Douglas Hannant Bridal 2013

New York Bridal Week brought some romance to the city, at least to the fashion bunch.  Douglas Hannant showed his dreamy collection on the second floor terrace of the Plaza Hotel.

The gowns were a beautiful  mix of fluted tulle clouds, mermaid hems and delicate pearl or crystal embroideries.  A quick chat with the designer, did declare he found his inspiration in simple romance.  The satins, lace, tulle, silks swept the posh aisles surrounded by the gold walls of the Plaza.  Even the  most jaded editors had to fantasize a little about a storybook ending.

photos by Mariana Leung

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Monique Lhuillier Spring 2013

Monique Lhuillier enchanted us from under the sea for her New York fashion week show. Fishtail gowns were fabricated in flowing water colors or fish scale embroideries for an exotic mermaid effect. 

The nature call didn't end there...Gorgeous prints resembled the bellies of insects (in a good way), some looked like butterfly wings, showing what beautiful things exist in our wild world.  Knee length dresses, high leg slits and trailing gowns were designed to be ready for the red carpet.  

I loved the deep color palette of teal, blue, fushia, black.  The lovely chiffons moved down the runway as if the models floated through water.  The shoes were sexy with cutouts and embellished lace stilettos. 

I am a little disappointed that there weren't as many beaded pieces that this designer is known for.  I am proud to say she has used a few of my designs.  Perhaps I'll see more beading in her bridal gowns?  

Photos by David TW Leung

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NY FASHION WEEK: Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2012

Dreamy goldfishes floating down the runway.  At least that's how my father, the photographer described this show.  Bibhu Mohapatra has been on a stellar rise in recent years.  He is winning awards left and right, working along side of Prabal Garung and Waris Ahlwallia at the Fashion Incubator.   

His elegant evening gowns had a bit of 1930's silhouettes, fishtail hems and ombre colors.  Embellishments were strategically laid out to be the most flattering on (real) women's bodies.  The inspiration for this collection was Chinese opera, like the legendary tale of the white haired lady.  

photos by David TW Leung

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Scream Queen Glamour - Christian Siriano Fall 2012

Did you ever find classic horror heroines elegant and sexy?  Apparently designer Christian Siriano did.  For his darkest collection yet, the Project Runway winner paid homage to the divas of scare Saturday night at EyeBeam Studios. 

The prolific dressmaker sent elaborately detailed fishtail gowns, floating wings, ruched tulle, sequins and satin.  The palette had lots of sculptured black, dark blood red, with some ghostly white thrown in.  Hair was a severe pulled back ponytail and deep vamp lipstick.  Red carpet fantasies for those with a wicked sensibility.

Yes, we may have seen a lot of fishtails at recent awards shows, but Mr. Siriano exaggerates the silhouette even more, with more fluid fabrics.  Draped shoulder details turn into wings when the model moves.  Instead of ruching as a trim, it is stacked upon stacked to built structure.

Congratulations Christian, you have achieved elegance for the post-Twilight generation!

Photos by Ching Leung

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