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Monday, February 28, 2011

Oscars Red Carpet Winners

Red and variations thereof ruled over the red carpet for 2011.  A continuation from the Golden Globes.  Anne Hathaway went through numerous gown changes throughout the night, but she made her entrance in a Valentino gown with a poufed train.  She thanked the designer right on the carpet with a kiss.  Natalie Portman looked as gorgeous as a very pregnant woman (and most non-pregnant women) could ever hope to look in a flattering merlot gown by Rodarte.  She showed allegiance to the designers who designed several notable costumes for her winning Oscar film Black Swan.  Last year's Best Actress award winner swept the carpet in a statuesque Vera Wang gown.  Jennifer Hudson rocked her new body in a tomato shade of Atelier Versace.  Penelope Cruz smoldered in a body conscious sequin embroidered L'Wren Scott dress.

Embellished nude and neutrals were a close runner up.  Gwyneth Paltrow split the yay/nay vote with the sequin embroidered sheath by Calvin Klein.  I personally thought she was missing an entourage of Muppets al Grammy Awards.  Halle Berry was a favorite of many critics in an embroidered tulle gown with dramatic train from Marchesa.  Nicole Kidman was stunning as usual in a proper couture embroidered Dior gown.  

Pretty in pink, lilac or lavender.  In a pre-cursor to spring, some of my favorite gowns of the night were (gasp!) pastel.  Hailee Steinfeld wore a crystal embroidered gown with a full tulle skirt that made her look ladylike, but completely appropriate for her age.  Marchesa wins again on this one.  Mila Kunis made her turn down the red carpet with a sexy but feminine frock by Elie Saab.  The strategic georgette draped panels and placement of delicate lace was provocative, but forgiving.  The gorgeous color served to enhance her strong features.  The lilac Haute Couture Givenchy on Cate Blanchett will be controversial among mainstream  critics.  However, all of the designers and industry elite were spanking themselves when the camera panned her gown.  The rigid shoulder and waist cinch framed the soft, shirred bodice and skirt with hand embroidered stones and beads.  The acid yellow spot color of beading around the neck was surprising, keeping the gown from taking itself too seriously.
For anyone who knows me, they know I always root for the fashion underdogs.  I love the rebel and the women who dare to flaunt the unexpected.  Marisa Tomei brought out a legendary designer, mostly forgotten by modern generations.  She wore a refitted Charles James Lily and Cie gown from 1950.  The gown's satin bustier and miles of organza skirt was like a museum piece brought to life.  

Helena Bonham Carter deliberately likes to turn her nose up at the fashion police.  She bypassed the traditional fashion designers and had long-time Tim Burton collaborator (and Oscar winner) Colleen Atwood make her gown.  It was an avant-garde, somewhat Gothic gown of black velvet and satin.  On the red carpet, she pulled up her skirt in a suggestive with with sassy wink to reveal a British flag.  This was her personal support for her film, the King's Speech.  It must have worked, the film took home Best Actor, Director and Film.
Photos from Getty, OK! Magazine

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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Richie Sambora's White Trash Beautiful - Rock N' Roll Style

 Be honest, when you hear "celebrity fashion line" or a rocker is starting a clothing collection, do you have high expectations?  I didn't think so.

I have to admit, that when I first received Style360's invitation to the runway presentation of Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora's label White Trash Beautiful with Nikki Lund, I was skeptical.  I am happy to say I was pleasantly surprised.  The collection was cohesive, represented rock n' roll and was sexy without being skanky.  This is the contemporary collection of the strong woman who plays with the boys, but not the groupie.

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Dennis Basso Fall 2011 collection


Dennis Basso is famous for his decadent use of fur and attracting ladies who lunch. Naturally, his Fall 2011 collection had plenty of both. The audience in attendance was different than the usual fashion week crowd of outlandish characters and expressionless editors in black. Instead, the ladies who lunched and socialite set of the Upper East Side came to support their favorite furrier designer.  
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

NY FASHION WEEK:Christian Siriano Fall 2011

Project Runway's most celebrated alumni sent his darker event dresses down the runway at the beginning of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  He played with volume and sheer, with elaborate ruffling to dress up the ballgown silhouettes.  Black favored heavily in the overall palette, as Christian Siriano understands what "fierce" NY women like to wear.  One would think that the monochromatic presentation would be boring, but the designer kept the visuals interesting by mixing the weights and textures of the fabrics within each fabric.  Knits were layered with satin, chiffon with wool, etc.  

Accessories on the other, were not as successful.  Mr. Siriano's collaboration with Payless Shoes has been heavily promoted by the brand, but the footwear chosen for the show was awkward.  Perhaps the Payless platform just wasn't made for the runway walker, as several models were visibly challenged by them.

Siriano's glam-licious creations always bring out the stars...Mena Suvari, Gabrielle Union and Alexa Chung were spotted shopping from the front row.

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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Balenciaga and Spain Exhibit in NYC and San Francisco



Cristobal Balenciaga left a legacy of elegance in Haute Couture.  The designer was heavily influenced by the culture and religion of Spain.  This relationship was explored in an exhibit that just finished at the Upper East Side’s Queen Sofia Spanish Institute and will resume in expanded form at the De Young Fine Arts Museum in San Francisco. 

The exhibit was curated by Vogue’s Hamish Bowles.  There were archival films of the designer’s salon presentations and 1960’s fashion films.  Collections of his sketches and magazine editorials were displayed with influential images that figured into his work.


Another floor compared religious garb and their influence on some of Cristobal Balenciaga’s iconic pieces.  Heavily embellished toreador uniforms were a muse to a collection of hats and beaded boleros.  The rest of the third floor was devoted to gorgeous couture corsets and dresses that were drool-worthy even today.

When disposable fashion fails to inspire you, take a moment to see how a master gets it done.
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NY Fashion Week: Nautica Fall 2011

How relevant is sailing attire in the very urban center of Manhattan?  While you ponder that, take a peek at the Fall 2011 offerings from Nautica Sportswear.  This (mostly) menswear label has never been the trendsetter of the industry.  However, it brings value to sportswear staples with nautical details.
  
Outerwear was the standout of their presentation.  Variations on peacoats and toggle coats were the big push.  A lighter grouping of sporty whites had better intentions for the sea.  

An overworked, underslept design team was on hand to show support of their efforts.  More exhausted staff were left back at the studio to toil away for the next season, making sure the clothes fit well…

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Monday, February 21, 2011

NY Fashion Week: Zang Toi Fall 2011

It was the last show after a thirteen hour day at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week… A ray of beauty perked a roomful of exhausted fashion elite.  In a stunning runway presentation last week, Zang Toi gave a show that drew constant applause and the first sincere standing ovation I have ever seen at Lincoln Center.

The very first look was a dramatic caped cashmere figure that drew gasps from the audience.  After that came gown after gown, embroidered jewels and luxury.  The colors palette was simple,  camel, lush forest green and black.  There were hundreds of people in the studio venue, yet the atmosphere managed to be intimate and supportive.  

Real Housewife of New York, Jill Zarin walked the runway in one of the most dramatic dresses.  She also came out to help the designer take his much-deserved bow.  Mr. Toi came out in a classic tuxedo and was visibly moved by the audience response.  

I had previously worked with Zang Toi in my earlier days in embroidery design.  He was always a sweet, creative man.  I couldn’t be happier for the success of this collection!


Check out our exclusive interview with the designer in his studio:

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Sunday, February 20, 2011

NY Fashion Week: Norman Ambrose Fall 2011


Norman Ambrose embodied the Luxe Life in his Fall Winter 2011 collection with vignettes reminiscent of classic Vogue or Bazaar photo spreads. Furs, silks, feathers, hand appliquéd beading were enticingly incorporated with premium knits and delicate fabrics for the woman who is both a woman of leisure and the CEO.
The show was divided into two sides, with daywear on the left and evening wear on the right.
Some of my favorite touches – on the daytime side wool suiting with gold threads and Snakeskin Pants that can go anywhere.  On the evening side – sleek, flattering, modest cuts and the subtle use of luxurious accents that some designers overuse – sheer mesh with beading and a well-placed row of feathers around the knee of a long sequined gown.
Photos and Reporting by Marcy Clark of Women's Mafia
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NY Fashion Week: Betsey Johnson Fall 2011






What was the highlight of fashion week for me? The irreverent, vivacious Betsey Johnson presenting her Fall 2011 collection at Lincoln Center on Valentine's Day. Undoubtedly, her show is the brightest  trip of the week.   This season, she presented both her upmarket Black Tag collection and her more affordable, Pink Patch lines on the same runway.  
For the 33 years, Betsey has put on a fabulous show for her downtown girls.  The models were relaxed and beautiful in clashing over-saturated florals and prints.   They strutted in short Louise Brooks black bobs with lace spray-on color insets.  

There were peplum jackets and skintight pants in black and white leopard prints.  Red rompers over shiny red leopard tights were seen.   Red plaid tartan bustiers were worn over long fuchsia skirts. While the collection on the runway was great on the models, the individual pieces were wearable for non-model types too.  My personal collection (of now vintage) Betsey Johnson  dresses still receive compliments, so I can attest that each piece is workable in any wardrobe.  
For the downtown girls, hipster girls and girly girls, Betsey Johnson has something for each of you. 

The best part of the presentation was when Betsey Johnson sent her staff of girls and the occasional boys dressed in her clothes at the end  to universal audience support of whistles and clapping.

The designer herself came down the runway and for her trademark finale cartwheel and dragged Patricia Field of Sex and the City fame down the runway with her.

Miss Jay from America's Top Model fame and the ever present, Robert Verdi, were also spotted in the audience.

More photos:

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Friday, February 18, 2011

NY Fashion Week: Yoana Baraschi Fall 2011

Designer Yoana Baraschi wants you to visit virtual reality.  Her Fall 2011 inspiration was a lot of high tech and 1970’s glam.    Bright graphic stripes were coordinated with abstract grid prints.  Colorblocking and layered patchwork techniques were a running theme.  The silhouettes included shift dresses, A-line skirts and cozy coats.

Ms. Baraschi’s upbringing was always surrounded by art.  She studied textiles and came from a family of artists.   This background was evident this season in the large scale digital prints with bright, modern colors.
  
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Thursday, February 17, 2011

NY Fashion Week: Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2011

The fashion elite literally kissed designer  Bibhu Mohapatra at his Fall 2011 presentation at the Box at Lincoln Center.  Styled by Vogue's Lauren Santo Domingo, the collection was one of the standouts for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. It was well edited and beautifully presented like a Vogue magazine editorial, the models were elegant, chic and edgy at the same time. 

Ladylike black leather gloves were covered with glittering bracelets from Dannigo and edged with black feathers on the models.  They looked every inch the lady but with a definte dark edge.  There was a gorgeous fluted column dress, shirred chiffon column dresses, architecturally folded bodices punctuated occasionally by a piece with flat rivets, each piece had a specific direction. 


There were a few standout jackets cut extremely well and flattering to the body.

Bibhu’s collection was based on the ‘sinister glamour of nature, at once frightening and very tempting…”
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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

NY Fashion Week: Guishem Punk Goth Fall 2011



There weren’t a lot of designers who showed Gothic sensibility this season at NY Fashion Week.  Guishem showed an edgier, sharp, pieced collection that was reminiscent of the witch in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.

The collection was a little bit of punk, a little bit of Goth, part insect and a lot of rock n’ roll.  It was all about cocktail dresses or slick gowns for young rebellious things. 

Designer Guillermo Jop studied fashion at London’s Central St. Martin and came from a family in the textile business. 

Celebrity fans include Twilight’s Kristen Stewart, Kelly Osborne and Brittany Snow.

Photos by Ritika Wahal
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NY Fashion Week: Tse Cashmere Fall 2011


The classic luxury of cashmere has always been Tse’s trademark.  In recent seasons, the company looked to Obama favorite Jason Wu to bring in high fashion to the line.  For Fall 2011, they went back to their roots:  wearable, impeccable and exquisitely made.

The clothing that was presented was a thoughtful, edited collection of fall color basics.  The design team started with Pierre Cardin as the key inspiration.  There were greys, forest green, navy, brown and ivory.  There were slim pants, long draped jackets.  Dresses and skirts were also slim and long.  The sweater knits were chunky and cozy.  There was a chenille-type yarn, cables and textured knits.  The brushed double faced cashmere was two-toned and reversible.

The jewelry was commissioned from Brian Crumley.  The pieces were contemporary, but very simple.   

Photos by Mariana Leung
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

NY Fashion Week: Adam Lippes Fall 2011


Nerds rule! Ok, that's a stretch at fashion week, but the intellectual role model is making gains on the supermodel this season.  At many fashion shows for fall, the smart girls with glasses have been up and the runway, proving substance is not exclusive of style.

Adam Lippes was inspired by a small exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian in Lower Manhattan.  While the motifs were not immediately apparent, very pretty prints and occasional blanket silhouettes may have been the result.  The other looks were put-together and preppy, some 1970's thrown in. Materials included plaids, lace, mohair and feathers.  The color palette was a deep cobalt blue, rich claret, grey, gold and black.  Accessories included glasses and cozy knit caps.

Photos by Mariana Leung
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NY FASHION WEEK: Catherine Malandrino Fall 2011


The Statue of Liberty was France's gift to America.  On the fashion front, designer Catherine Malandrino brought Parisian chic stateside.  Her collection for Fall 2011 was presented in a raw loft space in Midtown Manhattan.

There was a mix of tailored jackets, form-defining knits and sophisticated dresses for the Lady who does everything.  The color palette included deep red, royal purple and emerald with some basic black thrown in.  Stripes and polka dots accented a few looks as well.  My personal favorite was the stand-alone mirror embroidered skirt.

Ms. Malandrino explained that she designed the season’s looks for women to wear from day into evening.  The presentation represented the wardrobe of the woman she represents…Successful and confidently stylish. 

With intellectual glasses and hats, the models looked like they walked directly out of the designer’s own closet.  Other accessories included large pieced necklaces and chunky embellished bracelets. 

Spotted in the front row mingling: Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford and Dexter’s Jennifer Carpenter 

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NY Fashion Week: Josie Natori Fall 2011

Josie Natori presented her Eastern chic on the East Side with a tea ceremony presentation.  The sportswear was an extension of her loungewear with easy, flowing silhouettes.  She had some signature kimono-inspired looks with an emphasis on the fabric textures.

The color palette included basics of cream and black.  A deep red, taupe and chartreuse were blended in.  The brushstroke calligraphy motif was a theme that ran through from the invitation to the mannequins to the fabric prints.  Simple bugle bead embroidery embellished some of the dressier pieces of the collection.
Photos by Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch Travel
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Monday, February 14, 2011

Valentine's Picks: Accessories




 Louis Vuitton has a luxury valentine in store for a lucky recipient with their coeur on a chain.

The Ashard Richley handbag has romantic ruffles, and a shirt placket detail that looks like it opens up where the 'heart' would be.

Are you a charmer?  Build your loved one a custom charm necklace from Jennifer Fisher. 

Sexy Red Pumps from Shoe Dazzle are $40 . Turning someone on in these can also do some good as a portion of the proceeds goes to The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease (www.womenheart.org)


What better way of winning a woman's heart than being able to save it too?
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NY FASHION WEEK: Byron Lars Fall 2011

byron lars fall 2011byron lars fw11

Native Americana was Byron Lars’ theme for Fall 2011.  While many designers looked to patriotic history for inspiration this season, Byron did with drama and a sense of humor.

His signature tailoring and ruched details were present.  This designer most dominates my personal closet. Each garment is impeccably made, cut to flatter a womanly figure (and is forgiving). His fabrics this fall included textured tweed, speckled boucle, cozy faux shearling to more delicate metallic brocade and lace. 

Mizani and L’oreal styled the models hair into tongue-in-cheek renditions of the Mohawk, giving new meaning to the word “fierce”.  The make-up was also a chic take on “war-paint”. 

The designer kept the presentation at Lincoln Center fun.  Champagne was served and a butch drummer kept the tribal beat going.

 No less than four designers that I went to school with interned with him in the 1990’s.  They raved about his work and about the man himself.  He greeted West Coast FAB correspondent, Mdivani Monroe enthusiastically, a man who had spent many hours resizing zippers for Lars.  Besides my fellow Parsons alumni, Byron Lars has recently garnered fame for counting First Lady Michelle Obama as a fan as well.

Check out our exclusive interview with the designer:
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Sunday, February 13, 2011

NY Fashion Week: Luca Luca Fall 2011

Autumn brights hit the runway at the Luca Luca show.  A palette of warm gold, fushia, rust were mixed with more dressy black, silver and white.  The silhouettes were flattering and ladylike.  The pants were slim, pencil skirts, demure blouses.  Evening looks included flowing floor length skirts. A few pieces were elegantly embroidered with beading along the neck or waistline.

Spotted in the front row: Supermodels Carol Alt, Irina Pataeva
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Friday, February 11, 2011

Fratelli Rossetti 2011 Illustrated by Rebecca Moses



MsFABulous was invited for an intimate preview of the Fratelli Rosetti's 2011 Autumn/Winter collection, hosted by  the renowned designer and illustrator, Rebecca Moses.   Rebecca told us the theme for her illustrations for the shoe collection was the "old mother goose who lived in a shoe" a classic English nursery tale. Rebecca's illustrated girls are gorgeous, leap tall buildings in boots, play and well, do it all.



Ms. Moses' created her world illustrations by associating a footwear piece with each city.  The fur boot was perfect for the cold mountains of China.  The green shoe was developed in her honor by the brand and represents her home city of New York...



Our sneak peek into the Fall season made us covet everything from soft fur high heel boots to the classic equestrian style riding boots with practical convertible pieces.  You can wear the same pair of boots as short ankle boots and add the calf piece to make it into classic riding boots. I loved this idea especially when shoe closet space is at a premium in tiny New York  apartments.

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