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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Byron Lars Spring 2015 Look Book Shoot

byron lars ss15
byron lars spring 2015

The Ms. Fabulous team hung out behind the scenes of the Byron Lars Spring 2015 look book shoots to drool over his latest collection.  The designer has had a notable 2014. He presented his spring 2015 collection at Harlem Fashion Row while also receiving the Fashion Designer of the Year award.  Earlier in May, he was also honored with the Pratt Institute’s Fashion Visionary Award.    In chatting with Byron though, he is too humble to let it affect his ego or approach to work (he was even reluctant to let his proud team congratulate him online).

For spring 2015, Byron Lars made a conscientious decision to create a collection with more casual, easy pieces.  He actually cites his recent work with HSN in helping him understand how he could design more every day clothes for all shapes that are still interesting.  That certainly doesn’t mean you should expect shapeless blocks on a hanger from him.  Even more relaxed items, like tunics and shirts have exquisite details and textured fabrics.  He certainly knows how to create a structured diva outfit for a posh luncheon or red carpet.  Now he dresses the diva who can lounge on her couch as well.

The color palette for much of the collection was a season less black, white and neutral pumice.  There were accent colors like cantaloupe and amethyst purple.  There were embellished pieces like the Guatemalan inspired lace blouses embroidered with tiny worry dolls or the intricately textured jacket in native textiles.  I am honored to hear that Byron was inspired by some of my travel photos for those pieces (which were my favorites).   Lace appliques on lace were a pretty combination along with layered laser-cut details on everything from georgette to vegan leather.  A beautiful nature art print and fabrics like multi-colored confetti on black allow those of us who stick to our Gotham wardrobe colors to add some ‘pop’.

I am so excited for spring to come around so I can start working these Byron Lars pieces into my wardrobe.  Yay 2015!  
Photos by Mariana Leung
harlem fashion row
Byron Lars Spring 2015 - Harlem Fashion Row
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Sunday, September 28, 2014

DC Fashion Week: Corjor International at the National Archives

Were you aware of D.C. Fashion Week?  September has been flooded with the runway reports from New York, Paris, London and Milan that the designers from our nation’s capital are largely ignored.
I had the fortune of stopping by Washington D.C. and checking out the kickoff event at the National Archives where participating designers mingled over cocktails and enjoyed Corjor International’s runway show.

D.C. Fashion Week may not have a lot of well-known brands, but it represents emerging designers from all over the globe.  It also spotlights modest fashion that complies with religious standards of certain cultures, but can be seriously stylish, even if mainstream fashion media doesn’t cover it.
In the United States, there are not many venues more impressive than the grand rotunda housing the Constitution as a backdrop to the models.  Corjor International’s designer Ean Williams named his label with a combination of his children’s names.  His fashion show was a combination of all the different lines he works on, from bridal, to menswear to evening wear.  He also acts as the ambassador for D.C. Fashion Week by sending out information and communicating personally to press inquiries. 
Unfortunately, the dramatic venue was not built for fashion event photography.  The dome and polished stone room resulted in too much feedback from all audio announcements, so the press pit had no idea what was said during the presentation.  The theatrical lighting forced less experienced photographers to use their flash and ruin most of everyone else’s images.  I barely had anything usable to show you from what was otherwise a beautiful show.  Ean Williams clearly has a love of textured fabrics and is glamorous silhouettes. His menswear was offered tailoring in unusual palettes. 

If you are not too fatigued from the labels you know at the major fashion week offerings, take a chance to discover the ones you don’t know at D.C. Fashion Week.
Check out U.S. Cities You Didn't Know Had a Fashion Week
by Ms. Fabulous at Mode
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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Wearables at Maker Faire NYC

light up shoes
Maker Faire is that giant science fair you dreamed of as a child.  The sprawling festival of crafts, DIY, science and geekery took place at the New York Hall of Science this past weekend.  Wearable tech had a major presence at New York Fashion week and many of the original concepts got their start from places like Maker Faire.

iLuminate is a dance troupe whose signature look is the light up costumes the performers wear
onstage.  Guests could try on helmets and shoes tricked out with the glowing El-wires stitched to the base pieces.  A few cast members were on hand to demonstrate the effect in close-up.

ezgi ucar

Ezgi Ucar is a graduate student at Parsons School of Design in technology.  Her focus is on multi-sensory experience design.  Her necklace and jewelry pieces double as a musical instrument.  The contrast "beads" are actually keys for different musical notes.  For someone like me who loves to play with her accessories, being able to play my favorite tune with my idle fingers could be a blessing (or curse) to whoever gets to stand next to me on the subway...

pearlie mae mermaid

Do you want to be a mermaid? Pearlie Mae took mermaid culture to new heights with her beautiful hand-crafted costumes.  She created molds for different sized scales and hand-poured the glitter rich silicone individually.  The end result is as close to a real mermaid tail as can exist in our realm.  The tails are functional and Pearlie Mae goes swimming in them.

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Badgley Mischka's Silver Anniversary - Spring 2015

A quarter century together!  Designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka may have tied the knot last year but their life and label have been official for 25 years.   My former draping teacher at Parsons had fond memories of watching the two of them work together at a corner table in the classroom in the years before I attended the school myself.

The spring 2015 collection of Badgley Mischka was a parade of elegant day looks and dream gowns.  Fluid silk pants and flirty skirts were paired with tweed jackets with motorcycle styling or luxe cardigans for daytime.  Evening wear had a gorgeous palette of light purple, pale blue, different shades of grey and caramel. 

Many of the bodices or skirts were lavishly embellished with jewels, moonstones and satin flowers.  The embroidery was layered on top of lace and tulle.  Rich beading was also used to accent the key print of an elaborate cherry blossom pattern.


Accessories were almost as impressive.  There was a very sophisticated backpack that upgrades the entire category.  There was a giant jeweled bow on a shoulder.  Big clear Lucite cuff bracelets were made luxurious with shining stones.  Small box clutch handbags had a subtle, holographic finish and decorated with rhinestone motifs.  Shoes had delicate straps, often two-toned with python finish leather and embellished with jewels or shiny hardware. 

The show’s finale included a shower of balloons and a surprise appearance of Naomi Campbell who walked in Badgley Mischka’s first runway show.  Now I can’t wait to see their golden anniversary show!
photos by Mariana Leung
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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Cruba by Mira Becker

cruba fashion

What a treat NY Fashion Week can be when it reunites you with old-time school chums.  Mira Becker (now Von der Osten)  was in my class at Parsons School of Design.  I always remembered her wicked sense of humor and cool design sense.

Her label CRUBA hails from Berlin, Germany.  She proudly manufactures her collection within the country as well as in Poland.  She uses beautiful silks and cashmere, along with innovative closures like transparent and rubber zippers.  Her signature look then and now has been her use of drape.  Mira likes the juxtaposition of a slender fitted knit on one side of the body and an artistic drape of silk on the other.

Her key prints for spring 2015 was a quilted floral, which was quite a departure from her comfort zone.  The other print that was executed on silk and textured cotton was one that initially looked like pretty colors in an abstract pattern on white ground.  It was actually based on a photograph of garbage blown across snow, a way of making something beautiful from something discarded.  Of course, Mira jokingly referred to it as her “White Trash” print privately. 

cruba fashion germanyOther key pieces in her collection were the hand knit sweater top made from multiple strands of cords in different sizes.  Tomato red was a hot color next to some of the neutrals and navy.  Mira Becker explained that the German fashion customer was all about impeccably finished clothing.  The irony is that the many of her customers are New Yorkers who have wandered their way into her boutique in Berlin’s gallery district.

Bravo and come visit often Mira!
photos by Mariana Leung
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Monday, September 22, 2014

Angel Sanchez Spring 2015

angel sanchez fashion
angel sanchez ss15
Angel Sanchez is best known for his knock- out evening dresses and beautiful bridal gown collections.  His collection was light and colorful, filled with stylish dresses and separates perfect for day to evening social occasions and balmy summer nights. 

The inspiration and color palette of the collection was light and the colors in the sky. Light blue, pink, yellow, and white were the dominant colors in the collection, along with exotic floral prints. Sanchez chose a gorgeous double-faced canvas in pink that resembled Radiant Orchid, the 2014 color of the year from Pantone. Bright yellow piping on seams and unusual closures accentuated solid color garments. Unexpected cutouts, piping, and embroidery added texture and versatility to the garments and the collection.

With so many standouts in this collection, I found it challenging to choose my favorites. There was the three piece outfit of pink Faille coat, bandeau top, and double faced canvas shorts. I loved the crepe gown, in a bright citron color, with cutouts and high front slits. One of Sanchez's signature evening gowns; an embroidered organza gown with piping in citron yellow was stunning.

angel sanchez
photos by Mariana Leung
There was a lot of wearable tech at NY Fashion Week this season, with technology disguised in accessories.  At this show, the fashion accessories looked like tech components.  The bright neon citron color was seen in sculptured necklaces and bracelet cuffs.  The tech fabric of neoprene was also integrated into more classically tailored evening wear.

Angel Sanchez does it again and delivers a wearable collection of feminine & elegant clothes...perfect for the modern woman.

Gracias por la increíble colección de Sr. Sanchez!
xo,
Elaine Fioravanti of Best Dressed Ginger
Reporting for Ms. FABulous.


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Miz Mooz Shoes Loves New York

miz mooz fall
yoga nyc skyline
 I couldn’t dream of a better New York night than one spent with the team of Miz Mooz shoes this past week.  It was a warm, early evening where a bunch of my fellow bloggers and I stretched our way through an invigorating yoga class.  We were absolutely spoiled with the backdrop of the sun setting on the Manhattan skyline.

That’s the sentiment I have with Miz Mooz shoes.  They are a homegrown New York brand that is like the savvy girlfriend that first welcomed you to Gotham and took you shopping.  Miz Mooz is where many ladies got outfitted to begin their sophisticated fashion girl life and the telltale bright orange bag.  Their shoes have that distinct vintage styling and quirky details that you recognize on the streets Downtown.  They are built to be comfortable and sturdy because New Yorkers walk everywhere. 

Miz Mooz had their fall styles up for a tryout during the yoga session.  There were many boot options, from short booties to knee high lengths. I love the retro closures of the buttons along the side on styles like the Normandy and Denise.  I used to see styles like this in movies, vowing to buy them when I became a grown-up.  The “Flirt” bootie had a curved, wrapped zipper detail.   They were all made from hand-finished leather.  There were of course the basic dark black, brown and grey colors that every New Yorker owns.  If you want to branch out, they also offer rich bright reds and blues online to add that pop accent to your outfit.

grey vintage shoesMy favorite shoe for fall has to be the Kimmy, with its T-strap and curved heel.  T-straps always remind me of ballroom dance, the curved heels give me support without looking clunky.  The heart-shaped detail at the front and they are offered in grey or black just works with my wardrobe. 

Like every Gotham girl, she longs to travel after she conquers the city.  Miz Mooz shoes are now available all over the country and online.  I like knowing that wherever I end up, I can always have my New York city favorites right next to me.
 Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miz Mooz Shoes.
Photos by Mariana Leung

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Friday, September 19, 2014

You, Your VSP Vision Plan & bebe style for Fall

bebe fall fashion
Tracking Pixel
Hello Fabulous readers. This post is written on behalf of my sponsor, VSP.  This is a vision plan I have used as a near-sighted freelancer for many years.  If you work in the creative industries or work as a consultant, you probably already know about VSP.

I come from a family used to wearing thick glasses.  As a child, my dorky eyewear was a source of nerdy embarrassment.  In high school I graduated to contact lenses.  I never got out of my head that glasses were a geeky look, but they were still a necessity. (This is me at 13 years old in horrible frames and hair).

After going to college and entering the fashion industry, paying for health care in New York as a single worker in a creative industry was rough.  Trying to upgrade my eyeglasses for a professional, fashion forward look was even tougher.  “Designer” frames were exorbitant, you had to make sure your prescription was up to date and you still had to pay for contact lens fittings and the lenses themselves.

As a non-profit vision care company getting a VSP plan was definitely helpful to me.  Their plans started at about $17/month.  Their plans covered annual eye exams with low co-payments and a lot of convenient optometrists near wherever my latest office was.  They have allowances for glasses or contact lenses.  I wish I knew then, but happy to know now that my new plan provided by them gives me access to all sorts of designer frames like the stylish bebe collection above. 

Now, with all of the gorgeous options you have to frame your face, your glasses are as much a part of your fall wardrobe as much as anything else.   Go for a new accent color, a new silhouette or maybe a new finish. 

Once you have your smart new eyewear look, coordinate it with an entire outfit and then win it all! Yes, enter VSP’s Pin It to Win It and you could receive a year’s worth of VSP coverage and a new bebe ensemble for fall.  You don’t need glasses to see how sweet that is…


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf VSP Direct. 
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Thursday, September 18, 2014

Dennis Basso Spring 2015 & A Farewell to Joan Rivers

dennis basso ss15
dennis basso ss15

Every season I am amazed at the sheer magnitude of the beautiful women in attendance for Dennis Basso's spring 2015 runway show. Famous celebrities, media sweethearts, and powerful NY socialites, flock to the tents to catch a glimpse of the designer’s latest creations for the coming season.

A moment for Joan...
In the moments before the house lights went up, and the first heel hit the catwalk, the designer requested a moment of silence in the theater, to honor the memory of his friend and Fashion Week staple, Joan Rivers recent passing. It was a lovely sentiment and one I will not forget.

Luxury resorts in the 1960's inspired the designer's Spring/Summer 2015 Collection. The women who traveled to these luxurious destinations needed to pack a variety of chic ensembles appropriate for daytime activities or evening events in the warmer temperatures.

In typical Basso fashion, the collection was chock full of embroidered cocktail dresses, exquisite ball gowns, and playful separates.  The colors of the collection ranged from bright white to soft muted shades in rose, mauve, grey, and taupe. Sheer floral prints looked modern with embellished details. The designer utilized a wide variety of fabrics from organza and linens along with leather and furs in the collection. Yup, that's right; Basso included his signature fur & leather pieces, even for spring.

designer bassoThe standout looks for me were the hand embroidered romper in silver with mink mosaic coat, the silver hand embroidered floral cloque ball gown and the floral mesh cocktail dress in tulle with beading

Whether you agree with Dennis Basso's fabric choices or not, there is no denying, that he stays true to his design aesthetic and vision. This collection is already making a cameo in the upcoming film, "Stealing Chanel" championed by supermodel Carol Alt. Something tells me these gowns may have a few additional Red Carpet moments during awards season.

xo,
Elaine Fioravanti of Best Dressed Ginger
Guest Blogging for MsFabulous.com
photos by Mariana Leung

carol alt stealing chanel

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Tuesday, September 16, 2014

#NYFW: Herve Leger's Spring 2015 - Sexy Bound

herve leger ss15
herve leger spring 2015
Bravo to the Herve Leger design team.  The spring 2015 is one of the best collections I have seen from this label in many seasons.  I think they lost their way for a while.  I even accused them of sharing too many employees from BCBG and stretching them too thin and both collections looked quite similar a few seasons ago.

I’m happy to say that spring 2015 was thoroughly impressive.  It looks worthy of the Herve Leger, luxury Parisian label that it once was.  They were finally confident enough to not rehash the brand’s classic bandage dresses and re-interpret the concept for a new generation of clientele.  The body conscious, bound look was designed with intertwining stretch cords, metal hardware and curve tracing style lines.  Three dimensional embellishments were intricately worked into many of the styles.   The work that went into the pieces truly looked like couture again, and not outfits that just slapped a corset on for effect.

For slightly easier looks, the designers had a group of flattering dresses that used an elegant print that looked like a cross between a tribal and tapestry print, further embellished with contrast color embroidery.   There were a few ensembles using a blocked two-tone beige and black contrast pattern in a tailored, curvy silhouette.
herve leger purse

Handbags were also given an upgrade.  After several seasons of basic envelope clutch handbags, they had very structured pyramid shapes and fan shapes.

This is not a collection that is very forgiving to many body shapes.  Svelte socialites and Hollywood starlets will no doubt be flaunting their bodies on the red carpet in these looks. 
Damn, I need to get to the gym.
photos by Mariana Leung
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Monday, September 15, 2014

#NYFW: Bibhu Mohapatra Spring 2015

bibhu mohapatra ss15
bibhu mohapatra spring 2015
Bibhu Mohapatra’s spring 2015 collection was a tribute to heiress and activist Nancy Cunard.  In addition to socializing with literary and artistic greats like Ezra Pound, Ernest Hemingway and Man Ray, she was an accomplished publisher on her own.  She led the fight against racism and fascism as the new purpose in her life after falling in love with jazz musician Henry Crowder.

While the rebellious spirit of the socialite was a muse for the designer, the aesthetics of the inspiration are a little more subtle.  There were some 1920’s and 1930’s silhouettes.  The turban styled hair, the bias pleat evening gowns had the glamour of madcap heiresses of old Hollywood movies.  The oversized beaded flower motifs paired with pale pink satin reminded me of Paul Poiret in the decade before that.

The color palette was stark, with black, ivory, pale blue and orange when it was mixed with a geometric pattern.  This wicker basket-like print was interpreted in different scales and distorted across luxury fabrics.   The softer rose and red colors were reserved for the embroidered styles.

I don’t know why we don’t see his gowns on the red carpet during awards season.  They are so beautiful and elegant.  Each collection has an artistic edge to them that many other collections just don’t achieve.

Bibhu Mohapatra’s star has risen quickly in recent seasons.  Unfortunately, he seems to have attracted unwanted attention too.  Many photographers were offended when they were thoroughly searched by security before being allowed to shoot this show.  We were told by guards that the designer felt threatened.  

Credentialed photographers have to send in their body of work and assignments in order to be approved.  They have to show official forms of identification in order to pick up their credentials, all of which have a photo and full name.  Most have been photographing fashion week for years.  However, all sorts of random guests who only need a barcode to gain entry to the show, with no identification checked or required, carrying large handbags were all let into the venue without a second glance. 

bibhu fashion
Now, unless someone received a specific tip that a credentialed photographer was the threat, why would you treat them like criminals yet let all the strangers and random “fans” into the fashion show?  Of course, the fashion show guests are generally better heeled (they don’t have to stand for 14 hours with 50 lbs. of equipment on their shoulder).  They also have designer labels on their bags as opposed to bags that carry professional gear.  This was clearly a case of class/style discrimination.  If you were a stalker who meant harm, which route would YOU take?  Easy, random, unchecked guest ticket that you could buy on Craigslist, or spend years building up credentials to be a photographer?  Also, will 99% of the world see your work from photographs or in person at the show?  Do you really want to offend those who take and distribute those photographs? 

Just a thought for the Bibhu Mohapatra PR team...
show photos by Mariana Leung
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Ladie's Night with Chanel's LES 4 OMBRES


The weather is cooling, my eyes are sparkling.  I had a great time last Friday for the launch of Chanel’s LES 4 OMBRES Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow.  The evening was hosted by InStyle beauty editor Kahlana Barfield who gave beauty fans a rundown on fall makeup trends at the Bloomingdale's counter.  

The LES 4 OMBRES collection is sets of four vibrant hues inspired by color combinations found in classic Chanel tweed fabric.  Celebrated artist Jackie Cooper Jr. chose the Tisse Cambon palette for me.  Aside from the pretty combination of bright pink, glittering egglplant, pale rose and taupe, Jackie chose this palette precisely because I shied away from the bold colors in day to day life.  He wanted to prove they were easy to incorporate.

He gave me great tips for applying eye makeup for a “reverse smoky eye”.  Using a primer to help the colors adhere, he advised using a brush in a stipple technique to apply the color to the lid.  It has the effect of a stronger, more even application than merely brushing it across the lid.  The placement of the pigment is also more precise.  He started with the darkest color on the lid, and then blended the bright pink into the crease.  This was definitely a different method from the traditional medium tone lid, highlight on the brow bone, that one was always taught.  I liked it because it was an easy way to incorporate a super bright shade in an accent for those who are gun-shy like me.    A finish all over the lid with some translucent sparkle (the taupe shade in the palette) added a pretty touch.

For my brown eyes, Chanel National makeup artist Sterling Williams recommended a deep purple mascara or eyeliner to make the hazel tones of my eyes pop.  I guess this goes back to basic color theory you learn in art school, about using the opposite ends of the color spectrum to create contrast. 
I had to admit I had to refrain from the champagne and multiples of sweets at the event (are style bloggers that predictable? Yes).   It doesn’t help your beauty appointment to arrive with bloodshot eyes and sugar crushed (from past experience). 

The LES 4 OMBRES palettes all had gorgeous selections of coordinating hues that paired perfectly with fall fashion trends.  The pigments in these colors were quite intense; makes it easy to create a look with huge impact without having to pile the product on.  Now what are your best tricks for a smoky eye?

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Single Edition Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Chanel or Single Edition Media.  Photos by Mariana Leung
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Sunday, September 14, 2014

#NYFW: Mark & Estel Spring 2015 GIVEAWAY!

 The Mark and Estel Spring 2015 show was highly anticipated by the fans of Mark Tango and Estel Day because they were going to release “Malibu Anthem”, their new single and perform it live in addition to their runway presentation. So when the show was about to start in the Salon of the Lincoln Center, the room was buzzing with twice the excitement than your typical fashion show.

I love the idea of mixing different genres. The show started with several black hats, something I love to wear. This style was influenced by the “rockstar” look, mainly in black and white, always showing some skin -either the legs or the belly! The bras appeared often to be part of the outfit and the hair was floating long and wild giving all the models a grunge look!  I experimented with this hairstyle myself after listening to "Smells like Teen Spirit” but it ended up in a tangled mess. Leather silhouettes appear broken by huge shoulders, reminiscence of the jackets of the 80’s, shorts skirts with inventively cut curved shapes. My favorite look was shown by two models walking like twins, one in black with a white bow and one wearing the opposite. Several looks included a bow, a bit excessive in my opinion. The show was dominated by black and white. As a matter of fact the only variation of color came in the form of a dark green hat.

As soon as the last model walked away the lights turned blue and the performance was on! Mark and Estel performed their new song live, Mark wearing a leopard print jacket, Estel wearing black and white. The sound was not perfect but the atmosphere was electric! The only other designer who could put on such a rocking show this week was Betsey Johnson!

photos by Mariana Leung
Mark and Estel are based on the West Coast and started making music and band t-shirts “to communicate our music not only with graphic but also the way they were cut”. According to the duo “Fashion is a religion” and it’s no wonder that Lady Gaga wears their clothes!

WIN Mark & Estel's new CD, Fashion First Aid kit & beauty new releases from NY Fashion Week! To win, follow @GeraldineTrip and @MarianaByDesign on Twitter.  Then leave a comment below with the name of your favorite rock song!


-Guest blogger, Geraldine Trippitelli, founder of Mazette Media, an marketing agency specialized in social media. 
 "I'm excited to have my fist posts as a guest blogger on Ms Fabulous! As a former Parisian I love following fashion trends and this blog is one of my favorite. I'm thankful to be given the opportunity to cover shows at NYFW."

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Thursday, September 11, 2014

#NYFW: Vivienne Tam Spring 2015 & the Forbidden City

Vivienne Tam is a master in merging traditional Chinese themes with contemporary techniques.  For spring 2015, the designer took her inspiration from China’s Forbidden City. 

Landscapes and nature patterns like waves and clouds were printed onto blouses or handbags.  Birds, flowers and trees were embroidered onto athletic fabrics like power mesh.  Printed neoprene was cut and appliqued onto other fabrics in a sports meets high fashion mix.  These motifs are found in historical artwork and handicrafts in China and treasures from inside the Forbidden City.  Her color palette was similar to her collections of the past. She used her signature red, black and ivory.  There was a pretty ceramic blue and bits of citrus yellow and purple in prints.

The big trend in many collections this season is wearable tech.  Vivienne Tam offered handbags that charged your phone when you put it inside.  Unlike many of the clunky pieces that many tech companies produced, the accessories on this runway were so stylish, I would be happy to buy them on design alone with the functionality being a big bonus.

The most popular jewelry was a variation on the knotted beaded friendship bracelet.  Unfortunately, my least favorite part of the catwalk was the footwear.  Normally, I would be enthusiastic about seeing a designer promote practical, comfortable footwear, but the socks and flat sandals the models wore looked like a bad tourist cliché.  Paired with the sleek, beautifully rendered pieces on the body above, it just did not make sense.  Was this a nod to the casual attire of Silicon Valley?  Sure, wearing comfy shoes should be a goal in real life, but on the New York Fashion Week runway, I realized I would prefer to see some nice heels on the models that are only spending 90 seconds in them.  Even the most professional of models, wearing socks and flat, duck-like sandals affects how they walk and the overall impression on the runway. 

With Vivienne Tam’s tongue-in-cheek design process, I think the models were lucky their feet were not bound instead.
photos by Mariana Leung

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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

#NYFW: Betsey Johnson Spring 2015 Pre-Nup!

pink wedding dress
betsey johnson fashion show
betsey johnson spring 2015
Spring, summer, it’s the season of the bride.  Designer Betsey Johnson’s Spring 2015 collection reminds you to be a cautious bride though, naming the collection “Pre-Nup”.  The fashion show started with two dolled-up same-sexy couples in white.

What came next was a parade of alternative bridal dresses, but also lingerie, burlesque and sexy frocks that were more appropriate for the bachelorette party (and wedding night!).  The models carried bouquets of flowers of all types, even faux blooms made from fabric or just a paper cut-out.  There were lots and lots of tulle fabric in the form of veils and petticoats. 

The make-up was very dramatic.  The models sported big, smoky eyes and bright red lipstick that gave a much darker edge to the eccentric girly looks on the runway.  It was as if they wanted to remind everyone that yes, they were having fun tonight playing this caricature of femininity, but don’t forget there is a real woman behind the dress who needs to be taken seriously.  Perhaps that is a message that Betsey Johnson as a brand stands for.  One always associates Betsey with hot pink, a female-driven brand that projects a good time.  Fans turn to the label for party dresses and looks that are perfect for a wild night out, but never the office.

While Betsey is cheered during her signature cartwheel, critics have often been catty about her and her daughter’s business skills.  Because they are women, are they being judged by the image versus the actual accomplishments?  It is a global brand that has been around for several decades, been through major challenges and involves multiple family members. 

With so many somber faces on the runway, it is so much fun to shoot this fashion show.  Photographers’ line up for hours before this presentation and it is the most crowded show at Lincoln Center by a longshot.  The burly male shooters who care little about designers or fashion or don’t even have women in their life are fans of this collection.  Who can blame them?

Well into her 7th decade on this planet, Betsey Johnson still performed her signature cartwheel and split, but accompanied by her grandchildren.  Her family joined her to take the bow.  Betsey Johnson’s exit was having the big drag queen bride carry her over the threshold (or backstage).   Bravo lady!
photos by Mariana Leung
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