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Saturday, March 30, 2013

David Dixon Fall 2013

Grrrrl power.  The David Dixon Fall 2013 fashion show in Toronto opened with a silly black and white excerpt from a parody sketch of the dangers of women thinking with a "Bulls**t!" disclaimer at the end.  This might have been funny or relevant 40 years ago, but in this day and age, an attitude that is far from revolutionary.

The collection itself contained sensible black and white variations of sportswear classics, spruced up with feather collars, lace fabrics,pinstripes and other textures.  There were a few simple evening wear pieces that had sharp flower appliques.  The most successful pieces were the dresses and tops that had spiral cut chiffon trailing down in a curly fringe technique.  They looked light, whimsical without taking away from the serious, no-nonsense vibe of this particular customer.

David Dixon's runway catered to the practical career woman.  Not too much color, pieces that easily blend in with existing wardrobe items or timeless enough to be worn for years.  This collection clearly appealed to his core customer instead of baiting the press.  I could be catty and note that black, more black and navy with bits of white were safe or unimaginative.  Then I looked into my own closet and figured kettle and stove should shut the f*ck up.

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Friday, March 29, 2013

Big British Invite - Punk and Liberty Prints

Hopping across the pond? British Airways and the British tourism board hosted a fantastic party to entice us Yankees to visit.  They did all the right things, making their "Big British Invite" party a celebration of fashion, food and brilliant cocktails.

There was a tribute to Punk fashion, highlighting designers like Rick Owens, Gareth Pugh and Vivienne Westwood.  The anarchist style will soon be the theme of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's upcoming exhibit as well.

Liberty London showcased their beautiful prints and scarves.  They gave demonstrations on various ways to tie them in every chic way.  You can check out their video demos on different styles here.

The tradition of high tea was honored with a sampling of Sanderson Hotel's Mad Hatter's tea service.  Cocktails inspired by a traditional constable's "bribe" was given a high tech treatment of applewood smoke infusion by expert mixologists.  Other libations included gin and lagers from the country.

I had a great time and being the sucker that I am, I am quite eager to visit London very soon.  Perhaps when I receive my invite to Kate Middleton's baby shower?
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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Trendspotting: Stripes for Spring



It's the most classic pattern in spring fashion.  Stripes seem simple at first, a timeless look that retailers and designers bring out year after year when the snow melts away.  However, there are so many ways to design them to look fresh every season.

The striped top has its roots in sailors uniforms, chic French gamines or even (yikes) mimes.  However, change out the traditional navy and white for variegated widths of stripes with this years trendy colors and you have a bright fashion staple for the season.

You can use engineered stripes and color blocking stripes as a graphic illusion.  The wide sections of bright colors on the dress above from Mossimo uses the striped, color block effect to lengthen the silhouette making your legs look like they go on forever.  Placing different widths and colors of stripes at different places on the body help the perception of maximizing curves or minimizing bumps like the Xhilaration dress on the left.  The examples above are the antidote to all of the old-fashioned myths about horizontal or vertical stripes making you thinner or wider.

If you're still paranoid that stripes might make you look like a prison inmate, you have a full range of accessories at your disposal.  A striped carryall tote, nautical flats, graphic rainboots, a scarf or a pop of pattern on a ribbon instantly give your outfit a fresh sunny update.

Are you ready to run your lines? Go forward and stripe out!

It’s Time for Springtime.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.
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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

LAKME FASHION WEEK: Vaishali Shadangule's Ru-Ba-Ru

vaishali shadangule
400 female weavers from Assam collaborated with designer Vaishali Shadangule's spring 2013 collection, "Ru-Ba-Ru".  Using a handcrafted textile called Paat, the signature fabric of the villages of this Indian state, Vaishali restyled them into updated, modern renditions of traditional garb of her country.  Her fashion show was a beautiful representation of someone who bridges the pride of her culture and the contemporary style of her today.

Ms. Shadangule was originally a graduate in science from a small village. Her dreams of working in fashion brought her to Dubai.  Her label has grown in the past few seasons, including projects with retail houses, licenses and her very first menswear collection this season.

Photos courtesy of Genesis BM

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Designer Opportunities! Project Runway, Entrepreneur MBA and Pop-Up Open Call

99 shop
The 99 Shop:
Fashion designers!  Indie entrepreneurs, get your empire started with a bunch of new opportunities... First up, get your retail on by getting your work in a boutique at Manhattan's trendy Lower East Side.  Pop-Up initiative, Republic Spaces is launching the 99 shop. Designers with fashion forward, contemporary design can rent a window, rack or cube for as little as $99/month to sell their collection. They are opening April 2013.  Apply now at their site. 

Design Entrepreneurs NYC:
Looking for a master class in business practices in the fashion industry?  Do you have the talent, but not the business degree or need extra networking opportunities?  Design Entrepreneurs NYC is taking applications before March 31, 2013 for designers.  The summer program is an intensive created by FIT and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.  Courses include financial management and getting your business plan together.  Apply here.

Project Runway:
If you're reading this blog, I don't think I need to explain what Project Runway is.  The 12th season of the television competition show is casting now.  Deadline for applications is April 8, 2013.  Submit your fabulous self here.

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Monday, March 25, 2013

TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Pavoni Fall 2013

pavoni wmcfw
pavoni fall 2013
pavoni bridal gowns
The big finale show of Toronto Fashion Week was a grand one.  Pavoni showed the most elaborate red-carpet worthy gowns with yards and yards of fabric, delicate embroidery and beautiful silhouettes.

Creative directors Mike Derderian and Gianni Falcone themed this season as "L’Age D’Or” or The Golden Era of romance and elegance.  Silk chiffons, silk taffetas and lace were in abundance in big trumpet hems and ballgowns of dramatic high-low hems.  I would love to see some of the pale peach, grey and silver/white dresses going down the aisle as alternative bridal fashion.

This label has already been picked up by celebrities like Halle Berry.  Singer Mariah Carey chose this collection to outfit her Australian concert tour.  This is Canada's star luxury label.  Look after look was a stunner on this catwalk, it really made you wish for an encore.  

See the full collection here.
photos by David TW Leung
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Friday, March 22, 2013

TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Korhani Home Fall 2013

carpet disco fashion
korhani toronto fashion
korhani fashion show
Disco queens, exotic film divas or Gothic brides?  The elaborate runway show of Korhani Home at Toronto Fashion Week gave you all of the above.  The home textile and interior decor company always puts on one of the most anticipated shows of World Mastercard fashion week for its elaborate styling.

Previous seasons incorporated teacup pigs and live parrots as accessories.  Sadly, no live animals were present on this catwalk.  Instead, the first 'act' was a gorgeous Gothic fantasy of deep purples, soft black, velvet texture, embroidery and ravens.  The models were styled in dramatic dark eye makeup and bride of Frankenstein wigs.

The second movement was inspired by vintage cinema starlets with art nouveau patterns and dusty neutrals and rose colors.  Turbans and feather embellishments were paired with fur-like stoles to evoke sassy ladies ready for their closeup.

The finale was a group inspired by a futuristic version of a Manhattan disco.  Graphic black, white and neon colors were worked into animal prints and Andy Warhol inspired patterns.  The models lined up and posed in their favorite Studio 54 style moves.

Creative director Kirsten Korhani crafted a very entertaining show.  A lot of work considering the fashions on the runway are one of a kind and never meant to be a true clothing collection.  It seems like an elaborate production to put on a fashion show and sell the fashion.  However, after some thought, I realized this company has managed to gain a huge amount of press for a product (rugs) that normally, would be very difficult for anyone to make interesting.  Kudos.

korhani designer
Photos by David TW Leung
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Thursday, March 21, 2013

TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Joe Fresh Fall 2013

Hey Joe, what d'ya know... The once grocery store generic clothing brand from Loblaws crossed the border to become one of New York's and J.C. Penney's hottest labels.  Their fall 2013 collection last night at Toronto Fashion Week brought the palette back to a basic palette of black and white.

Leatherette motorcycle jackets, slim cigarette pants, chunky cropped sweaters, thin stripes and a few demure head scarves with knee length skirts gave the collection a 1950's rebel feel.  A few parkas, skull prints and camouflage patterns in shades of grey gave a rock n' roll feel to round out the show.  There were some nicely executed pleat details on skirts and jackets.  There were variations on peacoats.  There were a few embellished jeans that looked quite rich considering the price point I know they usually hit.  

Huge stores on 5th avenue and pop-up stores in the Hamptons have successfully fooled fashionistas on a budget into thinking Joe Fresh is the savvy savior from the mass saturation of H&M, but I'll always remember them as the label hanging next to my President's Choice chocolate chip cookies.

Kudos for their quick embrace by the American shopper.  Any Canadian fashion veteran knows the tough road to translating their local success to the south.  I have to think founder Joe Mimran must have had some fashion guidance from wife Kimberley (designer behind the label Pink Tartan) who also made success with New York and Toronto boutiques.

Now, if they would only sell those cookies at the Manhattan store...

photos by David TW Leung
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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Klaxon Howl Fall 2013

klaxon howl fashion show
klaxon howl fall 2013

This has got to be the most butch show at World Mastercard Fashion Week.  Klaxon Howl's men are rugged, rustic and looked like they just stepped in from chopping wood.  His fall 2013 collection looks like it was truly made for the outdoors man.

The models had real beards, not the ironic "hipster" beards you usually see in places like Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The fabrics were deeply textured, natural fibers obvious to the eye.  Lots of wool, cotton, with an old world, artisanal craftsmanship to the garments.  I think this collection looked incredibly stylish exactly for the reason that they were never trying to be stylish.  I know of a few large mainstream menswear labels who can only hope to produce a tribute the the authentic look seen here.

The show itself was striking.  They had a musician in the back, strumming away on an electric guitar while the diverse models strolled into spotlights around the room.  Their dramatically lit visages brought to mind the noir look of old westerns or faded photographs of grizzled fisherman.  The darkness and red mood lighting went perfectly with the understated rock n' roll sound of the music.

While this style of presentation looked great for guests, I have to say it was HELL on photographers. Every time I thought I had a great shot, the lighting changed and I lost it.  The top lighting shining down just caused the brims of hats to throw a dark shadow over the models faces.

Note to designers producing a fashion show: While a dramatic runway is great for the guests in attendance, they are only a small percentage of your total audience. The majority of your fans and customer base will be seeing your collection from magazines/tv/internet in photographs.  If they are badly lit, or photographers just can't get them, that is a lost opportunity.  You decide where your priorities need to be.

See Klaxon Howl's full collection here:
photos by David TW Leung
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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

How to Wear Sheer to the Office

One of the biggest spring trends is to wear sheer.  While light, transparent fabrics are pretty to look at on the runway, how do you translate that to an appropriate outfit for work?  I'm talking about a proper office, outfits that don't get the raised eyebrow or a whisper behind your back.

Sheer doesn't have to mean a head-to-toe look.  An implied translucent part of the garment works just as well and counts as being on-trend.

You can pile on the layers.  A skirt with several layers of transparent fabric eventually becomes opaque.  You can have the full coverage you're comfortable with, but when you move, you will see a faint hint of sheer when your skirt swings.

Sheer can act as a trim instead of the main part of the garment.  A dress with an organza hem or mesh sleeves gives a sexy impression, but everything is covered and safe.  You can always add a blazer on top and a co-worker will still see maybe an inch or two of your trendy sheer neckline.

Do you remember the first season of HBO's "Girls"?  Jessa wears a flimsy voile nightgown to her job as a nanny.  You know you don't want to be that girl.  A sheer blouse can always be paired with a solid tank or camisole.  A flowing, easy silhouette looks great with a second fashionable top underneath.  You can keep the colors tonal, or choose an under-piece with a completely contrasting color to shake things up.

Did you think about putting sheers into accessories?  That is always the easiest way to incorporate any runway trend into your work wardrobe.  Silk chiffon scarves are lovely.  How about the lace sheer bootie?  

No matter how strict the dress code is at your office, there are plenty of ways to stay on top this season!  Now how about that promotion?

It’s Time for Springtime.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

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TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Pink Tartan Fall 2013

pink tartan fashion show
pink tartan fall show

First day of Toronto Fashion Week and one of its brightest labels, Pink Tartan started things off with attitude.  Designer Kimberley Newport-Mimran claimed her muses were "disturbing blondes".  Think Hitchcock's icy, troubled characters or Jessica Lange's creepy nun from American Horror Story.

“Blondes make the best victims. They're like virgin snow that shows up the bloody footprints.”  - Alfred Hitchcock.

The Pink Tartan woman respectfully disagrees.  The opening film clip showed a beautiful blonde who saunters up to a door, but with a huge baseball bat in hand ready to strike.  The Pink Tartan woman this fall is elegant and lethal. She loves luxurious fabrics and is not content to be a wallflower.

Fur, real or faux, was dramatic and worn like a trophy down the runway.  The color palette was a tribute to the 1950's and 1960's pink, purple, royal blue with a darker edge of black.  There was a very pretty digital print that was like an abstract floral as seen through the haze of nighttime lights.  Silhouettes consisted of a lot of fit and flared dresses ending just above the knee.  Hip length jackets and swinging fur coats gave the air of the retro diva of film queens past.

The hair reminded me of Grace Kelley and Catherine Deneuve.  Accessories like tight black leather gloves were perfect for avoiding fingerprints and thick black headbands for women who like to keep everything under control.

View the full collection here:
kimberley newport mimran
Photos by David TW Leung
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Monday, March 18, 2013

TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Dare to Wear Love Gala

dare to wear 2012

I'm here in Toronto this week to scope out the best designers in the North.  Before I get to my first show, I wanted to help spread the word on the Dare to Wear Love Gala happening this Friday, March 22nd. It is a spectacular fashion show bringing together Canada's top designers and a grand party.  It is the passion project of one of my first fashion industry employers, Chris Tyrell and Jim Searle of the label Hoax Couture.

Proceeds of Dare to Wear Love benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which aims to fight the devastation that AIDS has caused in Africa.  Past galas have had shows that honor the silhouettes and fabric patterns of African tribes as interpreted by artists and designers of Canada.

I spent a brief summer at Hoax Couture before my sophomore year at Parsons. I remember that Jim and Chris were always generous with their time, with any organization that asked for their help.  It is great to see their philanthropic pursuits organized to become a huge event that reaches so many ... It also makes me feel good knowing such a large number of fellow Canadians, designers, celebrities and sponsors have come out to support them for the purpose of a good cause.

If you're in town for Toronto Fashion Week, I ask you to buy a ticket to the gala or donate to the organization if you cannot.  Show these guys some love!

Photos by George Pimentel from the 2012 Gala
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Saturday, March 16, 2013

Betsey Johnson Parties in Macy's Windows

betsey johnson windows
Wednesday afternoon, fashion icon Betsey Johnson decided to play mannequin and celebrate her new dress line debuting as Macy's.  True to her style, the designer made the event a big pink party.  There were lots of bottles of champagne, dancing to the crowd, but most importantly, bright, fun frocks for the grown up girly girl.

I'm glad to see Betsey back in stores.  I was really sad to hear of her bankruptcy a few years back and love that with the help of Steven Madden, she is coming back with a vengeance again.  She represents what savvy little girls want to grow up to be.  She manages to turn an exercise video and even display windows into a must-be-there event...
Photos by Kent Miller Studios, Macy's Inc
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Friday, March 15, 2013

Top Easter Dresses Under $40

easter dresses
The holiday of chicks and bunnies is coming up.  I’m gathering up my favorite Easter dresses like eggs in a basket.  Looking for a “Ladies who brunch” outfit? How about a dinner date banquet dress? Ruffled frock to hunt eggs on the White House lawn?  Yes, yes, and yes to all and bonus when they are all so wallet-friendly. 

Start with 2013’s color of the year and don a sexy emerald green halter wrap dress from Mossimo for only $30. 

Sip a mimosa and mix two top trends of ombre and the high/low hem with the sleeveless Mossimo Hi-Lo pullover dress for $25.

I love the lemony ruffles of Prabal Garung for Target Dress for $40.  This one is perfect twirling in the garden in your bare feet.

The V-neck Mossimo printed dress looks like a bunch of glowing Easter eggs melting in the night.  It’s either that, or I am suffering from a sugar coma from too many chocolates.  All I know is that the sophisticated palette of midnight and pastels is pretty on this dress and I love the flowing hem.

Now that you’re properly attired for the rites of spring, make sure you have the right bonnets and accessories too!  But that’s for another day…

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.”

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Thursday, March 14, 2013

Uncomplicate Your Spring! J. Jill Giveaway

jjill coupon code
For my fourth post for a week of budget-friendly spring shopping, I figured what is more budget-friendly than a big giveaway?  I'm giving away a $100 gift card to J. Jill for you to add some relaxed spring style to your wardrobe.

As the sun finally peeks out from winter clouds, we can't wait to hit the stores for lighter clothes, ditching the heavy tights and letting our toes peep out.  J. Jill wants you to uncomplicate your wardrobe with easy choices to put together your looks for the season.  Their site has great guides for fitting denim and videos on everything you could want to do with a scarf                                                                    

To win the $100 Gift Card, leave a comment telling me what fashion item you most look forward to wearing this spring! We'll choose a winner on March 31, 2013.

If you don't win my giveaway, go for the BIG prizes on J. Jill's Facebook page.  Nominate a woman whose life YOU think needs to uncomplicate and try for a closet redesign, head to toe makeover, shopping spree or catered dinner party.

  Campaign Launch and Sweepstakes
 This Spring, J.Jill is making the promise to their customers to uncomplicate. by providing an easy-to-put-together approach to dressing and offering guiding, helpful service. The brand’s uncomplicate. campaign will undoubtedly show women everywhere that it’s never been so easy to look this good! In addition, J.Jill will be partnering with MoreMartha Stewart Living and Real Simple to give three lucky customers the opportunity to give the gift of uncomplicate. to a deserving woman in their lives. Beginning March 14 through April 25, fans can nominate a woman whose life they would like to make less complicated, by entering the sweeps through the brand’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/JJillStyle) – prizes will include one of the following: a catered dinner party, a special closet redesign or a complete style makeover; each prize will include a shopping spree at J.Jill.
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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Spring Shoe Trends


Oh yay! With the weather thawing out, boots open up and toes come out for spring shoes.  I can’t wait to shop for my favorite footwear trends for spring.

One of the biggest spring trends all over the runways was the mix of artistic prints.  Abstract floral, brushstrokes and kaleidoscope patterns have made every fashion item a canvas.  Spring shoes are no exception.  Many designers on spring 2013 catwalks crafted shoes to coordinate to the patterns of the clothes.  For my budget-friendly designer picks, you can’t go wrong with Prabal Garung’s pumps and laced up sandal in a “Nolita”print for Target (only $40).  If you want something more romantic, go for Xhilaration’s dark floral Sae pumps for only $30. 


The wedge was a big hit for fall and reconstructed in more spring friendly trims for the upcoming season.  I love wedges because they are safer (for clumsy me) to walk in than your typical stiletto.  Spring materials like cork, rattan, rope wood give it a bit of a warm rustic edge, while still keep styles sophisticated.  You can mix up all sorts of colors, contrast trims and configurations with a pump.  Stripes give you a nautical look, bows are ladylike and solid colors are bold enough for any spring dress.  All these fun styles come from Merona, Xhilaration and Target’s shoe collection, starting at $17 and topping out at $75.

Are you ready to step out of your boots and into the sunshine? I am.


It’s Time for Springtime.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.


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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Fashion of Goodwill

I can't believe I finally watched Macklemore's music video for "Thrift Shop" for the first time the past weekend.  I had listened to the song many times, but the video is absolutely hilarious.  I read an IBTimes Magazine report that despite the popularity of the song (the first independent track in nearly 20 years to top the Billboard 100) sales at Goodwill have not significantly increased.

Why not?  Luxury consignment is thriving online and in stores.  Many of the items IN those stores are picked by savvy buyers straight from Goodwill and the Salvation Army.  People are willing to go to great lengths to buy "green", yet thrift stores are as green as you get.

Lest you forget, the Salvation Army and Goodwill started as organizations that help people.  Selling donated goods are only one of their ways to raise funds for the many job training programs they provide.  I spoke to Bjorn Nasett a few seasons ago during NY Fashion Week, an ambassador of sorts for Goodwill's fashion projects.  He informed me that high end designer brands often donate full collections of unused clothes, and that Goodwill produces full fashion shows.  They are social media savvy with fashion blogs, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter accounts showcasing curated style.

Many designers have realized that there is a hunger for styles in their archives.  Many have put out clothes from past seasons back for sale at considerable cost.  For budget and elite shoppers, a thrift store might accomplish both!

What is your best thrift shop find?

Macklemore image from imgfave.com

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Monday, March 11, 2013

Duro Olowu for JC Penney

jc penney olowu
african designer jcp
olowu jc penney
I'm dedicating this week to spring style on a tight budget!  The snow thawed, time to shop, let's make it as painless as possible shall we?  Duro Olowu collaborated with J. C. Penney for one of the most unique retail mashups this season.  

This one really caught my interest because Duro Olowu is a Nigerian-born, British fashion designer.  His collections are known for bright, graphic prints and nods to his ethnic heritage.  This an unexpected, fashion forward choice for classic American mass market retailer J. C. Penney.  The result is an entire lifestyle collection that does not look like any other budget collaboration I have seen so far.

Modern updates to African tribal prints are worked into clothing, vases, entertaining pieces, picture frames... Woven textiles are mixed with carved wooden and brass handles for super chic handbags.  Traditional trims in bright, fashion colors are worked into playful jewelry.  

I was lucky enough to score a handbag and platter.  I was really impressed with the quality, especially at seeing the price points.  I could not find anything over $50.  With so many "limited edition" designer projects with stores that aim to be cheap and appeal to as much of the mass market as possible (aka bland), it was really refreshing to see this department store take a chance on both a lesser-known designer and bold collection.   Shop for it here.
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Friday, March 8, 2013

Reem Acra Fall 2013

The major award shows are over, but I can't get enough of red carpet gowns.  Reem Acra did not disappoint with their NY Fashion Week showstoppers.  There were the big, tulle, hand beaded gowns that everyone oohed and ahhed over, but that was actually towards the end.

The surprising stars of the show were the edgier, more street-savvy sexy leather and fur looks towards the beginning.  Their program stated that the influences for Fall 2013 were inspired by travels to Japan.  Unlike, most designers who cite the Far East nation as a muse, there were no stereotypical kimonos or Geisha looks.

This Japan was a modern, cosmopolitan one.  Reem Acra specifically looked to photos of artist Daido Moriyama (see left).  This was reflected in the dramatic palette of black, white, and strokes of red. Globe-trotting women with swagger, style and owned the night.  Leather, fur, body hugging silhouttes were striking and not what I had come to expect from this label.  Gotta say... I loved it!

See the full collection here:
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Thursday, March 7, 2013

Immortal Game - Win a Chess Glam Makeover

immortal game designer

Can an intellectual game be the muse for edgy fashion?  Noir Tribe Media and fashion designer CLIFFLEE believe so.  I was brought on board to help get the word out on this project.  They are launching their fashion and film collaboration, "The Immortal Game" online.  The movie is inspired by the legendary chess game of 1851.  Cliff Lee styled six different looks based on six key chess pieces.

CLIFFLEE's looks are dark, edgy yet feminine.  They make you look at the classic game of kings in a way you never have before...  Cliff studied at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. He cut his teeth working with designers Jean Paul Gaultier, Helmut Lang and at Christian Dior before striking out on his own.  

The short film is a stylish work that makes the act of showcasing an aesthetic or fashion a work of art.   Each chess character has been revealed over the past few weeks dedicated to a different international fashion week... The Pawn represents New York.  The look was inspired by Holly Go-Lightly in Breakfast at Tiffany. She may have started as a pawn to others, but with the right moves, anyone can become a queen.  

To promote the project, they have a great Pinterest contest running.  They want pinners to create a board inspired by the dark style of the film.  You could win the Breakfast at Tiffany inspired Pawns's hat, umbrella and dress custom made to you by designer CLIFFLEE himself.  

To Enter, click through HERE:
chess pawn dress

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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Fashion Sketch Meetup - Would You Rock This


Love fashion illustration?  It's an art that is both rare, but highly evolved over the past few years.  Would You Rock This is a website that celebrates amazing fashion artists of all styles.  The site lets you join a community where you are invited to exhibits and events for fashion illustration.  You can vote on whose style is your favorite or buy prints.

During NY Fashion week, artists were invited to create fashion sketches live during fashion shows.  I joined their Meetup group to take part in some of their events.  My first was this past Sunday, with a sketching session hosted by Steven Broadway, my beloved fashion portfolio teacher many years ago from Parsons.  (Yep, those are my little sketches from the session above).

His flair and encouragement made his class the one I always looked forward to each week.  He played club music to keep it festive.  This session was no different.  He had three different models on hand offering diverse looks.  Clothing-wise, he offered a wide range of clothing to sketch, from evening wear, punk, office looks or fur.

While in school, our class stuck to assigned media. The artists in this class had a large range of materials, from painting, digital tablets, charcoal to markers.  It was really good to sketch by hand with a model again.

Check out this video tutorial about using markers from Steven Broadway:

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