#NYFW Studio 189 from Rosario Dawson

Today we are taking a trip to Africa. Studio 189 Fall 2019 was one of my favorite presentations on several fronts. First, I was reunited with two immensely talented ex co-workers who now work on this brand. Jennifer Chun is amazing designer who know doubt was responsible for the best looks you see here. Ngaa Bedell, now relocated to Ghana, worked her magic from across the world and back in NYC to make sure it looked good.

Founder actress Rosario Dawson established Studio 189 as a sustainable fashion label celebrating the craftsmanship of African communities and the art of indigo dying. The silhouettes were incredibly chic and modern,  showcasing the updated expressions of local patterns beautifully.

The model casting was equally beautiful and diverse. The presentation incorporated dance and lots of team members excited to talk about their work.

Congratulations to everyone who worked on the Studio 189 fall 2019 collection. What a triumph!

All photos by Mariana Leung

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Malibu Style - Cars and Fashion

Industrial design and  fashion design are incestuous in their muses.   Sleek, fast cars like the new Chevy Malibu are inspired by the lifestyles of the drivers.  Fashion designers inspired by the electric colors, hot metal and luxurious interiors of their favorite cars.

One of my favorite vehicle-inspired fashion pieces growing up was the Thierry Mugler motorcycle corset made famous in George Michael’s Too Funky music video in the 1990’s. 

Rich red chrome makes any fashion statement look hot.  A car’s details has inspired more than one designer on and off the runway.  Prada’s spring accessories sported tail fins and classic car details on their shoes and handbags.  A sequin embroidered dress from Miss Selfridge mirrors the honeycomb pattern of the Malibu’s front grille.

A sweet ride through the city also inspires an urge for appropriate goodies for driving.  Prada has a great pair of driving gloves in patent leather oxblood.  Kara Ross designed a fantastic necklace in tribute to the City with salvaged concrete and photos of NYC landmarks.  Designer Jennifer Chun’s collection mixes prints and layered urban pieces for a slick, look like the plush interiors of a car.

Need more industrial style and fast driving fashion? Check out our #MalibuStyle Pinterest board!

 Smart technology, impressive styling, a luxurious interior and confident handling all come together in the all-new 2013 @Chevrolet #Malibu to take your drive to the next level.  Discover #MalibuStyle

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

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Jennifer Chun Spring 2013

 An independent designer proudly making her collection in the New York garment district, Jennifer Chun showed her Barcelona-inspired collection this week post-New York Fashion Week.

Her signature pieces this season was the layered apron.  She designed some great prints that referenced the Spanish waters, stones, wood and fish scales, images natural and architectural without using her muses in a literal sense.  Each piece could coordinate with the other seamlessly.

This is a great luxury sportswear line that is quickly gaining traction with industry insiders.  You should snap up a few pieces and gain your fashion cred before the rest of the masses catch on...

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American-Made Designers

Happy Fourth of July! That's American Independence Day to everyone overseas.  While foodies are flocking to the "locavore" movement of consuming locally produced goods, I think it is important to do the same for fashion.

Here is a spotlight to some of my favorite labels produced in New York:

Nanette Lepore is a perfect duo of artist and entrepreneur.  Together with her husband/business partner Robert Savage, she counts poets, painters, celebs and fashion editors as fans.  She is one of the most vocal and visible designers in the mission to keep NYC's Garment Center thriving.

Jennifer Chun designs a polished collection of tailored pieces with a relaxed chic attitude.  She honed her design skills at Derek Lam and Michael Kors before branching out on her own.

Yeohlee Teng's architectural approach to fashion has made her work sought-after subject at many museums for design and fashion.  She brings philosophy to her designs and popularized the look of the "urban nomad".

If you want to learn more about producing a great clothing line in NYC, check out Save the Garment Center .  It is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness about keeping clothing manufacturing in New York City.

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