Drunken Dragon at Macao Trading Co.

The Limelight is now a shopping center, and the Tunnel now refers to the Highline park...sigh. Are there no fashionable spectacles left in NYC? Of course there is, if one knows where to look. Last week saw the roar of the Drunken Dragon.
A collaboration between prop artist/event designer Adam Aleksander and the dancers of House of Dangerkat, the evening was a Far Eastern fantasy to remember.

Guests were asked to dress in Chinese attire or 1900's Colonial to fit the exotic, sexy theme of the night. Rich red fabric draped the booths with glowing lanterns. Sparkling courtesans fluttered their fans at peasant scholars. Macao's staff served up the tastiest of bites and intoxicating cocktails of absinthe and ginger.
The visual feast of the night included Chinese Opera singers calling out a long 40 foot dragon that wound its way around the bar. A drag queen or two kept you in line as the confetti rained from the sky.
The artistic nature of the night brought out plenty of the creatives in fashion. Party-goers included bespoke shoe designer Ritika W, jewelery designer Michele Russell Ward and the team from Taste of New York.

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African Couture at the Sewing Hope Gala

Saturday night, the Touch Nightclub was host to a benefit showcase for the Sewing Hope organization.

Using gorgeous fabrics printed with traditional African patterns, designers worked with dressmakers to create the looks down the runway.

Designers Sergio Guadarrama, Marcy Catelgrande, Melissa Choi, Pia Panaligan and others donated their time and talent along with the models to present this project. The outfits themselves spotlighted the craftsmanship of the fabrics, the tailoring and embroidery that can go into a lovingly made garment.

In collaboration with African grassroots group, Fount of Mercy, Sewing Hope provides technical training and financial assistance to those in crisis. In turn, the women are empowered with the skills to earn an income and support their families.
African dance troupe, Creative Outlet Youth Artists revved up the crowd with a high energy performance. Wearing traditional attire, the drumbeats and dance moves put the crowd in the right mood before the models strutted the catwalk. Additional money was raised through a raffle of prizes ranging from spa services, jewelry to gourmet treats.

Each dollar has a significant impact to improving the life of a family. Donations of $15 will provide essential supplies like a bolt of fabric and scissors. $150 can provide a sewing machine and the catalyst to a new business.

If you want to volunteer or make a donation, and have meaningful impact on a family affected by AIDs and/or financial crisis, contact Sewing Hope.

For additional slide shows of the fashion show and designers, click here.
Photos and Story by Ritika W. and Mariana L.

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Patricia Field Does Chic Simplicity for SATC2

I must have counted over 12 "private preview screenings", 8 "official" launch parties, and shopping events in the past week alone for this movie. Word is that opening night was sold out at some theaters over a month ago.

Meanwhile, real New Yorkers, who loved the original might be wary of the latest installment. For many, the trailer seems to have moved away from the City that it made a love letter to.

Classic New Yorker Patricia Field on the other hand, has always made this entertainment brand pure fashion porn. The trendsetter made nameplate necklaces, Birkin bags and Jimmy Choos a householdo. Like any good costumer, she tells her character's story through wardrobe.

In this movie, the ladies are whisked off to a luxury vacation to Abu Dhabi. The cultural divide AND unifiers between American women and Middle Eastern women can be told though the clothes. The SATC girls may be done up in elaborate turbans and bling, while natives are in comfort. However, in this universe, any fashionista might have a favorite Louis Vuitton, whether it's on a mini-dressed arm or under a burka.

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CFDA's Fashion Incubator Ready to Cook...

Last week, 12 independent designers put their personal touches onto their new digs. The CFDA's Fashion Incubator program set forth to help develop promising talent with mentors and subsidized studios in the garment district.

The Council of Fashion Designers in America worked with New York mayor Michael Bloomberg on the initiative. The local industry has recognized the need to save the garment industry in the Big Apple, as well as nurture emerging talent. This project aims to tackle both.

For some designers this is a big leap for their business, many of whom are working outside of their owns for the first time.

Who are the lucky labels? The list of incubator designers include Alice Ritter, House of Waris, Prabal Garung,Dao-Yi Chow, Maxwell Osbourne, Bibhu Mohapatra,Grey Ant, Gemma Redux, Jolibe, Sang A, Subversive jewelry, Tom Scott and Ruby Kobo.

Photos by Kyle Ericksen for WWD

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Style Moguls in Training at Fashionista Prep

Imagine you are fourteen and obsessed with Project Runway. You want to get the real scoop, or just can’t wait to get started… Where do you go? Fashionista Prep!

Designer Kathlin Argiro with her partner, Courtney Zellmer launched a school for teens with “A passion for fashion”. At the opening party, we met several style-mavens planning to spend the summer getting an edge on the competition.

Sessions offered include Fashion Design 101, PR Prep 101, Makeup, Styling and Modeling. The classes are small and will be held in the designer’s own showroom to bring the real life workings of the fashion world together. The co-founders also arrange opportunities for students to attend fashion week and meet some legends in the industry.

If you want to get a jump-start on your career, go and get your chic on! Fashionista Prep.

Photos by Ritika W. Story by Mariana L and Ritika W

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Haute Look + DecadesTwo Launch a Sex and the City Pop-up

One of our favorite shopping sites and famous West Coast consignment shop launched a gorgeous tribute to the ladies of Sex and the City 2 last night.

A luxury condo in Chelsea was decked out to represent the homes and closets of Charlotte, Samantha, Carrie and Miranda. The VIP reception allowed guests to sip champagne and girly cocktails as they shopped through closets of Chanel suits, Dolce & Gabbana and other designers. Drool-worthy handbags and tables of accessories tempted you towards sin. The Holy Grail to many a fashion fan was the room filled with Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks.

What was brilliant about this is a retailer turned a collection of (stylish!) second-hand items a highly anticipated event for fashionistas. They did this by relating items to a fabulous movie, allowing shoppers to fantasize themselves into a character.

Are you ready to play dress-up? If you're in NYC, RSVP to Yes@GCKPartners.com, head to the Chelsea Enclave at 177 9th avenue on Friday, May 21st or Saturday, May 22nd.

Online? No problem, Haute Look will have a concurrent sale of equally chic goods.

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Textile Design: Digital Printing vs. Old School

The fashion crowd has traditionally been criticized for their slow embrace of technology. Old masters deplore the loss of hand-drawn sketches, couture sewing techniques and artisan craftsmanship in today's mass market world.
Where does textile design fit into this debate? The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article on high end designers who have incorporated the use of digital fabric printing into their collections. Zac Posen and Helmut Lang were able to translate photographic images into dresses. Recent technology has allowed for sharper, crisper images that were not possible in the years before.
Theia designer Don O'Neill took advantage of the speed of this tool by combining the new and the old. He translated an original piece of art into a custom digital print fabric in time to be worn by Carrie Underwood for an awards night.
Does this technology take away from those who still illustrate patterns by hand and use silk screening as a couture art form? Not according to Catherine Malandrino, who vows to continue employing artists specifically for this purpose.

In my own experience of design, there is no technology that replaces hand appliques and embroidery as a technique.
The most recent season of Project Runway, designers worked with Vivienne Tam to create a digitally printed fabric. This is also the show where the talent is asked to create each outfit by hand and employ Haute Couture skills for the runway. It's about making finding new mediums to express creativity.
What is your favorite medium for design? Does digital open up new possibilities? Need to explore it more? Craftzine has a great guide to break it down.

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Phantom of the Runway – Andre Leon Talley The Next Fashionista on Broadway?

Vogue Editor, Andre Leon Talley made press last week after an FIT lecture, when he noted he was planning a stint on Broadway. While some of the media snickered, those in the know see him as following a stylish theater tradition. His own one-time mentor, Diana Vreeland was the subject of a long-running play, Full Gallop .

Isaac Mizrahi had a popular one man show off-Broadway where he detailed his experiences at Calvin Klein, his own design career and handed out his own homemade treats to the audience.

Currently onstage is The Temperamentals, the story of edgy designer of the 1960’s Rudy Gernreich.     The plot focuses on the gay activist and stars Michael Urie of TV’s Ugly Betty.

Of course, the iconic Coco Chanel was immortalized in the Broadway show “Coco” in 1969. The show starred Katherine Hepburn in her one and only theater musical.

photo from onsugar

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FAB Sales Alerts: Yigal Azrouel, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney

In NYC:

Yigal Azrouel's elegant pieces for the fashionista set will be up to 75% current spring merchandise at their rare sample sale.

When: Tuesday, May 18th to Thursday, May 20th.

Where: Yigal Azrouel, 225 West 39th street, 7th floor

In LA:

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale VIP Night. Sip champagne and treats, then buy your Morning After Bag...RSVP at LAVIP@rebeccaminkoff.com

When: Thursday, May 20, 5pm - 9p,

Where: 4661 Hollywood Blvd.

Matteo sample sale

When: Thursday, May 20th - Sunday, May 23rd

Where: 912 East 3rd Street

Online Sample Sales:

Stella McCartney gets intimate with pretty, chic pieces that only you and a chosen few may see...Tuesday, May 18th online here.

Marc by Marc Jacobs will have the cutest shoes starting at $29 on Tuesday, May 18th.

Calvin Klein's classic, clean American style will have handbags and clothing on Wednesday, May 19th.

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Modern Girl's Guide to a FAB Book Launch

You're a contributing editor to Cosmo, Elle magazine has named you one of the 25 Most Powerful women in Hollywood. You're a working Mom with a successful series of books. How do you celebrate?
Lucky for us, Jane Buckingham has shared many of her secrets to success in her series of "Modern Girl's Guide to..." books. More importantly, her latest book tells you how to overcome all the little disasters too.
The author shared her time and wisdom not at a bookstore, but at the fabulous Downtown boutique of Foley & Corinna. How appropriate to launch a book for contemporary women, surrounded by several accomplished ones?

Self-made designers Dana Foley and Anna Corinna embody today's Boho-chic. Their collection served as a stylish backdrop to the event. Melissa Bushell's cupcakes from Baked By Melissa are the fashion crowd's go-to treat (I've nibbled on them at several parties now). These were washed down with Chambord cocktails.
The Modern Girl's Guide to Sticky Situations has advice for instant beauty fixes, tense moments with family or even trouble with the IRS. Example? What to do when caught in the rain with suede? If it's a coat, turn it inside out. A bag? Run into a store for a plastic bag cover. It's all entertaining, witty and above all, practical.
Photos by Ritika W and Mariana L

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Pratt Fashion Show 2010 honors Catherine Malandrino

The Altman Building played host to the Pratt fashion show students of 2010 Thursday night. A mixture of sportswear, menswear, costume and evening/bridal looks walked down the runway. Notable guests included Vogue's Hamish Bowles and Kim Hastreiter, of PAPER magazine.

The charmingly down to Earth Catherine Malandrino accepted the 2010 Pratt Institute Fashion Icon award. On fashion, Catherine said “For me it was always to dress women with elegance as a wife, mother and lover. It’s not just about clothes. All the time, it’s making a beautiful world.”

Our favorite looks were from Mayu Samoto who showed charming, flirty pastel shorts, fitted tops with piping details. Jennifer Damm’s collection of origami like silks, precisely cut triangles definitely showed her training as curatorial intern at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

K.Paige Regan may have started a new Williamsburg hipster look of super-sized black-framed glasses and sharkskin pants for men.

The most entertaining was the costume category. Emma Madnick showed off a riotous mix of carnival inspired looks. Rayneese Primrose stirred up the audience as a zombie Michael Jackson moonwalked down the runway.


Devin Cole showed feminine pastel printed chiffons with pleats, ruching and weaving over long and short lengths.

The most promising designer was Eveningwear award winner Timothy Kuzmeski. There was a moment of laughter when the model walked to the backstage but her sculpted dress still trailed in after her exit.

Timothy took his bow onstage with a tee that read “Thank you, Mom + Dad” . Talent and humor to remind us again why we love fashion in this city.

Story and photos by Ritika W and Mariana L

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Candyland Meets Project Runway at Fieldston

Far away from Bryant Park, Lincoln Center and the Milk Studios, a hotly anticipated fashion took place Tuesday. The Ethical Culture Fieldston School in the Bronx showcased the work of 82 students. The assignment was to create fashion from anything other than fabric. Students worked for months (some weren't even in the class) to create the fun looks that came down the runway.

Annie Kunstler modeled a tiger ensemble made from jelly beans. Anna Blum's Andy Warhol-inspired dress was constructed of Tic Tacs, jelly beans and walnuts dress. Isabelle Rubin's newspaper corset dress created a fabulous silhouette. Isabel Cohen's surprisingly glamorous gown emulated jellyfish tentacles and was made from attic insulation. Other outfits were made from everything from orphaned socks, condoms and family photos.

Instead of jaded editors, the audience was filled with proud parents, an inspiring art professor and very enthusiastic students. In addition to being homework for art students, the annual show also serves as a creative outlet for non-art students show otherwise do not have one.The runway also seemed to help the romantic life of at least one student...Eric Kotin revealed a garment asking a girl to the prom. The object of his affection said yes.

Photos by Librado Romero/The New York Times

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David Stark Blooms Over West Elm in Paper

For today and tomorrow only, chic home decor store West Elm will host David Stark's pop-up floral shop. Now, this isn't a bunch of roses at your corner deli...The legendary event and floral designer's pop-up will showcase a huge collection of blooms, arrangements and accessories all hand-crafted from paper.
The highly decorative pieces are made from re-purposed paper for an eco-friendly decor.

The launch party last evening brought fans of design, eager to pick up their own "plant" or bouquet. Guests sipped on a surprisingly tasty green pepper and gin cocktail while having their portraits snipped out of paper (at lightning speed!) by artist Hou-Tien Cheng.

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Lipsy London's Tea Party Launch

Lipsy London brought its girly style to NYC Tuesday afternoon with the most English of traditions, an afternoon tea. The Meatpacking District lounge Provocateur provided the perfect backdrop to the festive silhouettes and bright, feminine prints of the collection.

The British label introduced itself to America to members of the media and fashion industry while they sipped Earl Grey, and nibbled on cupcakes, scones and dainty finger sandwiches. The club was decked out like a whimsical urban garden while models posed among the racks of the Spring/Summer collection.

I was quite impressed at the contemporary, designer styling of the party frocks. Their Laser-cut skirts, crystal embroidered party dresses and Goddess draped cocktail attire already counts Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton as fans. The pleasant surprise? The price tag. Most of my favorite dresses were in the $150 - $185 range. Handbags, corset tops and skirts were equally painless?
Want to try on your piece of the English rose? The collection has come to Bloomingdale's this Spring and can be found online at lipsy.com

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FAB Sales Picks: Martin Margiela, Rebecca Minkoff, Pucci

In NYC:
Rebecca Minkoff's brightly colored bags, the signature Morning After Bag and other goodies are up to 50% off.
When: Wednesday, May 12
Where: 155 Fifth Avenue

Alexander McQueen, Anna Molinari, Cavalli and Moschino pieces will be up to 70% off. Your favorite Eurochic handbags, apparel, outerwear and accessories are up for grabs.
When: Tuesday, May 11th - Thursday, May 13th, 9am - 6pm.
Where: 49 West 38th Street, 4th floor

Martin Margiela, Victor & Rolf, DSquared2 will have threads for men and women are their big sale.
When: Thursday, May 13th - Saturday, May 15th, 10 am - 7pm
Where: 220 West 19th street, 11th floor



Online:
L.A.M.B.'s girly rocker chic by Gwen Stefani has their online sale of shoes, bags and accessories on Wednesday, May 12 at Noon (EST). Register and shop here.

Emilio Pucci's universally recognized prints are modern classics. Look for their wedges, sandals and ballerina flats to go on sale at over 60% off Thursday, May 13th at Noon (EST). Register to shop here.

Lacoste and the little croc are timeless. Look for watches and sunglasses at over 80% off at this online sample sale. Shop here on Friday, May 14th.

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Operation Design & Barney's New York Windows Auction

Have you checked out the Barney's New York windows this week? The iconic Eames chairs have been tricked out or "re-imagined" by twenty of the top graffiti and street artists of today. The display is to promote an auction of the art pieces to benefit Operation Design. The art and design group has one mission, to enable NYC students to find comfort and inspiration in their daily work and learning spaces.

Beginning May 11th to June 1st, you can bid online or take a peek at all of the artists particpating in the collaboration. http://www.opdesign.org/

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Mother & Daughter Fashion Teams

Happy Mother's Day beautiful people. I hope you treated the woman who gave you life with love and luxury today. In honor of these amazing women, I wanted to spotlight my favorite Mother and daughter teams of fashion:

Mother Betsey Johnson was a key style-maker in the 1980's and pop icon today. Her daughter cut her teeth early working as the liaison between designer and public relations in her early 20's and now has been promoted to creative director.

Designer Abbe Held describes Mom Bonnie Held as her "best friend". Together, the mother and daughter duo founded Kooba handbags together after being frustrated that they couldn't find the purses they liked in the market. There may be pros and cons in working so closely with your mother, but there is a certain efficiency to partners that can finish each sentence.

Mom Donna Karan defined how the modern career woman dresses in today's world. Daughter Gabby Karan De Felice was once an intern at Anne Klein, now in business with Mom on the Urban Zen boutique.

Karan, like all mothers who are incredibly successful, worried that she was not a good enough parent because of how much she worked. However, Gabby expressed that she felt that was what did make her a better mother. A person who worked at what she loved.

Most of us see our mothers as our very first style icon. Whether or not millions of other people in the world agree or she's the star of just one family, she deserves our appreciation NOW. Happy Mother's Day!

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Judith Leiber 100 Accessories for $100

Wednesday evening, the Judith Leiber boutique hosted a benefit for the Wildlife Conservation Society. The event invited "Birds and Blokes" for an opportunity to shop one of the 100 Judith Leiber bags priced at $100. Headquartered at the Bronx zoo, the WCS conservation specialists lead the efforts to save wildlife and wild places around the world.

Elegantly dressed guests struggled to contain themselves as they stalked each other for their favorite jeweled clutch. Women held onto their prize bag as if it was the Holy grail, while one friend grabbed another in a big hug when she presented her with one of the last available purses.

Among glasses of champagne and mini lobster rolls, the rest of the Judith Leiber collection was on display. Her signature jeweled box bags, delicately crystallized animals and accessories graced display cases. My favorite pieces were the richly embellished fur stoles. The luxurious furs were embroidered with chunky patterns of Swarovski crystals and caused me to drool...

To Donate or visit the parks, go to WCS.org.

Photos by Mariana Leung and Melissa Weiss

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Limelight Marketplace Opens Today!

Were you a girl about town in the 1990's? Did I just date myself in an embarrassing way? If the name "Limelight" conjures up debauched club nights in an 18th century cathedral (or for some 'party monsters' a long blackout), tomorrow's event will come as a bit of a shock. Where flamboyant drag queens and progressive DJ's once ruled, a curated collective of chic retailers now reside.
The Limelight Marketplace will cut its ribbon on 2pm Friday for its grand opening. Clothing and beauty retailers like Sue Devitt, Lulu Denim, Havaianas and Caswell Massey will mix with gourmet purveyors like Cana Wine Bar and Cupcake Stop.
Retail designer James Mansour partnered with Jack Menashe to create a festive shopping palace where goods are arranged into "galleries". One can shop the sneaker gallery, beauty gallery, home decor before nibbling among the gourmet vendors.
Am I sad that one of my favorite playgrounds of the past is gone forever? A little. Do I think I still need that playground at this point? Hell no. Give me artisanal perfumes and chocolates any day.

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Rebecca Minkoff's Holiday 2010 Preview

Rebecca Minkoff presented her holiday collection in a festive cocktail party setting Tuesday evening. Champagne, glittering embroidered necklines and rich velvets made you almost forget that it was a muggy spring day. The handbags had a variety of party-friendly treatments. There were metallic lambskin bags, herringbone horsehair, two-toned ostrich to name a few. Shinys studs embellished smaller bags and accessories in every way imaginable.
Luxe blue velvet, steel and gun metal greys with metallics and a spot of red made up the palette of holiday season cocktail attire.

Gossip girl Michelle Trachtenberg was wearing her favorite MAB bag to give support to the designer at the event.
Photos by FAB photographer Ritika Bhattacharya

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