Nanette Lepore Fall 2013

Utilitarian chic was paired with shimmering iridescent accessories for Nanette Lepore's fall 2013 runway.  Based on the designer's posts on social media, the inspiration for the collection was the Mars rover landing.  Nanette is one of the most prominent advocates for saving the Garment Center in New York City.  She produces much of her collection locally, which in itself is eco-friendly.

There were pretty prints in shades of olive and green that gave a hint of a camouflage pattern. Sequinned tops and skirts also had an enlarged version of these motifs that also hinted at military inspiration.  While the models did not sport crew cuts, the rigid posture of their walk complemented constructed jackets.  Handbags had prominent industrial hardware, but were made in brighter iridescent shades of khaki, red and green.  Shoes also had the galactic, shimmering finish in the heels or  entire platform shoes.  The contrast between the clothing and accessories kept it fun and young, but reflects how women dress today... You're on a mission (work) but want to escape far far away.

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Modern Vice - Made in NY

What are your vices?  Are they funky, upscale footwear made in the heart of New York's Garment District? The Adoni family is a multi-generational shoe producer.  Jordan and Jensen Adoni are shoe design entrepreneurs whose father opened a factory in Brooklyn many years ago.

The two brothers are now bringing their love of New York to their label, Modern Vice.  The upscale shoes are made with luxury materials right in the heart of Midtown's fashion center.  If you visit their factory, you will see skilled artisans dying, cutting and stitching the products right in front of your eyes.  The brothers themselves are very hands-on.  You could probably find them at the factory any day of the week morning or late night.

The trip to their factory was the highlight of an evening hosted by hot NYC retailer, Cloak and Dagger, which showcased some of their other top collections as well.

Like your food, it pays in style and conscience to shop local.  Check out more photos of the Modern Vice factory and event here:

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Nanette Lepore Spring 2013 - Pantone's Color of the Year

 The color emerald was just announced as Pantone's color of the year for 2013.  According to the color agency, the hue represents “clarity, renewal and rejuvenation.”  One fashion designer Nanette Lepore was clearly clairvoyant on the importance of emerald in her spring 2013 collection.

The bright jewel shade was the most prominent color on her runway in both solids and a range of botanical prints, often mixed together.  Her accessories of handbags and shoes also reflected the significance of emerald green.   There was an upscale garden party feeling to this collection, with white, back and shades of last year's color of the year, tangerine thrown in.   (See the rest of the collection here.) You would think the cheerful look of the clothing would transfer into happier looks on the models, but they looked rather annoyed as a whole.  Why is that necessary?

Nanette Lepore is one of the most prominent advocates for Save the Garment Center and keeping fashion manufacturing in New York.  Believe it or not, with the efforts of designer like herself, garment production in this country has actually risen 11% in the recent year.  Let's hope more designers jump on this bandwagon.

Pantone chooses the color of the year based on factors like travel destinations, uses in popular art and film.  After the color is announced, watch the trickle effect into home interior and fashion design, beauty trends and advertising graphics.  Peter Pan has never been so fashionable.

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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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Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2013

American couture. The term is tossed around lightly, but Ralph Rucci is the one designer whom it truly applies to.  The designer's New York Fashion Week show was a striking display of the capabilities of his New York design studio.  He is the only American accepted by the Chambre Syndicale in Paris for Haute Couture.

Signature Chado Ralph Rucci details, like the anatomically flattering seaming was present.  The color palette had clean white and black, but with gorgeous shots of neon sorbet colors of bright tangerine, lemon and raspberry pink.  There were a few pieces with shine and feathers for more novelty texture for his Spring 2013 collection.  

Wearing an exquisite couture creation, made in New York is as patriotic as fashion gets, (at least until you find a way to wear Miss Liberty's copper robes). 

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