NY FASHION WEEK: Vera Wang 2012

The queen of all things bridal, Vera Wang showed a breezy spring collection at Lincoln Center this week. I meant breezy in a literal sense.  A fan blew the chiffon tails of the multiple short/long hems of dresses on the runway.  

The collection was very pretty, more avant-garde than one would expect from this designer known for classic elegance. There was an interesting use of seaming and bound edges.  The colors and fabrics suggested daywear, but the silhouettes definitely cried out for eveningwear.  The were a lot of prints that looked like a melting painting that was edgy for Vera Wang.  Variations on the bubble skirt and the leg revealing hems with flowing trains came up again and again.  If you were not a fan of the prints, you had your pick of bright sun yellow, pistachio, raspberry and neutrals of taupe and cream.

  

The front row notables of this show were one of the most diverse of the week...Top fashion editors Grace Coddington and Joe Zee were in attendance.  Kim Kardashian was on the other side.  Right before the show started, a hush came over the audience as a team of guards escorted Beyonce Knowles into the tent.  Most impressive for me however, was former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.  (Her granddaughter Ellie won tickets and chose grandma as her date). 

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Top Trends of the Golden Globes Red Carpet

It was observed by almost every interviewer...Black was the top color of the evening.  The ladies of E! Network were clad in figure-flattering Zac Posen, as was Eva Longoria.  Halle Berry in a short/long number in Nina Ricci.  Piper Perabo wore a glamorous Oscar de la Renta.

The second most popular color was a deep dark green.  Angelina Jolie in wore a glittering Versace gown, Catherine Zeta-Jones was glowing next to healthy hubby Michael Douglas in her Monique Lhuillier gown.  Elizabeth Moss wore a custom-created Donna Karan gown.  Black Swan's Mila Kunis made other ladies green with envy in her Vera Wang.

For those who wanted to highlight their own "Golden Globes", red was the va-va-voom gown of choice.  Christina Hendricks of Mad Men reminded of the definition of 'hourglass' in a Romana Keveza silk crepe dress.  Castmate January Jones had her assets suspended in anti-gravity in a bandage-like Versace gown.  Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang got the most cat calls from the male foreign press...

For the most eccentric (and taking the pressure off all the insecure starlets) red carpet ensemble, the award went to Helena Bonham Carter.  I was ecstatic that someone was secure enough to wear something truly original.  She wore a sculpted Vivienne Westwood gown of multiple colors and black tulle.  She wore a red shoe and a green shoe in a move that laughed in the face of the fashion police.

Images from Getty, WireImage

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A Skater, Chocolates and a Designer Walk Into A Bar...

An unlikely combination....This was the most eclectic celebrity-turned-designer projects I have seen so far.  Figure skating champion and Dancing with the Stars favorite Evan Lycasek collaborated with confectioner Ferrero Rocher to design a gown to benefit charity.

The gold leather and tulle creation was inspired by the truffle's classic gold foil and fluted paper packaging.  The dress used rich brown velvet to symbolize the silky chocolate texture.

The skater did not have to work blind.  He worked with design mentor Vera Wang, a former figure skater before her iconic status as wedding gown designer.

The gown was auctioned off with items like autographed skates to fans this month.  The proceeds went to benefit Habitat for Humanity.  The organization's mission is to work with volunteers and families to build homes for those in need.  To volunteer your time or donate, follow through here.
Images via Ferrero Rocher

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Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown Designer

Forget Project Runway, this is the fiercest fashion designer competition in years...Who will be the chosen designer for the most anticipated Royal wedding in decades?

Why so much global interest?  Kate Middleton is attractive, has a distinct style and was one of us...(Fashion industry professional).  We know she has a more educated sense of fashion than the average socialite, so whatever her choice is, it will be one not made lightly.

It was speculated that Ms. Middleton would choose British Royal favorite, Bruce Oldfield.  However, with her background and democratic taste, she could surprise everyone... Women's Wear Daily just ran a great spread of International designers and their interpretation of what Kate should wear. 

I'm posting my favorite sketches just because I love fashion illustration...

The Red Carpet ringers:  Vera Wang, Monique Lhuiller, Badgley Mischka...

The New Guard:  Doori Chung, Chris Benz, Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu...

The Italians: Alberta Feretti, Valentino, Gucci, Missoni...

The Couturiers:  Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, Nina Ricci...

Sketches via WWD

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WWD 100 Years, 100 Designers

If you're in the fashion biz, or just a fan of the apparel industry, you already read Women's Wear Daily.  It's the newspaper for this crazy business of fashion.  The publication is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a book honoring 100 top designers.

WWD: 100 Years, 100 Designers launched Thursday with an elegant party at Bergdorf Goodman's BG restaurant.  It was hosted by executive editor Bridget Foley and attended by many of today's top designers.  Vera Wang, Isaac Mizrahi and Francisco Costa mingled with muses like Bianca Jagger.  Everyone was in Manhattan chic (meaning lots of black, but exquisitely accessorized).

The book itself is gorgeously illustrated with photos of the best of fashion through the years.  If you missed your chance at Bergdorf Goodman's, WWD is holding another bash at Cipriani on November 2.  Otherwise, you can pre-order your copy on Amazon.com.
Photos courtesy of pmk.bnc

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Fashion Designers for Breast Cancer

In the month of October, pink is the new black.  Fashion designers and celebrities are putting their talents into raising awareness for Breast Cancer.  

Ralph Lauren is hosting the Pink Pony Auction to raise money for their foundation.  The auction is selling rare collectibles from fashion, celebrities and athletes.  

It also includes once-in-a-lifetime experiences like shopping with Simon Doonan, a ride with Lance Armstrong or lunch with Maggie Cheung.

Pink Pony supports programs for education and quality cancer care to medically underserved communities.  If a bidding on an item is out of reach, you can support this cause by shopping for pink pony fashion accessories like the printed silk scarf and sunglasses.

Narciso Rodriguez teamed up with Swedish chain Lindex to create the Pink Collection.  Lindex is a major sponsor to the Swedish Cancer Society, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated.  The collection itself consists of reasonably priced wardrobe staples, cashmere-blend knits, asymmetrical dresses, skinny pants.

Vera Wang collaborated with department store chain Kohl’s.  This special collection gives fans the opportunity to buy dressy pink pieces from the high-end designer at very affordable prices.  Check out the grosgrain ribbon evening bag  at only $10.00 or the sequined scarf also for $10.00

It’s not just clothing designers in the mix.  You can shop and help Breast Cancer Awareness with jewelry.  Ice.com’s Think Pink & Smile For a Cure campaign doesn’t  just ask you to shop for the cause.  They are asking you for your story of hope and humor to raise awareness of the disease.  Readers vote for their favorites to win amazing pieces of jewelry as part of their sweepstakes.   A percentage of sales from their Think Pink collection benefits the Comedy Cures Foundation.

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Chelsea's First Daughter Wedding Chic

Photo by Steven Stipelman and Courtesy Photo

Has there been a more anticipated/speculated wedding this past year? Chelsea Clinton's nuptials to Marc Mezvinsky had the media interrogating everyone from shopkeepers, gardeners and Rhinebeck residents for details of the event.
The bride wore a custom Vera Wang gown of swirled tiers on the skirt, asymmetrical bodice and a hand-embroidered crystal sash. Mom wore Oscar de la Renta.
First daughter weddings have always held a soft-spot for the American public. Perhaps the second generation represents optimism and continuity of American family values?

Photo by Getty Images
The wedding of Jenna Bush to Henry Hager was planned to be chic and simple. The Oscar de la Renta gown had a relatively simple silhouette. The V-neck back and short train was flattering and looked unstructured. Of course, the entire dress was elaborately embroidered by hand. The bridesmaids wore Bush daughters favorite, Lela Rose.

Photo by Life Magazine
In 1971, Tricia Nixon's wedding gown was so impressive, Life Magazine made it their cover story. The Priscilla of Boston dress was the epitome of what elegant, fashionable brides aspired to wear. This particular gown was a combination of exquisite lace appliqued to tulle and net.

So what will Malia and Sasha Obama wear when the big day comes? With Mom Michelle being a champion of new designers, the fashion press expects nothing less than inspiring.

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Parsons 2010 Graduate Fashion Show

Monday night, the graduating class of the fashion design program held their benefit fashion show. The most talented of students presented their collections. I saw a lot of gorgeous, innovative knits. There was a very good balance of terrific menswear along with the womens collections.

One of the emerging themes I saw throughout the runway was a sense of the urban nomad. Many of the looks had a wrapped and cocoon-like quality to them. I don't know if that was a response to the general climate of the current fashion industry or a sense of self-comfort.

Dean Simon Collins noted that the directives for this class were craft and sustainability. One of the honorees of the evening were from Li & Fung, who would also go on to unveil a new scholarship program for new designers.

Famous alumni include Issac Mizrahi, Marc Jacobs. Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough had their senior collection purchased right off the runway, eventually becoming CFDA darlings Proenza Schouler.
Other industry heavyweights (in success, not actual weight) in attendance included designers Vivienne Tam, Vera Wang and Lorenzo Martone.

To view all of the collections, click through to the Parsons Look Book.

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Designers For Earth Day - Fashion Showing Love for our Planet

Is it an oxymoron for fashion houses to get involved in Earth Day? It may seem like an industry that promotes consumption and capitalism wouldn't put it high on their priority list, but that is simply not true. Major fashion designers, luxury, trendy and sporty are using their cachet and merchandising skills to help our dear planet.

Designers like Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler, Vivienne Westwood and Gucci have contributed items for Christie's Bid to Save the Earth auction. The proceeds of which benefit charities that focus on environmental causes. Prizes include lunch with Vera Wang and tickets to the Vanity Fair Oscar party.

Uber-chic department store Barney's has partnered with Loomstate label to create a series of organic cotton inspired by NBC's peacock logo. A percentage of proceeds will benefit the oganization 1% for the Planet as well as the charities involved with the Christie's auction.

Louis Vuitton will celebrate the 40th anniverwary of Earth Day by donating 10% of the day's online purchases to Global Green. The non-profit works with the Green Schools initiative in major cities.

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