Helping Nepal, A Plea from Prabal Gurung

Nepal's devastating Earthquake has claimed the lives of almost 5000 people (could be more in time). Their nation's heritage, homes, sacred cultural places have all mostly been lost. While the fashion industry is usually very good about coming together to help other communities when in need, this particular tragedy was very personal for fashion designer Prabal Gurung.

Gurung is a Nepalese native. While he now calls New York home, this is the country of his heart. As a CFDA board member, he traveled with designer Diane Von Furstenburg a few years back to show her the wonderful people and rich culture there.

Nepal is in immediate need of shelters, food, water, medical support. Gurung started the Shikshya Foundation to raise funds to get his homeland some of the help it needs. The CFDA, which previously raised funds to have on hand for emergencies had pledged $10 000 to the project and have helped him promote it to others. You can also donate to Nepal Earthquake Relief here.

If you don't choose to contribute to Prabal Gurung's organization, you can also help Nepal earthquake victims through this list of vetted, reputable organizations.
photo from CFDA.org

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Irina Shabayeva Bridal Collection 2016

Did you want to catch up on what Project Runway alumni are doing? Season 6 winner Irina Shabayeva presented super glamorous evening and bridal looks as the finale runway in a fundraising gala to end human trafficking.

Project Runway's Irina Shabayeva's Show in Support of Freedom Ladder

Counting Selena Gomez and Carrie Underwood as fans, Shabayeva is now focused on working with brides and special occasion clients directly right in her studio for a collaborative, custom creation.  Customers who can't make it into her studio directly can work with her via Irina Shabayeva's Etsy boutique.

The fiery designer was inspired by Victorian structures to 1950's silhouettes for her latest fashion collection. She combined intricate laces and high volume skirts and gigantic ballroom skirts that were still light and transparent.

Shabayeva & Design Team

The event was produced by The Set NYC. It benefitted Freedom Ladder, an organization that empowers women and children by raising awareness against human trafficking and promoting a safe world for all.

It was a gorgeous collection and I look forward to seeing more of Irina Shabayeva's looks for brides and everyone else.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Malan Breton Brides & Grooms 2016

The young couples of Malan Breton always have a nostalgic quality to them. They silhouettes are like an optimistic prom from the 1950's, but with contemporary color palettes and a lot more diversity.

The brides did not stick with traditional white, but soft colors and romantic patterns. There were even some beautifully tailored suits fit for the feminine body for brides who prefer to wear the pants or ladies who serve as the best man at a wedding. The grooms had a range of hues to choose from as well. In addition to the classic black and white, there were rich blues, champagne, pewter to a stunning fuschia.

I love Breton's use of color and luxurious fabrics in this and his main collection. He shows you can dress with a classic esthetic but without being stuffy or bland.

He's one of the biggest cheerleaders for his home country of Taiwan. In the same month as presenting this bride and groom's fashion show simultaneously on the Empire Hotel Rooftop, he is also debuting his film (didn't you know he was a film director too?) at the Director's Guild of America. Everyone from Daniel Craig, Michael Buble to Kerry Washington and Ariana Grande count themselves as fans.

Update 4/30/2015: 

I just returned from a screening of Malan Breton and Bonnie Bien's film debut of The Journey to Taiwan. I have to say it was an absolutely beautiful love letter to Breton's home country. The colors, his visual storytelling, along with his own narration of his journey really captured the soul of what inspires a fashion designer.

Both in the film and an emotional Q & A afterwards, he spoke of his grandmother as the most beautiful and stylish woman he had ever encountered. She was a fan of French Haute Couture, but also re-made her favorite European silhouettes with traditional Chinese fabrics. You can definitely see how this aesthetic imprinted onto Malan Breton's own design work. His recent NY Fashion Week shows have all included elegant western styling blended with the most beautiful Chinese silks and Chinese details.

I can't wait to see the next step in Malan Breton's beautiful journey!
photos by Mariana Leung

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Houghton's Gypsy Bride

Planning a wedding off the beaten path? Houghton NYC designer Katharine Polk created her spring 2016 bridal collection around the idea of a traveler. Her presentation opened up on a diorama of bohemian luxe gypsies.

Houghton Bride Spring 2016 revolved around a traveler.

Unlike the fairy tale ballgowns of most other bridal designers, Polk approached wedding style from upscale sportswear. There were more antique ivory and white embellished pieces for a modern trip down the aisle, but seeing some of the flower and fringe adorned pieces would not be out of place at Coachella.

The clothing embellishments, like shells, beads, pearls, feathers, were all a part of the Gypsy nomadic theme. The designer imagined them as items a traveler might pick up in her journeys as mementos. The silhouettes and individual garments may seem easy-going, but the luxurious fabrics and finishes were meant for the big day.

Katherine Polk's contemporary fashion approach isn't her only innovations in bridal. Her past season had her creating pretty bridal looks with floral fabrics with a surprise for photographers. The fabrics actually shone a plaid pattern when taken with a flash.

While this bridal collection is about exploring the world, Houghton is a fashion label that is committed to being made in the U.S.A. What can I say? I love a designer that realizes that in the end, there's no place like home.
photos by Mariana Leung

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Isabelle Armstrong Bridal Spring 2016

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Isabelle Armstrong bridal imagined their romantic collection around the beauty of a diamond. Sure, the diamond is a classic symbol of an engagement ring, but lots of elements inspired by the gem were involved.

First, lots of light. The fashion show was presented on a sunny Saturday morning on a sun-drenched rooftop. The natural beams shone down on the sparkling embroideries and reflected off the luxurious fabrics of the collections. There were lots of re-embroidered laces, feathers, hand-cut organza petals and silks.

Isabelle Amstrong designers are clearly a fan of the dramatic train Gown after gown took up half the runway (I don't have the space for all of the full train photos!) Imagine how gorgeous they look walking down the a full wedding aisle?

The embroideries. There were crystals that glittered like diamonds in a sprawling floral vine motif or all over corsets. There were also geometric diamond shaped motifs on sashes and embroidered along skirts.

In the end, the diamond symbolized the Isabelle Armstrong bride herself. Like a diamond, she is strong, brilliant and extraordinary. Now who wouldn't want to commit to that?
All photos by Mariana Leung

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5 Stylish Earth Day Finds

Happy Earth Day my loves! Being a fashion and beauty fan isn’t always the most eco-friendly attitude. Frankly, it shouldn’t be Earth Day, but an on-going approach to your sartorial choices.

Here are my favorite Earth Day Fashion and Beauty finds:

1. The Bamboo Shirt
I was introduced to P3 Bamboo shirts through the team at designer Zang Toi. Bamboo is a sustainable fiber. It is hardy, doesn’t need pesticides, a little water, and little space to grow.  It isn’t just the fiber itself that makes it eco-friendly. The breathability and anti-microbial qualities mean it needs to be washed less. Less laundry saves water and potential toxic cleaning ingredients from that water as well.

There is a good selection of basic silhouette tops and colors. They are super soft so I can totally see why fans (like myself) are happy to wear these every day as my basic shirt. I was pleasantly surprised at their affordability too.

2. Health Gel Manicures
My girlfriend loved getting gel manicures. Since becoming a conscientious Mom, she has shied away from nail lacquers because of all the toxic ingredients involved when you put it on AND when you remove them. I was just introduced to Bio Seaweed Gel polish. It doesn’t have any of the “big 5” (no formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, BHA, solvents, etc.) It doesn’t need a special lamp; you just cure your nails in natural sunlight.  This is the healthier option of gel nails, and they hail from my childhood suburb of Scarborough, Ontario. The brand has a gorgeous range of trendy colors and sparkly shades. Your mani doesn’t chip for two weeks like your traditional gel manicure, but unlike the traditional job, it only takes 5 minutes to take it off.

3. Alkemie Reclaimed Jewelry

Love artisanal jewelry? One of the best ways to be green is to upcycle gold. The husband-and-wife makers behind Alkemie Jewelry used reclaimed metals and manufactured locally in Los Angeles. They make sure each piece is lead and nickel free and are committed to running a sustainable design company. They cast pieces like this stunning Gingko leaf bracelet through the traditional lost-wax process.

4. Angela Roi Gives Back

How cute is the handbag? One of my fellow Twitter #stylechat buddies introduced me to Angela and Roi. They were entrepreneurs who met in college and had mutual interests in fashion and philanthropy. The created a stylish handbag brand that is affordable (almost all styles were $150 or under) well made and vegan. But not only that, each bag and color also corresponds to a cause that they contribute to. It makes you feel good to shop stylish and know you are helping a worthy cause as well. 

5. Come Visit Olsenhaus

Striped heels for spring? Yes, please. Olsenhaus makes these fab shoes from cotton, cork, and composite rubber. Founded by a vocal advocate on behalf of animal rights, Elizabeth Olsen created the company to provide stylish options made with healthy vegan materials and ethical manufacturing. 

So now you see that you can be a fashionista and care about your planet. Go ahead and check out my guide for 10 ways to green your wardrobe for sustaining Earth Day style all year. Now go hug a tree or something. 

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Maggie Sottero Bridal Fall 2015

 

 One of the surprising fashion shows during NY Bridal week was the Maggie Sottero and Sottero & Midgley Fall 2015 presentation at the Metropolitan Pavillion in New York. The Knot's Couture Bridal Show is a trade show for brands to sell directly to their retailers. For the most part, there were lots of clipboards, order forms, a few makeshift runways in front of desks. The looks you see here are ready to hit the stores almost immediately as opposed to the bigger catwalks.

The majority of the press-baiting creations on the NY Bridal Week runway cost the equivalent of a luxury car. Unlike a luxury car, a custom designer gown is something you only get into once (maybe twice if you are creative at Halloween). In my conversations with recent brides, many complained after multiple appointments at bridal retailers, how difficult it was just to find even a simple sheath under $2000.

I admit, when I attend and shoot fashion shows, I am not always conscious of the price point of the looks on the runway. I am just documenting the design elements of what I see before me from the perspective of my design background. Being at a trade show, there was an announcer shouting out the catalog page number and both the retail and wholesale price for every style. What this jarring voice lacked in adding to the ambiance it made up for in practicality for the clients in attendance.

I saw the full, extravagant silhouettes on this runway that were comparable to any of the most famous designers that anchor NY Bridal Week. I admired the vintage inspired crystal studded embroideries on many of their looks. However, I was most impressed at the prices I was hearing from the announcer. Most of the richly embellished gowns were under $2500 retail (and usually negotiable with the boutique itself). Many were at the $1500 mark. From my own experiences at stores like Kleinfeld, that's barely a starting point. 

The Maggie Sottero collection calls both Utah and Australian their home base. That's rather unusual for the designers that are major players in the bridal game. While Sydney is one of the most stylish cities in the Southern hemisphere, Salt Lake City is not the one of the top fashion locales to come to mind. Either way, the collection I photographed here was glamorous but actually accessible to most brides. 

All photos by Mariana Leung

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Marchesa Bridal Spring 2016

I love that no matter how edgy, how minimal, how avant-garde a designer is, when it comes to bridal, they are unapologetic romantics. Marchesa creates some of the most amazing sculpted gowns that an A-list celebrity could ever hope for on the red carpet. Fittingly, their wedding dresses are the dream-like and cinema-worthy.

The tiered, asymmetrical skirt of the top dress is a fresh take on the traditional ballgown. The skirt looks transparent but high volume with innovative use of horsehair along the edges. Normally, a skirt with this shape needs many layers of fabric and ends up looking like a mountain. The back ruffles also is a new take on a bustle. The 3-dimensional flowers appliqued onto to tulle look like they are popping off the fabric.

Marchesa bridal makes your fantasy princess gown, 2.0. Now what can the groom where that even compares?
Photos provided by Marchesa via FirstVIEW

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Monique Lhuillier Brides Down The Rabbit Hole SS16

It looks like a lot of designers are into fairy tales for weddings this year. Monique Lhuillier's 2016 bridal collection had Alice in Wonderland as her muse. The presentation was held in the gorgeous Baccarat Hotel's Grand Salon.

While the inspiration is not seen as a literal representation in the collection, Lhuillier saw her bride as someone who was exploring curiosity and fantasy. Instead of an all-white collection, there were gowns of blush, honey, mint and pale blue. Almost every look had a dramatic skirt silhouette. There were lots and lots of layers of transparent fabrics. One would be a mountain of tulle. Another dress was graduated organza. Trumpet shapes gowns, flowing lace, every bride was meant to make a huge impression entering or leaving a room.

As per her signature look, Monique Lhuillier incorporated rich, delicate embroidery into her collection. Also, she is a master of fabric manipulation in her gowns. It is not a surprise that so many celebrities choose Lhuillier for their red carpet or wedding look. Her gowns are timeless glamor.

Photos by Greg Kessler

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Theia's Fairy-Tale Bride 2016

When designer Don O'Neill talks about creating a fairy-tale wedding, he means it. The THEIA 2016 bridal collection was inspired by illustrations of Hansel and Gretel, The Brothers Grimm and other storybooks of the Victorian era. The muse specifically was the Art Nouveau aesthetic of the artist Kay Rasmus Nielsen. 

You can see the influence in the delicate butterfly appliques on a bodice, the illustrations printed on transparent silk, Art Nouveau motifs beaded onto the gowns and wispy web-like fabric treatments complete the theme.

I grew up on the same books  that had these illustrations. I was also obsessed with Hansel and Gretel at the age of 3 (though it was more for the idea of a gingerbread house than anything else). At 5, I was obsessed with the witch after seeing the Canadian opera version of this tale. She was my childhood standard of glamor all the way into my teen years as she was the first person I had ever seen with glitter eyelashes and jeweled nails.

What many bridal collections do is water down trends seen in Haute Couture into a wedding dress. What I love about THEIA is that Don O'Neil will take fashion forward silhouettes from sportswear and give it a luxurious makeover for walking down the aisle. How gorgeous is the silk jacquard shirt dress? Crop tops,  a sleekly tailored suit are great for brides who want to stay true to their personal style when they get married.

My favorite dress though was the finale gown. It was a lacy sculpture of butterfly 3-dimensional corset. Design team member Eduarda used an innovative 3D printing pen tool to draw/sculpt/print? The bodice of the dress. This look was the epitome of what Theia does the best in the industry. The brand experiments with cutting-edge technology and use it to execute classically beautiful fashion aesthetic in a new way.

The intimate runway and backdrop were quite small but gave a thorough ambiance to the presentation. The woodsy moss runway and fanciful bouquets were created by fiancé floral designer Pascal Guillermie of Fleur de Pascal. It's so touching to see  the longtime partnership in real life was also the perfect creative  marriage on the runway, then soon to be romantic wedding in the upcoming year.

I already had my own wedding, but seeing THEIA's 2016 bridal line-up, I think I might go for a posh renewal of vows...

THEIA models and design team
photos by Mariana Leung

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Truly Zac Posen Bridal 2016

Here come the brides! NY Bridal week is taking over Gotham just as the city starts to bloom. Zac Posen unveiled his latest collection in collaboration with David's Bridal Wednesday under the Truly Zac Posen label. 

Many luxury designers have partnered with more mainstream retailers for a smaller, more affordable bridal collection. I found that many of the cheaper versions of a designer's brand were exactly that, cheaper. They don't look like the designer's work; they don't reflect the aesthetic and not surprisingly, they don't look like luxury.

With Truly Zac Posen, the price tag for the most elaborate gown tops out at $1850. That might not be cheap by sportswear standards, but still affordable in wedding gown standards. There were similar florals, color palettes and silhouettes to his recent collections. However, the fabric quality, while similar in texture, was noticeably not the same (then again, his top tier collections can be 10X the prices here.)  There were beautiful ballgowns that swished extravagantly though slightly deflated from the biggest skirts of his main runway. The David's Bridal budget can afford less petticoats.. 

A good designer knows how to achieve expensive looks no matter what the budget. There were still embellishments like bonded lace appliques, feathers and pearl beads. Lace pricing can vary wildly as can pearls. The trick is to choose wisely and with a great eye.

As a New Yorker, we love lean towards a darker palette. We don't necessarily need to be all dressed in white. Many modern brides are happy to wear a gorgeous black or brightly colored gown down the aisle.

If you are a contemporary bride with a modest budget and lofty dreams, Truly Zac Posen might be your the fashion Godfather to grant your wish.
photos by John Acquino via WWD

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Alternatives to Festival Fashion Cliches

Are you partying it up at Coachella? Outside of fashion week, it is one of the most anticipated displays of bohemian style and festival fashion. Coachella, the Governor's Ball, SXSW, are all competing for post-hippie glam. Of course, in the few years since Coachella launched, certain types of festival fashion have already become cliche. Here's how to update your boho chic:

Let's not be a Coachella style stereotype

1. Don't be on the fringe.
Fringe is undoubtedly one of the biggest trends this year across all categories of fashion. I can't wait to rock a few pieces this fall. However, when you are outside, sitting on the grass all day, your trendy fringed vest or handbag is sweeping up everything you come in contact with. Picture all the dirt (or worse from the Porta-potty) that you will have collected.  Of course, you can still have a beautiful, crafty, hippie styled look with a flowing crochet vest. It has pretty patterns and open weave that give a feminine touch to your festival outfit.

2. Flower crowns to Goddess crown.
If there were one unofficial  mascot for festival style, it would be the flower crown. This item certainly didn't start with Coachella. Ladies at Woodstock were sporting daisy crowns along with peace and love long before this generation. For a 2015 update, how about going back to ancient Greece? Laurel crowns can give festival fans some beautiful Goddess chic. There are some gorgeous pieces to be found on Etsy.

3. Gladiator Sandals to Ancient Greek Sandal
The gladiator sandal looked great in all the street style snaps in 2013. However, what do you think your tan lines will look like after a full day in the desert sun?  Ditch the Romans and the avoid making your legs look like a picket fence. Go for some Ancient Greek sandals like this with a low profile instead.

4. Crop it and reverse it
If there was a runner-up for Festival fashion mascot, it would have to be the peasant-like crop top. Coachella street style snaps are filled with these little tops on women with the smokin' bodies. That's fine if you are comfortable showing your belly. For those of us without the teeny flat stomach, but want to show some skin, I vote for the short, flirty slip dress. A swishy hem is forgiving for those nights where you, um, got the munchies for some reason. A short frock like this Southwest Racerback dress from Aeropostale allows you show off shapely legs if you have them.

Music and art festivals like Coachella are a celebration of creativity. Make sure you add your own creativity when putting together your festival fashion wardrobe.

Photos from Etsy, People Magazine, Blush Boutique, Neiman Marcus, Mariana Leung, Antropologie

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Blogger Love: Going Deeper

This week, many IFB bloggers sought to go deeper than the #OOTD, with shout outs to philanthropic organizations including Scotty’s House and To Write Love on Her Arm—plus we heard some compelling personal stories. Other posts tackled diversity in magazines, the “new sexual revolution,” and older women’s right to wear leggings. On the lighter side, we have our fair (and necessary) share of fashion and beauty tips, trend pieces and news bites. All around, it’s a well-balanced collection of fashion blogger fare. I hope you enjoy!

A Handful of Stories: Shooting Outfit Posts With the Olympus OMD-EM10

Attire Club: The Men's Guide to Wearing Pastel Colors

Bibi Shelter: Jeremy Scott for Adidas Original Fragrance Launch

Charlotte Lucy: Alexander McQueen/Nick Waplington: Working Process at The Tate

Flip Flops and Furs: A Benefit for Scotty's House

Funky Jungle: 5 Fashion 'Must Haves' I Don't Own

A Glamorous Revelation: To Write Love on Her Arms

Jodie's Touch of Style: Leggings With a Tunic After 50

Ms. Fabulous: Winners of the 6th Annual Fashion 2.0 Awards

Prime Butterfly: 5 Magazine Trends That Need to Die in 2015

Purushu Arie: Celebrating the Spirit of the Seventies

Riva la Diva: Easy DIY Valentino-Inspired Dress Tutorial

Ri(t)ch Styles: How to Pick the Right T-Shirt for a Guy

Sly on the Wall: A Hair Story

Spy Girl: L.A. Frock Stars—Golden Age of Hollywood

Storybook Apothecary: Swimwear Looks for Every Style

Suzanne Carillo: 10 Important Life Lessons I Learned From Watching Mad Men

That Paki Blog: Illustrating Pakistan Fashion Week by Mahoor Jamal

TLV Birdie: Watch Your Mouth

Wear It Fair: Vintage Styles for Work, Rest and Play

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Custo Barcelona Fall 2015

We all know fringe is one of the biggest trends by far this season. Custo Barcelona's fall 2015 collection played around with what that meant. Instead of the wimpy, stringy fringe every other designer used in their collections, Custo Dalmau and his design team decided to beef it up a little.

Dalmau envisioned the wide heavy fabric strips that slap against your automobile during a car wash. (That brings to mind the musical number "Sugar Daddy" from Hedwig & the Angry Inch). That resulted in wide, embellished strips on the hems of those fabulous short dresses you see in the second photo. In person, those hems had great movement, perfect for dancing.

photos by David TW Leung

Of course, the signature look of Custo Barcelona is the rich mix of textures and patterns. Plaid was mixed with woolly tweed. Brightly colored woven patterns with a black ground echoed the textiles I often see in South America. Some of the prints I saw looked like inkblots from a Rorschach test. There were big furry collars for both and women.

Accessories were designed to coordinate with the clothing. rounded messenger bag type shapes and carry-all handbags were blocked with matching patterns and textures as the outfits. If your legs are cold in the fall/winter season, the brand is offering up a sort of legwarmer or shoe/boot extender in fabrics that match the clothing as well. It is an interesting item that doesn't quite fit into any specific accessory category.

Custo Barcelona's fall 2015 does loud and busy in a way that looks sophisticated and Euro-chic. Also, I bet you'll never look at a car wash the same way again.

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Sample Sale Alert: Rebecca Minkoff, Diesel, AG Adriano Goldschmied

Now that NYC finally seems to look like spring, it's time to refresh that wardrobe. Here's our roundup of our favorite sample sales:

Diesel:
Taking denim and streetwear to the next level with European chic. 

When: APRIL  21ST - APRIL 26TH, TUESDAY : 9AM - 8PM, WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY : 10AM-8PM, FRIDAY - SATURDAY : 10AM-7PM, SUNDAY : 10AM-4PM
Where: 151 WOOSTER STREET (BTWN HOUSTON & PRINCE ST.) NYC NY 10012

Rebecca Minkoff:
Every IT girl and fashion blogger I know carry a Rebecca Minkoff purse. This designer is on fire the last few years. What I love about this sale is that she always makes it a party. Goodies up to 70% off.

When: APRIL 20TH - APRIL 25TH

MONDAY: 11AM-9PM, TUESDAY - FRIDAY : 10AM-8PM, SATURDAY : 10AM-5PM

Where: 260 FIFTH AVENUE (28/29TH STREET) NYC NY 10001

AG Adriano Goldschmied

More sexy denim. It's the season of jeans. Make sure you buy the ones that make your ass look the best.

When: May 1 - May 4, 2015
Where: 261 West 36th street, 2nd floor, New York NY 10018

Ok shoppers, get out there and do me proud! Conquer those sample sales!

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The 8 Characters You Meet at NYC's Easter Parade

Happy Easter my peeps. The most stylish place in New York City will always be the Easter Parade along Fifth Avenue. The procession is a NYC tradition that dates back for over a century. Celebrities often participate casually. Ordinary folk who rock an amazing bonnet can become a celebrity for the day. You can find me and a bunch of other photographers staked out on the avenue.

There are distinct styles that emerge at every NYC Easter Parade

1. Arts & Crafts
These folks always look like they drove in from the suburbs and spent all night with a glue gun. They mostly use Easter paraphernalia like plastic rabbits, raffia, easter grass and construction paper, though marshmallow peeps were very popular this year. Some look like gallery-worthy sculptures while some are not nearly as successful, (AKA a hot mess). The artsy craftsy type is also a category where parents like to pimp out their kids and their latest art project to the photographers. You'll recognize these by the smug Mom and Dad standing next to them.

2. The Florists
This group raids their florist or backyards to put together intricate botanical arrangements on their head. They can be plastic or silk flowers, but you get extra credit for using fresh blooms in your look. Floral hats are the most popular category with photographers because the designers and artists build them with height and bright colors. Unlike other categories, almost every bonnet that I saw was a success.
Bravo garden style.

3. Eccentrics 
The eccentric characters at the parade are a broad group. You have the quirky older ladies with sculptural hats and a love of style. They are the women that collect art had affairs with Hemingway and goes on long trips to India. They always have a wildly inventive chapeau on their head that betrays the wild woman you can't see. Rosemary Ponzo is their patron saint.

On the other end of the spectrum are the lifetime "artists" who might be homeless, crazy or just incredibly fun. They might have an odd pet or wacky art piece they are dragging through the parade. Parents aren't sure whether to have their kids pose with them or hide them away.

4. Dandy Dogs
In the last few years, I have seen more and more dogs at the parade. They don't look like they are having nearly as good a time as the owners who are basking in the validation of photographer's attention. I am personally not a fan of dogs smaller than my cat tarted-up in plastic flowers and ribbons, but everyone else seems to love it.

5. Drag Queens 
If you are fabulous and the entire world should know it, why wait for the Pride parade or Halloween parade? St. Patrick's Cathedral is the perfect place to wear your Sunday best to honor Ressurection Day, no matter what size dress, or what you have to tuck to wear it.

6. Wannabe Designers
There are always the social workers/bank tellers who moonlight as designers at home in the basement. Those are easy to spot with a group of church ladies wearing crazy hats carrying huge signs advertising their friend's fashion business. They usually squat on a stationary spot on 5th avenue and pose to gain as much exposure for the "designer" as they can.

The variation on the wannabe designer is the wannabe model. Channeling Sylvia from the film La Dolce Vita, the wannabe model will be dancing or posing wildly on 5th avenue hoping for as many photographers clicks as possible. The exaggerated movements are to ensure ample space around her so photographers get a clear shot.

7. Goths
This is an unexpected category during a holiday known for its pastels. Nonetheless, they bring fully accessorized outfits and great hats to the event, but mostly in black. The reputation of Goths being anti-social or unfriendly is not true here. I always find them as happy to pose as everyone else.

8. Vintage Fashionistas
This group is popular for both men and women. They dress for a head to toe look. Choosing chic and elegant over garish and gargantuan. The fashion industry crowd, boutique owners, theater types and literary fans are usually found in this group.

As you can see, this is where I fit in when I dress for the parade. I just don't have the balance skills for a flower pot on my head and my fingers have already seen too many glue gun burns to make a big sculpture. I made the fascinator and added the vintage fur collar to a Holt Renfrew cape my mother gave me.

So there, you have it. All the fashionable, crafty, furry fans of the NYC Easter Parade. Now, which one are you?

All photos by Mariana Leung

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Winners of the 6th Annual Fashion 2.0 Awards

Celebrating the best of fashion and tech! The Style Coalition has been celebrating fashion brands for innovation and influence in the social media fields with their Fashion 2.0 Awards for six years now. When they first started, many large brands were still struggling with even attempting to use tech in their marketing efforts.

The Fashion 2.0 Awards celebrate the best of tech and social media in fashion

Fast forward to 2015, the fashion brands recognized at the awards are leading social media innovation and tech brands are moving into style. The ever-changing world of tech and social media, the categories have changed over the years to reflect the most influential platforms. Pinterest and wearable tech were not represented at the first awards, but I can't imagine the fashion landscape without them now.

Multi-year host Robert Verdi always manages to be funny and topical. He is one of the few "style" entertainers with actual fashion industry cred. He addressed speculation on a possible return to E's Fashion Police by simply acknowledging that saying it should have been called the "Joan Rivers Show" because only she could do it. Also, he noted how sad he was that she has passed because of "all the plastic that was now released into the environment" (Joan would have been proud of that one!) He closed with a gesture to accompany his pitch for a F*CK Indiana campaign in response to their discriminatory legislation.

Sports Illustrated model Hanna Ferguson, Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, editors Danica Lo, supermodel Carol Alt were among the many presenters. Sam Edelman was the keynote speaker. Brands like Opening Ceremony won for best Instagram. Kate Spade NY won for their Pinterest content. Tory Burch, a no-show won for best wearable tech. Marc Jacobs won for their "Cast Me Marc" online campaign. Rebecca Minkoff, one of the leaders in social media for fashion won the award for both Interactive Retail and Top Innovator.

I like particularly like the category of Digital Philanthropy Award. Calling out and recognizing the collaboration of your favorite fashion brand and a worthy cause will hopefully be the biggest trend of all. Dressember's work with Kate Spade was the winner here. Dressember works with the International Justice Mission to rescue the victims of slavery and violent oppression. Women were asked to wear a dress every day in December to raise funds and  awareness.

The Style Coalition was founded by Yuli Ziv. They work with influencers and brands to collaborate on projects together. I worked with them while I was at Hello La Mode to have bloggers show how they used the site. They might not have been the biggest network, but we had the best engagement through their influencers.

For any fashion brand that still hasn't realized that their marketing strategy cannot survive without tech and social media, the pure success of the brands represented at the 6th Annual Fashion 2.0 Awards has ended your argument. Check out all of their winners on their website.
photos by Mariana Leung

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