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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year's Eve Sparkle - Two Budgets

metallic fashion

2013 is over and I am ready to party.  I'm going for the glitter, the sparkle and the bling.  I gravitate towards shiny things like dorky bird.  Looking for New Year's Eve style?  You can splurge or save, and look gorgeous either way in an outfit coordinated to match your bubbly tonight:

Splurge:
Matthew Williamson Mirror Lace Dress ($5760)
Jimmy Choo Gold Glitter Sandals ($795)
Alexander McQueen Whipsnake Knucklebox Clutch ($2895)
Jessica Robinson Diamond Angell Wing Choker ($17500)
Petralux Vintage Chandelier Earrings ($5815)
Missoni Fur Stole ($1150)

Save:
Satin and Chiffon corset dress from Dorothy Perkins ($99)
Michael Kors Berkley T-Strap Glitter Heels ($99)
Ivanka Trump crystal flap handbag ($125)
Crystal Flower Necklace ($15)
Lauren Conrad Crystal & Faux Pearl Earrings ($10)
Gap Faux Fur Bolero ($45)
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Sunday, December 29, 2013

Son Jung Wan Spring 2014

Serenity now.  Son Jung Wan's Spring 2014 collection for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week took its inspiration from Morocco.  The reference is not immediately recognized, no dark djellabas or dowdy head wraps.  Instead, think relaxation in a private riad, watching a North African sunset.  The colors she used included pretty pink, tangerine and sunny yellows against shimmering ivory silk.

The first part of the show included a lot of origami-type folds and raw edged fabrics.  While this doesn't sound Moroccan, I found similar folded techniques in the leather goods of Fez.  There were some short hemlines for this light spring collection, which I can definitely say I did not see in Morocco.

Design details in this collection included a criss-cross lattice technique that was found on necklines and hems.  The lattice look was also carried into the platform sandals on the runway.  The criss cross look also was echoed in some of the bead and sequin embroidery.  Sequin and bead embroidery.

Son Jung Wan always does a pretty and wearable collection each season at NY fashion week.  I wish it was easier to find in local stores.  It is also refreshing not to have to see a collection theme taken literally.  Who needs to see a camel on a catwalk?

photos by Mariana Leung

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Friday, December 27, 2013

Rachel Zoe Spring 2014

rachel zoe fashion show
Congratulations Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman! The couple recently welcomed their baby boy Kaius Jagger to the world.  While Rachel Zoe worked on her newest "production" her spring 2014 collection did not seem to suffer.  Her fashion at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was a more cohesive presentation than previous shows.

The color palette was a cleaner mix of ivory, dark brown, black basics with lots of bold animal or bohemian geometric prints.  The overall styling looks exactly like Rachel Zoe as a brand, rather than a greatest hits of what she might wear from other designers as I have criticized in the past.  Lots of long flowing tunics, long jackets, short shorts gave you a range of lengths and silhouettes.  It looked upscale, easy to wear and perfect for the California lifestyle she embodies. 
zebra shoes
Shoes were a blend of gladiator sandals and heeled upgrades of them.  Metallic, zig zag straps, prints made them fun.  Of course vests and hats were a part of the mix as you would expect from Rachel Zoe. 

I am a little disappointed that we aren't going to see how the undoubtedly destined to be stylish Kaius Jagger Berman will spend his first few days in the world.  News of the cancellation of the stylist's reality show had just been announced around fashion week.

You just have to be a celebrity getting dressed for the red carpet this award season for your chance to cuddle the new fabulous one. 

Photos by Mariana Leung
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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Happy Holidays from Ms. Fabulous

May you all have a Merry Christmas, a happy belated Hanukkah, a joyous Kwanzaa and a stylish new year.

Thank you to everyone who engaged with this site and brought inspiration to our team for a fashionable 2013.  We have seen some of the most innovative advances in technology this year as well as a return to traditional artisan techniques.  This was a record year for designer collaborations and programs that support up and coming talent.

While this year started off rough, I ended up having the pleasure of working with some of my favorite brands of all time and taking new directions creatively.  I was fortunate to travel with loved ones to some amazing destinations.

I hope everyone here is spending some time to relax and enjoy the most important people in their lives right now.  Today, what is most fashionable is gratitude and the beauty inside.

Best Wishes and Love,
Mariana
Founder/Publisher of Ms. Fabulous



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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Fabian Zita Spring 2014




argentina fashion
Space age style was offered up from Argentine designer Fabian Zita at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. The collection offered up clean, flattering lines in contemporary silhouettes. The fabrics were semi sheer on bright white and sunny yellow. The collection was tied together with metallic silver handbags and jewelry. The models were given an alien vibe with metallic pointed hats that were chicly tilted.

Fabian Zita has made the label an International presence. In addition to showing in New York, Zita shows in Milan and collaborated with Indian fashion organizations to promote Argentinian style as well. As a successful ambassador for the fashion industry, could the U.N. use a makeover as well?
silver handbag
photos by David TW Leung
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Saturday, December 21, 2013

Pakistan Bridal Week


Looking for a blushing bride in white?  At Style 360's Pantene Bridal Couture Week, you would have seen every other color of the rainbow instead.  Taking place in Lahore, Pakistan, the 3 day festival was a celebration of wedding style, fashion, hair, beauty and entertainment.

The fashion runway, or "ramp" as it was referred to, showcased established and up-and-coming designers.  Make-up and hair trends were exhibited and around 50 models walked the catwalk.  Bridal couture is not the endless sea of white gowns and black tuxedos on this side of the world.  The fashions here were made from richly colored, luxurious fabrics that were meticulously hand-embellished with jewels, precious metals and beading.  Designers like Mehdi, Uzma Baber and Zahid Khan bridged traditional artisan techniques with modern silhouettes and styling.

The audience was made up from the country's elite in fashion, arts and entertainment.  The overall effect was simply regal.  I wonder where couples like register for gifts?

Learn more about the designers at the Bridal Couture Week website.
Photos from style360.tv
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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Malan Breton Spring 2014

malan breton spring 2014
 barbie pink
If you were living the life of a luxe Barbie doll, how would you choose to dress?  Malan Breton's Spring 2014 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week answered that question for me.  The elegant presentation at Lincoln Center was a mix of icy pink silk, electric blue, black, red and frosty white.
The ladies wore exquisitely tailored suit jackets with cigarette pants that grazed the ankle.  Dresses were young and upscale, like a prom straight out of Gossip Girl.  The gentlemen wore dapper suits with an interesting play on proportions.  Shorts could be mixed with long jackets, double breasted coats with shimmering silk pants.  They were definitely in brighter (and shinier) colors than your average American man is comfortable with.

However, Malan Breton himself is far from the average man.  He is a Renaissance gent who has built a reputation on costume work and television.  However, Wikipedia also makes note of his writing, photography, directing, musician and mentor in addition to designing his own fashion label.  With all of that, he also finds time to dedicate work to charities like amFAR and Care and Share India.

What drives a man to work at so many endeavors at once? Is it boredom?  Is it curiosity?  Maybe it is just a love of life.  I hope to find out some day.
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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Diane Von Furstenburg Casting Fashion Talent!

photo by David TW Leung
Are YOU the hottest new style talent ready to be mentored by fashion icon Diane Von Furstenburg?  Are you smart, creative and ready jet-set around the world as Diane's top fashion star, learning all you need to know about PR, fashion design and everything else you need to build your fashion empire?

The most amazing apprenticeship I have ever heard of is to be an upcoming reality tv series casting for eight contestants for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  You don't need formal fashion education or professional experience (though I'm sure it helps).

To apply, Send your name, a brief bio, 3 recent photos of yourself with contact information, and dazzle them with why you are going to be DVF's ultimate brand ambassador: DVFCastingTeam@gmail.com 

More information on the Diane Von Furstenburg casting.
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Monday, December 16, 2013

Winter Beauty Survival Kit

N
YC winter is HARSH! The last week kicked my butt with the snow and the wind.  My winter beauty essentials for cold weather are all about pampering and moisturizing your skin.  These are all products I am actively using this season:

My top products for winter beauty:

I start every day with AHAVA Serum under my moisturizer.  My Mom introduced me to this brand when she visited Israel.  She has been a convert ever since.  In the winter, I change up my moisturizer depending on temperature, wind, sunscreen, etc. but the serum goes under it all.  It gives a burst of hydration that I found I can't do without right now.

My hands get super-dry between handling clothes, and forgetting gloves, so Jurlique Hand Cream that I was given as a gift has turned out to be a life saver for my cuticles and digits.

My sister and I can't live without our Kiehl's lip balm.  I prefer the tube with sunscreen.  She likes the tub.  About ten years ago I bought her a super size one more as a joke until six years later, she was still using it and all of her friends and family were disgusted.  I have now committed to buying her a new one every year to ensure that she will discard the old one.

I love the scent of Bliss Body Butter when I apply it before bed; it reminds of their spa.  However, my Hubby likes it too, and the citrus scent is just confusing me when worn by a man.  At least his skin is super soft.

For makeup, I love using Smashbox shimmery cream shadow.  It touts 15-hour wear, and I can't dispute it.  I like using it as a highlight, but also as a moisturizing base to help other shadows stick.   For holiday, I can't help but add some glitter too.  Urban Decay has a lot of fun colors in their Stardust product.

My hair is a mess in winter.  Fekkai Glossing Cream is the multi-tasking product I like to have in my bag.  The thick consistency is great for smoothing out my frizzy flyaways.  A light sweep of it over my hair, in general, is good for shine.  It is moisturizing, also good for the dryness my hair gets after being blasted by wind and sitting next to the office heater.

Essie Good To Go is just great because I beat the crap out of my nails.  It keeps the mani in check (and also stops a run in my tights).  Also, I have little patience; so I am grateful that it speeds up the polish drying noticeably.

 For all the products above, I either recently purchased, received as a gift from family or the brand itself to try.

OK, I need to know YOUR secrets for winter beauty... SPILL!
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Friday, December 13, 2013

You Never Leave Parsons: 560 Parsons Farewell Party

mariana leung parsons
parsons fashion design
parsons goodbye party
It's the end of an era on 7th avenue. My alma mater of Parsons School of Design is bidding farewell to their campus at 560 7th avenue and moving downtown. I spent my junior and senior years in this building, draping, drawing, sewing... I made some of my best friends (who still are) within these walls.

Current fashion dean Simon Collins hosted a goodbye party to the space last night on the second floor. To the rest of the world, the second floor of the Parsons School of Design Fashion building is home to the Project Runway fashion shows (and judgement).  In my junior year, it served as the venue for my fashion show too.

On my first day in the fashion department, each student had the opportunity for a one-on-one meet and greet with then department head Stan Herman (now a beloved fashion figure on QVC). I had psyched myself up to present myself as professional and sophisticated, only to have Mr. Herman pinch my cheeks and tell me how adorable I was. I was crushed.  Of course, that made me push harder for the next few years.

My favorite teachers were Steven Broadway in illustration and Maria Laveris in draping.  I was lucky enough to partake in Steven's drawing sessions recently, glad to see he is still inspiring the fabulous in young artists.

isaac mizrahi parsonsStandout moments in my Parsons experience, also turned out to be historical fashion industry ones. The school recruited a few of us to assist former alumni Isaac Mizrahi in dressing his fashion show which ended up as the documentary "Unzipped". One of the first behind-the-scenes reality-style movies that preceded Project Runway by a decade. Of course, the man mentoring the designers, Tim Gunn was at Parsons too but was not yet a part of the fashion department.


In my first semester in the fashion department, I also had the opportunity to volunteer for the CFDA at the first Bryant Park fashion shows when it was called 7th on 6th. A bunch of students were invited to Gianni Versace's first fashion show at New York Fashion Week, which ultimately turned out to be  rare and tragic as he was murdered a few seasons later.


For my senior fashion show, I had two mentors, Tracy Reese and Louis Dell'Olio.  I created a big, dimensional origami bridal dress (long before Galliano and Dior). I also made a tailored jacket/tulle ballgown ensemble that represented both the bride AND the groom (with marriage equality progress, I would like to think this was heralding good things to come). A newly single Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson was Tommy Hilfiger's date and sat in the front row.

I don't know how I will feel walking into that building on the corner of 40th street and knowing it is no longer my former home. With the "Garment Center" rapidly disappearing, the departure of my former school feels like the end of an era.

Did you go to Parsons? What were your favorite memories?
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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair

ebony fashion show
The lack of diversity in fashion is a hot-button topic every fashion week.  With that in mind, it's hard to believe that the Ebony Fashion Fair has been a tradition since 1958.  An exhibit at the Chicago History Museum celebrates the travelling fashion show first launched by socialite Jessie Covington Dent.  The show was taken over in 1963 by Eunice Walker Johnson of Chicago's Johnson Publishing Company which published Ebony and Jet magazine.

The fashion fair had multiple missions.  One was to bring Haute Couture and introduce European designers to a community embracing the new vision of African American style.  Another mission was a fundraising one.  In its decades of running the fashion show, the organization has raised over $55 million dollars for scholarships and charities.  

The exhibit at the museum encompasses over 7000 square feet with backdrops as glamorous as the original events.  Almost 70 looks on mannequins from the likes of Christian Dior, Louis Feraud, Chloe and Oscar de la Renta were curated from the publishing company's costume collection.  Each ensemble is meant to represent key points and moods throughout the fashion history of each era.  The exhibit also made a point of choosing a wide variety of mannequins in different skin tones and body shapes. 

I was a little surprised that there didn't seem to be a lot of African American designers represented.  I understand that the initial goal was to expose the elite European designers to the community for aspiration value.  However in the last few decades, there have been many African American designers who have reached fame and prestige.  Like the 1973 Models of Versailles, it would have been nice to show the progress of how the upscale fashion industry as a whole has progressed socially as well.  

Either way, if you are in town in Chicago, this is not an exhibit to be missed!  Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair runs until January 5, 2014.  
Photo from the Chicago History Museum
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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Designer Gift Shopping! Alice & Olivia, Botkier and Tory Burch Sample Sales

It's the holidays and who doesn't love a little luxury indulgence?  Some of the most coveted fashion designers, Tory Burch, Alice + Olivia and Botkier handbags are having their well-timed sample sales for your elite gift giving (even if it is to yourself).

Alice + Olivia:
The fun ready to wear line is consistently restocking current season frocks in all sizes right in time for all of your holiday parties.  Prices are up to 70% off.
When: Starts Tuesday frm 9am—8pm, Wednesday 9am—7pm, Thursday 10am—8pm, Friday 9am—7pm, Saturday 10am—7pm through Sunday, December 15, 10am—3pm
Where: 260 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th Streeet, New York NY (212-725-5400)

Tory Burch: 
The socialite known for making goldtone hardware and upscale global chic has a comprehensive sale this week.  Her classic tunics, prints, handbags and shoes are up for grabs at about 60-75% off retail.
When: This week through Saturday, December 14th, 2013. Hours are 11am to 7pm weekdays and 11am to 5pm Saturday
Where: 261 West 36th Street, (between 7th and 8th avenue) 2nd floor.

Botkier:
Do you love handbags as much as I do?  Monica Botkier's edgy, elegant purses can be had at 75% off of retail prices.  This one is great for last-minute shopping too.
When: December 19th to December 22nd.  10 AM to 7 PM.
Where: 225 5th Avenue, (between 26th and 27th street) New York NY

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Monday, December 9, 2013

Tracy Reese Spring 2014

lesbian fashion
tracy reese spring 2014
Ladies who saunter to the beat of a festive drum.  Tracy Reese's Spring 2014 fashion show at Lincoln Center was a sexy parade of bright colors, floral prints with Latin flair and Cuban swagger.  This designer, along with colleague Byron Lars is a favorite of Michelle Obama.  You can picture the First Lady showing off her muscular arms in the fitted short sheath dresses or presenting a great speech in the well cut print blazers.  

With tilted fedoras and cigarette pants, there were many looks that came down in pairs.  The bag of choice was a complementary printed backpack for the girl REALLY on the go (for great distances).  The models were cozy with each other, prompting me to wonder if another type of message was being expressed in support of recent political rulings.  True or not, I know the burly male photographers in the pit with me did not mind.

Tracy Reese was always a down to earth woman when I was first assigned to her as my designer mentor at Parsons School of Design.  She had the best assignments and constructive advice.  It was good to see her again when I volunteered to photographer Tracy Reese for the Fashion Fights Cancer event.

I love that her look is always a mix of fun and feminine for grown women.  I love the embellishment and play of colors with mixed prints.  No wallflowers, just blooming ones please!
Photos by Mariana Leung
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Sunday, December 8, 2013

Blogger Love: Glam Giving and Global Beauty

lalam1205

We are firmly planted in the middle of gift shopping season.  My fellow fashion bloggers are clearly seasoned shoppers.  This edition of Blogger Love rounds up intensive shopping advice, some DIY posts on making stylish gifts yourself and a few articles (mine included) examining beauty from global cultures:


  • Beauty & Sass: 5 reasons to wear sunglasses year round
  • Daria Burkova: Gift Ideas: Best for Women
  • DressCode:HighFashion: Trend Colour Purple F/W 13/14
  • Gloss Glimmer: 5 Hot Holiday & New Years Eve Party Dresses
  • Kiri Yanchenko: Do It Yourself Fashionable Stripes
  • KJ: DIY Christmas Decorations: Fabric Hearts
  • Lara Lizard: What to do if an online store rips you off?
  • Lollie Shopping: Shoppers Deserve Better Than Black Friday Madness
  • Loser Girl Wins: A Sweatshirt Worth A Thousand Words
  • Kremb de la Kremb: My Five Hair Dos
  • ModaVracha's Spot: It's the season for giving, give a purposeful gift
  • Ms. Fabulous: Street Style Vietnam: Amazing Costumes of the Hmong People
  • On/Off Duty: How to do Cute as a Grown up
  • Racheeng: 3 Ways to Wear Boyfriend Jeans
  • Style Bizarre: Get the Style of Fiona Goode
  • Style Vanity: New Rose Gold Hair Color Trend & How to Get It?
  • The Undercover Princess: Royal Fashionistas: Letizia, Princess of Asturias
  • Wild Beauty World: Stealing Beauty: Fashion's Cultural Appropriation
  • Wings for Liberty: OFW: How to style a pair of shorts five times!

  • SPONSOR: East Dane, DV Sandals, Ferragamo Bags, Gant Rugger, Minkoff Flats, Rivieras, JPG, H by Hudson, Miansai, Demylee, Varvatos
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    Thursday, December 5, 2013

    Radiant Orchid: Pantone's Color of the Year 2014

    There you have it, the much anticipated Pantone Color of the Year was announced as Radiant Orchid.  The color is a pinkish purple, somewhere between a pastel and bright tone.  Designers of all fields, trendwatchers and creative media have and are influenced by this announcement.

     Is it truly that important? Consider this, business leaders who otherwise have no opinion on color or design have been known to pull their investment from a brand for their lack of the color in their upcoming collections, thinking they are no longer relevant.  Ouch.

    Besides the purple/pink color as the hue of 2014, the "orchid" part of the equation is also key.  When scrolling through my photo albums of New York Fashion Week, I found that designers who made this color a key component of their collections also incorporated it into bold patterns resembling tropical florals.

    Desigual had huge over-sized painterly blossoms (clockwise from top left).  Custo Barcelona used the color ethnic, geometric prints.  Theia embroidered big blooms in sequins.  Dolores Cortes used it as an accent on a retro styled print.  Monique Lhuillier appliqued flowers in the orchid color onto elegant dresses.  Mordekai had the most literal interpretation, with a model in a purple bikini wrapped in orchids.
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    Tuesday, December 3, 2013

    Pamella Roland Spring 2014

    coral dress
    pamella roland spring 2014
    The glamour of 1960's film stars was the inspiration for Pamella Roland's Spring 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week.  After attending the Cannes Film Festival last year, the designer wanted to evoke the style of classic movie beauties like Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly.

    The clothes had simple, elegant silhouettes with a clean color palette of white, black, sunny orange, blush and Cote d'Azur blues.  Several pink dresses paired with blonde bouffants reminded me of vintage Barbie dolls.  There were ladylike shifts and suits along with one particular show-stopping chiffon gown that swirled on the runway in a cloud of coral.  I also loved the graceful models who worked the red carpet looks like big puffy taffeta capes and floral fishtail gowns.

    The signature motif was a honeycomb hexagon pattern that showed up in embroideries and mirror appliques.  This added a mod graphic touch to the otherwise sedate looks in some cases.

    Pamella Roland has never been the most fashion-forward label.  I believe her core client is a little more established, a little less adventurous, but that's okay.  These are the ladies you can only hope to be when you grow up and achieved all you wanted to achieve.  Even if all you wanted was to dance in the sand.
    Pamella Roland SS14 photos by David TW Leung
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    #Unselfie Style - #GivingTuesday


    It’s the morning after  Cyber-Monday.  I thought I would take a break from the holiday shopping and gift guide planning to focus on giving.  The #Unselfie and #GivingTuesday campaign is a social media initiative most active on Instagram to take away from your own narcissism and instead raise awareness of a cause that is important to you.  The point is to post a photo with information on your cause instead while obscuring your own face.

    The project was launched with the 92nd Street Y, Mashable, the United Nations Foundation and over 2,000 partners, big and small, across America.  Do you have a charity that you regularly donate to?  What about an organization that you volunteer for?  This is the perfect opportunity to give them a shout-out.

    I can’t say I am particularly loyal to one specific cause.  I have volunteered my time over the years for DIFFA, Fashion Fights Cancer and many seasons with the CanadianCancer Society.  I am happy to give blog space to promote pretty much any good cause one of my fashion industry peeps are passionate about.

    The general public has an image of the fashion industry as a vain and shallow community, but in my 20 years in it, I have found it to be the exact opposite.  I can’t name any prominent fashion brand or designer who doesn't devote a good percentage of time and resources to a great cause. 

    To name a few:

    Cynthia Rowley and Lauren Bush have worked together for F.E.E.D.

    Betsey Johnson is a huge advocate for Breast Cancer Awarness with programs for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, Iris Cantor Center, Pink Ribbon products, etc.

    Donna Karan founded the Urban Zen Organization to provide comfort and wellness where the health care industry fails, but also to preserve and support diverse cultures.

    Josie Natori was in her native Philippines right after Typhoon Haiyan hit.  She rallied a large number of fashion brands to donate aid to the country and has channeled visitors to her site to organizations that provide the most help to the victims of the tragedy.

    Read more >>

    Sunday, December 1, 2013

    Kinky Boots Costume Designer, Gregg Barnes

    kinky boots costumes
    kinky boots designer

    I was very lucky to attend a special evening at the National Arts Club featuring Kinky Boots costume designer Gregg Barnes. 

    The multiple award-winning costume designer was in charge of creating fashion fantasies that not only had to wow visually, but look sexy on muscular male bodies. Some of the gorgeous costumes that did not make the cut in the final show on Broadway, as well as some drool-worthy platform boots were on display as the creator provided an insider peek into his world.

    Gregg Barnes gave us some insight on the frustrations that come with working on a large theater production.  On the wall, his amazing fashion sketches for Kinky Boots were projected.  Fans of the Broadway show noted that they didn't recognize many of them and wish they had seen them.  The designer explained that as beautiful as a design can be, in the process of developing the show, many looks just don’t fit the narrative or a particular function sometimes.  It can be particularly disappointing when the actors have rehearsed and performed in a costume they love in previews, and then the higher-ups cut it from the scene.  Barnes remembered the cast actually huddled and had a cry over the loss of their favorite looks.

    Kinky Boots is not the first movie to Broadway adaptation challenge for Barnes.  He previously worked on the theater costumes for Legally Blonde.  While movies can highlight important images with close-ups and focused angles, the stage does not afford that luxury.  He cited a bad review where his costumes for the “L.A. Princess” chorus were likened to New Jersey mall-rats.  Gregg said that the irony was that he actually did do that deliberately, to put enough contrast between the chorus and the lead character (who was dressed as an L.A. princess) so that the audience would always be able to notice the star first.  This is difficult when the star may not be the tallest performer or the look of the characters is all wearing bright colors.
    The plot of Kinky Boots involves a drag queen seeking exotic footwear that can accommodate both his size and performance.  Ironically, this was also the reality of the challenge for this show as well.  Surprisingly, as a costume designer, Gregg Barnes admitted that he didn't know much about drag performers and found them off-putting before the show.  Upon his research, he grew to respect and admire both the large range of talents one needs to have to be a drag queen, and how the entertainers are a commentary of the times (celebrity, political, cultural, etc.) 

    It was fantastic to hear the internal struggles of a very accomplished costume designer rather than the typically shallow interviews you might get in the press.  He validated all the angst and difficulties that all creatives I know face in working with dream projects so we know that none of us are immune!
    National Arts Club Photos by Mariana Leung, Stage photo by Sara Krulwich/The New York Times
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