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Friday, January 30, 2015

Haute Couture: Elsa Schiaparelli Spring 2015

schiaparelli fashion
schiaparelli couture ss15
Not-so-shocking pink was the backdrop to the Elsa Schiaparelli Haute Couture collection for spring 2015. The runway color was a reminder that the famous Italian's spirit was in the house, but the label is moving forward.

There was a distinct Middle Eastern aesthetic in the styling of the fashion show with the jeweled Fez has and draped shawls. Other than that, each ensemble had its own look. Signature Schiaparelli touches were handmade, three dimensional embellishments like the top of overlapping organza stars, large jeweled embroidery that looked like it was executed in a random pattern (but probably the artisan's personal constellation). In fact, each look seemed to have a personal story from the makers or designers with outfit names like "Seamstress in Love" "Battle of Pins" or "Atelier Games". I would love to watch the behind-the-scenes video on the events that inspired that.

There were gorgeous examples of sculptured millinery which I'm sure will be a hit with the Brits. The atelier's own padlock hardware marked the handbags. Jewelry had a similar collaged look with fused metal and jewels. Tailoring was a prominent feature of this collection, but the label took great care to make it look ultra feminine.

It's lovely to see this label back on the Haute Couture runways. I would like to think Elsa Schiaparelli is looking down from her atelier in the sky and smiling.
photos provided by Schiaparelli
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Thursday, January 29, 2015

Haute Couture: Armani Prive Spring Summer 2015

armani couture spring 2015
armani prive ss15

I’m calling the spring 2015 Armani Prive collection of Haute Couture the Straw and Hay show. I know I can clearly see that the big poles on the runway are a hyper modern representation of bamboo. I can see that bamboo is a running motif along with Asian details like wide obi belts.

The super chill palettes of deep navy, grey and herbal green are elegant in that expected Armani way. It is the shiny fabrics, loopy fringe, stiff reedy fringe that I didn’t expect. As sophisticated an image as Giorgio Armani has cultivated, the man does have a sense of humor. I like that he mixed some contemporary, almost nutty novelty pieces with his uber sleek socialite bait. This is a man who played an Italian Prime Minister on Saturday Night Live and then told the host “nice suit” after all. He is a man who was not offended when a snarky reporter asked “Why always beige?”.

Giorgio Armani often likes to include botanical patterns of some sort, so an exotic bamboo leaf was this season’s winner. Instead of literal kimono sleeves or wraps that many other designers have done, the evening gowns had interesting pleats or asymmetrical hems. In fact, the fuller silhouettes on the catwalk took its muse more from a Korean Jaegori than what most people think is a kimono.

With all the wide obi belts on the runway this year, I’m wondering how many buckle makers have filed for bankruptcy. The models hair was slicked, and parted down the middle in a severe style. Some models wore huge statement earrings or none at all.

The Armani Prive Haute Couture collection was the gorgeous Giorgio Armani show you wanted it to be with some fun surprises!
Photos from FirstView/FashionWeekDaily
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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

BCBG Max Azria Spring 2015

pink kimono
bcbg kimono
Spring on the BCBG runway had an Eastern, Boho vibe. There were variations of kimono silhouettes. The color palette was pale, pastel, with lots of white, more white, pink and seafoam.

Lantern sleeves and wide obi belts with trapunto stitching were prominent details. The few prints were truly pretty. They had a layered look that at first looked like an abstract Japanese floral, but were actually inspired by a color reform over-dying technique Lubov Azria observed at a home décor boutique. There were also delicate embroidered details using two different sized pearlized sequins or intricate threadwork. I can see these styles being adapted into a casual beach wedding.

The easy garment silhouettes are very West Coast. Either that, or their fitting team just wanted to make sure that every style could fit everyone (or they don’t know how to fit a garment and playing it safe). The shapeless garments were a trick BCBG as used in past season, so it must be working for them. The exception to that was the quilted renditions of the current moto jacket trend but executed in a super feminine way.
bcbg shoes
photos by Mariana Leung
BCBG finally moved past the envelope clutch handbag shape they were sending down the runway for several seasons in a row. Instead, they have a cute round handbag similar to a minaudiere with a long over shoulder strap or a large retro styled hobo bag.

The models hair was long, flowing and natural. The makeup was natural with a bit of sun-kissed bronzer. 

If you are looking forward to a California by way of Asia look for spring, the BCBG Max Azria collection for spring 2015 is it.
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Sunday, January 25, 2015

SAG Awards Red Carpet Winners

gretchen mol SAG 2015 basso
Another red carpet full of gorgeous beaded gowns for embroidery geeks like me to drool over. The Screen Actors Guild Awards had the most talented performers celebrating their own. Designers framed these actresses in their best work.

The platinum duo was Emmy Rossum in a stunning embroidered lace gown by Armani Prive. Gretchen Mol wore a vintage silhouette with rich crystal beading from Dennis Basso.

julie bowen SAG hobeika

 Julianne Moore blew up Twitter in her dripping emerald beaded dress from Givenchy. Modern Family's Julie Bowen wore a sweet dress embroidered with delicate dimensional flowers by Georges Hobeika. Also from television's  Modern Family was Sarah Hyland wearing a beautiful custom gown by Vera Wang with a jeweled bodice.


The cast of Orange is the New Black were happy to get out of the prison jumpsuits as they all killed it on the SAG Awards red carpet. Natasha Lyonne wore an elegant Proenza Schouler with a sparkling embroidered top. Jackie Cruz wore a figure hugging gown from Christian Siriano embellished with an unusual mix of jewels and beads of different textures. Paula Patton wore a stunning white jeweled gown with rich dimensional beading by Ayesha that is sure to inspire many a bridal trend.

So there you have it, who were your personal favorite on the Screen Actors Guild Awards red carpet?
Photos: Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesKEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGESTEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGEDIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/WIREIMAGEKevork Djansezian/Getty Images,Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
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Fashion Design Contests, Fashion Open Calls 2015

designer fitting

Is 2015 your year? Bring out your best and nail these open calls for fashion designers.

Toronto's World Mastercard Fashion Week is the premier fashion event in the North. The Toronto Fashion Incubator's Press & Buyer's lunch is where up-and-coming designers get one to one time editors and retail buyers to jump start their label. In the few years I have attended Toronto fashion week, I have seen designers go from a table at this even to a full blown headlining runway show and dressing the country's top personalities. Deadline to apply is February 2, 2015.

Are you based down South? Belk Department stores have relaunched their search for new talent for the Southern Designer Showcase. Winners will be chosen on their ability to embody modern Southern style. Those chosen will have their collections sold in the stores and receive valuable mentoring. Deadline is also February 2, 2015.
woman white hat

Fashion grants to the next GIRLBOSS

Nasty Gal has been arguably one of the best success stories in the fashion retail industry of the last few years. Sophia Amoruso and select staff members for the GIRLBOSS Foundation will be choosing the best projects and entrepreneurs in fashion, design, tech, marketing and finance to award grants. Amounts from $500-$15000 are awarded based on creativity, innovation and financial need. There are quarterly deadlines. The winter deadline is February 28, 2015. 
photos by Mariana Leung
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Thursday, January 22, 2015

DIY Beauty Hacks From Your Kitchen

dr oz mariana leung

I made my second appearance on the Dr. Oz show this week. I demonstrated the simple beauty hack of reviving your mascara with your microwave. I thought I might share a few more additional DIY beauty tricks you can perform in your kitchen.

Dried Mascara
Stick your old mascara in a microwave safe mug filled halfway with water. Put it in the microwave for about 15 seconds and check your mascara texture. If you have some contact lens solution, add a few drops of that as well.  It’s not a permanent fix, but will give the mascara an extra day of use in an emergency. My girlfriend Claribel also just let me know that you can use mascara to cover grey hairs and tame flyaways!

Tea Bags for Puffy Eyes
Green tea is the most soothing type for this. After your used tea bags are cool, place them on your closed eyes for a 5-10 minutes to reduce puffiness and swelling. No tea? The classic of cucumber slices cools down stressed eyes too.

Sweet Scrub
Some of the hottest  beauty ingredients right now are coconut oil and honey. Make a scrub out of both of those by adding brown or turbinado/raw sugar. Massage this scrub on dry skin next to your bath tub (it IS super sticky) so you can rinse afterwards without making a mess! Hot water when you rinse can also help melt down the ingredients so they don’t clog your drain.

Manicure Prep
While you have your coconut oil out (or olive oil), warm it to slightly above room temperature and rub on your cuticles. In the winter, my fingers really take a beating, so moisturizing them before a manicure keeps them soft.

Citrus Toner
Again with your coconut oil, you can also make a toner and lightener for your skin by mixing it with some fresh lemon juice. I learned from a fellow guest on the Doctor Oz show that you can get more juice from a lemon by putting it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds first. Be careful that you don’t get it in your eye though!

What are your favorite beauty hacks?
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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Thalia Sodi & Macy's Collaboration Launch


Latin Pop superstar Thalia Sodi launched her sizzling fashion collaboration with Macy’s last night at New York’s Gold Bar. It was an intimate runway show featuring affordable outfits, jewelry and shoes that fit with the diva’s brand.

I don’t think it would be a surprise to say there were a lot of animal prints and bright colors. For the women who like to go dancing at night, there were plenty of tight short dresses and skirts. Cute cropped faux leather jackets were offered in gold, black and red. Flowing camisoles were paired with leopard print leggings.

As body conscious as this collection was, there were certainly pieces that were suitable for bodies of all types. A shoulder baring dress had a more relaxed fit on top but a mini skirt length at the bottom. A bright print dress had a twist front detail under the bust that showed off curvy hips but the shirring and fabric pattern could obscure the belly.

Fans around the world will love the pricing. I think the most expensive jacket or dress did not go over $100. The same pricing applied to the party-worthy shoes. The jewelry, piles of bangles, statement earrings and necklaces were all under $50.

The president of Macy’s announced that this collection has been Macy’s biggest fashion launch. Choosing a Hispanic superstar as their collaborator shows the influence of the Latina market in both style and sales. This fashion show was live streamed on Facebook; another first for Macy’s. The funny angle on the photos is due to me balancing myself between the two video cameras.


Unlike most major fashion shows, all the looks from last night’s show are available to buy right now (instant gratification!) If you’re on a budget and want to flaunt Thalia Sodi for Macy’s for the upcoming fashion weeks, you totally can. 
photos by Mariana Leung
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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Surfing Style – Reef Sandals


Are we sufficiently chilled this winter? My thoughts increasingly run towards tropical climates and sexy surfers on the beach. Reef founders, the brothers Fernando and Santiago Aguerre felt the same 30 years ago and built a company around their shared passion for surfing. The happy ending is the stylish collection of Reef Sandals beloved by surfers around the world.

I first noticed Reef sandals when I tripped over my own cheap flip flops during a Hawaiian vacation. I was then distracted by hunky kite surfers on the quiet Maui beach where they did their thing. These guys would not stand for inferior footwear. The surfers I watched needed shoes that gave real arch support and had real rubber soles for outdoor wear. Reef’s Canisteo sandal had both of these qualities and had a rugged leather fabrication. For more eco-minded guys, the Phantom Player shoe had a sportier look and made with lightweight foam with eco logic compounds for enhanced 
biodegradability. I like to fantasize these guys stroll off the beach and into town for some fun. The style quotient of these sandals makes them date-worthy.


For myself, I want beach-worthy shoes, but the fashionistas in me misses my heels. Reef’s Krystal Star sandals takes care of both. They have their signature EVA footbed for comfort. The outsole is embossed for traction. I love the sparkly strap that makes it just a bit dressier. For ladies more practical than me, you will be fans of the GypsyLove. This shoe has a cushy suede overlay on top of the anatomical arch support. The straps are lined in terry cloth and the soles are embossed rubber for traction. It also doesn’t hurt that the Gypsy loves are cute.

Reef builds its credibility with brand ambassadors all over the world. These guys are hardcore surfers with exotic lifestyles to match. I like seeing true athletes rather just another pretty face. Whether you are planning a winter getaway or preparing ahead for summer, make sure your beach shoes look good AND feel good! Reef Sandals will be there to take care of your surfer guy and your surf chic wherever that beach may be.
-Hawaii photos by Mariana Leung, Content and product photos presented by Reef.com

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Michael Costello Art Hearts Spring 2015

Aliens on the runway! That was my first impression of former Project Runway contestant Michael Costello’s fashion show. His collection at the Art Hearts Spring 2015 presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week sent mixed signals.

The fabulous costumed aliens (I think) that flanked the runway for the models made me think that this would be an avant-garde, artistic show. The looks that came down the catwalk though, were sexy, dark, evening wear pieces that were daring, but not particularly forward. The deep browns, black, blue along with lots of sheer lace and metallic have a sultry look to match the models. Many of the body hugging silhouettes with revealed leg, fishtail hem or cut-outs are just screaming out for a Kardashian sister to wear them. Costello’s West Coast base also makes him primed to serve many a red carpet in the upcoming awards season.

Less successful were the few pieces of lace bottoms. Very sheer lace bottoms with a triangle patch at the crotch? These are the cringe-worthy items that women shake their head at and only a male would design.

Other spacey touches included spiked and studded masks that many of the models wore. I was unclear if this was part of the collection, a separate accessories brand or meant to convey a character? Also, those aliens were distracting because they were so cool, they took focus away from what otherwise was a great ‘diva’ collection.

Aside from these minor rookie mistakes, I am looking forward to what else Michael Costello Couture has in store for on this planet or the next.
photos by Mariana Leung


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Sunday, January 18, 2015

Blogger Love: Real Style Essentials

lalam0115

What do you really need for good style? The answer could be, "More clothes." But we know better. It's about knowing what you wear. It's about finding your self, not your clothing self, but your real self. It's about taking care of yourself. It's about feeling good in your own skin. This week's roundup is about the real essentials you need to be stylish. Whether it be your skin, what's under that skin, or what you're wearing to cover it.

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Saturday, January 17, 2015

Madame Moje Spring 2015

malashnee naidoo
madame moje toronto
 This Toronto Fashion Week collection was born far far away and now resides in the mall I worked at in High School. Madame Moje is produced by the husband and wife team of Malashnee Naidoo and Hamed Emtiaz. It is an interesting love story and brand tale.

The couple met in Johannesburg, they had backgrounds in finance and electrical engineering. They lived in Singapore for awhile but fell in love with Vancouver Canada while on a cruise. Loving the city, but not finding the fashion options to suit her taste, Ms. Naidoo solved the problem by designing her own.

malashnee naidoo hamed emtiaz
photos by David TW Leung
Malashnee Naidoo and Hamed Emtiaz design and produce the Madame Moje collection within Canada. They recently opened a boutique at the Shops at Don Mills, the shopping center where I used to work in High School (but upgraded nicely since then).

The World Mastercard Fashion Week collection and shop was touted to be Parisian-inspired. I don't see a direct Paris muse in the clothing, but the models all sported the side swept hair a la Sophie Marceau. The looks were all dresses. Malashnee favors hyper-feminine, curve flaunting silhouettes. She loves to mix fabrics and textures, pairing lace with brocade, leather and satin, etc.  You may not see these looks in the street style blogs of Le Marais, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are the favorite of every Middle Eastern socialite.

Well there you have it, the global journey of Malashnee Naidoo and Hamed Emtiaz to the hyper-local runway of Madame Moje.

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Thursday, January 15, 2015

Rachel Sin Spring 2015

rachel sin fashion
career fashion
A head for business, and a bod for sin? The theme of Rachel Sin’s spring 2015 collection was Work and Play. The Toronto Fashion Week designer embodies that lifestyle by creating clothes for busy, stylish women. The looks on the runway were appropriate for the office but can be dressed down or up to go out at night.

She designs for women like herself. The clothes are well fit. Her use of color blocking and body flattering lines look great on most women. I have come to recognize the figure contouring seams and quirky graphic prints as her signature aesthetic. The clothes are sexy and tasteful. Her collection is a young one, but I keep seeing top Canadian personalities snatch up her outfits in my media feeds.

I wonder if she also had the line from the movie “Working Girl” in her head like I did when she created this collection. I found the styling of the hair and makeup similar to the reformed sophisticated Melanie Griffith post-makeover. Was the subliminal message that anyone can transform themselves to success with the right look?


toronto fashion week
The line is reasonably priced where most dresses are between $200-$300 USD. The overall design may not be groundbreaking, but all the clothes are what women like to wear and trust they can look good in. I know it is a struggle for young designers to grow into a mega brand, but if I was to place my bets on anyone, it would be Rachel Sin.

Photos by David TW Leung
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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Maison Margiela's Spring Summer 2015 Cabinet of Curiosities

galliano margiela 2015
margiela spring summer 2015
A prodigal son returns to the runway. John Galliano staged his comeback show on behalf of Maison Margiela towards the end of London’s menswear week. A large group of colleagues and contemporaries like designers Alber Elbaz and photographer Nick Knight attended the show in support.

In chatting with my own social group, it was clear that people were torn on how much they wanted to like the collection based on Galliano’s past offensive outbursts. How “Margiela” would the show contain, versus how much “Dior” or “Galliano” he would inject into the show?

Die hard fashion design fans wanted to look past the designer’s offenses and judge the show on merit. The verdict was that the show was a combination of all of the above. The title of the show was “Artisanal”. This was a reference to the hand tailoring, deconstruction and construction of an intricately made garment and his Haute Couture experience. However, I personally felt that the word “artisanal” has been overused in branding these days. I see it used for everything from Mom-made cookies to mass market mustard, even if these clothes earned the adjective more than most.

The catwalk looks themselves did show the abstract tailoring and dark edge that I remember loving in the 1990s. My fellow Parsons students and I worshiped labels like Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester and Helmut Lang for their avant-garde aesthetic. John Galliano respected the label’s history and elevated the deconstructed tailoring with couture touches. Shredded fabric edges were paired with exquisite jackets. Built up corsets had a Gothic silhouette, and then paired with harlequin tights. There is that one red leather 'face' dress outfit that literally looks like someone's demons pushing their way out.

Some fans I talked to felt like it didn't go far enough, yet some said it was too commercial. To me, that means John Galliano got it right. Runway looks are not meant to be worn exactly as styled. Each curiosity in this cabinet could be treasured on its own merit. If curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction in a good collection brings it, and the rest of the fashion crowd back.
 photos courtesy of Maison Margiela
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Monday, January 12, 2015

Golden Globes Red Carpet - Best Embroidery 2015


Ah, I love the Golden Globes fashion on the red carpet. Celebrities are a little more relaxed (or tipsy) and not as precisely styled as they are at the Academy Awards. As with all major awards shows, I am choosing my favorites of beautiful embroidery.

Lupita Nyong’o has been ruling the red carpet for well over a year now. She is a designer favorite and fan favorite because she can carry off the most daring colors and styles. I loved her purple Giambattista Valli Couture gown here for the fabric appliqued bodice. Using several shades of the violet hue, layers of organza were layered in a highly dimensional embroidery technique. 

Into the Woods’ Anna Kendrick wore a beautiful Monique Lhuillier gown from the upcoming pre-fall 2015 collection. The designer favors delicate embroidery (I have designed some for her myself) Varying the density of the sequins on her dress helps emphasize the handmade nature of the embellishment. It also helps to flatter the lines of the body.


Anna Faris was half of the most adorable couple at the Golden Globes (with hubby Chris Pratt). She looked lovely in a Reem Acra gown. The beading built up texture with irregular lines of sequins and beads then stacked into larger dimensional flowers. This looks great with sleek, body hugging silhouettes that you want to look rich without adding bulk. 

Emma Stone looked stunning in a jeweled bodice and pant combination from Lanvin. This had an old Hollywood glamour to it that few people can pull off. The embroidery looks opulent with mostly crystal Swarovski jewels with pops of ruby and jet colored jewels to add color. The oversized bow on the side lent a dramatic edge. 

Sienna Miller’s Miu Miu dress bore several different embroidery techniques. Her neckline had a beaded edge; the bodice had overlapping sequin blossoms. The skirt portion of the gown had flowers made more traditional thread embroidery.

The Golden Globes Awards celebrate the best in the art of entertainment. It only seems fitting that the red carpet fashion are works of art worn by the people who work hard at it.
Photos by Jason Merritt/Getty, Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
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Friday, January 9, 2015

What's New in 3D Printing For Fashion

3d printed victorias secret

3D Printing has been the biggest buzz word in product development in the last few years. While you can find lots of little machines that squirt out plastic toys, can you really see it making what we might actually wear every day?

Shapeways is one of the leading 3D printing services that independent fashion designers are using to produce jewelry, shoes and other accessories using metal in addition to the typical plastic-like filaments. They can also produce a ceramic finish or laser cut leathers and wood. You might have seen Shapeway’s collaboration with Victoria’s Secret to create the dramatic angel wings at their fashion show.

3d printing fashion

Knitting machines from companies like Stoll were already producing full finished garments with their programming, before 3D printing was a catchphrase. If you really watch the process though, it is very similar in how it uses a yarn and shoots it out to in layers to knit a finished sweater. There are also companies developing a silicone coated yarns as a material for true 3 printers.

How about a silk wedding dress? Though it hasn’t happened yet, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has managed to produce huge dome of silk by working with CAD software and a network of silkworms. Reprogramming them to weave actual clothing seems very close to being a reality (though they might have done it by now).

It’s not just fashion that has seen new developments from 3D printing. A woman at Harvard is crowd-funding a project that lets you 3D print your own cosmetics at home. I can’t even tell you how fast I want this project funded! 

3d printed fashion show

Savvy designers are mixing 3D technologies to create fashion. Sid Neigum used a mix of laser cutting and origami for his Toronto Fashion Week show. Iris Van Herpen used a combination of magnetic field, injection molding and laser cutting for her spring 2015 collection to amazing effect.

If you can dream it, fashion innovators can build it (or design it, print it, etc.) Style makers have always been at the forefront of technology and 3D printed fashion is just another tool fashion designers are using to make you look good.
Images from: Steven Keating.Shapeways blog, Grace Mink, Mariana Leung, Iris Van Herpen images from Dezeen.com
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Wednesday, January 7, 2015

#NYFW: Naeem Khan Spring 2015

naeem khan spring 2015
painted bridal gown

Casual royals? Naeem Khan ' s spring 2015 collection was beautiful,  ornate as usual. However, he also seemed to be tapping into the sporty chic direction many other designers are going for in his own way.

The show started off with shorter dresses, tops that resembled a tshirt and tunic. This is Naeem Khan though, so the deceptively simple pieces were elaborately embellished with gorgeous embroidery. Lots of beads and lots of jewels encrusted 'casual' garments. I guess this is meant for the celebrity or socialite who walks red carpets in daytime?

Then there were the show stopping spring ballgowns. Long, sweeping silk gowns that looked like they were masterfully painted with blooming flowers. Funny how these formal silhouettes did not have embellishments beyond the print.

The color palette was graphic back and white, bold tropical colors or monochromatic metallic when it came to the embroidery.  The closer you look at the beadwork or threadwork, the more intricate it seems. 

The models were styled very simply. Loose, natural hair and makeup so the clothing is the star. The Naeem Khan spring 2015 collection is definitely one of art that needs to be appreciated in person!
embroidery design
Photos by Mariana Leung
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Monday, January 5, 2015

#NYFW: Francesca Liberatore Spring 2015

Are you into a little bird watching?  Francesca Liberatore's spring 2015 collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was inspired by birds transformed by their littered surroundings.

While it sounds like an odd environmental statement,  the resulting collection was indeed beautiful. It featured artistically rendered prints of birds in various scales. There where flowing silk dresses and tops. The guys wore tailored sportswear pieces also featuring the motifs. 

This catwalk had a noticeably European look to it with refined gentlemen wearing silk scarves and the effortless look of women in jackets. The designer is Italian. Francesca Liberatore is one if DHL ' S exported competition winners which allowed her the opportunity to show at New York Fashion week. 

For accessories,  the designer offered truly oversized backpacks and carryall nags in leather. I loved these and totally wish I could get my hands on them NOW. She also showed an interesting interpretation on the fanny pack with luxe leather pockets hung off a belt. 

There were leather stockings that could be paired to other shoes. I haven't seen these on the streets of New York yet but could envision influences adopting them quickly. 

The funniest makeup detail was the painted feet of the male models. I'm not quite sure if they were meant to be webbed pelican feet or imply they were birds walking in an oil slick? They were odd against the ver sophisticated collection but showed Francesca Liberatore has a sense of humor. 

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Sunday, January 4, 2015

Happy New Year from Independent Fashion Bloggers

lalam0101

If you're still in your pajamas, you're not alone. Take it easy today, the holidays are officially over. You can start your resolutions tomorrow, but if you're at a loss as to what to resolute, check out these links from IFB's most dedicated members!

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Friday, January 2, 2015

Fashion Design Contests, Start-up Opportunities and Castings for 2015


fashion design contests 2015

Are you ready for success in 2015? Fashion designers, style entrepreneurs, make this your year to win. Here are this month’s open calls for wearable tech, handbag design and reality shows. The prizes for success are so much better than a cash grab, they can make your career or make you a star!

Have you idolized Diane Von Furstenburg and know you are the perfect ambassador? The second season of House of DVF is now casting. This is perfect if you are tv-friendly, passionate and not fazed by cattiness. The open casting call and application for House of DVF is here.

The Independent Handbag Designer Awards competition has been covered on this blog for several years. Past winners have their collections featured in InStyle magazine and sold in Bloomingdale’s. The 2015 just launched in the New Year. There are multiple handbag design categories to enter that range from green or social responsible to best made. You have until April 25, 2015 to get your application for the Independent Handbag Designer Awards in.

Wearable tech is the fastest growing category of design right now. Vogue Talents are collaborating with Wowcracy’s Call the Tune to seek new crowdfunding projects in wearable tech. A senior editor of vogue Italia will choose the top three to interview for the publication. Hurry! Deadline for this project is January 20, 2015.

ASOS Competition

Are you a textile designer? Shopping favorite ASOS is collaborating with the Textile foundation to host a textile design competition with the theme "Chinese Whispers". Winners will be awarded a cash prize for the design and will be developed into an exclusive ASOS collection. Apply to the Chinese Whispers Textile Design Contest before January 11, 2015.

Are you the next fashion design contest star? Are you ready to show the world your talent at the casting call? Good luck and remember we knew you when!
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Thursday, January 1, 2015

Ms. Fabulous: Favorite Moments of 2014


Happy 2015 my divas! On this first day of the year I wanted to reflect on the most memorable moments for the Ms. Fabulous site. I compiled a bunch of our top fashion blog posts in terms of personal favorites to write, photograph, emotionally moving and popularity.

I started this blog as a creative outlet in rediscovering what I loved about fashion; the culture that inspires it. I love to cover great events and the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum was my favorite. I am also a big fan of costume design. The event that made the biggest impression on me was Lady Gaga’s ArtRave.

The most popular post in 2014 was unexpected. I wrote a spontaneous ode to the fashion eccentric fictional character of Myrtle Snow on American Horror Story. Overnight, the post had gone viral. There is a certain comfort in realizing how many twisted, style obsessed fans are out in the internet as me.

At Ms. Fabulous, we specialize in our runway coverage. For the past few years, our team here including David TW Leung, Mdivani Monroe and I have embedded ourselves into the photographer’s pit at New York, Miami and Toronto fashion week to bring you coverage from the front lines. I wrote 5 Things Only Fashion Week Photographers Understand as a tribute to all of the hardworking shooters at the end of the runway.

The runway shows themselves? The one that left the biggest impression was the Alleles & VAWK show in Toronto. Their collaboration incorporated 3D printed technology to create beautiful prosthetic limbs that were both functional and chic to coordinate with the clothing collection. The collections that were the most fun to shoot included Betsey Johnson, Beach Bunny’s collaboration with The Blonds and Desigual’s show starring Adriana Lima. Sometimes the best runway moments are the spontaneous ones. Zang Toi celebrated his 25th anniversary at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in September. Press corps leader Richard Renda chased him down the runway to present him a cake when the shy designer fled. It was a hilarious and touching moment that I was honored to be a part of.

The saddest post I had to write was my remembrance of Oscar de la Renta. There are certainly many people in the industry who knew the designer better. However, the brief meetings I had with him in my career made a huge impression.


Bonus:
We pimped ourselves out to other publications too. My piece for Narrative.ly on the War of the Fashion Bloggers gained kudos and haters alike. 


We created fashion pieces for Genesis Rodriguez’s cover shoot for Siempre Mujer and Carol Alt’s upcoming movie Stealing Chanel.

Ms. Fabulous wishes you a glamorous, successful 2015! 


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