Jack o-Lantern tote made in collaboration with Unicef.  It was a nice Halloween update to the change-boxes I carried around trick-or-treating in my childhood.  It is available on HSN and in the boutique.

The pop-up shop is available at 376 Bleecker Street in NYC until October 21st.  The FEED merchandise is available online and at Whole Foods indefinitely.

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Swatch Launch Party for New Gents Collection

Remember the 1980's?  Swatch was THE accessory to be seen with.  The range of designs, the colors...You couldn't have just one, you needed the collection.   Well Swatch is BACK baby.  They released an updated rendition of their popular Gents line Wednesday night at a celeb-filled party. 

The evening was hosted by Twilight's Nikki Reed.  She wore a jewel-studded Isabel Lu dress, coordinated by both a black and a white New Gents watch.  Other guests included Chris Brown, Susan Sarandon and model Jessica White. 

The watch collection itself was sleek and affordable.  The overall design consisted of a matte band in solid colors, and a a coordinated irridescent  or metallic face.  Some styles had numbers, some did not.  The size of the face was enlarged.  They had a sophisticated look.  The color palette was perfect for cosmopolitan wardrobes.  While female guests were fighting to grab one, the guys really liked them.  It's really a timepiece that appeals to all.  The average price was $65 USD.

Photos by Mariana Leung and Dimitrios Kambouris

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Vogue's Masked Ball

French Vogue celebrated its 90th birthday with an elaborate masked ball.  Designers Jean-Paul Gaultier and Jeremy Scott mingled with models Gisele Bundchen and Tyra Banks.  Other celebrities included Lenny Kravitz and Dita Von Teese.  

The black couture gowns were elegant of course, but those with true style expressed it with their facial accessories... Gisele wore a spiraling sculpture of a mask that covered only one eye.  Bianca Jagger and Gaultier went for flamboyant feathers.  Tyra Banks was one of the most photographed of the evening with her last-minute improvised mask of cut-up fishnet stockings.... 

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Levi's Curve ID Jeans Launch

Prestige denim brands have come and gone, but what we women really want is great fit at a reasonable price tag.

The Ms. FABulous crew went to the launch of the Levi’s Curve ID launch Thursday.  Their new collection of jeans are about your customized shape, not size.   The staff at the Soho store was on hand to measure everyone to determine their Curve ID.

What does that mean?  Curve ID was based on three universal body types.  I, not being your perfect ‘fashionista’ body type, fell into the "Slight Curve" fit.  This is for women whose jeans tend to be too tight in the waist.  This fit defined the waist, slimmed my hips and avoided the dreaded squeezed 'muffin top' look.

For the gal whose waist fits but doesn't flatter in most jeans, try the Demi Curve fit.   For the woman whose jeans gap in the back at the waist, there is the "Bold Curve" fit.

Fit expert, Kris Tulin demonstrated the proper way to find your fit.  Instead of relying on the number on your label, you need to look at the relationship between your natural waist, high hip, low hip and overall shape.  This is where aesthetic design takes a backseat to the art of technical design.  

The Ms. FAB team were measured by the experts at Levis and given a choice of styles, then sent to the fitting room.  Bloggers and editors were treated to cupcakes, cocktails and their own pair of jeans as they tried to find a good match for their body (booty) size.

It fit! Wow. It took 5 minutes to try two recommended pairs and both were winners.

The prices for the jeans we tried were an accessible $59-$69. You leave feeling pretty damn euphoric that you can enjoy summer in the city rather than crying in the dressing room.

To fit YOUR booty, and snag a pair of free jeans yourself, come to Bryant Park in Midtown NYC on Friday, August 27th for their big party.  Janelle Monae will be performing and you can get rid of your old, ill-fitting jeans to Goodwill.  

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Betsey Johnson's Birthday Party - Great at 68

Last night, fashion icon Betsey Johnson celebrated her Sweet 68 at her birthday party in Soho. She arrived in a pink limo. She looked fabulous in her signature blonde locks and red lipstick; she showed fans and colleagues that she has all the moxie she has always had since the 1960’s.

Staff and fashion groupies were dressed in girly Betsey Johnson frocks. Many wore wigs or styled their hair like their heroine. Some even paid homage through make-up.

Chambord provided raspberry flavored vodka cocktails. The Cupcake Café decked out the boutique in rich buttercream topped flower desserts.

The clothing had bright novelty prints that Betsey Johnson is known for. Dresses were girly, embellished with lace, ruffles, ready for dancing. Bows and roses decked handbags and shoes.

Betsey’s signature pink color has taken on a more significant meaning in recent years. She is a breast cancer survivor who has become a warrior against the disease. She was a chairperson for the CFDA’s Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign and co-authored the book “Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy” with Geralyn Lucas. She hosted charity events and raised money designing a t-shirt. She was presented with an award for her work by the National Breast Cancer Coalition in 2004.

Happy Birthday Betsey, and may you have many more to come!

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