Nanette Lepore's Family Filled Spring 2015 runway

 There are a lot of designers who work with family. Nanette Lepore though, is the only one that I know of who puts so many of them on the same runway. Her spring 2015 collection at New York Fashion Week was inspired by her last few vacations.

You can see the South of France as muse in the delicate tile prints in pastel colors. You can see the California sunshine in this collection with beach-friendly tunics, sundresses and cover-ups. The silhouettes were all very easy, relaxed. Some of them were downright tent-like which makes them comfortable, if not always flattering.

I also can’t agree with the overzealous bronzer used on some of the models, it looked sloppy. It distracted from some of the outfits. There were some great summer shoes that coordinated well with the clothing. There were also some wide flatform sandals that again were comfortable and showed off a great pedicure.

Nanette Lepore’s teenage daughter Violet made her debut as a “model” in the show (the embroidered tunic). However, I feel like I have already watched Violet grow up on the runway as she has supported Mom during her final bow in seasons past. This season, brother and niece also joined the conga line finale. This still doesn’t represent all of the family members in the organization. I love that a designer who has been a longtime champion of working local take it to heart by starting from home!

photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Nanette Lepore Spring 2014

Damn, is it spring YET?  Nanette Lepore's cheerful colors and pretty embroideries perked up the runways at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  Bright shadow florals, bright pastels and fiery red accented the feminine silhouettes for spring 2014.

There was a whole range of coordinated accessories.  Handbags in totes, carryalls and oversized clutches were made in matching optic check or shadow floral print or a combination of all.  Shoes were chunky, comfortable, open wide sandals in bright color block or matching prints.

Like the combination of quirky patterns and silhouettes, the collection was a happy family, much like the company itself.  Nanette always takes a bow with her daughter, while brother Jimmy is a cheerleader behind the scenes.

Photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Nanette Lepore's Floating Runway

Frigid NYC has me writing via wishful thinking.  Nanette Lepore Swimwear is my fashion fantasy right now.  Summer is a few months away and Nanette Lepore turned a South Beach swimming pool into her swim style runway.

Ms. Lepore is always a champion of innovative prints.  For Summer 2014, she took a traditional floral and updated by pairing it with an ombre effect and digitally printing it on neoprene.  She also took classic tile inspired patterns and recolored them with bright candy colors against a dark background.  The effect is a collection of sexy swimsuits coordinated with fashion forward cover-ups for partying out of the sand.

Back in New York, Nanette is a hero to the fashion community for her work in keeping the Garment Center alive.  Before following the designer to Miami, I visited the Manhattan showroom to admire pieces that were produced a few blocks away.  She keeps her business in the family too as brother Jimmy is one of her biggest cheerleaders in PR and she always takes a bow with her daughter at the end of the show.

I am now hoping to follow Nanette Lepore Swimwear out of the cold and into the desert... Her collection will be showing in Las Vegas at WWD Magic next month.  I can't wait!

Original photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Nanette Lepore Resort and Swim 2014

We're hitting the last of summer! Locavore designer Nanette Lepore put on two great presentations in the past few months. First, she presented her resort collection of bodies that paired a traditional porcelain print and a contemporary, digitally printed floral into chic rash guard tops and bottoms.

Nanette Lepore's Miami Fashion Week swim show brought us more great prints.  The suits were great, but the long, flowing dress cover-ups and tunics were perfect for beach to soiree dressing.  Unusual color combinations like the apricot tunic and ice blue embroidery was a great way to update basic silhouettes.

When asked if the beach was now the new runway, Nanette replied, "Absolutely! Everyone wants to be able to express themselves and look fabulous no matter what they're doing."

Back in the NYC showroom, I enjoyed browsing through all of the coordinating accessories.  Nanette carries through her patterns and colors into fun, wearable shoes.  The handbags are built with a tech-savvy customer in mind.  The brightest colors of her palette are well represented.

Much of Nanette Lepore's collection is made in New York.  She was one of the most visible advocates for Save the Garment Center in NYC.  Her advice to new designers on deciding to produce locally: "Do it! The costs are about the same and you'll be able to have more control over everything. It's so worth it!"

What do you think of designers who produce locally?  Would that be more appealing to you as a shopper?

Read more >>

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.

Read more >>

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.

Read more >>

Sales Alert! Jimmy Choo Sample Sale, Dolce and Gabbana, Nanette Lepore, Valentino

In NYC:
Jimmy Choo Sample Sale:
Oh how we have missed you Jimmy!  Footwear's sexiest shoes have not had a big sale like this since 2009.  Back then, queues went around the block, fights broke out among fashion-mad shoppers, naive wannabe jammed their toes into too small stilettos...And you know you love it.  Shoes are 2 pairs for $400.  Gird your loins ladies...
When: Thursday, April 12 from 2pm—6pm and Friday, April 13 from 9am—6pm,
Where:  Met Pavilion (123 W. 18th Street.) Fourth Floor


Dolce & Gabbana Sample Sale:
This is a big one for the Italian designer brand...Over 3500 dresses, jackets, tops, swimwear and more will be offered at huge discounts.  Look for dresses and outerwear at $129, tops at $59.
When: Thursday, April 12 - Sunday, April 15, 2012, 11 AM to 7 PM
Where: 407 West 13th Street (between Washington Ave and 9th ave)


Nanette Lepore Sample Sale:
She is one of top crusaders of saving the Garment Center in New York.  She proudly produces her feminine chic collection locally.  Pick up her pieces as a big discount and support the NYC industry:
When: Tuesday, April 10 - Thursday, April 12, 11 AM to 7 PM
Where: 261 West 36th street, (between 7th and 8th avenue) 2nd floor



Online:
Valentino Pret-a-porter 
Grab pretty spring blouses, dresses skirts with exquisite details at this online sample sale.
Register and shop here now!

Read more >>

SAMPLE SALES! DVF, Theyskens Theory, Proenza Schouler, Carlos Falchi & More...

In NYC:
Diane Von Furstenburg 
She's an icon in her own right.  Current fall stock and samples in all the bold prints you love (along with some furry pieces) are up for grabs.  According to Racked.com and Madison Avenue Spy, the selection is big, though you'll be competing with other fashionistas for it.  Prices are $125 for jackets and dresses, $20 for phone cases, samples are $50, in general, up to 75% off retail.

WHEN: Tuesday, December 13 through Saturday, December 16

Tues 9am to 6:30pm, Wed 10am to 8pm, Thurs 10am to 7pm, Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 3pm

WHERE: 260 5th Ave. (bet. 28th & 29th St.)

photo via racked.com

Nanette Lepore

A crusader for keeping fashion made in NYC, shopping Nanette Lepore's contemporary sportswear would just be patriotic... Holiday 2011 available just in time for the best parties:

When:Tuesday, December 13 through Wednesday, December 14. Daily 9am—7pm. 

Where: 225 West 35th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, fourth floor (no phone)

Helmut Lang & Theyskens Theory

Sleek, avant-garde, cosmopolitan.  The uniform of fashion's  uber-cool, Helmut Lang and Olivier Theysken's capsule collection for Theory will be up to 65% off this week.

When:Thursday, December 15 through Sunday, December 18. Thurs noon—8pm, Fri 8am—8pm, Sat—Sun 10am—6pm. 

Where: 139 Fifth Ave between 20th and 21sts Sts, second floor (212-398-2777)

Proenza Schouler
One of the fastest rising designer duos this century, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez were an instant hit with models and hipsters everywhere.  Look for goodies up to 75% off:
When: Saturday, December 17, 9am—9pm. 
Where: 495 Broadway between Spring and Broome Sts, 3rd Floor


Carlos Falchi
Covetable handbags in exotic skins and leathers.  They're usually too prohibitive for me, but now that there is a sample sale of 40% - 70% off, watch out... Bring this flyer for entry.
When: Thursday, December 15 through Friday, December 16. Daily 9am—4pm. 
Where: 1450 Broadway between 40th and 41st Sts, suite 802


Zang Toi:
Have a truly glam soiree to attend this season?  You can't get more elegant than Zang Toi.  Ballgowns, the richest fabrics, these are the pieces you dream of...
When: December 13th - December 14th
Where: 30 West 57th Street, 7th Floor


 

Read more >>

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.

Read more >>

Strut the Sidewalk Catwalk on Broadway

A lot of attention has been paid by the media in saving New York's Garment Center. Local Organizations like Save the Garment Center, the CFDA and Made In Midtown have been fighting to keep New York’s fashion industry intact with local manufacturers.

This week through the September 3rd, New York designers are taking this fight to the streets. The pedestrian-friendly parts of Broadway between 35th street and 42nd street will be home to the Sidewalk Catwalk.

Thirty top American designers and student teams have created original mannequins attired in a signature look. The lineup includes icons like Diane Von Furstenburg, Isaac Mizrahi and Donna Karan. New guard designers, Prabal Garung and Jason Wu are represented as well. Many of these designers, like Nanette Lepore manufacture their clothing in New York as a vital part of their business.

In addition to the exhibit, the original artwork for the mannequins is being auctioned to benefit Materials For the Arts. The organization donates supplies and support for arts programs in schools.

Care to take home a piece of garment center history? Bid here.

Sidewalk Catwalk

Click for Full Slideshow Photos by Adam Weinstein

Read more >>