Fashion Fights Cancer with Byron Lars

An intimate event took place last week at Midtown Manhattan’s Audi Forum.  Fashion Fights Cancer president, Ty Canty and superstar designer Byron Lars presented a special group of ladies and their creations to the world.

The non-profit organization brings together the fashion community to raise awareness and funds to battle cancer. The project brought together Byron Lars and cancer patients Frances Ricks, Muriel Asnis, Barbara Moskowitz, Peggy Leigel and Carmen Diaz to create hand painted scarves under the mentorship of the designer. 


Some women were seasoned artists; some found a surprising new outlet for creative expression.  Muriel Asnis, was already a jewelry designer and donated some of her work to a fundraising auction for the organization.


 The ladies modeled their silk scarves on top of Byron Lars’ blouses.  As gorgeous as the designer’s pieces were, nothing looked as beautiful on these women as their own smiles of accomplishment.
Cupcakes and champagne were served.  Guests also went home with gift bags of Godiva chocolates and Mizani hair products. 


Future events include designers Tracy Reese and Jason Wu.  To donate or get involved, please visit Fashion Fights Cancer on the web. 

photos by Mariana Leung

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NY FASHION WEEK: Byron Lars Fall 2011

Native Americana was Byron Lars’ theme for Fall 2011.  While many designers looked to patriotic history for inspiration this season, Byron did with drama and a sense of humor.

His signature tailoring and ruched details were present.  This designer most dominates my personal closet. Each garment is impeccably made, cut to flatter a womanly figure (and is forgiving). His fabrics this fall included textured tweed, speckled boucle, cozy faux shearling to more delicate metallic brocade and lace. 

Mizani and L’oreal styled the models hair into tongue-in-cheek renditions of the Mohawk, giving new meaning to the word “fierce”.  The make-up was also a chic take on “war-paint”. 

The designer kept the presentation at Lincoln Center fun.  Champagne was served and a butch drummer kept the tribal beat going.

 No less than four designers that I went to school with interned with him in the 1990’s.  They raved about his work and about the man himself.  He greeted West Coast FAB correspondent, Mdivani Monroe enthusiastically, a man who had spent many hours resizing zippers for Lars.  Besides my fellow Parsons alumni, Byron Lars has recently garnered fame for counting First Lady Michelle Obama as a fan as well.

Check out our exclusive interview with the designer:

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