Fashion Fights Cancer - Global Fashion Fight

Some of NYC's top beautiful people were at Central Park West last night to raise money for Fashion Fights Cancer's Global Fashion Fight. Supermodel Claudia Mason and a few pageant queens graced the event, along with designers and other glitterati. The organization, founded by exec Ty Canty serves to nurture cancer patients through fashion and design in addition to raising funds to cancer research.  

The benefit evening included a wine reception and designer sample sale to benefit the cause.  The venue was a gallery exhibit of gorgeous fashion photographs by Chayo Mato.  The subjects were fierce, style personalities who have been touched by different forms of cancer.   I was particularly touched seeing people I have known and worked with in the photographs, like designer Carmen Marc Valvo.  It served to remind me once again, how often, how directly it affects everyone's lives.  

To volunteer or donate, follow through here.

Read more >>

Lolita Fashion at New York Comic-Con

Vogue may not have attended, but the Lolita fashion panels at New York Comic-Con last weekend was a significant style event to a niche part of the world.  Lolita fashion draws fans in with romanticized silhouettes, over-sized cute bows and ruffles, sweet colors, or the spin-off Gothic Lolitas prefer dark colors.

Designers like Anna Sui and Betsey Johnson have presented looks in this vein on their runways over the years.  The roots of the movement came from Japan's Harajuku district.  In New York, there are large meetup groups that gather so they can dress up and have tea parties.

The silhouette should be pouffy skirt or flared.  A crinoline is key.  Lace, ribbons, prints.  Accessories are very important.  A handbag in the shape of a heart, fruit, stuffed animal or butterfly works.  For shoes, Mary Janes and Victorian heels are desirable.    

This fashion movement is not for those who take themselves too seriously.  It's fun, it's girly and invites you to live out childhood princess fantasies.

Read more >>

Nick Cave Soundsuits

Sometimes you have to walk away from the runway for inspiration.  I caught the last day of the Nick Cave "For Now" exhibit at the Mary Boone gallery on Saturday.  Where is the fine line between fashion and art?

Surely the Alexander McQueen exhibit blurred that line quite a bit.  Nick Cave is a well respected performance artist know for his "soundsuits".  Based on the crowd at the gallery, he wields a lot of stylish influence as well.  The use of color in the furs are flamboyant and chic.  The intricate beaded pieces would make established couturiers drool.  Elaborately intertwined twigs make into a suit, meticulously knitted fingers all would make a production manager if an avant-garde designer presented him with such a creation.  Found objects are re-purposed into the most dramatic headdress...ever.

Designers in the fashion industry too often get dragged down into a rut fighting with production costs, wearability and media demands.  Thank goodness, true artists can extend a hand to remind creatives what they are truly meant to do.

Read more >>

TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Sarah Stevenson Spring 2012

Art imitates life. Fashion imitates art. Sarah Stevenson, a relative newcomer to Toronto Fashion Week presented a mix of all three last week.  This was the designer's third season to the city's official fashion events.  She took inspiration from nature's gifts, many from her own backyard.

Ms. Stevenson then created intricate floral artwork by hand.  The artwork was then meticulously reproduced in creative placements on dresses.  The prints are so vivid, they seem to blossom out at you right out of the fabric.

Speaking of her own backyard, Sarah makes a lot of effort to produce ethical, sustainable clothing in her home country of Canada.  A sponsor for the show were Cheeky Green Bags, which produce chic eco-friendly shoppers with the intent that they are actually stylish enough for you to want to tote them.

If you are feeling blue from the barren winter that lies before us, look no further than Sarah Stevenson's garden to cheer you up.

Photos by Ching Leung

Read more >>

Huffington Post Game Changers of Style

Huffington Post and AOL honored individuals they considered "Game Changers" last night at the Skylight Studio in Soho.  These were people who were innovators or accomplished notable feats in their respective disciplines that ranged from categories like education, environment, culture to style.  

In the style categories, style icon and self described "geriatric starlet" Iris Apfel won an award for her influential taste.  Four guys who met at Wharton school were honored for their company, Warby Parker.  They mixed fashion eyewear, technology and a goal to provide eyeglasses to those more needy with every pair sold in collaboration with a non profit agency.  

Gayle King presented a style award to the 1973 Models of Versailles.  A bunch of models in France may not seem significant at first, but this was a group of African-American models who brought international attention to their look with the help of American designers Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass and Stephen Burrows.  At the time, African-American models were not being taken seriously, if at all.  American designers were also not being considered top tier fashion players as well.  Together, they showed the world that they were an influential force to be reckoned with, and as a result, African-American models were in demand for years to come.

So are you properly inspired? What will you do to change the game today?

Read more >>

Pamella Roland Spring 2012

What to wear to your next society gala?  Pamella Roland answers that question quickly at her Spring 2012 presentation during NY Fashion Week.  While the designer's name doesn't pop up in every tabloid, she has a very loyal following among the socialites of the city.

This presentation was an homage to silver screen goddesses. Classic Hollywood glamour poured out of every angle in the Lincoln Center Box.  Satin and organza was pleated and draped across statuesque bodies, adding to the Goddess effect.  Sweet cocktail length dresses were mixed with long fishtail gowns.  Beading and delicate sequins added even more glam to the collection.

Spotted Mingling: Beth Otrosky, Real Housewife Ramona Singer , Rocco Leo Gaglioti 

Read more >>

Moussy Japan Invades NYC

There is a not-so-little denim line called Moussy that looks anything but.  The Japanese import has taken residence on a chic stretch of the Meatpacking district.  It takes its inspiration men's jeans originally, then re-styles them with an edgy, feminine fit.  This season has a lot of rock n' roll influence as you can see from the skinny fit and leopard print bottoms.  

Footwear consists of stacked platform heels and boots meant for dancing or kicking undesirables out of the way.  Jewelry has a hardware, Gothic edge.  Vintage-look t-shirts are printed with classic rock images.    

I enjoyed the rope/pulley decor, which I was told was functional (allows displays to be yanked up and down for parties).  

Unlike another Japanese import, a certain cute kitty...This Moussy is no sweet wallflower.

Read more >>

Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2012

Chado Ralph Rucci's exquisite tailoring always makes him a favorite at museum fashion exhibitions.  Design students take notes on the signature seaming that dissects the anatomy like a surgeon.

For spring 2012, Mr. Rucci did not disappoint.  The runway was awash with a palette of white, more white and some shades of off-white. Shiny silver was the second big color, with inky grey/black as part of some spot prints as an accent.  Silhouettes were very body conscious.  Separates, dresses, framed the body in ultra-flattering shapes.  The only misstep was the use of clear vinyl in some looks.  It veered dangerously into spaceman costume territory.

The highly polished runway reflected the collection from below so all of the clothes looked like they were glowing from within.  I don't know how much philosophy plays into this designer's creative process, but if there was a church of fashion enlightenment, this would be it.

Read more >>

Naturalizer Fall Collection & Shoe Giveaway

Not your mother's shoes...That was the message that the Naturalizer team set out to show shoppers last week.  My younger sister wouldn't let my own mother walk into a Naturalizer store for years to ween her away from frumpy but ultra-comfortable shoes.  

Angelique Joseph, the brand's director of product design has overhauled the look and direction for today's fashionistas.  The chic designer set out with distinctive trends to design around this fall.  My favorite, the ultra-hip "Mad Men" influenced retro-style.  This included vintage details like suede pleats and demure bows.  These were updated with stacked heels with platforms and stitched color blocked panels.  

Another direction was the Americana-inspired shearling collection. Rugged suede and warm shearling, faux fur were interpreted into trend-right platform boots.  

Naturalizer is not about style without substance.  The new design direction does not pull the brand away from its roots.  The team invited guests of their Fall fashion event to try out the actual shoes.  They are offered across a wide range of sizes and widths.  The pleasant surprise was stacked platform heels, prim pointed heels were actually very flexible and comfortable.  Their signature wearability was not lost in the stylistic revamp, and their price point stayed friendly too.

So...Are you inspired?  What if I told you that we're giving away a pair of these shoes for you to try yourself?  Check out their website and tell us which style is YOUR favorite in the comments section and we'll pick a winner at random.  (Winner chosen on October 31st).

UPDATE 11/1/11: Congratulations Eva Jiang!

Read more >>

Adam Spring 2012

Transparency and pastels.  A few black and white prints thrown in.  Adam Lippes' collection for Spring 2012 was like finding a luxe box of licorice all-sorts.  The sweet pinks and lavender colors were never too sugary as they were used in sleek, well cut silhouettes of pants and jackets.  The dresses were feminine and smart, but never frivolous.  This is a grown-up's version of spring dressing.

Adam has loyal following by the young and chic of the city because the designer produces effortless sportswear for the lifestyle.  According to the website, the brand is inspired by "real women" as opposed to celebrities.  That seems like a no-brainer concept for success, yet it is also a rare one...

More photos:

Read more >>

Elie Tahari Spring 2012 and Fall 2011 Sample Sale

Merchandised, perpetually wearable, priced appropriately.  The traits that make Elie Tahari a commercial success are often the same reasons that the fashion elite don't consider him a respectable designer.  Customers are very loyal to the brand.  The collections are 'trend-right" and produced very thoughtfully to what the customers want.

One does not hear "innovator" or "trendsetter" associated with the Tahari label.  The color palette for Spring 2012 looked like it was picked directly out of the Pantone list handed to them from a trend agency, (sunburst orange, gold, cream, pale blue).  Femine, sexy, but nothing too risque that would offend their core audience.  Sometimes I wonder if their design meetings are actually focus groups.

You may not find these outfits on a cover of Vogue, but seeing on the backs of tons of successful women in the city seems like the bigger win.

FYI, if you're looking for THIS season's clothes at up to 70% off, check out the TAHARI SAMPLE SALE happening October 18 - 22nd in NYC.  Silky leather jackets will be $279 (down from $998), little black dresses are $129 (down from $398), etc.  There will be menswear, womens, footwear, outerwear, handbags, all the good stuff.

When:                    Monday October 18^th- Saturday October 22^{nd 
                              Tuesday - Friday (8:30 am - 7:30pm) Saturday (10am - 5pm)}

Where:                  501 5^th AVENUE (Entrance 42^nd Street and 5^th Avenue – 2nd Floor)

Phone:                   212-398-2622

Payment:              All major credit cards, cash, no checks

Read more >>

Theia Spring 2012

Romanced on a bed of roses?  I can't imagine a lovelier way to present a Spring 2012 collection.  With Goddess Chloris as a muse, designer Don O'Neill showed a meticulous collection of gowns and the debut of the Theia day dress line.

Chloris was the Goddess of flowers.  For Theia, this mean light, petal-like transparency. This inspiration was also translated into high tech digitally printed floral fabrics to hand-embroidered blooms on bodices.  A dimensional technique rarely produced in modern textiles was incorporated into an all-over gown.  

The day dresses included flattering seaming, prints, a sorbet color palette, as well as black and white.  Another innovative technique was Mr. O'Neill's use of laser-cut paillettes.  Instead of hard, shiny sequins, fabric was laser-cut into delicate, soft shapes embroidered onto cocktail dresses and gowns.  This resulted in an elaborately textured dress without the heavy weight of typical beads and jewels.

There were gowns of Theia's signature "crunchy" sequins (a mix of over 10 tonal colors giving a rich, dimensional effect), and light-radiating crystal embroidery.  No wonder the siren call of Theia has attracted the likes of Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester (she wore a Theia wedding gown), Taylor Swift and Emmy Rossum.

The designer gave the Ms. FAB team an exclusive interview to describe his work on this season's collection and access to the full show:

photos by Mariana Leung, video by Nicholas Waickman

Read more >>

Amazon's Contemporary Chic Giveaway

Amazon has always been my go-to for books and MP3 downloads when I am frustrated with ITunes.  Now, will it also be my go-to for contemporary fashion?  The e-commerce giant is stepping up its fashion game this Fall.  It stocked up its clothing offerings with labels like Rebecca Minkoff, BCBG, Twelth Street by Cynthia Vincent for the ladies.  For guys, they are rocking brands like Jack Spade, Paul Smith and Rock & Republic.  They have some good sales, and you can sign up for 20% off your purchase right now.

Their PR team had Ms. FAB over to play and style some of the Fall 2011 pieces to see exactly how stylish they can be... Anyone who knows me knows I love purple in autumn.  I found a cute dress paired with a chunky gold rope necklace, then a long maxi skirt (so on-trend!) paired with a deep violet cardigan.   I love dark jeans and jackets on guys, and their model was just a cutie.

The best news is that I have a present for YOU.  I am giving away a $50 gift card for you to spend on Amazon's Fall boutique.  To win, leave a comment below with your favorite pick from their Contemporary shop, or on our Facebook page.  (Winner will be chosen at random on October 15th).

Good luck!

Read more >>

Byron Lars Spring 2012

How much of fashion is fantasy?  How do you bring dreams into reality?  My favorite designer Byron Lars just released a surrealist video presentation for his Spring 2012 collection last week. He wanted to democratize the presentation experience by making it accessible to all and at your convenience.  (This is a much appreciated sentiment after the chaos of NY Fashion week). 

The Spring 2012 collection of Byron Lars is presented in dreamy, dramatic fashion with a sense of humor.  The clothes themselves are picking up some of the trends from fall, but with a lighter, updated twist.  Belted jacket and dresses had detailed embroidery or faux leather pailettes.  Ruched chiffon made for voluminous collars, or styled as an alternative to fur (shout-out to PETA members...)

The signature flattering silhouettes with intricate seaming was in play with shirts and shirtdresses.  Prints also made their way into the collection via crocheted fabric mash-ups. Trapunto stitching gave texture to belts and other details.

When you're ready to walk on the wilder side, come join me this side of the moon. 

Read more >>