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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Sherry Hill Spring 2012


Since there really weren’t any design options during my short stint in Atlanta, I had to get creative about work options.  This led to teaching design at a college and working at the Apparel Mart in a multi-line showroom.  It was at this showroom that I met Sherri Hill and worked with her line.  Ms. Hill’s designs immediately garnered my respect and I was even more smitten when I met this down-to-earth, charming and super talented lady.

 
With my Haute Couture background, I was immediately intrigued with Ms. Hill’s designs.  The quality of craftsmanship on the inside and outside of her gowns was undeniable.  And yes, I alway do examine the construction of garments, almost an obsession of mine.  However, beyond the construction I was impressed with the meticulous attention to detail, the intricate perfectly placed beading, and the sexy flattering silhouettes.  It was no mystery to me why Sherri Hill's gowns were highly sought after in the Beauty Pageant circuit and by celebrities.  Simply put, a Sherri Hill gown brings out a woman’s best assets to the fullest and lets their beauty shine.
Known for her special occasion dressing and a  line of prom dresses that is unrivaled, Sherri Hill has expanded to creating a ready-to wear line of gowns and cocktail dresses that will make her luscious designs available to a wider audience.  Sherri Hill presented her ready-to-wear line at New York Fashion Week in September and it was every bit as impressive as her couture line.
We met up with Ms. Hill to talk about the evening wear line in her New York showroom, where she was shooting the ad campaign for the Spring 2012 Collection.  The ad campaign is featuring none other than Miss China, Luo Zilin, and we got to see her in action in front of the camera.  We were also fortunate to be there at the same time as Chinese Television Icon Yue-Sai Kan and Ms. Kan graciously spoke to us about the Sherri Hill line.
So, get ready to be dazzled and tempted by the spectacular designs of Sherri Hill

Reported by Mdivani Monroe of LadiesWhoLunchTravel.com
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Monday, November 28, 2011

Olivier Theyskens at FIT

One of the most influential designers of our current times gave an informal talk at the Museum at F.I.T. recently.  Olivier Theyskens, at a young age was appointed creative director at the House of Rochas, followed by artistic director at legendary couture house, Nina Ricci.  He currently designs a caspule collection for Theory.

Refreshingly, Mr. Theyskens was charming and matter-of-fact.  He chose to show slides of the various things, abstract and practical that inspired him.  He described his humble beginnings, creating Gothic jackets (pictured left) out of his grandparent's sheets.  On his own response to media questions about his "muse", he thinks to himself, "whoops..." at not having one prepared.  

For someone with such a lofty resume and impressive creative work, I expected a more pretentious, jaded man at the podium.  I expected a lengthy speech about his direction, work, and a lot of other self-absorbed stuff one expects of designers of his caliber.  

Instead, he described his favorite images, like the blue and mystery of one, how he was moved by the contrast of rough boots and ethereal dress of another with childlike awe and enthusiasm.   He frequently referred to his design team sitting in front of him and noted it was a collaborative effort.


I loved his response to a tough question from the audience.  Someone asked for his response to the theory that women are more qualified to design for women because they know what they need and like to wear.  He was not offended, and did not disagree.  Rather, he explained that yes, women absolutely know themselves more, but he designs from the view of what looks beautiful on them as an outside admirer. 
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Monday, November 21, 2011

D2 Presents Post December and Sookei Spring 2012

Fresh designer discovery!  Friday night, in a gala by non-profit D2 (Designers of 2nd Generation) debuted two Korean designers to NYC.  

The first was Sohyan Bhaak's collection, Post December.  This was Ms. Bhaak's third season in business, already selling well in Korea.  Her inspiration this season was the gladiolas.  The silhouettes of the clothing falling like petals.  Bright colors of orange and electric blue contrasted neutral cream and beige for contemporary, fashion forward sportswear.

The second designer to show Friday evening was Soo Kei.  Her background was rooted in architecture before her interest in fashion brought her to F.I.T.  The construction and tailoring of her pieces shows the architecture background, while the unusual play of proportions show off a more avant-garde nature.  The collection had a very monochromatic palette of off-white with hints of grey, as Soo Kei was inspired by the softness of the cotton fabric she used. 

The evening ended with scholarships being awarded to promising fashion students.  D2 certainly has an eye for talent.  Previous designers they have supported include accessories darling Eugenia Kim and Gen Art's new star, Jennifer Chun.  

 So what do you think of these new trendsetters of the East?  Take a chance and discover their style before the rest of the masses. 





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Sunday, November 20, 2011

Le Cabinet de Curiosites at NY Mercantile Exchange


 Stroll into a historical financial building in Tribeca and enter into a dark fantasy.  The New York Mercantile Exchange building is currently hosting an elegant, unusual exhibit presented by the Malborough and Steinitz galleries.

The unique show is the collaboration of artists, Thierry Despont, Manolo Valdes and Claudio Bravo.  The show is intended to be a multi-layered experience to evoke wonder in the viewer.  It features a mix of opulent antiques, like Napoleon Bonaparte's Empire table,gigantic celestial paintings, preserved insects, fantasy creatures made of found objects.

Had I had to room to do so, I would have twirled around the floor, but the opening of the exhibit attracted an equally sophisticated crowd. Artists like Cindy Sherman and Mario Testino mingled with Princess Firyal of Jordan and Baroness Sheri De Borchgrave.

The multiple rooms had the macabre ambience of Victorian mystery and scientific discoveries of worlds past.  Gilded, but aged walls.  Treasures with a dark edge.

The exhibit runs until January 31, 2012.  It is located on the 2nd floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange Building at 6 Harrison Street.  Admission is free and open to the public.

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Friday, November 18, 2011

Eva Minge Spring 2012 (AKA The Show That Wouldn't End)









This show will go down in NYFW Spring 2012 infamy as the show that wouldn't end.  This would be a good lesson to all designers who ever plan a show that they intend clients buyers or press to attend.

The average professionally produced fashion show is about ten minutes, fifteen tops.  Anything more, you just lose everyone's attention span.  At the Eva Minge show, at the 20 minute mark, exasperated signs, annoyed eye rolls were rampant throughout the audience and photographer's pit.  At the 25 minute mark, photographers were screaming:

"NO MORE!"

"ENOUGH ALREADY!"

By the time the show ended (around 45 minutes), some of the photographers had already packed up and left.  I tried to stay, but the battery on my camera, and memory chip had already been spent.

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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Marisa Berenson, Fashion Muse

marisa berenson

In my teens, a friend insisted that I had to see the movie Cabaret.  As we were both dancers, she believed the Bob Fosse choreography was crucial to our dance education.  I was already a film buff, so it was kind of a no brainer.  I also was a big Judy Garland fan and was curious to see her daughter perform.  We rented the video and I watched Cabaret for the first time, transforming me into a fan of the film, Liza Minelli, Michael York and of course Bob Fosse.




But the biggest revelation for me in the film was Marisa Berenson.  I was quite taken with her beauty and her acting, thus sparking in me an interest to find out more about her.  I did my research, discovered her fascinating career as a model and became a life long fan.  Not only was I captivated by her beauty, but a radiance that came across in her photos and films, leaving me wanting more.

Years later as I was at Parsons studying Fashion Design, I finally made the connection that Marisa Berenson was the granddaughter of famed Couturière Elsa Schiaparelli.  I had been in awe of Schiaparelli for years, but somehow I had never made the connection between the two of them.  This of course added another dimension to Marisa Berenson that would keep me enthralled.

When Fashion’s Night Out came upon us this last September and I was flipping through numerous invites, trying to decide where to go, I received an email that set my course.  A PR person I highly respect, Deborah Hughes, invited me to Donna Karan’s Boutique for the launch of Marisa Berenson’s new book,  Needless to say I was ecstatic!  The chance to meet someone I had been so long a fan of was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

I am happy to report that Ms. Berenson is as beautiful, radiant and charming in person as one might imagine that she would be.  Meeting her was the high point of Fashion Week for me and getting a signed copy of her book was a thrill.  The book, Marisa Berenson: A Life in Pictures , sits on the side table next to the big comfy chair in my CA bedroom and I have spent many an evening perusing the gorgeous photos within.

As for Donna Karan, the hostess of the event, she was vibrant full of energy and engaging as always.  I did manage to get a few moments of her precious time, but I am saving it for a video I am working on about her Los Angeles Urban Zen Foundation store.  Stay tuned for when that video will air shortly.

-By Mdivani Monroe, Ladies Who Lunch Travel, Video Photography by Nicholas Waickman
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Monday, November 14, 2011

Levi's Spring 2012 Jeans

Your favorite jeans. Everyone has a pair. You can dressed up, glam, blinged, but at the end of the day what do you slip into?  Levi's showed their offerings Spring 2012 at a party on the West Side of Manhattan.  Edgy installations of bicycles, canoe and garden vignettes, showed off new looks for the season.

Ethically produced and environmentally sensitive production methods were highlighted.  A huge platform of jeans were shown to demonstrate a wash process that used less water.  The caterer to the event used local organic farms to further reduce the carbon footprint.

Levi's Curve ID was also shown.  This group aims to fit your booty perfectly through better measurement and shape assessment.  I have to say my best fitting jeans DID come from this line after being measured by the staff at their Soho store.

Besides jeans, there was a cotton casual dress collection shown on a faux grassy lawn complete with picket fence.  They were fun, breezy frocks that I imagined most of America would want to wear.

Levi's demonstrated why they are the leading denim company for this country.  They're innovators in technology, production and fit.  Now if only I could more jeans into my damn closet...

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Friday, November 11, 2011

Fashion Film Festival - Secrets of the Orient


This weekend, check out a symposium of historians, film buffs, costume designers, discussing the influence of Oriental imagery throughout the history of film.  Films ranging from the French/German 1928 movie "Secrets of the Orient" to the more modern Chinese "House of Flying Daggers" will be shown and discussed.  What are the roles of sets, props, costumes in creating the settings or fantasy?

The event is free and open to the public....More info on the website.
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Cesar Galindo Spring 2012

cesar galindocesar galindo 2012
You may not be familiar with his name, but you have seen his work on the backs of many of today's Pop divas.  Cesar Galindo has created costumes for the likes of Madonna, Mary J. Blige and worked on Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. collection.  He has also contributed to iconic fashion brands Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana

For his own collection (you might have seen him competing on Bravo TV's "The Fashion Show Ultimate Collection"), Cesar merged his flair for dramatic with wearability.  The designer showed tightly edited groups.  One group was a mix of neutral knits with black.  The silhouettes were artfully draped, but flattering on the body.  There were brightly colored ruched chiffon and satin.  While the dresses had simple basic silhouettes, the gathered fabric was perfect for swishing around with a flourish, (you know I love that).  

Mr. Galindo had some dressy day looks, using a medallion brocade in a jacket, skirt, wrap and top. Other day dresses were elegant, and versatile enough to go from the lady who lunched to the lady who went to the soiree.

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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Sample Sales! Martin Margiela, Jean Paul Gaultier, Rebecca Minkoff & More

In NYC:

Dsquared2, Maison Martin Margiela, Viktor&Rolf, & MM6 
This is a good one... Avant garde fashion for men and women from Paris and Milan's artsy designers. Accessories too! Current season Fall 11/12.  Sample prices for jackets start at $300 (normally up to $2000).

DATE:  11/10/2011 - 11/12/2011
TIME:  Thu 1pm-7pm, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 12pm-5pm
PAYMENT:  MC/VISA/AMEX/Debit Card- No Cash or Checks
LOCATION:  220 W.19th St. (btwn. 7th & 8th Ave.) 12th Floor
TEL:  (646) 613-8457

Alberta Ferretti, Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino, Cacharel 
Euro-chic legends at 60% off.  Any holiday balls to attend? 

DATE: 11/9/2011 - 11/12/2011
TIME: Wed-Fri 10-am-6pm, Sat 11am-5pm
PAYMENT:  Cash / Charge
LOCATION: 30 W. 56th St. (btwn. 5th & 6th Ave.) 1st Fl.
TEL: (212) 632-9300

Rebecca Minkoff
One of my favorites...Get a Mini-Mac, MAB, Iphone cover, great for gifts...
Date + address (see above)

Online:

Prada, Miu Miu Handbags
NOW: Register and shop here. 

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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Cocaine Filled Manolo Blahniks

Yes, make all the jokes you want about shoe and fashion addicts...Then, the inevitable lack of surprise about drugs in the fashion industry...  I must say that this story in the NY Post was amusing:

A smuggling ring out of Columbia and Spain were caught trafficking cocaine packages worth about $70 000  each (about $630 000 total) into Spain.  They used mules (ha!) to ferry the drug that had been mixed into a paste, then molded into designer stilettos and painted to resemble Manolo Blahnik shoes.  Each pair of these knock-offs actually cost about a hundred times the cost of the real thing (that's a reversal...)

Was it a particularly style savvy drug cop that spotted these fakes?  Or was some fashionista caught shoving a high heel up her nose?  See the full story here.
photo from the NY Post
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Saturday, November 5, 2011

Rebecca Minkoff Giveaway + Holiday Sneak Peek


 What is on YOUR holiday wish list?  Rebecca Minkoff put plenty of items on mine this week.  The coveted designer hosted a lovely Ladies night out at her studio to showcase her Holiday 11/12 goodies.

Fellow fashion bloggers were treated to sweets, a makeup treatments and chances at receiving a hand-painted monogrammed Mini Mac clutch.  Jenni of I Spy DIY  was the one with gold paint and brush in hand.  Daniel Saynt of Rebecca Minkoff and Socialyte was acting as Santa Claus handing out handbags.

The holiday collection of Rebecca Minkoff handbags introduced us to new colors and shapes.  Innovative hardware was the big draw, with textured studs and mini hinges used in abundance as trim.  There were cute, sexy mini-dresses for partying.  The handbags were perfectly accessorized for these looks.  Fashionistas shopping for a handbag this holiday will also have the opportunity for a personalized purse.  The monogram program is available online and in-store.
 So are you salivating?  Lucky you, we're giving away a Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac clutch handbag for you to party with.  All you need to do is fill out this form for entry!



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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Son Jung Wan Spring 2012


One of Korea's top fashion designers landed Stateside via Capri, Italy to show her collection at NY Fashion Week.  Designer Son Jung Wan was inspired by the pretty Italian island for Spring 2012.  She brought the blues of the water into palette, and used silk chiffon to represent the fluidity.  Shimmering golds, sand and ivory represented the landscape and surrounding caves.

The silhouettes were clean, sexy, flattering.  The looks were fashion forward, but not overly trendy.  They were young, sophisticated and exactly what many New York women would want to wear.  The designer added a few menswear pieces that blended seamlessly into the aesthetic.

For more on the styling concept of the show, and Son Jung Wan's journey to New York designer, check out Mdivani Monroe's backstage interviews:


When it comes to fashion,  Son Jung Wan has no problem adapting from East to West.
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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Yoana Baraschi Spring 2012

Did the freak snowstorm of the past week make you want to get away?  Yep, me too.  We only have another winter ahead of us to look forward to.  Yoana Baraschi showed cheerier pieces for her Spring 2012 collection.  The sunny prints looked great against the stormy sky outside.  The silhouettes were simple, but flattering and sexy.  Lightweight knits, ruched georgettes made it easy to throw them in a bag and escape.
Ms. Baraschi's signature embellishments were on display.  Sequins embroidered on necklines, intertwined in light lace and veiled under chiffon helped bring day looks into evening.  Metal beaded hems brought some edge to a simple dress.  Ornate thread embroidery added elegance to solid white or orange mini-dresses   

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