Frederick Anderson Resort 2024 and Natasha Bedingfield

What a treat! Pop queen Natasha Bedingfield opened and closed Frederick Anderson's Resort 2024 collection with her top hits on his runway show. Midtown Manhattan nightclub Nebula provided the venue for the elevated catwalk. 

The collection was a sexy combination of intricate crochet pieces, lace and sequins. Rather than the bohemian, prairie vibe that many designers default to for resort, this collection leaned more cosmopolitan, accessorized with helmets, shades and an urban color palette. Let's face it, most of us don't necessarily hide away in the country somewhere over winter as most editorials would suggest. We dress to go out for a staycation right where we live. The "Take Me Away" theme was aspirational, and also a tribute to Bedingfield's biggest hits. 

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Fashion Fostering Connectivity Sheila Gray and Byron Lars Fashion Show

Feeling thankful today. The fashion, art, and media communities are huge, so why aren't we networking more? Last Friday, Sheila Gray presented the Fashion Fostering Connectivity Panel  to remedy that. I am so grateful for the empowering event. The evening started with an informal fashion show featuring both Sheila's collection and Byron Lars collection where the models were an inclusive group both in culture, size, shape, backgrounds, but with a common trait of giving back to the community. I was honored to be asked to be a part of this "model" lineup!

Sheila Gray, who is also PR director for Byron Lars in addition to her up-and-coming accessories collection, put this wonderful event together. She brought in author/editor Constance White (personal woman crush as a writer), Dale Noelle of True Model Management, Adrienne Jones, Cheryl McGinnis, Mary Ann Wheaton, Lisa Marie and Hello Beautiful publisher Danielle James. These power women discussed the challenges of working in their media, art, fashion fields, coming up against the establishment as women and as people of color. They stressed the importance of sharing, networking, talking to each other and then stayed to follow through with the guests in attendance.

Models were equally inspiring. Actress Lisa Arrindale introduced herself right in the model lineup before we headed to the runway to share and give thanks for being there to set the tone. Leslie Taub is a dancer and physically challenged model rocking classic Hollywood blonde glam, promoting strength and empowerment by example. Kyria Jaide Hughes, Jerrica Patton, Jasmine Moore, Alex Ferguson, Frankie Tavares, Keely Bembry, Chelsea Henriques, and Nicole Quintero all devote a good portion of their life to great causes and with entrepreneurial projects of their own.

I wore a twist front black Byron Lars dress (one of my favorite styles of his) with some fabulous silver and black statement necklaces by Sheila Gray. Those spiky stud gloves were a DIY one-off from Byron that he made for the look. Those huge glasses were a tribute to legends like Edith Head, Edna Mode, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Carrie Donovan.

I contributed my newly launched Wicked Finch Boozy Jam collection to the gift bags for the event. Other goodies included the newest makeup color trends and lots of sweet treats.

So how do you connect with your fashion peers? What do you think of all the gorgeous Byron Lars Fashion? Reach out and network with your colleagues and introduce them to each other. You never know how the right connection can help someone else!

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Zang Toi Spring 2019 - Vive Le Yves

I know sing designer Zang Toi's praises every season. For Spring 2019, I felt he created this entire runway show directly for me (because I am vain and narcissistic). Why? This beautiful collection incorporated a bunch of my favorite things.
First, the collection was a tribute to Yves Saint-Laurent. Granted, the late designer was an inspiration to most people in fashion so I won't assume this was picked for me. Zang Toi referenced the designer in several ways. First, the Mondrian-inspired prints were a motif in the flowing silks of the show. Some of Saint-Laurent's most iconic looks were also inspired by Mondrian. Second, the intense blue color is reminiscent of the hues found in the Jardin Majorelle, the gardens in Morocco founded by the designer. The hipster scarves worn by the models are also taking inspiration from the Bedouin women who live in Morocco.
Why else did this collection seem personal to me? I love butterflies. I wore tons of them on my head and wore the wings for the NYC Easter Parade. Now Toi has them fluttering all over the purple (my favorite color) and pink gowns in showstopper section of the show.
The soundtrack? It's like he stole my iPod. Grace Jones' Libertango played over the runway with the models sauntering out like the queens they are. One of his consistent star models, Georgie Badiel, was recently married and had her new husband sitting in the audience. Zang Toi himself walked her down the aisle during the wedding.
The reason so many photographers are so loyal to shooting this show when there are many other shows competing in the same time slot is how thoughtful Toi is to us. He collaborates with photographers on lighting and model staging rather than dictating the conditions like many other producers do, leaving photographers to scramble and hope for the best. He sent out care packages to the photographers, with a (much needed) snack and water, with the bonus of his gorgeous Papyrus couture greeting cards. 
Thank you Zang Toi, for gifting us another wonderful show for Spring 2019. It was extra special as you clearly custom designed the collection around me (ha!). Kidding aside, butterflies, blue gardens and Yves Saint-Laurent, how could you go wrong?

all photos by Mariana Leung

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#NYFW: Pamella Roland Spring 2019

One expects and wants to see flowers in Spring fashion collections. Pamella Roland's Spring 2019 show did not disappoint. There were beautiful flower brocades in cheery yellow blooms made into jackets, cocktail dresses and gowns. The cheerful palette continued into embroidered feather fringe with beading, then swirling gowns of silk.
Other happy colors included rich fuschia pink and sky blue. There were gowns with masterful manipulations of fabric into ruffles and pleating. There were delicately embroidered florals of organic vines. This was the collection where Pamella Roland aspired to an Haute Couture look with the muse of her Bali travels to inspire the colors and lightweight fabrics.
On the other hand, her sleek, New York socialite on-the-move looks were still well represented. Think slim, tailored suits in bright colors. Sleek pencil skirt sheaths and fitted gowns with mermaid silhouettes. These were all ready for Real Housewives and other heiresses (Nicky Hilton) to wear to hit the red carpet, ( I counted four wives today).
This is glamor for the crowd who doesn't worry about what to wear to the office, because she doesn't really work for a living (maybe for fun). It must be nice.
Pamella Roland Spring 2019 had some of the most beautiful dresses I have seen from the designer in the many seasons I have followed the brand. I hope to wear one someday.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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#NYFW: A_I_R Atelier Spring 2019

Is there a perfect setting for a collection called A_I_R Atelier to be showing their Spring 2019 collection out in the open air on a rooftop? A few influencers winced at the lack of air conditioning, but the Hudson River breezes made up for it. Also, if you're over-eager to wear your tall suede fall boots on a humid 90-degree day, you have no one to blame but yourself.

Impractical fashion guest choices aside, the AIR collection did a great job presenting several groups of print themes. They are whimsical but sophisticated. The label is a collaboration with Project Runway alum Jeffrey Sebelia and artist Kirk Nelson. There was a tropical floral group with stripes as a contrast accent, safari animals, sea creatures, an abstract delicate floral and more. Some pieces used them as an all-over print, some as large graphics, so e complementary prints. The execution of separates worked well to mix and match items where all the fun patterns could work in a combined outfit. 

The models were a diverse group of ethnicities, men, and women that represented the modern urban generation (I tried to avoid "hipster," but I failed.) What I liked was the juxtaposition of the 'sexy' open shirt male model and other models showing skin with a model wearing the same collection following very modest rules for dress. By doing this, it showed how stylish they were to customers of all faiths and comfort. The modest fashion customer loves fashion and is happy to spend money on it. It would be a tremendous missed opportunity for any designer not to address that.

If you have a chance, check out the A_I_R Atelier collection when you want an artful print. Whether your style is all skin or all smiles, this label has you covered. 

Photos by Mariana Leung

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African Fashion Week Toronto

I had the privilege of starting Fashion Month off by attending African Fashion Week Toronto. This was a gorgeous collection of student designers, high fashion, and bridal designers brought together in Canada from a mutual muse of African style. I appreciated the diversity of body types on these runways and how this event celebrates diversity with a focused fashion market.

The NYKWALE label was one of the student designers who debuted on this runway. Designer Eugenie Amegah-Wovoe had incredibly vibrant colors and textures collaged into patterns that hinted at traditional African garb, but with a thoroughly modern look. I liked how flattering they were to all body shapes. She mixed print, fringe, patent leather, embroidery to create a sexy collection soon to be a hit with for her fans.

Phresh Empire was another student designer winner. He used traditional African fabrics in modern streetwear inspired silhouettes for men and sweet dress silhouettes for women. I loved the styling of the hair, which were works of art unto themselves, created by Sandy W.

Andrea's Dresses designer Andrea Smart got the fashion bug as young as age 12 in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago. She works African colors and patterns into a diverse collection that ranges from casual items like t-shirt dresses to full formal gowns. She used brightly colored African motifs in strategic ways to flatter the body. A body conscious gown with contrast color and pattern for slimming elongated effect. Patterns that are printed in curves then draped to accentuate the actual body curves. Using color to highlight specific parts of the body, then using black as contrast and minimize.

The Zalahari collection was an accessible menswear collection doing modern twists on African motifs. High tech digital prints used bright backgrounds, and African animals in a repeat pattern in a style designer Ezomoh David calls "Afro-contemporary." These fabrics were worked into well-tailored jackets, shirts, and updated Dashikis. I loved how the male models all had the perfect suave attitude as they strutted down the runway in this collection.

So there you have it, a few of my favorite collections from African Fashion Week Toronto. A vibrant showcase of designer talent with a cultural muse from the other side of the world. I can only see this event growing in attendance and customers once word gets out. Torontonians and fashion fans are missing out.

Photos by Mariana Leung and David Leung

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Zang Toi Fall 2018 - Roman Holiday

Happy birthday to the extraordinary talent that is Zang Toi. His Fall 2018 NY Fashion week collection brought us on a romantic journey to Rome.
His color palette this season was a mix of rich red, orange, pink and black. The florals evoking the sunny Mediterranean regions of Italy with the elegance of its capital city.
Think of the classic movie star glamor Anita Ekberg dancing around the Trevi Fountain or Sophia Loren's sultry looks. While the silhouettes took inspiration from retro fashion styles of this era, they were executed in luxury fabrics of today.

Rich silks are painstakingly embroidered with delicate blooms. Delicate handmade flowers were appliqued onto the body or assembled into glorious caps. A subtle ombre stripe cape in pink cashmere perfectly complemented a gorgeous floral print.
This isn't a collection for casual day-to-day. This is what you wear to that once-in-a-lifetime opera gala that you will attend or perform in.
That's how I think of Zang Toi's fashion shows at NY Fashion Week. As I cover fewer collections at NYFW, I only attend the ones that are special to me. Toi puts so much detail into his shows, from the clothes, model casting, and direction, lighting and collaboration with the photographers to gifts for his guests that everyone present feels it is a special treat to be there. My colleagues, both in editorial and photographers feel the same way, with fashion week completely fragmented, this show is where we all plan our schedules around to reunite.

Bravo and have the most wonderful birthday Zang Toi!

zang toi fall 2018 photos by mariana leung

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NYBFW: Theia Bridal Spring 2019

Who hasn't dreamt of being a Princess Bride? The Theia Bridal Spring 2019 collection at NY Bridal Fashion Week was a celebration of European queens and princesses, iconic and modern. By modern, this means brides of all shapes, lifestyles and sizes, who were represented on his runway.

Each gown had different cuts, style lines to create dramatic silhouettes that flattered different areas of the wearer. Elegant embroidery was designed to also accentuate the curves of the body. There was a regal sophistication to every look from this collection that hinted at princesses of history (as each gown was named after) but with a thoroughly contemporary execution.

Designer Don O'Neill has always been thoughtful in designing gowns for real women. From creating his signature laser-cut fabric paillettes for comfort to his little tricks of draping to give extra ease in areas where the wearer might feel self-conscious to the ever-important "bra-friendly" styling that customers want. His record with celebrities as diverse as Gabourey Sidibe to Carrie Underwood has demonstrated his skill in making everyone look beautiful.

I sighed when I saw the jeweled tiaras. Who wants a veil when you have a princess crown? While I don't have any photos of the flowers, Fleur de Pascal's creations belonged in palace.

For anyone who can't wait for the Royal Wedding this May, they got their fill from this gorgeous show!

Photos courtesy of Theia.

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NYFW: Custo Barcelona Fall 2018

Do you need to see a fashion collection in person to review it properly? Custo Barcelona fall 2018 is a brand that makes the case for yes. This label is one where no amount of fabrics or embellishment is too much for one outfit. Many of the established editors have long since taken the easy way out and written their NYFW recaps from the comfort of their office or laptop, and readers looking for the scoop are getting ripped off as a result.

Looking at photos of Custo Dalmau's fall looks, you don't get the full scope of the work put into each outfit. An edgy cocktail dress might look like an interesting mosaic of patterns from a graphics standpoint. However, a photo can't convey the delicately layered peacock feather eyes, paired with beaded embroidery and how it moved when the model walked. The metallic brocade pieced trim was perfectly cut to curve around the shoulder. In a photo, an editor couldn't possibly distinguish a cheap print from 3D couture.
In fall 2018, there were big coats mixing leather, iridescent, metallic fabrics and embroidery. When urban areas get cold, people generally hunker down in dark, somber outerwear, which is how most designers treat cold weather. I welcome flamboyant fashion statements when everything else around is grey and depressing. Even the accessories are coordinated with the clothing. Shoes are just as embellished, mixing patterns and textures as the clothes. Sunglasses are not subtle either.

This season, the message of the collection is "Yes, this is Me." The bold statements on the runway are to support women who are empowered to make bold statements in real life.

If I took the time to describe every individual look in this show, you would be ready for weeks. If you are looking at every outfit in a slideshow, they might blur after awhile. From a customs standpoint, it is satisfying to know whatever look you choose is your statement piece. Whether you buy a winter coat or slip dress for a night out, you know it will be the most striking piece in the room. 

Looking to shed your wallflower ways? Custo Barcelona fall 2018 is your go-to collection to command the room.

All Photos by Mariana Leung

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NYFW: Tadashi Shoji Fall 2018 #MeToo

In the most unlikely of places, the #MeToo and #TimesUp movement have landed on the runway. Tadashi Shoji's stated his Fall 2018 collection was a tribute to the diverse, strong women in the movement. The looks were presented in a range of silhouettes and lengths to have the wearer feel empowered.

The use of shorter cuts on some dresses or perhaps sheer or lace fabrics was to make the statement that women should feel confident and comfortable to wear anything they wish. There were also a dozen black looks for solidarity to the #MeToo movement demonstrated in the red carpet looks at the Golden Globes Awards.

Backstage at Tadashi Shoji

Looking at the collection purely for its fashion merit, the looks had a certain 1930's Hollywood glamor. The asymmetrical draping and bias cut seams and gathered details was flattering to most body types. Intense jewel tones looked great on different skin tones as did the platinum metallic shimmer fabrics. Hair and makeup gave the models gorgeous big rolled waves, many with a side part a la Veronica Lake.

Shoji's popularity grew on the red carpet after actress Octavia Spencer wore several of his looks over the awards season where she won multiple awards for The Help. She made it a point to choose Tadashi Shoji because he was one of the few designers happy to dress full figured women towards the beginning of her career.

If you are about to walk the red carpet, make sure you are dressed by a designer who has your back. Tadashi Shoji is the supportive, glamorous choice you need.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Zang Toi Spring 2018

I only attended a few shows this New York Fashion Week, but the one show I had to attend was the Zang Toi Spring 2018 show. I can always count on this Malaysian designer to take me away on an escape somewhere wonderful. For spring, Toi took us to Lake Garda Italy, a locale appreciated for its vivid blue waters and intense green beauty.

Both colors were center runway this season. Zang Toi uses the richest fabrics, silk crepe, silk gazar, silk twill. Emerald and watercolor blues flowed down the catwalk with a more relaxed attitude than past shows.

Luxurious tunics, easy jackets, shorts, blouses made up the daywear portion of the show. There were a few signature ballgown and fitted column dresses with opera capes, but still more relaxed. Did the design team actually get a few rest of sleep this season? Or just dreamed that they did? They all deserve a posh vacation after every NYFW.

I am a sucker for fashion illustration, especially when it is incorporated into the collection itself. My favorite day look was a flirty handkerchief hem skirt printed with Zang Toi fashion sketches like a scarf print. No surprise, my favorite evening look was the ballgown hand beaded with his illustrations.

I knew the Zang Toi Spring 2018 would be a reunion of my favorite people at New York Fashion Week. With the crazy NYFW schedule scattering editors, photographers and celebrities all over an Uber-clogged New York City, it was great to know I would finish out fashion week among friends. Notable guests included Patti Labelle, socialite Ivana Trump and supermodel Carol Alt.

Zang Toi was the posh escape into elegance, beauty and civilized fashion I needed!

Runway photos by Mariana Leung

Also on Ms. Fabulous:Wildfox La Dolce VitaSalvatore Ferragamo - Lo Splendore Dei Meistieri

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NYFW: Greta Constantine Spring 2018

We're back at NY Fashion Week. Like last season, I start the reports with Toronto-based designers. Greta Constantine is a label founded by Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong, self-claimed "Jersey Boys of Toronto".

Their Spring 2018 collection was a celebration of bold, sexy women. While the clothes aim for the future, There were a lot of retro influences. Backless tops, flowing skirts reminded me of 1970s disco. Constructed shoulders in jackets and ruffled skirts brought memories of 1980s glam, glittering in sequins and lame. Lots of legs, lots of skin were shown. The fabrics were quite luxurious. Silk tulle, satin and silk wool were the top fabrics among the sequins.

Greta Constantine, named after Wong's mother and Pickersgill's grandfather, has earned a celebrity following. The designers call Taraji P. Henson, Frieda Pinto and Tatiana Maslany as fans. The collection is sold all over the world, including boutiques in Qatar, Ireland and native Canada.
photos by Mariana Leung

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Taoray Wang and Tiffany Trump Fall 2017

Sorry I have been MIA for awhile. With everything going on in this country, I was having a hard time writing. Taoray Wang's Fall 2017 fashion show at NY Fashion Week was an example of how fashion can transcend politics.

An up-and-coming designer from China, Wang presented a sleek, sexy collection of tailored looks, bridging suits and evening wear. She took classically constructed jackets and gave them fashion-forward closures and silhouettes. The jackets were paired with asymmetrical dresses, mixing lace, zippers, for a sexy look.

Tiffany Trump, despite all of her father's anti-China rhetoric, chose to sit front row and show her support. She wore the designer's work prominently at major events. Most social climbing politician's daughters would choose to wear more famous labels for prestige. Tiffany Trump chose to attend several shows of unknown designers, despite the unwelcome reception she received from other guests.

I am NO fan of the current president or his administration, but that does not carry over to the entire family. While I can't say I am a particular fan of Tiffany either, I do respect that she supported designers of color and chose talent over prestige in her wardrobe choices. Whoopi Goldberg, also no fan of the president reached out to make Tiffany feel welcome when she saw her being poorly at a different show.

We like to think of fashion as art and not political, but this season, more than ever, proved that this is not true. Many designers made a political statement with their presentations. Some were subtle, in their music choices or support of social causes. Other more outright with models carrying protest signs or wearing clear statements on their body.

On the flip side, Tiffany Trump, as a political representative, official or not made hers by supporting the fashion industry underdog, regardless of the designer's country of origin.

Interesting, for a collection that was a stark color palette of black and white, would prove to be a showcase for situations that were neither. Let's see what Taoray Wang brings us for the upcoming NYFW season...
Photos by Mariana Leung

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Pamella Roland Resort 2018

Resort collections from Fashion designers. For many, that is the throwaway, smaller, simple collection after putting it all into fall and holiday. For Pamella Roland, she takes the opportunity to make it shine. Her presentation at the Bvlgari jewelry boutique in 57th store street was an opulent affair.

Many of her collections took exotic locales or prestigious artists as her muse. Resort 2018 was inspired by her own backyard. Delicate flowers like peonies, wisteriea, hydrangeas and lavender made their way into the collection in color palette or motifs.
Embroideries of trailing flowers, three dimensional fabric appliques, beaded fringe all added a rich texture to the luxury fabrics. Most of the looks clearly aimed for red carpet wear, either on celebrities like Vanessa Williams in attendance or the many socialites who are devoted fans.

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The Blonds Present The Mummy Fall 2017

The Blonds Fall 2017 was one of the most highly anticipated shows of the season. Photographers live for their showmanship on the runway. The theme this year was The Mummy to celebrate the movie release today.

Looking at these photographs, you can see the cliche bandage wrapping of the past was not in play. The Mummy star Sofia Boutella's look in the film has an exotic, dark style. She appears to be deteriorating elegantly in a body conscious costume. The Blonds collection also has a dark, exotic look that is sexy and body conscious. Spiders and their webs are a repeated motif. Several looks have a shredded texture created in feathers, embellished with rich Preciosa pearls.

from The Mummy, Universal Pictures

Preciosa Crystal Components is a major collaborator with designers Philip and David Blond. Preciosa, a leader in producing the most brilliant crystals for jewelry, home, and fashion design. They particularly love working with The Blonds as they use their entire library of materials and techniques in their collection. This season included gigantic faceted teardrops, pearls, trims down to the smallest crystal seed beads.

The hair was equally dramatic. Polished curls twisted into odd angles framed elaborately fierce eye makeup. Intimidating boots with 5" - 6" stiletto heels made the models look larger than life, like the Goddesses (or demons) that were their muse.

Are you going to find these looks on the rack of your local boutique? Not too likely. Will you find them gracing the bodies of your favorite pop icon? The probability is higher. The collection and fashion show was spectacular. Bravo The Blonds!

Runway photos by Mariana Leung

More on Ms. Fabulous:

Guo Pei's Dragon Dramatic Haute Couture

Susanne Bartsch's Landauland

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Naeem Khan's Human Family - Fall 2017

Fall 2017 was a season of female empowerment on the runway. Naeem Khan's muse has often been regal and global. This season, that muse has skewed younger and more contemporary. There were luxe renditions of the pajamas as outerwear look. Relaxed, embroidered drawstring pants and tops, delicate, expensive lace bras underneath. Long gowns with more of a body-conscious silhouette with sheer panels or sleek silks with geometric graphics.

In addition to elegant floral motifs, there were bold leopard spots in metallic sequins or lace. Oversized earrings and layered beaded necklaces of different sizes were a nod to tribal jewelry. At one point, the music stopped, and the soundtrack for this show was the voice of Maya Angelou, reading from The Human Family.

Models of all ethnicities graced the catwalk in a range of colors and silhouettes. While literal ethnic costume references were not used, the subtle styling of each look was a tribute to the many cultures around the world. This was not an obvious political statement, but a stylish stance on the beauty of diversity. The finale of the show was a spectacular bride in gold embroidery and headdress who looked like an African queen floating through the venue.

It was gratifying to see the majority of designers this season make a positive statement in one way or another. The fashion crowd rarely gets involved in politics. Some made deliberate moves to call out and publicly reject particular politicians. Others like Naeem Khan evoke the idea of inclusiveness by designing for a multicultural customer and sharing an iconic poem. The Human Family is one we all belong to.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Dennis Basso Fall 2017

A touch of mink this season? How many of you were caught off-guard with March snowstorms? Designer Dennis Basso had everyone covered with a mix of breezy gowns in organza and georgette, but his signature fur coats were on hand at his NY Fashion Week Fall 2017 runway.

Dennis Basso is a heritage brand at this point. Ladies who lunch, New York's privileged class have been fawning over him for over three decades at this point. While he has his long term clients seduced, he is making a (sartorial) play for their daughters as well. Tiffany Trump was sitting front row of this runway. Long, relaxed dresses had a contemporary vibe with fully luxurious fabrications. My favorite was the compass, and map inspired gown with embroidered sheer land masses.

The color palette was minimal. Warm, neutral shades of brown, beige, cream as a tonal complement to the natural shades of luxurious fur on the catwalk. While the big fur coats may still be favored for Mom, there was a young gateway accessory of on-trend chokers made of fur on the models.

Politics and social commentary played a part in many of the Fall 2017 shows at NYFW this time around. Some were overt, some more subtle. Tiffany Trump was a new face on the scene at several shows I attended. She looked to be warmly welcomed by editors at Dennis Basso, but I was sad to hear she might have been rudely treated at another show.

Trust me, I am NOT a fan of Donald Trump or his administration so far. However, his daughter, often the rebellious one, is not her father. She is a young woman who is supporting fashion designers at a time when any support should be appreciated. While Dennis Basso is well established, she also attended the shows of designers who were up-and-coming and could use the promotional help. I also saw her at the Taoray Wang show, a Chinese designer, still new to the American scene. Trump wore Wang's work to the Presidential inauguration even though it was probably not politically correct with her father's cronies because she chose design over their BS.

 I can't stand Mean Girl BS in the fashion industry, it's tough enough out there. I am happy to hear that Whoopi Goldberg, also not a Donald fan, extended a friendly invitation when she saw Trump being shunned. The fashion industry is already depicted as shallow and snobbish. Editors, designers, all fashion professionals should be taking the high road and conduct themselves with class. You don't have to invite the offending person into your home, but at least treat others with the dignity and respect you would hope they would treat you with.

Dennis Basso may cater to the elite, but the beauty of his work can be appreciated by all. The runway looks of his Fall 2017 collection were not stuffy but sophisticated. The dresses were sleek and sexy, but you could cocoon yourself in a big warm coat when a snowstorm hits.

all photos by Mariana Leung

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Vivienne Tam Fall 2017

Who is ready to go out tonight? Vivienne Tam brought Fall 2017 back to Hong Kong and its legendary nightlife. The city celebrates the 20th anniversary of its handover back to China. Their festivities are centered around youth and the generation that came of age in this era.

Vivienne Tam paid tribute to the 1990s of the turnover with a nod to the fashion silhouettes of that time but with her signature twist. Ruching details were popular in the late Nineties, and she worked them into unusual placements on skirts and jackets. 

There were some dazzling prints depicting the neon lighting and signs that define the Hong Kong nightlife scene. These were juxtaposed with tailored menswear plaids and metallic brocades. There were some fantastic crochet knits in chunky textures combining black and bright primary colors.

If you are ready to party on a global scale, Vivienne Tam has your wardrobe ready!

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