#NYBFW Theia Bridal Spring 2020

Happy Bridal Week! Theia Bridal Spring 2020 collection was a sparkling tribute to 1970s style icons. This decade was a beautiful era to showcase the body flattering draped crepe fabrics that Theia has been producing in recent seasons. Designer Don O'Neill paid tribute to the disco era, not with cliches, but evoking the spirit of women like Bianca Jagger and Farrah Fawcett. Plunging necklines, jumpsuits, silver and hand-beaded details all give the Studio 54 vibe, but with an elegant upgrade for a dance down the aisle.

Sure, there are big ballgowns of structured, heavy, uncomfortable dresses out there. The Theia Bridal collection is for the bride on the move, who wants something comfortable and elevated expression of her personal style. The looks from this 2020 bridal collection are sexy and sleek for a range of body shapes. Models of different shapes modeled them on this runway to demonstrate just that.

Styling the show, you saw Bianca Jagger's signature hat and an update of the brushed back curls of Farrah. The makeup was close to natural with a hint of extra shine on the lips. The glittering flowers and orchids as the backdrop were created by Fleur de Pascal.

If you plan on dancing throughout your wedding and need the glamour, the Theia Bridal Spring 2020 collection is perfect for you!

All photos by Mariana Leung

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Disco Divas at Reem Acra Spring 2014

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

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

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

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

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Jenny Packham Spring 2014

The 1970's hit the NY Fashion Week runways for spring 2014.  Jenny Packham, a favorite of Kate Middleton and many red carpet celebrities brought the decade of nightlife to her evening wear.  There were many long silky skirts and off-the-shoulder styles that echoed the easy peasant look.  There were also the short, sleeveless jumpers I remembered from childhood.  However, they were interpreted in luxury fabrics and delicately embroidered.

The easy silhouettes almost reminded me of elegant nightgowns at times, and the over sized clutch handbags looked like teddy bears.  Instead they were appliqued with lots of silk flowers.  Hair was styled like relaxed wavy bohemian girls.  Jewelry included white iris hair pins and rings.

Some of these styles already made an appearance at the Emmy Awards from last Sunday.  Do you think they should hit the disco next?

photos by Mariana Leung

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Stephen Burrows: When Fashion Danced

When is the last time a major fashion designer made clothes specifically to dance?  The Stephen Burrows exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York is a retrospective of a designer inspired by nightlife.

Stephen Burrows was a pioneering African American fashion designer whose look was defined by slinky knitwear, metallics and movement.  The bright colors, lettuce edged fabrics and body conscious silhouettes were inspired by the popular music of the 1970's, perfect for dancing in clubs like Studio 54 and worn by celebrities of its day.  What struck me was how contemporary the outfits all looked, as if they were a department store display you would see today.

Stephen Burrows was also one of the American designers chosen to represent the country is the famous "Battle of Versailles" fashion exhibition in Paris in 1973.  French couturiers like Givenchy, Dior and Yves Saint-Laurent and American fashion designers Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, Anne Klein and Burrows staged an epic contest to prove which country deserved to take the style crown.  While the traditional French designers showed classic dressing with Josephine Baker performing, it was the Americans who blew away the elite crowd with Liza Minelli, modern fashion and a team of African-American models who until that moment, were not considered the mainstream face of luxury fashion.

I love the short film near the beginning of the exhibit showing scenes of 70's New York City with slices of flashy disco nightlife.  It was nostalgic for the gritty, edgy, dirty NYC and how fabulous it was for it.  Stephen Burrows' fashion illustrations were also displayed throughout the exhibit.  You can see how a certain rhythm moves through the figures, colors or not colors, all the fashion is dancing...

Let's raise a mirrored ball to a man who was well ahead of his time and rocking his style still today!

The exhibit runs until July 28, 2013 at the Museum of the City of New York.

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