Carolina Herrera Spring 2014

original photos by Mariana Leung

It's amazing how effective good old optical illusions can be.  The simple techniques of Carolina Herrera's Spring 2014 collection wowed the guests and photographer's  pit at NY Fashion Week.  The effect was layering graphic prints on sheer fabrics on top of each other so that the patterns looked like they were moving as the models walked down the catwalk.

The geometric patterns and graphic lines looked very high-tech but it was such a great, easy look.  The designer also used embroidery design sparingly.  There were cut circles and flat jewels that just added a dimensional effect to complement the existing patterns.  There was one neckline of built up floral and jewel embroidery that was more classic Herrera to please the red carpet queens.  Otherwise, these great moving stripes might be a problem on television, despite how nice they look in person.

A few looks carried huge, long statement necklaces that had a row of pendants.  They featured unrefined stones for an artsy ethnic vibe.  Shoes were two-toned satin stilettos that complemented the colors of the fabrics.

The dresses of this show were delightfully unexpected.  Now I am inspired to go out and find my childhood brainteaser books to see what else can be designed this way...

Read more >>

Nanette Lepore Resort and Swim 2014

We're hitting the last of summer! Locavore designer Nanette Lepore put on two great presentations in the past few months. First, she presented her resort collection of bodies that paired a traditional porcelain print and a contemporary, digitally printed floral into chic rash guard tops and bottoms.

Nanette Lepore's Miami Fashion Week swim show brought us more great prints.  The suits were great, but the long, flowing dress cover-ups and tunics were perfect for beach to soiree dressing.  Unusual color combinations like the apricot tunic and ice blue embroidery was a great way to update basic silhouettes.

When asked if the beach was now the new runway, Nanette replied, "Absolutely! Everyone wants to be able to express themselves and look fabulous no matter what they're doing."

Back in the NYC showroom, I enjoyed browsing through all of the coordinating accessories.  Nanette carries through her patterns and colors into fun, wearable shoes.  The handbags are built with a tech-savvy customer in mind.  The brightest colors of her palette are well represented.

Much of Nanette Lepore's collection is made in New York.  She was one of the most visible advocates for Save the Garment Center in NYC.  Her advice to new designers on deciding to produce locally: "Do it! The costs are about the same and you'll be able to have more control over everything. It's so worth it!"

What do you think of designers who produce locally?  Would that be more appealing to you as a shopper?

Read more >>

Badgley Mischka Spring 2013

A Midsummer's Nights Dream inspired Badgley's Mischka's spring 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week.  Not Shakespeare particularly, but the 1935 film (the one with James Cagney and an almost naked Mickey Rooney as Puck).

The collection had dreamy silk organza, chiffon with floral touches in large and small scale to please the most deluded fairy queens.  The silhouettes definitely hinted at 1930's Hollywood glamour.  The muted greys, pinks, purple, silver, ivory and gold made for a gorgeous color palette. The messy up-do hairstyle made the models looks a little more relaxed and romantic, as if they were running through the woods looking for a lost lover than at an uptight cocktail party.  A few pieces that had "angel" like wings looked a little too much like Christian's Siriano's Fall 2012 collection though.

I loved the range of accessories I saw in this collection.  The dainty, constructed clutches were chic with metallic accent.  Embroidered, fingerless tulle gloves were unexpected, but gave an extravagant, edgy option.  Wired and jeweled statement necklaces and structured platform shoes again were modern updates to more formal pieces.

Is it wrong I was a little disappointed that no one wore a big donkey head in the end?

Read more >>

Accessories Report - Miami Fashion Week Edition

I hope you're enjoying our runway reports of all the shows from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. The bikinis were hot, but the accessories of South Beach were stars on and off the catwalk.  When I wasn't shooting from the photographer's pit, I did my style hunting with my phone on Instagram.

South Florida fashionistas are all about color. The sun is bright on the beach and the women are no wallflowers. Statement necklaces are more of a declaration on the runways of Mara Hoffman and Red Carter. A bunch of guests even had a chance to DIY their baubles at an event under the tents of the Raleigh Hotel.

Shoes were bold, following trends of color blocking and big floral embellishments. Handbags in Miami were far from demure. I spotted a flashy metallic envelope clutch and a neon trimmed woven rattan purse.  The Caffe Swimwear fashion show had a parade of big, brightly colored straw beach bags with over-sized tassels and wrapped handles.

One popular accessory unique to the South Beach fashion crowd is the updated turban. Maybe it's the heat, but I haven't seen that look too often in the Northeast. Variations includes luxe designer scarves, retro bows and wild prints.

Until next time SoBe!

Now you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for power. Introducing the ultra-sleek, ultra-responsive Ultrabook™, Inspired by Intel. Visit intel.com/ultrabook for more information.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Intel via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Intel.

Read more >>

Street Style Accessories: Summer Edition

When the sun is beating us into submission, clothes reduce to a minimum and accessories ramp up to a maximum.  Intel's Ultrabook is this season's sleekest tech accessory and its ready to hit the streets.  In honor of Ultrabook, I went hunting through the streets of New York with my trusty Instagram...  I tracked boho divas down on the Lower East Side then bagged some of my best fashionistas in the Garment District during an open casting call of NBC's Fashion Star...

Summer's top trends of neon, rattan and bold prints were well represented in handbags.  In jewelry, earrings could be huge door knockers or demure, but brightly colored (different for each side).  Statement rings are slowly competing with statement necklaces as the conversation piece.  Heavy jeweled cuffs can also double as tools for self defense.  In shoes, bold hues and platform heels make loafers sexy, while DIY bedazzled ballet slippers were very sweet.  

What accessories are YOU rocking this summer?  I'll soon have you in my cross hairs!

Now you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for power. Introducing the ultra-sleek, ultra-responsive Ultrabook™, Inspired by Intel. Visit intel.com/ultrabook for more information.

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

Read more >>

Ladies Rule the Rock and Republic Runway for Kohls

It was a night of rock and roll style from kick-ass ladies.  Action star Zoe Saldana, model Molly Sims,musician Ashlee Simpson and actress Mena Suvari came out to celebrate the Rockand Republic collection launch for Kohl’s. 

The Hammerstein ballroom in midtown Manhattan was built out in an elaborate litrunway for a parade of edgy, rock-inspired denim fashions.  Tops were really sexy, with metallic fabrics,studded embellishments, sequins or shoulder-bearing cuts.  Jeans were slim, in a range of colors.  Really short shorts and miniskirt lengths bared sexy legs.

Accessories really brought edge to the runway looks. Feathered earrings and layered necklaces gave that rocker edge.  Chunky bracelets, sharp fedoras and compact little clutch purses elevated casual outfits to more sleek ensembles.  Colored pumps or studded platform heels kicked up the diva factor in footwear

Seeing the show styled so well with the accessories really helps me in my own denim dressing…I’m not a jeans girl on a regular basis.  I’m old school in feeling like I need to be put together anywhere I go.  The embellished tees and accented denim ensembles totally showed me that jeans can be a high fashion statement (without breaking the bank!).

I already picked out my favorites from shopping online last week.  After seeing the show, my new favorites are bright red jeans and the foil printed studded one-shoulder top.

Need a peek at the show?  Check out the video:

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

Photos by Mariana Leung and Glam director Robert McConnell   

Read more >>