VLOV Spring 2013

How do you like the new year so far?  I felt like I had neglected the guys for a bit.  VLOV is a menswear label from China looking to make a splash stateside.  Their spring 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week was relaxed but elegant.

The pieces consisted of easy, shorter jackets, linen blazers, leather jackets with asymmetrical zippers.  Shorts and longer pants with a slim, but relaxed fit.  Light knits looked really comfortable.  The color palette had a lot of cool greys, neutral beige, black, blue and dark olive.  A few of the proportions looked a little off to me, and that might be because the fit was tailored to the Asian market.

Footwear was a simple leather sandal.  Large man-purse totes were the bag of choice on this runway.  I'm not sure this will catch on with the gents in this country, but I personally would love one for myself.

Happy 2013 guys!

photos by Mariana Leung

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Hot Flavors - Cool Style

Can you believe it is November? For fall 2012 fashion trends, it means it is time to turn up the heat!  Designers for New York Fashion Week brought out a palette of fiery colors.  Designers also kept you cozy with the big fuzzy trend of using fur.

This has been the year of the Girl on Fire.  It only seems appropriate that a hot color palette for fall ignites your wardrobe.  How gorgeous are the flame-like silk prints of Theia’s gown and Monique Lhuillier’s day dress?  Anna Sui brings out the fiery hues in different patterns while Pavoni, Josie Natori and Monique Lhuillier create heated silhouettes from flared chiffon, silk crepe or shiny leather 

Fur can be super luxurious if you have the budget.  If you don’t, accessories make a dramatic statement, like a big fur hat or shrug from Pamella Roland.  Do certain fashion choices weight on your conscience?  It doesn’t have to be real fur to rock this trend.  Designers Betsey Johnson and BCBG Max Azria strike a dramatic look without harming animals.  The quality and colors of faux fur are fantastic these days when accenting a fabulous coat.  Of course, a great furry texture works too.  Creating volume with loops, fringe or even feathers can pimp out the most basic silhouette.  Anna Sui’s great fall coats and sweaters make the artsy crafty technique work very well.

Photos by Mariana Leung and David TW Leung

So has fall 2012 fashion got your mercury rising? The only chills here are the ones of stylish excitement when I flip through the runway collections.  When the temperature drops, I am so ready to shop!

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Disclosure: Compensation was provided by General Mills via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of General Mills”

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Cesar Galindo Spring 2012

You may not be familiar with his name, but you have seen his work on the backs of many of today's Pop divas.  Cesar Galindo has created costumes for the likes of Madonna, Mary J. Blige and worked on Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. collection.  He has also contributed to iconic fashion brands Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana. 

For his own collection (you might have seen him competing on Bravo TV's "The Fashion Show Ultimate Collection"), Cesar merged his flair for dramatic with wearability.  The designer showed tightly edited groups.  One group was a mix of neutral knits with black.  The silhouettes were artfully draped, but flattering on the body.  There were brightly colored ruched chiffon and satin.  While the dresses had simple basic silhouettes, the gathered fabric was perfect for swishing around with a flourish, (you know I love that).  

Mr. Galindo had some dressy day looks, using a medallion brocade in a jacket, skirt, wrap and top. Other day dresses were elegant, and versatile enough to go from the lady who lunched to the lady who went to the soiree.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Byron Lars Fall 2011

Native Americana was Byron Lars’ theme for Fall 2011.  While many designers looked to patriotic history for inspiration this season, Byron did with drama and a sense of humor.

His signature tailoring and ruched details were present.  This designer most dominates my personal closet. Each garment is impeccably made, cut to flatter a womanly figure (and is forgiving). His fabrics this fall included textured tweed, speckled boucle, cozy faux shearling to more delicate metallic brocade and lace. 

Mizani and L’oreal styled the models hair into tongue-in-cheek renditions of the Mohawk, giving new meaning to the word “fierce”.  The make-up was also a chic take on “war-paint”. 

The designer kept the presentation at Lincoln Center fun.  Champagne was served and a butch drummer kept the tribal beat going.

 No less than four designers that I went to school with interned with him in the 1990’s.  They raved about his work and about the man himself.  He greeted West Coast FAB correspondent, Mdivani Monroe enthusiastically, a man who had spent many hours resizing zippers for Lars.  Besides my fellow Parsons alumni, Byron Lars has recently garnered fame for counting First Lady Michelle Obama as a fan as well.

Check out our exclusive interview with the designer:

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NY Fashion Week: Luca Luca Fall 2011

Autumn brights hit the runway at the Luca Luca show.  A palette of warm gold, fushia, rust were mixed with more dressy black, silver and white.  The silhouettes were flattering and ladylike.  The pants were slim, pencil skirts, demure blouses.  Evening looks included flowing floor length skirts. A few pieces were elegantly embroidered with beading along the neck or waistline.

Spotted in the front row: Supermodels Carol Alt, Irina Pataeva

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