NYFW: Take A Trip Around the World
It is always right after Fashion week that I reflect on the amazement and all the hoopla and circumstance that takes place during the shows. The designers spend umpteen amounts of money on a full-fledged production, clothes are fitted (or not) on waif-like models, the venue is secured, playlist ready, and the mood is set.
A friend of mine, who is a store buyer, said she doesn’t attend the shows anymore because of lack of time and interest in the shows. She would rather “generously write her orders up in a quiet showrooms post-fashion week.”
I then wondered if shows don’t matter, and if the designers did without shows, what would happen? Would the buyers still write their typical ‘buy’? Would the press, bloggers and vox populi alike still write their lengthy reviews? And finally, what about the front-row celebrities donning their favorite designer clothing? I for one, love the combination of the music, the muse, and the mood of each show. I am transported into a different time and place, and I project, that is the magical message the designer wants to get across to each member in attendance. Hoping to leave you enthralled and inspired as well, click down below for a trip that transported me from show to show. From the downtown girl in The East Village at Rebecca Taylor, to the gilded age in 17th Century Paris at Jenny Packham, to the Russian opera at Christian Siriano and the countryside at Misha Noono and back home. You’ll need to pack a bag. Let the show go on.
The first stop is at home with Rebecca Taylor where she used leathers, shearlings (love that return of the furry sheep), zippers, and embellishments, to add a tough edge the downtown girl. I was particularly enthralled with the copious amounts of layering in the form of biker jackets, thrown over pleated chiffon, and utility pants. Blue dress, leather details. Yes, please.
Second stop, Paris for Jenny Packham. Beaded gowns in washed pastels and jewel tones, she does Hollywood better than almost anyone around. Inspired by 17th Century Paris salons. relaxed gowns were shown side by side with tea-length dresses. Here it’s the details of the hair: low-slung ponytail on the nape of the neck, was so simple, so sleek, and so Parisian.
Third stop, the interiors of Saint Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre for Christian Siriano’s show. From opulent gold beading and heavy velvets, he showed plenty of looks that his celebrity clients worldwide would love.
Venturing into the sportswear arena, one of my favorite looks from the collection were these leather sweatpants-style trousers. Place your orders ladies!
And if you haven’t had enough visual fodder, we take an adventure to the Russian countryside with Misha Nonoo. Heavy on the red palette, Nonoo’s Brtis had raccoon sherpa hats, yes, but also clean-cut sharp tailored jackets, smart blazers, and adorbs magpie intarsia sweaters.
And for the last stop, before you head back to reality, it might be a better trip if you’re blindfolded.
Alexandre Herchcovitch
And finally back in New York where Steven Alan showed a typically well executed and commercially viable womenswear collection perfect for New York days. There’s just something about the slouchy blazer, and the loose-fitted men’s shirts that I love. You’re on your own to fight jet lag. Welcome home!
All photos taken by New York Fashion Hunter. Edited by Orlando Loredo.
In the Pink
Perfectly timed to Valentine’s Day, anything you pluck from the photos down below would be perfect for a date. There were a number of Fall ’13 collections that came full of sweet surprises. Sugary sweet cotton candy giveaways? I wish, as I am craving everything sugary just about now. How about shocking pink! The runways were mainly filled with blacks, whites, and not much in-between, perfect for the urbanite, but I can appreciate a bold pop of color. And some supersweet details abound — think heart-shaped sleeve cutouts at Honor, gold bullion embroidered ball gowns at Oscar de la Renta, pink suiting at Diane Von Furstenburg, and a simple statement dress at DKNY. These designers provided the girlie-girl with a more mod way to dress. Not into the full-blown pink lady? How about them Tabitha Simmons bright orange slash pink patent leather flats down below. I’m all in.
All photos: Vogue.com
Happy Valentine’s Day! xxoo
Weekend Warriors From NYFW
The fashion week deduction thus far, is that color is a thing of the past. For now, its black, and white, and 50 shades in between. Sometimes, it’s a colorful splash of orange or red, or even a neutral camel thrown in for good measure. See below looks from Rag and Bone, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu respectively.
Photos wgsn
Over at Pier 59 over the weekend, Susan Woo , directly below, showed how to do a sleek tailored-environmentally conscious-line, and across the hallway at Tess Giberson, we got a quick tutorial in seamless layering. Giberson knows what’s on tap for the fashion-conscious woman: lean pants, leather, fur, and tunic-free-top-hybrid frocks.
Sally LaPointe also taught a lesson in layering, but below the belt. Have you ever seen thigh high leggings?
Over at Jenni Kayne there were bits and pieces of Bianca Jagger 1970′s camels, blacks and nude, and sharp horse riding looks. Note the red lips and the classic Jenni flats.
My takeaway? I for one am so glad that slouchy headgear is back again. Bad hair day? Slap a beanie on it. See Tess Giberson below. More coverage on more shows tomorrow.. stay tuned!
And while you’re still here: what’s your favorite show so far?
Treacherous Conditions
As Day 6 of Fashion Week rears its head, I’m sick of talking about the weather. On Friday, as fears of Nemo were building, schools closed, flights got cancelled, and all the divas attending the shows were subsequently worried about their lack of shoe choices. A shoe hoarder/lover myself, I also understood their dilemmas, but still insisted on ignoring the elements.
“Its going to be really slick out there and conditions will be dangerous,” said everybody, even my mother who is basking in the sun in Florida. Well, the rough wasn’t so bad. On Saturday at Lincoln Center after attending the Mara Hoffman and Hervé Leger shows, and after my daily tread to Milk Studios, among the UGG boots, parkas and knee boots surrounding me, were a surprising number of stilettos. But not for me. Knowing full well that stilettos are not ice picks, I chose a pair of sturdy white boots to strut my stuff. No, they are not snow shoes, but just in case of treacherous white-out conditions, they would hold up just fine. I almost chose my black Stella McCartney rubber-platform faux-leather boots, but instead dared to blend into the winter white out with these See by Chloe boots, now on Sale!
Besides shoe follies, I have been playing the head games with myself this week, seeing how many days I can go with a different hat on my head. Day 1, slouchy beanie. Day 2, newsboy cap. Day 3, fedora. Day 4, neon pom-pom. Day, 5, a rainy Monday wool newsboy cap. Hats are great for shielding the elements, and take note, beanies et al. make quite the fashion statement . They have appeared in 90% of the collections thus far. On a scale from 1-10, here’s the thing. Snow – a disappointing 0. In the southern regions, practicality gets a -1. But my happiness, a glowing +6. And that, is everything.
Photography: Lydia Hudgens
What I’m wearing: Alexander Wang beanie, Linda Farrow for The Row sunnies, Rag & Bone sweater, Nili Lotan plaid shirt, Dannijo Vala necklace, Zara pants, Reed Krakoff bag, See by Chloe booties, Topshop boyfriend coat.
Day Two NYFW, From the Trenches
Maybe it was the killer blizzard that tried to put a damper on Fashion week when the designers worried about retrieving samples, fashionistas panicked about their lack of shoe choices, but it was the main subject line at Lincoln Center and Milk. What would the impending snow mean for the heavily scrutinized outfits in the front row? Would the UGGS appear? Not in a million years. Bring out the Choos. Nemo be damned.
Snowstorms aside, let’s talk catwalks. At BCBC Max Azria, the mood was gypsy jet-set meets contemporary art with a fantastic mix of tunic dresses layered over leather pants and finished off with a knit or printed fur vests. There is one thing I learned for sure, heavy layers balanced with over-the-knee boots are so tough and urban, perfect for the modern city woman. The fierce combination of slouchy beanies and over-the-knee leather boots rule.
Photo: Style.com
Next up at Richard Chai and Richard Chai Love, the military references were a marching, and in fact the signature silhouette for Chai this season was his short, fitted, squared-off jacket. Another important theme was check—more angles, there—and some of Chai’s best looks for both men and women came in a shiny, windowpane polyester. Also note an emerging trend: longer skirt lengths, seen at Chai, and just below, Creatures of the Wind.
Next I headed into a luxurious gothic winter wonderland at Heather Lawton over at Studio 450. Somber faces stood out among the fur collars in cobalt blue and black, and the stand-outs were the oversized hoods and capes. Look at those glamorous edgy dresses and tweeds.
From gothic to classic, the Parisian mood over at NOVIS was more cocktail dress slash formal attire inspired by Richard Avedon’s photography from the 50′s and 60′s. Clean lines, and so Jane Birkin, the bright reds, the striped gloves, and the bows, all timeless pieces, are wardrobe mainstays and perfect for that girl. Highlights include the full-dresses, pleated skirts, more velvet overalls, and ruby-colored cigarette pants. All the bright colors were so refreshing after a full day of somber blacks on the runways. The biggest complement an emerging designer can get, is a desire to have it all in my closet. Kudos to Jordana Warmflash’s first collection!
Over at Sachin and Babi, show notes included inspirations from the Aurora Borealis, and the winter midnight skies. Neoprene and vibrant tones prevailed, and the prints were fantastic. A perfect way to go from day into evening.
All photos: New York Fashion Hunter, Style.com
So far the highlights include the plethora of leather and intarsia-print furs, (see: BCBG Max Azria), brocade prints from Timo Weiland, classic tailoring, and the inscrutable layering and evident inspiration menswear happening across the board.
That’s all I have for now. Come back for more coverage later after the shows and check me out on Instagram throughout the day for live updates.
NYFW Days 0 and 1
Days 0 and 1 of Fashion Week’s catwalk kicked off with kick-ass presentations and shows in new venues (see: Eyebeam, Highline Stages), that have me rest assured that my eye for deducing trends quickly (see: wild combinations of fur, leather over-the-knee boots, and beanies everywhere) have been on target. This season, instead of my usual winding prose, I am going to be writing less and saying more through visuals, showcasing the seasoned designers as well as adding new up and coming talents. As you know from my previous posts, there is just no time with the mad rush of shows to cover all 283 of them by myself. Granted, we are on the shallow end of Fashion Week, but try getting from Lincoln Center to Milk in the snow and slush, and back a few times per day. There is no rest for the fashion weary!
Starting out at Vaute, the first all vegan fashion label to show at NYFW, the velvet blazers and overalls and the bow made from organic material, produced at home in NYC, were quite impressive to say the least. Get thou on my body.
Over at WHIT, the collection was inspired by the romantic Marianne Faithfull. Leopard, paisley, and plaids combined with the dark moody hues of ruby, forest green and deep blues, put me right back to the dreamy 1970′s.
Next up, I went to Dannijo’s “Vanities” presentation for Fall. Say goodbye for now to the usual rock’n'roll tribal aesthetics and hello to red-carpet-ready dazzlers. The mood was more focused on Art Deco, and if you look closely below, there are mirrors which play upon the golden age of social media and our over obsession with sharing (See newest trend: Vine app). Look at those rings! Those lariats! Hashtag ridiculously divine.
I then headed over to The Red Dress fashion show at Hammerstein which I blogged about yesterday right here and then finally, to the 1920′s themed Wildfox presentation at Capitale. The clothes were classic Wildfox flare showcasing pastel pink, graphic tees and sweatshirts, silk shorts and sequined dresses. Cropped wigs, colored tights with open toed shoes, and turban headwraps reigned supreme while Sinatra played “New York, New York” into the wee hours of the night. And the winner of the slogan tee shirt goes to “I left my wallet in East Hampton.” In true Wildfox form, girls just do want to have fun.
Check back for more tomorrow!
From the Heart
Who said Fashion Week is all about the clothes? Me, durrr. A true fashionista, I can appreciate well-made tailored clothing like anybody’s business, namely the menswear inspiration heralding from Richard Chai‘s collection. But I can also vibe right along to the women and celebrities who participated in The Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show 2013 at the Hammerstein Ballroom the other night. A night of 1,000 philanthropic stars all decked out in red was the name of the game. The show was truly enjoyable, I made some new friends, and it sure was a break from all the ass-kissing that goes along with the protocol of Fashion Week. Here are the top reasons why I loved the show.
Photo courtesy of Diet Coke®
What I’m wearing: Dannijo Melody necklace, Zadig and Voltaire jacket, Zara tiger top
The celebs. Seventeen stars including Kelly Osbourne, Gabby Douglas, Minka Kelly, Jillian Michaels and the Jenner stars, all channeled their inner models, walked the walk, and wore sexy vibrant red dresses for the cause. Watching Minka Kelly, natch, was proof enough for me. Strutting the runway in a heartbeat for heart healthy choices.
The cause. From the mouth of Minka Kelly, “it made sense to get involved and to inspire other women to take care of their hearts. This was a very lucky opportunity for me.” And she works out with a personal trainer upwards of four times per week. No wonder she looks so amazing.
The crowd. P”Trique, chic to the next lev, sitting front row next to US Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, right across the aisle from Miss J of America’s Next Top Model. That is unreal. Love. It.
The catwalk. The sexy designs from the likes of Carlos Miele, Marc Bouwer, Tadashi Shoji, worn by all those celebs sparkled and danced on the runway with major sass. Some salsa danced, while others sang down the runway. Flashing more than just the clothes, the designers and celebs contributed their time and talent to help raise awareness, each with a personal story attached to their strut.
The continuation. Throughout the month of February, not just for Valentine’s Day and NYFW, post a heart photo on Twitter or Instagram using #ShowYourHeart anytime, and Diet Coke has pledged to donate $1 for every picture to heart health programs. The beverage company wants to reach its goal of raising $100,000, so why not contribute to this fantastic cause? I did. And while you’re at it, put on your own red dress and share photos of yourself (C’mon everyone looks good in red!) Even if its a tube of lipstick
Although this post is sponsored by Diet Coke, the thoughts, comments and views are my own.
Let’s Do This
Are you READYYYY?????
Photography by Lydia Hudgens
What I’m wearing: Linda Farrow sunnies, Cacharel leather dress, Joie coat, get a similar one from Blumarine, Wolford tights, See by Chloé booties, a cup of Joe.
From an outsider looking in, Fashion Week, through rose-colored lenses, looks like a month-long party, filled with famous people, never-ending parties, and incredibly glamorous events. But ask anyone in the business, and especially those behind the scenes their opinion, and it ain’t no freakin’ party. It’s long days and sleepless nights running across the city in sky-high stilettos. Standing in Siberia for the runway shows. Inhaling Power Bars for breakfast, lunch, and sometimes dinner. And drinking more than the usual quota of caffeinated beverages. It’s Fashion’s Olympics. Remember my self-made video from last season? Maybe I am crazy, but to me, this is the best time of year. Six months later, the story repeats itself, adding new chapters, more illustrated details, and bright new dreams. Done and done.
Every season, in the days leading up to Fashion Week, without fail, I go into prep mode. Foot wrap? Got it. Color-coded calendar? Check. Mophie battery? You bet. A slew of business cards? Yes Maam. And for the record, I am contemplating doing something drastic to my hair, ie: getting bangs, or possibly cutting my locks a few inches.
For this post I decided to road test some color. More yellow than blue, (see: coat below), and red like you’ve ever seen me wear before. From the red in my tail, and the heart pumping in my chest, I wish you the best, fun-filled, illuminating Fashion Week EVER.
Fashionistas, start your engines. Remember, always have fun! See you at the finish line. xo
Reed Krakoff bag, Julius Michael hair, nOir ring, Siren ring
Pay attention to this Holst + Lee rope necklace. It’s everything my neck wants right now.
Go West
A creature of habit, my shopping habits are very simple – if I think I can get the most bang for the buck, calculating at the register cost-per-wear, I buy it. Ninety nine times out of a hundred, this theory works out in my favor. A pair of killer shoes on sale that I will wear over and over again? Yes. The pair of ripped jeans that I can’t take off my body? Remember, denim is the fabric of our generation. The Kanye West sweatshirt that sells for a mere $19.00 that I sleep in, and wear to Fashion Week? I sing the Blame Game. “Who taught you how to put some mother freakin’ Jimmy Choos on?” Yeezy taught me. Yup, Yeezy taught me well. It all comes down to buying the things you love while radiating your individual style.
Down below see a fashion week post that is pertinent for this coming week. A cabbie hat swiped from the photographer, a trusty denim shirt, a statement necklace, skinny leather pants, and sneakers will one hundred percent transcend beyond the boundaries of fashion month.
And why not insert some K for Kool in your look? Case in point: there’s an art to dressing “like the cool mom” as my own kids would tell it. And you don’t have to shut it down in a leather mini-dress like Beyoncé did at the Superbowl. You can strut quietly. No smiling allowed. And it goes like this.
Photography: Mark Colbran
I’m wearing an Attitude Cabbie Hat, otherwise go for the Topman beanie, Warby Parker sunnies, J. Crew denim shirt, Kanye Sweatshirt, Elizabeth and James leather leggings, and Isabel Marant sneakers which I may never take off my feet. Accessories by Dannijo, Philip Plein skull bag, and a Kal Reiman herringbone vest, get a similar one here.
Wearing Red
Today is National Red Day! When I checked Wikipedia, ‘NDR’ is a day in February that people wear red to show their support for the awareness of heart disease. Admittedly, I am not a red girl, according to my color chart, I fall on the blue spectrum. But today is different. As Ambassador to Diet Coke® and The Heart Truth campaign, I can’t think of a better way to show my spirit, than to wear my heart on my sleeve. Red is an eye-catching color, and a breath of fresh air among the blacks and grey hues of New York City in February. I did pull out red last year for fashion week, remember this? Happy early Valentine’s Day.
Photography: Michael Crook
Now, for the first time ever, Diet Coke will feature and adorn their cans with the hashtag #ShowYourHeart, which presumptuously implies that you know what a hashtag is. If you don’t tweet, now you will. Even better, throughout the month of February, you can still upload a heart-inpired photo to Twitter or Instagram using hashtag #ShowYourHeart, and Diet Coke will make a $1 donation to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. And I can get behind anybody that is passionate about health.
As fashion week rapidly approaches Lincoln Center, all the buzz surrounding the theater that is New York Fashion Week is about to commence. If you don’t remember what it is like, watch this. My calendar is filling up with events all around the city, and thanks to Fashion GPS, I can navigate where my body needs to be just by checking my iPhone.
I am looking forward to viewing the Fall/ Winter collections, and especially meeting Minka Kelly, the Friday Night Lights star, who will be walking the runway. (If you haven’t seen it, you must). Kelly is breathtakingly beautiful and will be wearing an Oscar de la Renta number at the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show. I will be posting photos of stunning Minka and the show, so don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter, cuz that’s where I’ll be living the next 336 hours, to be exact.
Finally, don’t forget to wear red. I decided to embrace my dedication to color and hope not to disappoint my uniform-wearing self advocating for this change. At least for this month.
Although this post is sponsored by Diet Coke, the thoughts, comments and views are my own.