Have an account?

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

How to Upgrade Your Halloween Costume with Designer Fashion

Readers of Ms. Fabulous are far too savvy to wear a skanky, polyester drug store costume for Halloween.  Fashion fans, designers, socialites are far too sophisticated for that...

Here is how to pull of the most fashionable character costumes in style:
Cruella Deville was the ultimate fashion-obsessed Disney villain.  Get her look with a 3/4 length rabbit fur coat and a Moschino Cheap & Chic sequined halter dress.  Gorgeous red leather gloves from Lanvin and a vintage cigarette holder completes the look.  

Batman villain Poison Ivy seduced with just a whisper and a outfit of leaves.  Get the designer version with a cocktail dress of laser cut petals from THEIA, a dashing red wig and sleek Prada pumps in green.  Give the look an extra luxe touch with a Gerard Yosca necklace.

Would you rather be the heroine? The Girl on Fire?  Get your Panem style on as Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games.  Getting your dress to actually flame out is a little difficult, but this Emporio Armani silk organza dress has flame-shaped mirrors reflecting light that are the next best thing.  Find a good cross bow and a pair of Prada flame shoes and you'll be the last one standing in any competition.

I'm up for tricks or treats....Happy Halloween!
Read more >>

Toronto Fashion Week: Lucian Matis Spring 2013


More global exotica from World MasterCard Fashion Week.  Lucian Matis is a Romanian-born designer who studied in both Transylvania and in Canada.  He was a darling of Project Runway Canada.

For his spring 2013 collection, bold patterns were the big story.  Moroccan tiles inspired the prints and crocodile textures embossed the leather.  There was not a lot of consistency, as the looks ranges from big, conservative, almost frumpy suits to overtly sexual transparent outfits that looked like they could only be worn in a fetish club.  That isn't to say there weren't beautiful pieces in between... The collection worked best with dresses that were fit and flared.  They flattered the body, but were still elegant.

 As a younger designer, Lucian may be still finding his core customer.  He just needs to narrow his field a bit.
Read more >>

Monday, October 29, 2012

TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Korhani Home Spring 2013

korhani fashion show
korhani fashion week
korhani flapper dress
photos by Hing Ching Leung
The most dramatic fashion show at World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto has got to be Korhani Home.  Ironic as it is a carpet and home decor company and not one whose business is clothing.

They had the most buzzed about show last season in Toronto Fashion Week for their mix of piglets and punks on the runway, Venetian carnivale and Japanese elegance.  This year, they did not disappoint, with 1920's flappers, island Goddesses and 1980's bombshells.  Parrots replaced the teacup pigs as the animal fashion accessory of choice this season.

It is a unique way to showcase the graphic, trendy patterns of a rug company.  Designer Kirsten Korhani was inspired by the eras and home accessories produced by her firm.  The press generated by putting her home collection on the runway is a brilliant publicity move where few competitors could hope to achieve.  

For the guests, it was an entertaining show that inspired many to "cut a rug" and party
Read more >>

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Toronto Fashion Week: Evan Biddell Spring 2013

evan biddell summer 2013
evan biddell spring 2013
photos by Hing Ching Leung
Exotica meets pop art.  Canadian Project Runway winner Evan Biddell showed a rich, exotic collection for his World Mastercard fashion week show.  Maxi dresses, animal prints, peacock patterns projected on the wall gave the impression that an eccentric jet-setting socialite ruled here.

Maybe that interpretation isn't that far off.  Biddell took a two year hiatus from presenting at Toronto Fashion Week to travel to Asia and collaborate with 69 Vintage store owner Kealen Sullivan to create one-of-a-kind couture pieces from vintage clothing.

While the clothes on the runway were far from mundane, the artistic silhouettes were surprisingly wearable by a diverse range of women.  That is actually something rather difficult to achieve, so kudos Mr. Biddell.
Read more >>

Friday, October 26, 2012

TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Pink Tartan Spring 2013

Vintage style at the sea.  Pink Tartan's runway show at World Mastercard Fashion Week exuded 1950's ladylike chic in pale colors this week.  Sweet embroideries, pretty jacquard, kitten heels, little slanted hats and bobby pins came down the catwalk.

The color palette from designer Kimberly Newport-Mimran was a mix of white, mint, silver, pink and deepened into black and gold towards the end.   While Kimberly was the big design star of her family, her husband Joe has been making a big splash with grocery store collection JOE now in New York.  Talk about Canadian Fashion's true power couple!
Photos by Hing Ching Leung
Read more >>

Thursday, October 25, 2012

United Colors of Fashion - Glamour Gives

pat cleveland ucof
 The United Colors of Fashion hosted a gala benefit last week at the Museum of the City of New York.  The organization aims to bring together the international fashion community to help aspiring designers and artists to become successful in the industry.  Their partnership also aims to use the funds raised from such collaborations to work with South African organizations that provide relief to those suffering from illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia and paralysis.

It was a long, long night.  The fashion show portion truly did feature a diverse group of designers from around the globe.  These designers were Anya Ayoung-Chee, Project Runway season nine winner, Style Butler (Denmark),  Amparo Chorda (Spain), Carla Silva (Angola), Naked Ape (South Africa),  Soucha Fashion House (Egypt) and David Tlale from South Africa.

The quality of work varied greatly as well.  One designer did not seem to have enough clothing items to dress the models.  A model walked out with only pants, covering the top half of her body with her arms, while a male model walked out in only a jacket and no pants.  Other designers like Naked Ape presented a wonderful menswear collection.

Unfortunately, two out of three honorees did not appear.  They were Dionne Warwick and Philip Bloch.  America’s Next Top Model personality Nigel Barker did, and spoke very eloquently about the cause and his passion for the organization.  Colleague J. Alexander was also on hand to support.  Too bad the long lists of other speakers were not nearly as effective (or brief).  I have never seen so many speakers at an event that would usually be behind the scenes (and stay there).  Was this payment for their volunteer services?  I have no explanation otherwise.  The photographers next to me were either groaning or fully asleep during the speeches.

Legendary model Pat Cleveland graced the runway during the fashion show portion.  Her charisma outshone all of the younger models around her.  The lack of experience of certain other models was also painfully obvious.  The angry-looking model (okay, there seemed to be many of them) behind her barreled her way up to Ms. Cleveland, not timing herself very well and practically ran her off the side when she pushed passed her.  Really?  Did you not realize that you, rank amateur are supposed to respect the biggest star in the room?  Take an extra turn; hold a pose, walk a little slower (hey it gives you more face time to your audience too!) Anything but that stupid stunt you pulled. 

Think you have something to contribute?  Donate or volunteer your time to United Colors of Fashion. 
united colors of fashion gala
naked ape ucof gala
nigel barker fundraiser
photos by Mariana Leung
Read more >>

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Noon by Noor Spring 2013

noon by noor spring 2013
Noon by Noor is a collection designed by  Shaikha Noor Rashid Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Mohammed Al Khalifa of Bahrain, making their debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. They took common sportswear staples like t-shirts, motorcycle jackets, shorts, skirts and gave them the luxury treatment with the most opulent fabrics they could find like silk chiffon and embellished brocade.

Their aesthetic is one of sleek, minimalist elegance.  The color palette was a shimmering one of gold, pale yellow, sand, peach, copper and moss.  The show certainly brought out the right fans of upscale fashion...Socialites Olivia Palermo and Nicky Hilton were sitting front row.

noon by noor designers


Read more >>

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Sales Alert: YSL, Club Monaco



Yves Saint-Laurent :
If you want handbags, this is the sale for you.  Of course, you'll be competing with many like-minded shoppers though.  It will be worth it, according to early accounts from various shopping blogs, clutch handbags are $200, boots are $350, etc.  Plus, they might be collector's items soon, if Hedi Slimane, the PR department and everyone else can't figure out their brand name.  Lots of clothes and shoes also available.
For a full price list, NY mag has a nice rundown on what to expect. 

When: Tuesday, October 23rd through Thursday, October 25, Tues & Wed 9am to 6:30pm, Thurs 9am to 4pm
Where: Soiffer Haskin 317 West 33rd St between 8th and 9th Aves , Credit Cards Only


Club Monaco:
For much more casual offerings at a very friendly price point, the Club Monaco sale has nothing over $65 (for leather).  Knits and polos are $10, accessories and jewelry are around $5.  Just keep in mind, there will be actual SAMPLES here, so make sure to thoroughly check your purchases for safety pins, missing swatches, visible marks, etc.

When: Tuesday, October 23rd through Thursday, October 25th. 11am~7pm
Where: 261 W. 36th St. (bet. 7th & 8th Ave.), 2nd Floor

photos from nymag.com and racked.com
Read more >>

Vera Wang Spring 2013

vera wang jewels
Vera Wang, queen of bridal hopes.  Her Spring 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week was considerably darker than her white-clad brides.  Dark jewel tones of amethyst, forest green, black, mustard, gold and sapphire dominated the somber runway.

The collection was inspired by nature and India (where most of her embroideries are done, fitting they should be acknowledged finally).  Colored lace made its appearance here much like Tadashi Shoji's catwalk.  Monique Lhuillier also used nature as a muse (if they shared backdrops, they could have saved money) .  While there were many beautiful looks, there were a few that just weren't flattering, like the short dresses and tops that looked like rolled off the shoulders and would be continuing downward.  While these shoulders were bared, (I picture Yul Brenner's complaints in that old film "The King and I") others were embellished with luxe crystal and beading.

Was this sexier, darker, slimmer, direction a reflection of the designer's personal life? Tabloids jumped on the end of her marriage and speculated on her relationship with the much younger skater, Evan Lysacek.  While he did not make an appearance at the show, Olympic champion, Michelle Kwan did.

 I noticed cougar was not one of the nature-inspired influences on the runway...so keep on guessing paparazzi.
vera wang finale


Read more >>

Monday, October 22, 2012

Vivienne Tam Spring 2013

vivienne tam fashion show
vivienne tam spring 2013



The Zen of fashion design...Vivienne Tam's Spring 2013 collection was designed around the 5 elements of Chinese cosmology.  The elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth were represented in simple geometric shapes like fire triangles, circles of metal, the earth as a square (clearly pre-Columbus).  The New York Fashion Week show was also the debut of the designer's collaboration with TSL jewelry.

I have to say I loved this collection.  There were a ton of looks I was ready to buy.  I always liked this designer's modern, tongue-in-cheek take on traditional Chinese motifs.  This collection did too, but in a much more abstract, non-obvious way.  Layers of silk chiffon on organza in the classic palette of red, black, white.  

TSL is a jewelry chain where many of my relatives bought gifts for me when I got married.  It was also the boutique I went to after a stressful business trip in Hong Kong and needed to treat myself.  They have modern designs and tiny little diamonds to make them sparkly...

Your life may not always have balance, but now your outfit has no excuse.
vivienne tam runway

photos by David TW Leung
Read more >>

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Hollywood Costume Exhibit

titanic costume pirate costume

An amazing exhibit about Hollywood costume design opens today at the Victorian and Albert Museum in London.  The extensive production shows archival costumes from classic Charlie Chaplin to the futuristic Avatar.

Not only do you get to see the costumes themselves, you get to examine the process and work behind the scenes of how a designer creates the iconic looks that become the characters you see on screen.  There are workshops for all ages that include making your own costumes or learning how to apply character makeup.

If you can't make it to England, check out this cute Hollywood photobooth app they have on their site.

The exhibit runs until January 27, 2013.  The museum is located aCromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

Photos: Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End', 2007, costume designed by Penny Rose. Walt Disney Pictures/The Kobal Collection and Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt in 'Titanic', 1997, costume designed by Deborah L. Scott. 20th Century Fox/Paramount/The Kobal Collection

Read more >>

Friday, October 19, 2012

Douglas Hannant Bridal 2013

New York Bridal Week brought some romance to the city, at least to the fashion bunch.  Douglas Hannant showed his dreamy collection on the second floor terrace of the Plaza Hotel.

The gowns were a beautiful  mix of fluted tulle clouds, mermaid hems and delicate pearl or crystal embroideries.  A quick chat with the designer, did declare he found his inspiration in simple romance.  The satins, lace, tulle, silks swept the posh aisles surrounded by the gold walls of the Plaza.  Even the  most jaded editors had to fantasize a little about a storybook ending.
photos by Mariana Leung
Read more >>

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Punk, Goth, Sex: Fashion Mates Music


Punk was a music movement that ruled England in the 1970’s and 1980’s.  Malcolm McLaren managed the top bands of the era like the Sex Pistols and the New York Dolls.  A former schoolteacher, McLaren’s new wife brought the punk movement to fashion by infusing clothes with safety pins, chains and bondage. She is now of course, British fashion icon Vivienne Westwood.

In the 1990’s, Jean-Paul Gaultier was the bad boy of the designer set with his bleached spiky hair and fetish-inspired outfit.  His cone cup bras were synonymous with Madonna’s dominance in that decade.  His fetish inspired looks mixed punk with nineties decadence.

Thierry Mugler and supermodels took over as the look of George Michael’s top hit, Too Funky.  Rock n’roll and fetish wear became the official uniform of the song.  The designer himself directed the video with a runway filled with motorcycle bustiers, latex catsuits and metalized bodysuits.

Punk gave way to grunge.  Marc Jacobs became a household name more for his firing from Perry Ellis before succeeding with his own label.  Thrift stores were plundered for Doc Martens and old plaid shirts when alternative bands like Nirvana dominated MTV.

Punk fashion took on Goth, mixing fetish elements and corsetry.  Lady Gaga’s quick pop icon status owed a lot to the unforgettable fashion statements she made in every public appearance.  Her longtime collaborator, Nicola Formichetti went on to be appointed as creative director to fashion house Thierry Mugler, a perfect fit.  With fresh meat dresses, cross dressing and body modification, Lady Gaga brought a whole new level to anarchy when it came to busting fashion taboos.  That is more punk in attitude than a bunch of safety pins will ever be. 

Need a soundtrack for YOUR personal runway? 
Listen and Download the exclusive Nina Sky track for ORGNL.TV by Stoli!

Does Nina Sky think musicians influence fashion today?  


Majorly, people love to listen to music and keep up with their favorite artists, from their latest videos to what they're wearing... So of course it would influence fashion trends. Also, music inspires creativity and fashion designers are artists in their own right. I think the music they listen to ultimately helps set the tone and theme of their collections."

Sponsored by Stoli. Savor Stoli Responsibly. STOLICHNAYA® Premium Vodka. 40% Alc/Vol. Distilled from grain. William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY. © 2012 Spirits International, B.V
Photos from billyidol.net, Herb Ritts, Mike Southon,
Read more >>

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Think Pink - October's Hottest Color

Yes,October is Pink Ribbon month to promote Breast Cancer awareness and raise money to find a cure.  Too many women have been challenged by this disease, many in fashion.  As a collective response, many fashion companies of collaborated with organizations to fight this killer.  The Council of Fashion Designers in America founded Fashion Targets Breast Cancer with a t-shirt campaign.

The current queen of pink, Betsey Johnson was a survivor.  She has designed a collection of jewelry where the profits will be sold to benefit Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.  My favorite piece is the Betsey Johnson "I'm A Survivor" Pink Ribbon Ring.

For local efforts, Dress Barn launched Paint the Country Pink where site visitors can "paint" across a map to show support for the cause.  Dress Barn will donate $1 for every painter who colors the site to the American Cancer Society.

Luxury resale marketplace, Hello la Mode is offering shoppers $50 off any pink fashion item on the site (use gift code: PINK).  They will be donating 25% of the purchase price of every pink item sold to the Pink Ribbon International. 
20120919 120538 Event LOVE: 9th Annual White #Cashmere Collection20120919 120924 Event LOVE: 9th Annual White #Cashmere Collection

In Canada, the 9th annual White Cashmere Fashion show brought together Canada's top fashion designers for an event in Toronto.  If you weren't there, you can vote on the your favorite design by voting online and $1 will be donated for every vote to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  (Photos from heydoyou.com

Designer Carmen Marc Valvo just hosted a Pink Ribbon fashion show in Tulsa with Saks Fifth Avenue.  The event was the 10th for the designer, a cancer survivor himself.  The fundraiser benefits Oklahoma Project Woman, which provides free mammograms and diagnostic services for residents with no insurance or financial hardship.
Read more >>

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Sales Alert: Carlos Falchi, Tahari, BE & D

Autumn is in full force, reminding you to purge and refresh your closet for the cooler weather! Welcome back to Ms. Fabulous' roundup of designer sample sales for this week:
elie tahari spring 2012

Elie Tahari:
This label makes pretty, upscale, sportswear that may not be the trendiest of designers, but sells tons and tons under the radar.  Look for everything from handbags, shoes to the full range of clothing items for women AND men.  Sample prices include $79 for purses, $279 for leather jackets, men's shirts, $49.  Cash and Charge accepted.

When: October 16 - 20,Tue-Fri 8:30am-7:30pm, Sat 10am-5pm
Where: 501 5th Ave. (Btwn 41st & 42nd St) 2nd Fl, New York, NY 10017 
Carlos Falchi:
This designer makes incredibly luxurious handbags that truly highlights the textures of the exotic skins he uses.  He is incredibly supportive of up and coming designers, shown in his work with the Independent Handbag Designer Awards group.  Prices are roughly 80% off retail, e.g. python clutches will be selling for $150 (down from $795).  All forms of payment accepted.

When: TUESDAY 10/16: 9AM-7PM, WEDNESDAY 10/17: 9AM-7PM, THURSDAY 10/18: 10AM-7PM
Where: 225 FIFTH AVENUE (between 26th and 27th street)


Be & D:
This label makes hot boots and handbags sold at stores like Neiman Marcus.  They consult on accessories with Diane von Furstenburg and count ladies like Leighton Meester and Penelope Cruz as fans.  Current fall merchandise on sale.  All payment forms accepted.

When: October 16 - 18th. Tuesday, 11 - 8, Wednesday 11 - 7, Thursday 11 - 7
Where: 261 W 36th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10018 (between 7th & 8th Ave.)
Read more >>

Monday, October 15, 2012

K-Fashion Party at the Dream Hotel

morine comte marantkfashion patricia field
 The Dream Hotel in the Meatpacking District hosted a celebration of Korean Fashion Thursday night.  The party and presentation was styled by the fabulous Patricia Field of Sex and the City fame.  Designers Morine Comte Marant and Buckaroo Jeans were featured, drawing out fashion characters like 90's club  scene regulars Richie Rich, The Blonds and longtime fashion reporter Cognac Wellerlane. 

Korean appetizers, sweets, and K-Pop music were served up.  No appearance from Gangnam Style's PSY, instead, a robot took his place to perform the moves.

 The running theme was Good Girls Loving Bad Boys.  The bright prints of Morine's flirty dresses and the rebellious denim of Buckaroo jeans on the male mannequins made this shindig look like the most stylish episode of The Twilight Zone ever...



Read more >>

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Vile and Valiant Fashion Design Contest



Calling all indie designers! Trendy Chicago boutique Vile and Valiant is holding a fashion design competition for the most fabulous dress.. Open to up-and-coming designers who have already made the dress and would be ready for it to be displayed.

According to their website, the Pret-a-porter contest is looking for dresses that " push the boundaries of fashion and creativity while creating beautiful, wearable pieces of clothing."  

You need to fill out an application, send up to 5 photos, describe your materials and your concept for entry.  The grand prize winner will win $1000, runners up will receive gift certificates for the store.

Good luck!
Read more >>

Friday, October 12, 2012

Herve Leger Spring 2013

herve leger spring 2013
herve leger spring 2013
herve leger shoes
What happens when a the designers of multiple labels are incestuous? BCBG Max Azria clearly crossed teams with Herve Leger's spring 2013 collection.  The color palettes were similar in the black, cream, cafe brown and grey.  The prism-like prints and contrast color block details were similar in both collections.  Envelope clutches was the key  handbag statement in both runway shows as well.  Cut shape leather vest/corset/belt accessories were seen on both catwalks.

Is that to say I didn't like what was on the runway? No. There were plenty of looks I liked at both Herve Leger and BCBG, I just couldn't tell you which was which.

One of the big reasons that Herve Leger looked too much like BCBG was the near absence of their signature elastic band dresses.  They had a few skirts with it, but don't fix what isn't broken! Red carpet celebrities and statuesque fashionistas count on those dresses to squeeze them into a va va voom body.  They were the Spanx of cocktail dresses.  What are they going to do now?

Read more >>

Thursday, October 11, 2012

BHLDN Holiday Sparkle


Is your Boardwalk Empire a source of fashion inspiration?  Naughty flapper chic more your style? BHLDN is Anthropologie's bridal component, offering a gorgeous range of vintage inspired accessories, clothes and decor for the offbeat bride.  They held a holiday preview at speakeasy-styled Hotel Delmano in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Beautiful jeweled hairbands, chandelier earrings, pearl necklaces were perfect for holiday soirees.  Glittering party shoes mixed with bow tie wine-stoppers, pocket watches, felt hats and French netting hair pieces.  This collection was not aimed at brides, but for any discerning lady of style who wanted some old school glamour.

Clothing included lace and crochet trimmed dresses with vintage prints.  Beaded frocks, fur trimmed gloves and boleros made you wonder why anyone would want to wear jeans on an every day basis.  Patterned paper decorations and cocktail recipe books gave you all the tools you needed for an event worthy of the roaring 20's.
Read more >>
Site Meter