Byron Lars Fall 2014 & Giveaway

It is the most stylish summer ever.  Designer Byron Lars presented his fall 2014 collection to editors and fans in an intimate event at the Pratt Institute gallery Tuesday night.  Models Ashley, Minyoung and Sheila J. modeled some of Byron’s favorite looks from the season. 

Most of the stylists and editors who attended were already big supporters of the designer judging by the number of women who wore Byron Lars to the event.  Author Lauren M. Bias wore a metallic pieced sheath and director Sidra Smith wore a twist front laser cut coral dress to the party.

Julep and Bluffa Jo cosmetics provided some rich hues in nail lacquer to complement the colors of the collection, while Mizani hair products helped to glam up the models’  do’s. 

The Byron Lars team truly pampered party guests as they nibbled on Pop Chips and gourmet bits from my new Garment Center favorite, Café Kabila.  The Moroccan influenced fare had mini bastilla pastries, sliders and brie tartlets with cool mint tea.  Make My Cake bakery from Uptown Manhattan provided rich cupcakes and brownies in the gift bag.  There are certainly a lot of cupcake makers in this town, but I watched a model (whom I have never seen eat, let alone touch sugar) inhale two cakes in about 30 seconds.  If that’s not a testament to their tastiness, I don’t know what is.

Are you looking for post-party indulgence? The Upper East Side spa Sphatika offered guests pampering services with a special discount.  If you love Byron’s designer glasses, you can shop for your own with a 3D virtual try-on experience from DITTO who gave out give certificates. 

A personalized gift from Byron Lars was a soft scarf made especially for the fashion party that was printed with his sketches of the collection. 

Now, I wouldn't tease all of you with these goodies if you didn't have a chance to get them for yourself!  Byron Lars is offering up the VIP gift bag from the event in his “Designer for a Day” Challenge.  Style the paper dolls with your version of his looks and submit by noon on June 26, 2014.  Good Luck!

 Photos by Mariana Leung

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Fashion Fights Cancer with Byron Lars

An intimate event took place last week at Midtown Manhattan’s Audi Forum.  Fashion Fights Cancer president, Ty Canty and superstar designer Byron Lars presented a special group of ladies and their creations to the world.

The non-profit organization brings together the fashion community to raise awareness and funds to battle cancer. The project brought together Byron Lars and cancer patients Frances Ricks, Muriel Asnis, Barbara Moskowitz, Peggy Siegel and Carmen Diaz to create hand painted scarves under the mentorship of the designer. 

Some women were seasoned artists; some found a surprising new outlet for creative expression.  Muriel Asnis was already a jewelry designer and donated some of her work to a fundraising auction for the organization.

 The ladies modeled their silk scarves on top of Byron Lars’ blouses.  As gorgeous as the designer’s pieces were, nothing looked as beautiful on these women as their smiles of accomplishment.
Cupcakes and champagne were served.  Guests also went home with gift bags of Godiva chocolates and Mizani hair products.
Future events include designers Tracy Reese and Jason Wu.  To donate or get involved, please visit Fashion Fights Cancer on the web. 

photos by Mariana Leung

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NY FASHION WEEK: Byron Lars Fall 2011

Native Americana was Byron Lars’ theme for Fall 2011.  While many designers looked to patriotic history for inspiration this season, Byron did with drama and a sense of humor.

His signature tailoring and ruched details were present.  This designer most dominates my personal closet. Each garment is impeccably made, cut to flatter a womanly figure (and is forgiving). His fabrics this fall included textured tweed, speckled boucle, cozy faux shearling to more delicate metallic brocade and lace. 

Mizani and L’oreal styled the models hair into tongue-in-cheek renditions of the Mohawk, giving new meaning to the word “fierce”.  The make-up was also a chic take on “war-paint”. 

The designer kept the presentation at Lincoln Center fun.  Champagne was served and a butch drummer kept the tribal beat going.

 No less than four designers that I went to school with interned with him in the 1990’s.  They raved about his work and about the man himself.  He greeted West Coast FAB correspondent, Mdivani Monroe enthusiastically, a man who had spent many hours resizing zippers for Lars.  Besides my fellow Parsons alumni, Byron Lars has recently garnered fame for counting First Lady Michelle Obama as a fan as well.

Check out our exclusive interview with the designer:

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