Cynthia Rowley Glambulance

Any situation that requires a band-aid is never a pleasant one.  Even worse, a bandage incident is never an attractive one either. 

When Cynthia Rowley came out with her limited edition collection of glammed-up first aid kit staples, I rushed out to grab a set.  While the sequin and jewel printed band-aids don’t take the physical sting out of your wounds, at least they soften the emotional ones. As you can see, I have already performed a fashion malfunction by blistering my ankle with a pair of Rodo Shoes that were not properly broken-in.

The once-limited edition set is now being offered en masse, with a “Glambulance” rushing to the rescue for fashion emergencies all through the upcoming NY Fashion Week. 

When Band-Aid asked me to post on this event, it brought back to mind the part they played in my family.

My sister-in-law was always really sweet to me since the early awkward days of first dating my husband.  We bonded on mutual loves of fashion and style.  She is a big fan of Cynthia Rowley’s boutique in Montauk, NY and also loved the band-aids when she saw my post on them on this site.

Well, unfortunately, she has had a really rough year.  She was in a brutal car accident right before Spring 2011 NY Fashion Week.  I heard about it while seated at the Cynthia Rowley show.  By coincidence, the show souvenir was the special tins of band-aids in little satin pouches on the seats.  I was able to gift these to her in the hospital after the shows.  She later sent me a photo of the band-aid bling covering pins in her leg at the hospital.

I was also very flattered to hear that she continued to read my reports of fashion week to keep up with the outside world while she recovered in the hospital.  Since the accident, she has also had several more trips to the hospital for a collapsed lung, cancerous cyst, etc.  What I was amazed by, was that even as she could be nodding off from drugs, 20 minutes out of surgery, she still looked like she just stepped out of a salon.  And, no one rocks a hospital gown like it was Haute Couture better than she does! 

Now for YOUR fashion emergencies, you can catch the Glambulance today and tomorrow.  Cynthia Rowley will make a personal appearance from 4:30 - 6:00 pm on Thursday.

• Thursday, September 8th, 4 p.m.-12 a.m. (Fashion’s Night Out)
• Glambulance stationed at 5^th Ave. and 57th St

• Friday, September 9th, 1 p.m.-9 p.m. (Date of Cynthia Rowley Show)
• Glambulance stationed at 65th Street and Broadway

 Have a story of your personal fashion malfunction?  Post it on the Cynthia Rowley Facebook page to win a $2500 shopping spree and styling session.  To enter, click through here.

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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

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Cynthia Rowley Fall 2011

People love Spring, but I just patiently wait out the warm weather until Fall clothes come back.  Otherwise, I just  wear inappropriately unseasonal fabrics to make me happy.  The Cynthia Rowley collection for Fall 2011 is the perfect example to demonstrate why...  The wooden runway was a backdrop for lots of silk velvet (one of my favorite fabrics). The silhouettes were maxi-length dresses and skirts.  Flowing as opposed to tight and skin-bearing.  The colors were dark and painterly indigo, blue, grey.  There were some lighter yellows and beiges at the beginning of the show.  A silver lame outfit made the cut in an ode to 1970's disco.  Delicate beading embellished necklines and slippers.  Leather pants and silk charmeuse round out my preferred fashion materials.  

Ms. Rowley has been immersed in fine art, her Exhibition A project promoting up-and-coming artists.  The seamed garments in tonal colors were reminiscent of Rothko.  Color-blocking by way of Mondrian?  The easy attitude of the models, whether strolling down the catwalk or passing through in their intimates between looks conveyed Bohemian muse. 

Spotted in the front row: Julia Stiles, Waris Ahluwalia, Nigel Barker, Alan Cumming

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Daryl K Fall 2011

Downtown Daryl K.  The label was the synonymous with hipster cool in the 1990’s.  Easy, slouchy, Bohemian yet urban, the designer herself embodied the ideal customer. 

Flash forward to 2011, the designer has grown up, become a mother.  The trendsetting items she made cool are now considered basics for a NYC uniform.  Leather leggings and military-inspired utility wear were brought back into spotlight.

Daryl Kerrigan took the season of fall quite literally as inspiration.  The studio runway was strewn with dried leaves and branches.  The backdrop was a collage of leaf prints.  The back wall had a projection of autumn woods.  The digitized leaf print was also used in jackets and dresses within the collection.  The silhouettes were made for the real woman, and that was exactly who modeled the clothes.  Shoes were cute, but sensible for the Manhattan streets (rather than the 6” platforms of all the other runways).  

The designer stated that comfort was the most important thing she learned over the years of career.  Amen to that.

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Custo Barcelona - Fall 2011

The attitude was wild and brash.  David and Custodio Dalmau’s show for Custo Barcelona is one of the most anticipated during fashion week for its vibrant outlook.   For me, it was the first time seeing them live on the runway.  My eyes were blinded from the swirling patterns.

There were several pieces that evolved from last Fall’s ‘it’ item, the fur vest.  For the upcoming season, there was a feathered, halter vest, looped wool jacket, layered faux fur stripe cape and stripes of bleached white.  Their signature mix of prints this season included 1960’s geometrics mixed with electric paisley for a Bohemian look.  Metallic animal prints were combined with swirling knits that took you easily from Ibiza to Goa and then back to the city again.

Fashion designers tend to have 'runway' looks that are purely editorial.  By the time the pieces trickle down to the stores, the looks are tame and less theatrical.

Seeing the Custo Barcelona shops in Madrid last month, I can attest that this is one label where that does not apply.  What you see is what you get. 

Photos by Ritika Wahal

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Marchesa Fall 2011

Every New York Fashion Week, I attend as many shows as humanly possible.  Some designers are past favorites and some are designers new to me.  In all of these cases, I am looking for designs that will excite me and in turn be able to share that excitement with you.  Sometimes the shows are good, sometimes forgettable and sometimes they are true revelations.

One label I seek out season after season is Marchesa.  It is hands down THE show that I look forward to every season.  I wrote to them requesting an invite for their presentation, despite not knowing if and when it would occur.  I did not hear back from them and several of my colleagues told me that they didn’t think they were showing this time around.  Then almost last minute, I learned that the presentation WAS taking place at the same venue in Chelsea as last season.  Needless to say, I high tailed it down there on the afternoon of the event, determined not to miss it.  I was relieved to find that my advance request had landed me on the guest list. Lucky me!

Once inside, I was greeted by a collection that was everything I had hoped it would be.  The level at which they consistently produce amazes me and has my utmost respect.  I wandered through the presentation awestruck, my head buzzing with a sensory overload of beauty.  In describing the outfits, I struggle in calling them “gowns” or “dresses”, as these are so much more than that.  Each one is a divine piece of art, taking fashion to it’s highest level and creating wearable masterpieces.  This is truly Haute Couture...

For Fall 2011, designer’s Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig took their inspiration from Charles Dickens Great Expectations, imbuing the collection with a Dickensian Era romanticism.  Miss Havisham’s wedding gown played a key role, with yards and yards of lace evident throughout the collection.  Except that not all of it is really lace.  The designers created their own “lace” by applying embroidery and beading onto tulle for a visually stunning effect.  Crystals, jet beads, pearls and metallic threads give this handcrafted lace a stunning richness.

Fine silks, velvet, organza, tulle, feathers and reembroidered lace create a richness that is further emphasized by meticulous draping.  Fabric is painstakingly draped to create 3-Dimensional forms and floral motifs which wrap around the body.  The skilled drape and imaginative construction of each piece is a testament to true artistry and craftsmanship.

I wouldn’t say that Marchesa tops itself each season, because that would imply that the previous collection was somehow less spectacular than the current collection.  Rather, it is more accurate to say that they continue to produce collections that inspire wonderment and awe, each collection equally brilliant.  I hesitatingly pulled myself away and strolled out onto 22nd Street in the dreamy state of a somnambulist, not wanting to awake from the beauty that had surrounded me.  Marchesa had done it again!

Photos and Reporting by Mdivani Monroe

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Sachin & Babi Fall 2011

Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia are the role models of how love and work can go together.  The husband and wife team specialized in textiles together and created home décor brand Ankasa.  They then ventured into fashion several seasons ago.  Their expertise in the traditional arts of Indian embroidery had me expecting a more traditional ethnic collection.  I was surprised to find a very sleek, modernist presentation of sportswear that was desirable to any urban woman.  


Simple, wearable silhouettes had delicate embellishments that made the piece special.  There was a sequined placket here, a manipulated georgette collar there... Luxe Mongolian lamb trimmed a bolero and skirt.  The label may not be well known outside of industry circles, but they'll be on the streets of city soon enough.

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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. 

The clothes themselves were a representation of two of the top trends of the season…Americana and the 1970’s.   The color palette was warm, with a mix of cozy textures.  Wool mixed with leather, some fur and georgette.  Patterns included oversized swinging plaids and hippie florals.  Longer skirts with shorter pants were layered with 70's outerwear silhouettes.  Floppy hats played a big role in accessories.  Shoes were also a standout.  The shoes had funky colors and prints that would contrast the rest of the outfit.  

The muse of this collection was the studio lady of Savannah, Georgia, where Mr. Benz acts mentor.  This was another one of many nerd-chic collections this season  that once again proved brainy is HOT!

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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.  After that came gown after gown, embroidered jewels and luxury.  The colors palette was simple,  camel, lush forest green and black.  There were hundreds of people in the studio venue, yet the atmosphere managed to be intimate and supportive.  

Real Housewife of New York, Jill Zarin walked the runway in one of the most dramatic dresses.  She also came out to help the designer take his much-deserved bow.  Mr. Toi came out in a classic tuxedo and was visibly moved by the audience response.  

I had previously worked with Zang Toi in my earlier days in embroidery design.  He was always a sweet, creative man.  I couldn’t be happier for the success of this collection!

Check out our exclusive interview with the designer in his studio:

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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 right.

Some of my favorite touches – on the daytime side wool suiting with gold threads and Snakeskin Pants that can go anywhere.  On the evening side – sleek, flattering, modest cuts and the subtle use of luxurious accents that some designers overuse – sheer mesh with beading and a well-placed row of feathers around the knee of a long sequined gown.

Photos and Reporting by Marcy Clark of Women's Mafia

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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 a fabulous show for her downtown girls.  The models were relaxed and beautiful in clashing over-saturated florals and prints.   They strutted in short Louise Brooks black bobs with lace spray-on color insets.  

There were peplum jackets and skintight pants in black and white leopard prints.  Red rompers over shiny red leopard tights were seen.   Red plaid tartan bustiers were worn over long fuchsia skirts. While the collection on the runway was great on the models, the individual pieces were wearable for non-model types too.  My personal collection (of now vintage) Betsey Johnson  dresses still receive compliments, so I can attest that each piece is workable in any wardrobe.  

For the downtown girls, hipster girls and girly girls, Betsey Johnson has something for each of you. 

The best part of the presentation was when Betsey Johnson sent her staff of girls and the occasional boys dressed in her clothes at the end  to universal audience support of whistles and clapping.

The designer herself came down the runway and for her trademark finale cartwheel and dragged Patricia Field of Sex and the City fame down the runway with her.

Miss Jay from America's Top Model fame and the ever present, Robert Verdi, were also spotted in the audience.

More photos:

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NY Fashion Week: Guishem Punk Goth Fall 2011

There weren’t a lot of designers who showed Gothic sensibility this season at NY Fashion Week.  Guishem showed an edgier, sharp, pieced collection that was reminiscent of the witch in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.

The collection was a little bit of punk, a little bit of Goth, part insect and a lot of rock n’ roll.  It was all about cocktail dresses or slick gowns for young rebellious things. 

Designer Guillermo Jop studied fashion at London’s Central St. Martin and came from a family in the textile business. 

Celebrity fans include Twilight’s Kristen Stewart, Kelly Osborne and Brittany Snow.

Photos by Ritika Wahal

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NY Fashion Week: Tse Cashmere Fall 2011

The classic luxury of cashmere has always been Tse’s trademark.  In recent seasons, the company looked to Obama favorite Jason Wu to bring in high fashion to the line.  For Fall 2011, they went back to their roots:  wearable, impeccable and exquisitely made.

The clothing that was presented was a thoughtful, edited collection of fall color basics.  The design team started with Pierre Cardin as the key inspiration.  There were greys, forest green, navy, brown and ivory.  There were slim pants, long draped jackets.  Dresses and skirts were also slim and long.  The sweater knits were chunky and cozy.  There was a chenille-type yarn, cables and textured knits.  The brushed double faced cashmere was two-toned and reversible.

The jewelry was commissioned from Brian Crumley.  The pieces were contemporary, but very simple.   

Photos by Mariana Leung

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NY Fashion Week: Adam Lippes Fall 2011

Nerds rule! Ok, that's a stretch at fashion week, but the intellectual role model is making gains on the supermodel this season.  At many fashion shows for fall, the smart girls with glasses have been up and the runway, proving substance is not exclusive of style.

Adam Lippes was inspired by a small exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian in Lower Manhattan.  While the motifs were not immediately apparent, very pretty prints and occasional blanket silhouettes may have been the result.  The other looks were put-together and preppy, some 1970's thrown in. Materials included plaids, lace, mohair and feathers.  The color palette was a deep cobalt blue, rich claret, grey, gold and black.  Accessories included glasses and cozy knit caps.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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NY FASHION WEEK: Catherine Malandrino Fall 2011

The Statue of Liberty was France's gift to America.  On the fashion front, designer Catherine Malandrino brought Parisian chic stateside.  Her collection for Fall 2011 was presented in a raw loft space in Midtown Manhattan.

There was a mix of tailored jackets, form-defining knits and sophisticated dresses for the Lady who does everything.  The color palette included deep red, royal purple and emerald with some basic black thrown in.  Stripes and polka dots accented a few looks as well.  My personal favorite was the stand-alone mirror embroidered skirt.

Ms. Malandrino explained that she designed the season’s looks for women to wear from day into evening.  The presentation represented the wardrobe of the woman she represents…Successful and confidently stylish. 

With intellectual glasses and hats, the models looked like they walked directly out of the designer’s own closet.  Other accessories included large pieced necklaces and chunky embellished bracelets. 

Spotted in the front row mingling: Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford and Dexter’s Jennifer Carpenter 

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NY Fashion Week: Josie Natori Fall 2011

Josie Natori presented her Eastern chic on the East Side with a tea ceremony presentation.  The sportswear was an extension of her loungewear with easy, flowing silhouettes.  She had some signature kimono-inspired looks with an emphasis on the fabric textures.

The color palette included basics of cream and black.  A deep red, taupe and chartreuse were blended in.  The brushstroke calligraphy motif was a theme that ran through from the invitation to the mannequins to the fabric prints.  Simple bugle bead embroidery embellished some of the dressier pieces of the collection.

Photos by Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch Travel

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Alexander Berardi Spring 2011

At 24, he was the youngest designer to show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this season.  His youth, however, did not hamper him in presenting a nice solid collection that also shows the promise of what is to come.

Inspired by Jean Seberg in the Goddard film "Breathless", Berardi took the nouvelle vague look and translated it to Hamptons chic, naming his presentation "Breathless is a Tribe Called Hamptons". Having grown up on the Upper East Side, the Hamptons is a subject this Parsons grad knows all too well.  There was a definite nautical influence in his daywear, derived from plays on the marinière shirts worn by Segerg in "Breathless" in the form of shirts, dresses, and chiffon capelets.  Trenches, both long and short were big, including a stunner with the bottom half of the trench all in pleats.  Light and breezy chiffon dresses, shorts, cargo pants and even harem pants helped round out the collection which I expect to see pop up all over the Hamptons next Summer with a color palette focused on navy, white, khaki, black and gold.

For evening, Mr. Berardi presented separates and gowns that while still being "Hamptons" relaxed and wearable, were also chicly elegant with a touch of 1930's glamour to them.  From gold sequined shorts and skirts and sexy gold sequined gown to sleekly draped black gowns, Berardi shows that he can bring it on.

Having grown up in the world he is catering to, Mr. Berardi  knows exactly what they want and is giving it to them in his own style.

Reported by Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch Travel

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Buckler Spring 2011

Buckler’s Spring 2011 Collection was inspired by the German modernists’ school, Bauhaus, and the 1924 Olympics.

Both the Bauhaus and the 1924 Olympics represent ardent optimism and a belief in the future. Buckler’s collection is influence by the Bauhaus principle ”less is more” using linens and cottons in the color palette old white, navy, silver grey, red and khaki with minimalistic stripe details and different colored collars. The looks were complimented with bags from The Madly.

Buckler’s collection presented shorts, polos, shirts, blazers and jackets with interesting minimalistic details like striped pattern and different colored collars for the young modern man.

Reported By Sonja Leix of Women's Mafia.  Photos by Ritika Wahal.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Temperley London, Alice & Guinevere Sprnig 2011

Does spring 2011 make you want to get medieval on someone's ass? Me neither.  However, Alice Temperley's Guinevere collection might change your mind.  Bondage details and chain mail were used in surprisingly wearable ways.  Mixed with ladylike ruffles and vintage silhouettes, it was hard vs. soft in a very pretty way.  

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