Byron Lars Spring 2015 Look Book Shoot

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

Byron Lars Spring 2015 - Harlem Fashion Row

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BCBG Max Azria Pre-Fall Lookbook

West Coast based BCBG Max Azria showed a live lookbook (aka showroom) unveiling of their pre-fall collection last week.  Pre-fall is that fashion industry term that defines a collection that will unveil in the stores in the heart of summer, but wants you to think autumn from a stylistic point of view.

The design team for BCBG is based in California, so it doesn't even see the snow when they design clothing for the winter seasons of the Northeast.  So what do they do?  The designers create lots of prints, (love this label for that) which emulate warm fuzzy textures without the weight.  As you can see, some of the most successful looks are tweed-like patterns printed on ultra-light fabrics.  This works in all climates, but gives the feeling of woolly styling.  If you actually ARE wearing these looks in cold weather, you can layer them.  If you are in warm weather, it is still fine.

Big caftan cover-ups can be your cardigan in cool weather, or just a cool office interior.

My sister loves BCBG footwear.  I am increasingly observing the popularity of strappy or open-toed boots.  Again, these are the perfect straddle for warm to cool weather.  I personally like these because I have trouble wearing normal heels, and strappy boots give me the support I need to carry them off.

Of course, this is all just a prelude to the big events at NY Fashion Week coming up in two weeks!  Until then sweethearts...

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Behind The Scenes: Byron Lars Spring 2014

So here is a sneak peek at one of my favorite designers of all time.  Byron Lars allowed the Ms. Fab team to hang out for their Spring 2014 lookbook photo shoot.  The next few months will be difficult as I saw many pieces that I can't wait to buy and wear.

There was a great group of dresses with a candy colored tweed print by our own Mdivani Monroe. This was paired with a pieced argyle top, corset-like patent belts, metallic basketweave fabrics and lasercut details.  Other dresses mixed brocade and spikes, embroidered tulle, chains and an ironic/pretty moth print.

I love that this designer always makes sexy, but elegant clothes that flatter power women with curves.  (Michelle Obama is a consistent fan!) As intricate as the details can get in each dress, Byron never takes himself too seriously.  Even with a sleek, sheath silhouette, you might find three layers of fabrics in cut-outs, lace and prints to build a layered, textured depth to the design.  This then might be topped with manipulated trims or sequins or ribbon.

The amount of work and consideration that goes into each look is astounding.  I am lucky enough to have started contributing to this collection is a tiny way by organizing some of the production.  I get to drool over each piece as I measure and send fit corrections to the buyers.

For the lookbook shoot itself, the styling stayed simple.  Straight, sleek hair pulled into variations ont on the ponytail.  Makeup colors stayed naturalistic.  Models Anna and Jasmin seemed to really enjoy vamping it up in outfits they loved more and more.

I can't wait to see which celebrity picks this collection up first.  Care to wager a guess?

photos by Mariana Leung

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Miss America and the Bottomless Closet

Just when I was getting a bit to jaded with the gift shopping and one too many fashion events with the same crowds, I was unexpectedly surprised and positively energized  from an event co-hosted by LookBooks for the Bottomless Closet organization.

The svelte Miss America - Caressa Cameron, the perpetual blonde Richie Rich and the charming Derek Warburton were also there to imbibe cocktails and check out the racks of colorful Joseph Ribkoff clothing line which  sponsored the event.  It turns out  Miss America wears Joseph Ribkoff - often as the brand's ambassdor. Ribkoff She told us the clothes from the line were " travel ready, not very heavy and the pieces were comfortable" which would be key points for a Miss America I presume.

Derek Warburton,fashion personality behind Derek Loves Shopping, helped coordinate the fashion show with bloggers turned stylists for the night and surprised us when he told us that he was homeless once. He joined Bottomless Closet over two years ago to with a program called Makeover Mondays which is "about being inclusive, not exclusive".

There was, of course, the catwalk and radiant models who were styled by bloggers for the event in  the Joseph Ribkoff clothes. The models were truly terrific and roused real cheers and applause from the audience as they paraded down the catwalk for us in their new outfits. 

The models were all Bottomless Closet clients and I had a chance to speak to several of the ladies to find out about the program. 

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