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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween! Fashion Inspired Costumes

muertos makeup steampunk costume
Do fashionistas just squee at Halloween?  It's the holiday where good judgement and inhibitions are lost and impractical style fantasies are realized.  I always dressed in fashion inspired costumes for trends I loved or pop culture looks that seeped into the media conscience.

When I worked in a corporate office, it was a struggle to blend workplace-appropriate attire with a great character.  I got away with A Clockwork Orange's Alex de Winter by just putting on a bowler hat and dramatic single eyelash for all of my fellow art-school grads to get it.  Another office-friendly Halloween look was my favorite Edith Head inspired character, Edna Mode from the Incredibles.  All I needed here was a V-neck black dress, long cigarette holder, big round glasses and wig.

Steampunk has a chic aesthetic blending craftmanship, intricate embellishment and period dress.  Hubby and I paired up with coordinating outfits.  He worked in a burnished leather John Varvatos jacket with handmade leather and brass hat and goggles.  I wore a Steampunk corset with a headpiece and skirt I made from silk brocade decorated in antiqued brass clock gears.

I love to put a fashiony spin on Gothic movie characters.  I bought a frothy red prom dress ($10) on Ebay and made a big red tulle veil to dress up as Beetlejuice's Lydia.  Another year, when Amanda Seyfried's Red Riding Hood came out, I paired a crushed velvet cape with black leather dress and Hubby wore a vintage red and black smoking jacket with wolf-head hat.

This year, I mixed several of my favorite things.  The elaborate  looks of  Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) was my muse for makeup.  I have always been obsessed with the Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy red butterfly hat, so I made an outfit of red monarchs and butterfly embroidered satin bustier dress.

Are you wearing a fashion inspired costume this Halloween?  Who are you dressing up as?

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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

My Lunch with Barbie

designable hair barbie
luckyfabb barbie
barbie pink
I had the good fortune to be invited to the girliest luncheon Friday at the Lucky FABB conference. The good folks at Barbie invited a select group of bloggers to celebrate the history and cultural influence of the iconic Barbie Doll.

Fashion-wise, they have collaborated with many of the top labels and brands throughout the decades, like Coach (Barbie's first true leather bag!) and my favorite, Byron Lars.  They even produced an epic Barbie fashion show in Bryant Park for their 50th anniversary.   Our video producer Mdivani collected vintage dolls that actually had true rabbit fur collars from the 1960's.  

The brand representatives are perfectly aware that people either love or hate the doll, and embrace all conversations, positive or otherwise. They understand that as a cultural icon, Barbie can become a touch point in discussions of any sort.  However, they do strive to be relevant at all times, something I do believe they succeed at.

Among the bloggers themselves, we noted that at certain times as parents and daughters, we occasionally pondered the body image that Barbie represented or whether or not it was taking girls backward.  A more seasoned blogger noted that in 1960’s, career preparation in schools was limited to home economics for girls, while Barbie was shown as a character who was an astronaut, nurse, vet, pilot, performer and police officer among others.   Another blogger noted that while she herself coveted the clothes and accessories the doll could have, it never occurred to her that Barbie’s blue-eyed blonde proportions was something she needed to strive toward and did not have a negative self-body image as a result.

Many of my designer friends made their very first fashion outfit for a Barbie doll. 
I myself did not own a Barbie as a child as my mother did not want me growing up to obsess over such frivolous things as clothes and makeup.  Now, 20 years in the fashion industry and earning money as a style and beauty blogger, you can see how successful that plan was… 

Historical dolls throughout the years were represented on the tables, from classic Hollywood icons like Scarlett O’Hara to modern warriors like Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen.  Pop-culture influenced fashion dolls with Hip-Hop styling or tattooed dolls were produced.  

While a diverse range of cultures and ethnicities are produced, surprisingly, it is the foreign countries that insist on the original blonde model and refuse to buy anything else.  The representative gave an example of how the media could use Barbie as a point of discussion in the most surprising ways.  Many of their dolls had passports included in their accessories pack.  It was meant to represent their jet setting worldly lifestyle.  However, the company came under fire for their Latin doll having a passport as the media wanted to frame it as a disparaging political statement about immigrants.  

Barbie in the digital age?  The company had a vote on what career she would take on next and the vote was overwhelmingly in favor of computer engineer.  

Each of us received a fantastic new Barbie edition that had a multi-color digital dress that you could design and set to music.  We also received a digital makeover set that would transform your iPad into a virtual cosmetics station.  The squealing from a room of grown women proved that you never outgrow playtime.

What are your Barbie memories?  Is she a relevant icon or just a plaything?
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Monday, October 28, 2013

Happy Birthday Edith Head!

edith head oscar
edith head roman holiday edith head design

It would have been the 116th birthday of Edith Head, legendary Hollywood costume designer today.  She was responsible for creating the iconic looks onscreen for movie stars like  Ginger Rogers, Bette Davis, Sophia Loren, Barbara Stanwyck, Shirley MacLaine, Mae West, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Natalie Wood.

Winning 8 Academy Awards, Edith became a Hollywood icon herself.  She was often requested but competing film studios by actresses who know how glamorous her work could make them look. 

She was immortalized as a doll by TaylorMade Dolls and was thought to be the muse for the “Edna Mode” character in Pixar’s “The Incredibles.”  She was the subject of several theatrical productions.  Even Google has paid tribute to her as their opening image today.

You can see her her amazing range of film contributions on Edith Head's IMDB page.  The vintage style blog Glamour Daze has a comprehensive Edith Head costume and sketch gallery article. 
Photos from sewingwithkathleen.com,thefabcorner.com,cityartscenter.org

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Friday, October 25, 2013

Eva Mendes for New York and Company

I'm here at the Lucky FABB conference in NYC this week.  One of my favorite speakers was actress Eva Mendes.  She was this month's Lucky Magazine cover girl and was also there to represent her collaboration with affordable clothing brand New York and Company.

I don't usually review large mass market brands.  I also rarely find "celebrity" fashion ventures worthy of writing about.  However, hearing Eva Mendes speak about her goals with this project made me make an exception.  Here's why:

She looked gorgeous in her dress from the collection.  She spoke about her family roots from the low end of middle income family.  She talked about how her mission was to create a collection that looked beautiful that women from that economic level would be proud of.  Ms. Mendes humbly would not refer to herself as a designer as she felt she did not earn it (refreshing!).  She DID discuss bringing in a whole bag of vintage samples as design inspiration and proudly flaunted a vintage belt that cost barely more than a cup of coffee.

In a world of fierce red carpet competition, she stressed how women should support each other and how instead of "Who Wore It Best" it should be how everyone looked great.  She attributed her healthy attitude of body image to her Latin family which always encouraged people to eat, and entering the Hollywood world later (her 20s) rather than growing up with the pressures of being thin.

After checking out the collection online, I did find the sihouettes pretty and flattering to a range of body types.  The styles were timeless but modern.  The price point was indeed accessible, dresses topped out under $80, etc.  The most expensive jewelry piece was $35.

Eva charmingly borrowed an audience member's scarf to do a quick demo of how to do a head wrap which earned her a wall of instagram photos in response.





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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Jean Paul Gaultier at the Brooklyn Museum

He was the hottest designer of my 1990's.  Starting tomorrow, the Brooklyn Museum presents The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to Catwalk.  I am absolutely excited about this, as I was unable to see the exhibit in Montreal.

The Brooklyn Museum is the only American East Coast venue for this show.  It will feature sketches, Haute Couture, documentaries and all sorts of artifacts of his creative process and wicked humor.  He defined Madonna's look of the 90's as well as contributing subversive looks for movies.

For a taste of what's to come, check out this arty video from Mr. Gaultier welcoming you to Brooklyn..

October 25, 2013–February 23, 2014
Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing and 
Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Gallery, 5th Floor
photos from the exhibit video
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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Herve Leger Spring 2014

herve leger spring 2014
herve leger fashion show
herve leger leather
What makes your outfit sexy?  Is it the accessories, you or the clothing? The Herve Leger Spring 2014 collection made an argument for all three. Intricate kaleidoscope prints were paired with gorgeous leather corset belts.  Many of the pieces were elaborately trimmed with zippers for a luxe punk touch.  You could actually wear these with more sedate pieces at the office to add an edgy look.  

Instead of Herve Leger’s signature elastic band dresses, there were some interesting layered knit dresses.  I’m wondering if these have the same supportive functional as the classic dresses did.  If they don’t, that could be losing many of their hard core fans. 

There were a lot of swimwear looks as part of this collection; probably to capture the St. Tropez, Ibiza or even South Beach crowd.  They looked hot.

Accessories included sleek clutch handbags for another season (also in their sister collection BCBG).  Shoes were simple wide band sandals with chunky clear heels. 

 As good as the prints and swimwear looked though; my criticism here is that it looked quite a bit like the Gottex collection for the past two seasons.    The leather pieces with the ruffles, perforated patterns and bustier looks were reminiscent of Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana and other designers of seasons past. I know there is very little originality in fashion anymore, but it shouldn't be so obvious from a label that already has a very distinctive identity.  When many iconic labels have reinvented their heritage image, why is this one abandoning theirs?

What did you think of this collection?
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Monday, October 21, 2013

Designer Casting Calls: Henri Bendel Open-See, NY NOW A+ Open Call

henri bendel designer
Are you the next beauty or accessories superstar on the retail style scene? One of my favorite boutiques Henri Bendel is having its legendary casting call this Friday.  For years, the famous "Open See" day has discovered many of the hottest designers around today.  Buyers at high end department stores are notoriously difficult to get an appointment with.  This event gives a diplomatic opportunity to all emerging designers to have their work seen, purchased and presented to the public at one of the most prestigious retailers in NYC.  Are you ready for your closeup?  More informaion on how to apply to the Henri Bendel Open-See here.

NY Now Gift Show
The NY Now lifestyle trade show is seeking top new designers and design students to present in February.  Chosen talents will gain big exposure to the design and manufacturing community  (and hopefully buyers) when then are exhibited at the "Accent on Design" presentation at the show.  Deadline is December 2, 2013.  More information here.
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Sunday, October 20, 2013

Blogger Love: Fashionista Problems Solved

lalam1017

Fashionista Problems Solved

No one is immune to fashion problems. So why take them so seriously? Cue side-eye and say, "Puh-lease, as if!" No really, whether it's what your friend says when you're trying on a new trend, or determining if you're a good bitch or a bad bitch, heck, even if you're trying to make those jeans work with heels, it's all here this week. Plus a couple of cute ideas for Halloween! Even if you need to fix your brows, this is the link list to browse.

Links à la Mode: October 17

  SPONSOR: Eastdane Ebbets, Sperry Boots, DW Watches, Sperry, 1000 Mile, Hulme, Micah Cohen, Theory Sweaters, Apolis Bags, Griffin, & Shopbop
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Friday, October 18, 2013

8 Stylish Ways to Spread Breast Cancer Awareness

breast cancer shopping
How healthy are your "girls"?  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and it has never been more stylish to be educated and supportive of those who can help with the cause.  The design team at Coach created a very chic collection of accessories that includes their signature Madison handbags in rich fushia, printed silk scarves, watches and jewelry.  For the entire month of October, they will be donating 20% of the proceeds from sales towards breast cancer research.   Lingerie brand Cosabella is also donating 20% towards research of sales of their Glow for a Cure ensemble.

O.P.I. has their Pink of Hearts Duo with a glitter polish and pale pink one.  Net proceeds from Jessica Simpson's gem accented T-strap heels will benefit the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation.  Stella & Dot has their wanderlust wrap bracelet where the proceeds will go to the Noreen Fraser Foundation for research.  

Repin to join us in supporting women undergoing treatment for cancer. For every repin, Elizabeth Arden will donate a product to charity Look Good Feel Better. #PinItToGiveIt with Elizabeth Arden and Look Good Feel Better.Tommy Hilfiger is donating a third of the proceeds for his BHi handbag to Breast Health International and J. C. Penney has a whole collection of $10 tees with graphic messages of strength and support. 

With Elizabeth Arden, you don't even need to buy anything to help.  With their #PinItToGiveIt campaign, you just need to use Pinterest to pin of their images and they will donate lipstick to the Look Good Feel Better organization aimed at building self-esteem in breast cancer survivors.

Are you ready to think pink?  Support your sisters now!
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Thursday, October 17, 2013

Noon By Noor Spring 2014

noon by noor fashion
noon by noor spring 2014
 Designers Noor Rashid and Haya Mohammed Al Khalifa created a collection for spring 2014 inspired by their homeland.  Floral prints and appliques of blossoms represented the Tree of Life of Bahrain.

The overall look was a blend of upscale sportswear and evening wear for ladies who didn’t necessarily have to work for a living.  There were bright, elegant ensembles that mixed different lengths of skirts and pants, jackets, blouses, etc.   It represented what I as a child imagined very elegant grown-ups would wear.  I was a tomboy in my youth, so the feminine colors and flowers were what I believed to be what proper ladies would always have in their closet.

Did the Khalifa family feel the same way?  Their previous fashion shows at NY Fashion Week also had a relaxed upscale air, but had more metallic and traditionally ethnic touches or more masculine tailored looks.  Are they dressing their families? The elite of their country?  I haven’t seen the collection represented at retail in this country, so I’m not sure who their target audience is yet.  As this is only their third outing down the runway here it may take a few more seasons before they find their way.   I wish them luck and hope they do.

Are you a Noon by Noor customer?  What do you think their next collection should look like?

photos by David TW Leung

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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Custo Barcelona Spring 2014

custo spring 2014
custo barcelona spring 2014
custo shoes
 Spring is shaping up to be about prints and more prints with shine.  Custo Barcelona's show for NY fashion week layered graphic patterns into well-tailored silhouettes for men and women.

The color palette had a cheery range of pastels like pink and citrus green that was accented with darker colors like navy and black.  Shimmering iridescent finishes and metallic surfaces of fabric added another dimension.  On top of the varied sizes of chevron type prints, there were pretty embellishments of embroidery and appliqué.   My personal favorite was the fringe like element on a skirt made with very slim tubes of printed fabric then attached onto a skirt.

With the bright color, shine and patterns, you would think it would limit the customer base for this collection.   Wrong.  The sleek pieces work for all ages and bodies for the most part in sportswear.  While you might not wear them all together in one look, a jacket or dress would look great at the office.  The swimwear is sexy and fun for the most luxurious of beach towns.  Shoes were just as desirable.  They were made with the iridescent coordinating patterns to complement the clothing. 

The menswear palette was a little more subtle.  There were earthier tones and more neutral greys in the mix.  The shimmering prints were used more as an accent than the main feature.  The clothing silhouettes themselves were quite basic.  Again, this group was commercial, but far from boring. 

As much fun as the looks were on this catwalk, I wish the models reflected that.  Unlike Desigual’s dancing and laughing models, the representatives were somber, even stricken looking in comparison.  I just don’t understand why the director would make that choice.  In the past, the Custo show was about being bold and alive.  Yes, the clothes can speak for themselves, but even the brightest look could use a hype man no?
What was YOUR favorite look from this show?

custo menswear
photos by Mariana Leung

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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

How to Prep for a Fall Date

I love a fall weekend.  Is there anything more romantic than your first getaway?  As exciting as that is, there are also the little things you get nervous about.  What to wear?  What to pack? Even if it’s just an extended date or day trip, you want to be prepared.

If it’s a day in the country, you don’t want to be overdressed.  You want that casual, but cute look.  Fashion tips? You can’t go wrong with super flattering jeans or a great fitting cotton shirt.  For hair, keep it simple just in case you end up doing something outdoors.  Plus, that wind-tossed look is sexy.  Keep makeup simple too.  Guys know you can look polished, but they really fall for a gal that can relax too.  Complete your look with a great pair of boots that are comfortable enough if you go for a walk.

A day away from the city also allows quiet moments for quick kiss and snuggling close.  For that you can tuck some Hello breath spray in your back pocket.  I love their flavors of cinnamon, pink grapefruit and mojito.  It actually tastes good and doesn't have that dead giveaway of instant expectant breath freshener scent that some other brands do (you know what I mean… that overpowering nervous date breath from overzealous mint).  I can just pick these little sprays up at Duane Reade on my way to the train.

If you’re actually doing the whole weekend thing, the Hello mouthwash is nice too.  My favorite flavor here is also the pink grapefruit.  The packaging is cute and doesn't scream “mouthwash” like others might if you need to tuck it into your bag. 

What if it gets chilly? Make sure you have a really cozy, tactile sweater (think cashmere, cable knit, etc.) It invites lots of hugging and arms around you for more canoodling. 

So are you ready to head out for your autumn date? Prep well, get pretty and have fun!


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hello via Single Edition Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hello.
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Saturday, October 12, 2013

Blogger Love: Workaholics, Fashionaholics

lalam1010

Making the Effort

Making the effort every day has been on my mind lately. It's fall, the typical time for dressing up. Fashion Month opens the floodgates to trendy people. And while, life may have other things in store for you: unusually warm October, working at home, not working at all... etc, making an effort still matters. Yesterday I was just talking about how making an effort doesn't have to be too much work. It's just a matter of planning things a little. That's what the links this week tell me, they peek into trends for next year, they organize the trends this year, and give a little inspiration for the upcoming holiday we all love: Halloween!

Links à la Mode: October 10th

SPONSOR: Eastdane Anonymousism, Aerin, Nudie Jeans, Sperry, 1000 Mile, APC Jeans, Micah Cohen, Wax + Cruz, SunPocket, CKU, & Shopbop
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Friday, October 11, 2013

How to Rock Cosplay at New York Comic-Con

After the runways NYC, Milan, Paris, comes the big promenade of New York Comic-Con.  Way over on the West Side of Manhattan, fans of not just comic books, the big "fashion" show had nothing to do with trends.  Cosplay, the art of dressing up in costume in tribute to your favorite pop culture character has become a huge movement.  

Once considered a bunch of super-geeks, cosplay has become an art form in its own right.  SYFY Network's "Heroes of Cosplay" starring competitive costume makers and professional cosplay celebrity Yaya Han have elevated the hobby into a lifestyle that prizes originality and craftsmanship.  Many of the best examples take a well known character and put their own spin on it, like a Steampunk Iron Man, gender reversed versions of comic book heroes and villains, mash-ups of time periods and fashion styles.  

The most popular character by far among women was Batman's Harley Quinn.  At one point, I ended up in a corner and four completely different versions of this character had randomly surrounded me.  One chose a fetish route, one chose a cute cartoonish one.  There was a punk version with tattoos, a child version, a sexy corseted one, etc. 

I saw some beautiful makeup jobs (see the Two-Face rendition above) and costumes with mechanized parts.  

However, with popularity, inevitably comes the mass commercialization racing to capitalize.  Almost every attractive female character with a well crafted costume seems to travel with an entourage (often a grateful male submissive type) who eagerly handed out her card and made sure you got her name right.  Big corporations that had nothing to do with the entertainment, comic or video game world had big booths there, but hired model brand ambassadors in costume to draw the male geeks in.  

With Halloween on its way, there is no shortage of costume inspiration for the holiday.  What comic book character do YOU most relate to?
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Thursday, October 10, 2013

Bailey's and Beauty Night!



Yay, the weather gets cool and a craving for sugar and spice takes hold.  I spent an evening with my favorite Glam Network bloggers to indulge in Bailey's Cinnamon Vanilla.  I couldn't ask for a better girl's night out, getting pampered at the DreamDry salon in the Flatiron district and plied with treats.

As this was an event where beauty and fashion bloggers gathered to augment their glamour, the fine mixologists of Bailey's offered a styling bar for your cocktail.  You could create your "glamour shot" by embellishing your glass with a choice of rims like gold dust, sprinkles, spiced sugar or coconut.  Then, you select a complementing liqueur like Amaretto or Goldschlager to blend with your Bailey's Cinnamon Vanilla.  Top of your treat with a skewered cherries, blueberries or peaches.

In the fall, you can't walk into any culinary destination without being hit over the head with pumpkin flavors.  Let's face it, there is no pumpkin.  What you really crave are the spices and richness of vanilla to bring that cozy autumn taste.  Bailey's new Cinnamon Vanilla can make any drink your favorite dessert in a glass. Yum.

The DreamDry salon is a relative newcomer in the blowdry bar business.  They have a posh setting where you choose your favorite hairstyle inspired by celebrity style icons.  I got the "Veronica" for classic Hollywood glamour.  My girlfriend chose the wild "Stevie" and  lived up to her muse by the end of the night.  The salon also has a back room of talented make-up artists to complete the canvas that is you.

In the theme of taking your glamour shot, there was a very popular photo booth (a.k.a. blogger's Kryptonite) in the middle of the venue.  Everyone vamped for the multi-shot camera which also generated a lovely gif.  If you want to see my gratuitous "selfie", click here.

With parties and ladies nights in I can't wait to try out some recipes and experiment with my own!
Which creation would YOU like to try?  (Recipes here). 

Baileys Vanilla Cinnamon. Stay Stylish. Drink Responsibly.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Diageo via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Diageo.
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Clover Canyon Spring 2014

The West Coast invaded the East Coast. California based label Clover Canyon presented their spring 2014 collection in the (HOT) Box venue at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion week.  The designers must have brought the head as models were wilting and fainting right off the podiums.  

I loved this collection for their hyper vivid prints.  They have a sharp, digital graphic quality that just popped off the body.  Designer Rozae Nichols was inspired by top artists and architects of the 1950s. Many of the prints are painstakingly engineered to follow the lines of the body which can look very flattering on the right person.  I have to say this is one of my first experiences in seeing this line and I loved it at first sight.  

Now if they could bring California winters this way as well, that would be appreciated.

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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

House of Versace - Some Thoughts

Whenever any high profile fashion-themed television program airs, non-fashion people inevitably bombard me for my opinion on it.  Mostly, they want confirmation that what they see is "really how it is".    I watched Lifetime TV's House of Versace last night with pretty low expectations in the accuracy or artistic merit department, but fully expected to see some great fashion.


I love Gina Gershon as an actress.  She plays ballsy roles that mix sexy, wacky and scary oh so well.  She played an over-the-top Italian beauty maven on the television show Ugly Betty a few years which no doubt served as her audition.  As Donatella Versace, she looked great and created a flawed, but sympathetic character.  She was over the top as you would like her to be with the men, sassy quotes, drugs and drama.  However, I'm sure I'm not alone in being disappointed that there wasn't a bit more humor in this portrayal.  I think Maya Rudolph set the bar too high on Saturday Night Live.  

I was preparing to indulge in a trip to my favorite 1990's fashion moments.  The peppy club hits at the beginning of the movie had me optimistic.  I was actually at the first Versace show to debut in Bryant Park many years ago.  It was one of my favorite shows of all time.  However, the biggest disappointment of this film was the cheap recreations of the Versace fashion.  It was far too obvious that the pieces were not the real thing.  The models in the film just didn't have the walk or the attitude or the posture of the models back then.  The fabrics looked cheap and clothes fit poorly.  I know that the costume designer Claire Nadon attempted to source some pieces from Ebay and followed pictures in a book, but 90% of the wardrobe were just knockoffs.  Really?  Half the women in Los Angeles and every costume studio should have racks of it.  

For all of Donatella's declarations about heels and confidence, the runway shows certainly didn't reflect it.  The poorly produced fashion segments looked so bad that the viewer who doesn't remember the real thing will end up wondering why the Versace name ever became an icon.

Drugs and champagne in fashion! Yes, it exists, but only occasionally to a certain segment of the population.  Yes we know the woman went to rehab.  The movie started with her hustling for editorial and celebrity coverage.  All the extraneous work that needs to be done just to get the fashion designs to be seen, but the movie dissolves into scene after scene of her drug use that overshadows her work and particular talents that made her a great partner to her brother.  Gianni was murdered, cue slo-mo Donatella drop to the ground.  How about the shock and sadness of all of his peers and what he meant to the fashion world?

I know a Lifetime Movie is about sensational drama and not a documentary.  I just wish for once that the real star (the clothes) would be the ones to shine.

Did you watch the movie?  What did you think?

Photo: Joseph Viles/Courtesy of Lifetime

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Monday, October 7, 2013

Cherry Blossom Dreams from THEIA Spring 2014

A stroll through the garden to admire cherry blossoms and a dream of Japan inspired Don O'Neill's spring 2014 collection for THEIA.  His NY Fashion Week presentation at the New York Palace Hotel was an exquisite display of traditional embroidered silks  but also modern digitally printed neoprene.

The beautiful motifs were inspired by classic paintings by Hokusai and also the designer's photos from the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.  Bold seams of black, red, white echoed vintage kimono looks and graffiti while palettes of pink and blue reflect the colors of spring.  The Eastern muse is a departure from Theia's European Goddesses of light.  The long sweeping silhouettes or elegant beaded sheaths are sure to show up on the next round of red carpet Goddesses this award season... 

Bravo Don!

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Saturday, October 5, 2013

Resurgence Detroit - Ann Yee Spring 2014

I love a designer who creates on a cerebral level and an aesthetic one.  Ann Yee's spring 2014 collection for NY Fashion Week was first inspired by the history of urban Detroit.  She thought about its decayed architecture and economic state and now the progressing resurgence as a city.  How did she translate this on a fashion level?

There were industrial colors of steel grey and concrete softened with some pale blue and pink.  Her silhouettes in woven items had architectural elements mixed with detailed knitwear design.  Metallics were used in the fabrics, accessories and styling as tribute to the automotive industry.  The star print in her presentation was one created from a series of photographs taken by her cousin and brother of the city.  Images of iconic Detroit buildings, graffiti, urban corners showed that even the simplest parts of a community can be beautiful.
Print created by Ann Yee's family
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Thursday, October 3, 2013

Style Secrets of Dancing With the Stars

 I had the pleasure of sitting in on a fabulous conversation with Dancing With the Stars costume designer, Steven Norman Lee.  The National Arts Club in New York City hosted an intimate event for its members and dance fans to discover the secrets behind the glitter and dance steps.

Steven was very sweet and humble.  It was clear there were more ballroom fans in the audience than fashion fans.  Some of the general rules in dressing the celebrities were obvious; couples could not be dressed in the same color themes as other couples the same week.  If there is a tango to be performed that night, you can bet red and black will be the palette.  The direction for the costumes is more contemporary than the traditional look you would find at the famous Blackpool ballroom dance competition.

The good stuff came from questions from the audience, namely who was the easiest or most difficult to dress over the years.  Being a gentleman, Steven did not have anything bad to say about the celebrities.  However, he did cite Marie Osmond as someone who was very particular, due to the fact that she had spent such a large part of her life in this type of costume and knew what worked on her.

Surprisingly, the least diva of the bunch are the professional male athletes.  Steven credits this to the fact that their naivete to the ballroom genre allows them to just trust the people who have more experience and not question their choices.

Being the technical designer in the crowd, I asked about the nitty gritty or specific tricks he uses to accommodate the dancing.   His top secrets:

-Men's shirts are often strapped or bound around their legs so they don't ride up in the performance
-There's nothing underneath those jackets...Collars and cuffs are faked.
-Sham Wow (yes, the late night infomercial stuff) is used as a secret costume fabric to absorb sweat.

What has been your favorite Dancing With the Stars look?

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Disco Divas at Reem Acra Spring 2014

reem acra dress
reem acra spring 2014
 The dancing queens came down the runway at Reem Acra's spring 2014 fashion show.  Metallic gold halter dresses, bared shoulders, bugle beaded starbursts brought back memories of Studio 54 for a generation of fashion fans who probably were probably never even there.

Never mind, the glamour of this nightlife inspired collection sizzled on the reflective runway.  The silhouettes were body conscious but flattering. Aside from the liquid gold and black looks, the more daytime looks included graphic renditions of houndstooth and  polka dot prints.

This collection was certainly more downtown than Reem Acra's more usual uptown leanings.  Even the signature ballgowns had sheer black sequined embellishments that would look appropriate under a mirrored ball.

Are you ready to boogie these looks on the red carpet?

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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Knightlife Chic - Fort Tryon Medieval Festival

medieval costume
fort tryon medieval fair
medieval costume

Weeks of runways and fashion shows have given way to the Fort Tryon Park Medieval Fair.  Here the catwalk is covered in heather and leaves. The models come in all shapes, sizes and ages. The historical costumes are researched to varying degrees while for some the medieval fashion is just an excuse to dress like a princess.  Some fans bypassed the time period altogether and dressed as their favorite fairy-tale characters (loved the Wicked Witch and her winged monkey with red behind).
gothic costumes


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