Louis Vuitton Cocktail Party to Preview Fall 2009

Yes, the weather is just warming up. However, I know that you like to be ahead of the game when it comes to luxury design. I had the privilege of previewing the Louis Vuitton collection for Fall 2009 for Purse Page Monday evening at an intimate cocktail party for invited bloggers.

What is in store for you this September? The luxe went to glam for handbags. Jewel-toned metallic leathers, shimmery monogram brocade, prominent shiny hardware and glittery textured fabrics were all stars in the collection. The signature monogram pattern was re-embroidered in petite sequins for added elegance on one bag. On another the legendary design was imprinted onto fur for a demure clutch, (PETA be damned).

The clothing collection showed a rich palette of violet, saffron, burnt orange, browns and jewel tones. Highly elaborate seaming and complex embroidery embellished sculpted silhouette garments. On a tiny pair of shorts, I think I counted multiple shaped and pieced seams, pick-stitching, contrast thread pin tucks, beaded fagoting, all in addition to the chunky jeweled details on the front. I don’t think you can get more designer details per square inch than that.

There was the infamous "rabbit" ears headband that Madonna wore to the recent Met gala on display as well. The LV reps humbly admitted they were completely trampled in the press for it. Another snarky blogger had compared Madonna's outfit to the creepy rabbit in "Donnie Darko".

I sipped my champagne, nibbled steak tartare and chatted with fellow fashion bloggers. I also took the opportunity to make Daniel Saynt of fashionindie.com squirm a bit when I pretended to confront him about a catty review of my studio several months ago. He was a cutie and quite apologetic. I love the stuff that his crew and he are doing with their site.

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Burlesque and Booze at Dr. Sketchy's

Q: So what does a former art-school party girl do during the daytime on weekends?

A: Drink and draw dirty pictures at famed burlesque club Slipper Room on the Lower East Side at for Dr. Sketchy's.

Illustrator Molly Crabapple and writer John Leavitt hosted a debauched anti-art school drawing session with costumed characters, fully stocked bar and morally disturbing contests. This particular session was modeled by rock band Bambi Killers in a bloody homage (with props!) to the movie Grindhouse.

Molly is holding a drawing of Ms. F’s for a contest for the most gratuitous sex and violence in a sketch. For my particular illustration, I created an interpretive tribute to the infamous Elizabeth Bathory. For the lower brow, it was an illustration of naked lesbians in fishnets, heels and severed heads. This was as much gratuitous sex and violence as I could come up with under the influence of Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes and my second cocktail. (Who knew gin paired so nicely with buttercream?)

Unfortunately, yours truly did not win. The winning drawing was a sketch pad with some scribbles and the word “COCK” written in large bold letter across the page. For this crowd, the direct approach clearly has the most appeal. Lesson learned.

At least my art did elicit some nice compliments that afternoon… Some younger, male art students said very kind things. One older gentleman (who did not appear to be in attendance to draw…or do anything productive) came over to tell me he “Reeaaally reeaally liked my artwork and style,” with the demeanor of a wolf drooling over a sleeping rabbit.

It is the highest form of flattery for an artist to know that your work has the power to move someone.

Am I being too picky if I am creeped out about which actual part of the person it moves?

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Ahoy! Nautica Shows Fall 2009 on the USS Intrepid

I absolutely love it when a brand puts the effort into presenting their collection in a fully realized theme. Nautica, eschewing the typical runways of fashion week decided to show the line during a cocktail reception on the newly re-opened Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

Setting up their models on tiered platforms, editors and buyers had the opportunity to see the clothes up close and in detail.

Guests were able to relax, grab a glass of wine, and wander through the historical exhibits in addition to the show. I wish more designers would present themselves in such a nice, laid back environment.

Somehow, I don't see Ralph Lauren showing the collection from the back of a horse anytime soon...

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Second Lives: Garbage to Gorgeous

Have you checked out the new location of the Museum of Art and Design yet? That's the one that took over the long-abandoned "Lollipop" building at Columbus Circle.

Right now, they have the most gorgeous exhibit, Second Lives (through April 19). It features several floors of projects from artists and designers who have re-purposed discarded objects into beautiful new works. Many of them were functional, and would make great additions to any edgy home decor scheme. A chandelier composed of old eyeglasses, a wall of drawers from discarded suitcases. My favorite is pictured above, the flock of butterflies created from LP's. There was also a huge tidal wave of LP's in another part of the exhibit.

As with most of the great museums in NYC, you can check this exhibit out on whatever funds you can muster. Thursday evenings are Pay-What-You-Wish after 6:00 pm.

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NY Fashion Week: Barbie's 50th Anniversary Fashion Show

Pop culture and fashion icon Barbie celebrated her 50th anniversary on Valentine’s Day at Bryant Park. It was a glorious fashion show featuring the works of 52 designers who were inspired by Barbie.

The show’s audience contained the usual fashion editors, industry vets. It was also attended by celebrities like Heidi Klum and Kellie Pickler as well as many young Barbie fans who were incredibly excited to see their heroine. While waiting to enter the tent, I waited next to famed photographer Annie Leibowitz. Only in hindsight, did I think of playing naïve and asking her to take a quickie photo of me with my digital camera, (talk about a Facebook pic with serious bragging rights!)

This was probably the most fun and flamboyant show I have seen in ages, (as most apparel companies are no longer spending money on this kind of stuff… sigh). Jaded industry vets were no match for the infectious music, cute factor and drama of the outfits on the runway.

The presentation was divided into three acts, the first showcased retro-inspired outfits from designers like Monique Lhuillier, Michael Kors, and Carmen Marc Valvo. They represented Barbie through the decades with glamorous evening gowns and jeweled accessories. The next act, the “Faux Reality” act represented modern and contemporary Barbie with hipster contributions from the likes of Diane von Furstenburg (above) and Baby Phat (above). The last act was inspired by Barbie of the future, with a lot of metallics and funky clear vinyl from designers like Calvin Klein, Betsey Johnson and getting the biggest applause of the day, Bob Mackie (above).

Guests were treated to a great soundtrack of strong women, and tongue-in-cheek selections (”Doll Parts” by Hole opened the show – so wrong and so right). The most entertaining moments was undoubtedly the excitement on little girl’s faces when they saw the pink-ribboned box on their chair. Each seated attendee was gifted with Barbie chocolates by Dylan’s Candy Bar and a limited edition Debut Barbie Fashion Model doll.

Two floor length video screens acted as curtains and projected a sparkling set, the history of Barbie, the multi-ethnic faces of the doll and split apart for the models to make their entrance on the runway.

I am personally ecstatic to finally own my first Barbie doll, (about 25 years after I first asked my parents for one). Why the delay? My parents refused to buy me a doll because they did not want me to grow up with “An unhealthy pre-occupation with frivolous things like fashion”.

Yep, that made me laugh too.

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Louis Vuitton Party Celebrating Stephen Sprouse

Hey! Let's pretend I am still 19 and still have the energy to party all night on the Lower East Side. Let's also pretend this rockin' concert by Debbie Harry is actually 1982, and not being sponsored by big luxury label Louis Vuitton. The grande dame herself was doing the same, acknowledging the change of times, " I don't think I have ever seen so much mink in this room..." We were all partying it up at the Bowery Ballroom to celebrate the opening of the Stephen Sprouse exhibit downtown.

Gorgeous waiters served up sweets like chocolate dipped rice krispie matchsticks, truffles and cotton candy. The bartenders poured out the champagne like we were drowning. The music was a great mix of vintage and current rock as well as nostalgic pop.

Lots of "It-girl" models like Erin Wasson and Agyness Deyn were on the dance floor. Lots of the old 80's and 90's art/party characters were on hand as well, (the drag queen Brandywine and friend above). Cute boys snapped Polaroids and set them on cards with the Stephen Sprouse/Louis Vuitton art rose motifs as party favors. My partner-in-crime, the lady Ritika snapped a bunch of fab party pics the like ones you see above.

Am I really old if I mourn the loss of evenings like this or just immature?

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Designer Insider: 5 Questions for Tinsley Mortimer

Tinsley Mortimer is one of Manhattan’s hardest working socialites. The NYC ‘It’ girl was sought by Japanese handbag label, Samantha Thavasa to bring her sophisticated style to the collection. In designing the celeb-loved line, Tinsley set out to create bags that would reflect her style and truly wear. She grew up in Richmond, VA before moving to New York City to study at Columbia University. She is a descendant of both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, making her the ultimate ‘All-American’ girl. Gossip Girl fans got to watch the style maker this season, playing herself at Hampton’s fete. I caught the designer between engagements for a quick interview:

Mariana Leung: What pieces from your collection are you most excited about this season?


Tinsley Mortimer: I love the Travis bag!! It is a small clutch that is covered in animal print with gold trim. When I was designing it, I thought of the little gold minaudiere my mom used to carry in the 80’s. The Travis bag has a little 80’s looking chain too so you can wear it over your shoulder, which I think looks really chic. I also love the Lily clutch. It is really soft and can hold everything. I did it in gold, gun metal, and a fun bright orange.

ML: Many people consider you a modern style icon. Who in your life inspires you as a fashion role model or acts as a muse for your collection?


T.M.: A lot of people inspire me; from young actresses like Sienna Miller, to friends like Lauren Santo Domingo, and Eleanor Ylivisaker, to Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, to my mom. I pick up on details that I like from lots of people. Mostly, I concentrate on designing pieces that I myself would like to have in my own closet. I design bags that I would love to carry and make sense for me and my lifestyle. If I stick to that, then I am always happy with the outcome.


M.L.: In addition to designing a high-profile handbag line and multi-tasking through other business ventures, you are recognized for supporting several charities. Which one of your causes do you feel closest to?


T.M.: There are so many amazing charities in New York. I love and work closely with New Yorkers for Children and Operation Smile. I recently created a lip gloss called Tinsley Pink with Dior and a portion of the proceeds were donated to Operation Smile.


M.L.: The Purse Page has a lot of Gossip Girl fans. Did you find that your cameo this season as art imitating life? Do you have any ‘behind-the-scenes’ anecdotes about the cast?


T.M.: It was such an honor to have been asked to play myself on GG!! I was beyond flattered!! Everyone was so kind and amazing!! I had hair and makeup in the trailer with Blake Lively who was just adorable and so fun. Her little precious dog was in there too (I think her name is Penny). I had the best time and was just thrilled that they thought of me!!


M.L.: What are your plans and what will you dress up as for Halloween?

T.M.: Halloween is my favorite Holiday!! I love to dress up!! This year I am going as Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ. I have a really cute, short blue and white gingham dress. I am going to braid my hair with 2 big bows, and of course I’ll wear one of my favorite pairs of Mary Janes!!

M.L.: Thank you Tinsley! Enjoy the holiday!

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