Paul Frank Spring 2015 Circus

Hey little monkeys! The most whimsical fashion show of NY Fashion Week had to be the circus party of the Paul Frank children's fashion collection. A garage event space on the West Side was turned into a carnival featuring aerialists, hoop spinners, actors on stilts and lots of other amusements.

While the famous Paul Frank sock monkey was present on a smaller scale, the spring clothing collection was about celebrating motifs of other animals like zebra stripes, tiger and leopard spots. Sporty separates with athletic stripes and some glittery accents also made the mix.

Celebrity guests included Rachel Zoe and family. Also, strangely, a "celebrity" dog named Marnie who is famous for a tongue that seems permanently hung out to one side.

It was hot as hell and humid from the pouring rain at the party. That didn't stop guests (me) from chowing down on marshmallow ice cream and popcorn. Marnie the dog enjoyed cotton candy, a meal
that I doubt was endorsed by a vet.

NYFW gets too serious and too uptight at times. Thank you Paul Frank for letting big kids and little kids just have fun.
photos by Mariana Leung

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Parsons Fashion Design - Class of 2013 Part Two

When I was at Parsons, the joke was that our school colors were black and grey.  It DID seem to be the uniform of the fashion industry back in the late 90's.  However, some of the graduating fashion  class of Parsons School of Design proved that color is the way to go.

The first group on the runway was an adorable children's collection.  The designer mixed up the rpints and accessorized with huge flowers for a cheerful presentation.

The group here mixed dimensional appliques with different textures of patent leather and quilting.  It had the look of arts and crafts meets rebel punk.

These were some of my favorites.  Fitted, sporty looks mixed with pop culture icons worked into religious icons as motifs.  It would seem gimmicky if the silhouettes weren't so flattering.

Bravo class of 2013!

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A Trip to Land's End Fall 2012

Heritage company Land's End did a double play last week.  They showcased tailored men's sportwswear, dresses, bright children's wear and personalized home decor in Chelsea.  Next they presented Land's End Canvas, with a mix of their top fits and comfy fabrics at hot Lower East Side restaurant, Public.

The color palette for both presentations was bright, bright and bright.  While this brand is not the most fashion forward of labels, their strength is in hidden details and a classic American lifestyle.  At the first presentation, there was a station to show the company started with their classic canvas tote.  Guests had their initials monogrammed to go.

At the Canvas event, the collection was all about fits and details.  The slouchy slim was the most popular fit among women's pants, perfected by the technical design team and wear tested by employees.  Necktie fabric added hidden treasures on the underside of shirt collars and lining the collarband.  Super soft tencel fabrics were used to soften up classic shirt dresses.  The holiday gift room had rugged knit scarves and beer cozies, in addition to a stylized ski print.

If all the cable knits and chunky scarves didn't make you feel warm and fuzzy, the exit gift of Cane and Abe Freshwater Rum certainly did!

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Petite Bateau Anniversary Launch

We were invited to an evening of all things Parisian last week for a party hosted by venerable French brand, Petite Bateau.   Fetted with Earl Grey macarons from Macaron Parlour and lovely Nicolas Feuillatte champagne, Ms. FAB Mariana and I shopped at the event for our adorable little nephews. The event was perfectly timed for the upcoming holiday season and was  partnered with the cool site, Refinery 29. 

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