NY FASHION WEEK: Vivienne Tam Spring 2011

Springtime for the East.  Vivienne Tam made her mark bringing a tongue-in-cheek vision of Chinnoiserie and Asian motifs to fashion.  In her book, China Chic, the designer talks about iconic themes and the color of red.  This season however, I did not see any of that for Spring 2011.

What I did see was a pretty collection of muted blue and cream.  Lace details and eyelet, some crochet.  There were no literal references to her signature Eastern themes, but the design aesthetic came through in more subtle ways.  The result was a lovely show of feminine ensembles that were perfect for play or dress-up.

Spotted in the front row: Serena Williams, Denise Richards, Kelly Choi

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FAB Sales Picks: Vivienne Tam, Burberry, La Perla...

NYC:

Vivienne Tam's is having their sample sale of recent seasons. Eastern chic and Chinoiserie are up to 75% off.

WHEN: May 5th, May 6th, May 7th, Wednesday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

WHERE: 260 West 39th Street Between 7th and 8th Avenue

Devi Kroell will have their chic handbags, RTW and shoes up to 90% off.
WHEN: May 5th and May 6th. 8:30 am - 7PM
WHERE: 55 Fifth Ave 17th floor

LONDON:
La Perla & Pleasure State lingerie, swimwear and accessories are up to 70% off.
WHEN: 5 & 6 May. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hornvale Ltd., 22 Newman St., 4th flr., W1T 1PH (020 7291 0930).
ONLINE:
Burberry shoes and boots up to 70% online Tuesday at Noon

7 for all Mankind will have their online sample sale on Thursday at Noon

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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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