Naeem Khan Fall 2011

 Naeem Khan comes from a long line of designers.  His grandfather and father had dressed Indian Royalty before him.  Mr. Khan has now made his name dressing "American Royalty" on the red carpet for celebrities like Beyonce and Carrie Underwood. 

The Fall 2011 collection was dramatically elegant.  Long, draped gowns of silk and intricate embroidery will no doubt find their way onto red carpets.  Richly printed silks expressed the designer's silk road theme.  Feathers and soft beading accentuated the movement of the body.  The techniques and traditions of his family's history is brought forward in this aristocratic show.

Whether you are a princess or film star, the man to dress you has been found.
Photos by Ritika Wahal

Read more →

West Coast FAB: LACMA Fashioning Fashion

Die hard Fashionistas, it is time time for a history lesson.  And this one will be fun for a change!  A new exhibit has opened at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and if you are lucky enough to be in the LA area, don't miss it!

Celebrating the museums groundbreaking acquisition of a major collection of European men's, women's and children's garments and accessories, LACMA has on exhibit Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700-1915.  Covering a period that spans the Age of Enlightenment to World War I, the exhibit explores the technical developments and dramatic changes that took place in fashion during that period.  The exhibit highlights the evolution of luxurious textiles, advancing tailoring techniques and the use of brilliant trims, embroidery and other decorative applications.

Among the must see pieces in the exhibit is an evening mantle designed by French couturier  Émile Pingat (active 1860-96) that is embroidered with silk thread, embellished with glass beads and trimmed with ostrich feathers.  Also included in the collection are three piece suits and gowns worn at the royal courts of Europe and an eighteenth century men's vest with embroidery that carries symbolic messages relevant to the French Revolution.

Okay, so you can't actually shop at the exhibit (except of course in the bookstore!!).  However, you will definitely be inspired by this exhibit.  And since history does repeat itself, elements form this exhibit could be popping up in collections that will hit the market soon.  So why not start dreaming now :).

At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
October 2, 2010-March 6, 2011

Reported by Mdivani Monroe.  Photos © 2010 Museum Associates/LACMA

Read more →

NY FASHION WEEK: Pamella Roland Spring 2011

Who doesn't love a vacation to the Greek Isles?  Pamella Roland's spring 2011 collection was inspired by your recent travels to the Mediterranean. The presentation was broken down into looks specific to each island and included postcard images to accompany them in the program.  

The fishtail and (fishscale layered chiffon appliques) evoked the ocean views of Santorini.  Crystal embroidery embellished the necklines or bodices of dresses inspired by Mykonos. The silhouettes could be sexy and fitted or easy and draped.  The strategic use of beading and jewels were elegant, but not over the top.

Gorgeous jewels from Chopard enhanced the Upper East Side mannequins.  Ms. Roland is a board member of the Whitney Museum of American Art.  The museum setting was perfect for a collection presented at works of art.  

I loved the fantasy fashion of Marchesa, but Pamella Roland designs the gowns that real women aspire to wear.  These will be the gowns seen and purchased for galas and fundraisers in this zip code for the next few years.  

Spotted in the front row mingling: Hillary Swank

Photos by Mariana Leung

Read more →

Gala Weddings Magazine - Designer Profile

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!

Read more →