#NYFW: Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2015

Who doesn't love a photographer?  Rebecca Minkoff looked to iconic 1970's photographer Deborah Turbeville as her muse for Spring 2015.  

Deborah Turbeville, Vogue 1978

Deborah Turbeville’s work was known for its darker, edgier quality. She is often imitated today by modern fashion shooters.  Before Photoshop, she manually manipulated her own photographs for different effects.  The 3-D style prints on several dresses is a tribute to Turbeville’s process.

Unfortunately, the attempt at driving the 3-D detail across was not as successful during the fashion show.  Darkening the venue and asking guests to put on 3-D glasses might have sounded fun in planning, but it was disastrous for photographers who spent the time to set their cameras to the proper lighting before the switch.  You could hear a collective howl from the photo pit.  If you don’t see many photos of these looks, you now know why.  That’s too bad, since I actually liked those dresses.

The rest of the collection had a lot of pastel colors, often color blocked.  The fabrics were flowing.  The clothing silhouettes were soft and feminine.

 While Rebecca Minkoff began designing clothing, she is much better known as a handbag designer.  I think every single blogger I network with has at least one of her bags (I have three).  This season, there were fewer of her signature Mini MAB bags and more slouchy carryall handbags.  Fringe and studs were the key details coming up for spring.  There were several round silhouettes of bags resembling a Western water bottle case.
photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

#NYFW: Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2014

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Read more >>

NY FASHION WEEK: Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2014 With Janelle Monae

The Divas have rocked the house! What a treat to watch the amazing Janelle Monae perform throughout Rebecca Minkoff's NY Fashion Week show.  The style going down the runway was not eclipsed by the energetic singer, a testament to the strength of the collection.

While the spring 2014 collection was noted to be inspired by Latin America, the muse was not presented too literally.  Pretty embroideries were reminiscent of peasant blouses you might find at a market.  However, they were interpreted in different colors, tailored pieces and contemporary motifs.  Some of the prints reminded me of patterns you would see on plastic tablecloths at your local bodega, BUT in elegant fabrics.  The sense of humor of this approach worked well for this season.

As cute as Rebecca's fashions are, her claim to fame will always be her handbags.  There were color blocked pieces and large purses that were a hybrid between briefcase and her signature MAB bags.  Fun backpacks were added that would look great on the back of a moped. 

The shoes?  To die for, (hopefully not because one crashed and burned in heels).  I drooled over the series of long cut-out boot sandals.  There were some that carried the intricate floral pattern of the garments.  Others were solid colored with contrast hardware.  If the towering boot was not your thing, shorter shoes with multi-colored tassels swung whimsically down the runway.

What did you think of the Diva and Designer collaboration? Does having live music enhance your appreciation of the catwalk clothing?

original photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Design Diet Coke's T-Shirt for Taylor Swift

Fashion designers, graphic designers and stylish soda fans... Diet Coke is announcing season 2 of its hunt for young designers to design their next t-shirt to be sold at Target.  The winner nets $10 000 in cash, sees their design in Target stores and travels to Nashville to meet music star Taylor Swift.

One of my favorite designers, Rebecca Minkoff is judging the finalists.  You can check their site for inspiration and investigate what past winners have done.

Hurry! You have 9 days to enter!  

Read more >>

NY FASHION WEEK: Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2013

Some grunge, some futuristic chic. Rebecca Minkoff's Fall 2013 show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was a collection for the "modern girl's manifesto".  The show opened with a great musical performance by Wild Cub.

This was a smorgasbord of high tech fabrics, leather, quilting and tailoring.  There was a mix of graphic prints mixed with color blocked jackets and pieces with leather contrast trim.  The last few dresses were super bright in color, with space age silhouettes.

Handbags are Rebecca's big claim to fame.  Her first fan was actress Jenna Elfman who still has that first bag today (she personally tweeted me confirmation of this).  For fall 2013, there was a noticeable reduction of the famous Mini-Mac bag and a large mix of new styles.  There were three-toned saddle bag styles, big bags to accommodate laptops and some fun purses with a holographic finish.

I think I always love Minkoff's collection because she designs for the lifestyles of women like herself. She is a new mother, and her business is a full family project.  This kind of support is something any designer would dream of.  Click here to see the full collection.

photos by David TW Leung

Read more >>

Meet the New Carrie Bradshaw!

Gossip Girl is off the air, Sex and the City reruns are practically a period piece... Now comes The Carrie Diaries to help fill that fashion focused television void.  My fellow Glam Network bloggers and I spent a delightful afternoon chatting with the new Carrie Bradshaw, AnnaSofia Robb.

Ms. Robb has very big designer shoes to fill.  She will be playing the iconic character originally played by Sarah Jessica Parker, but as a high school junior heading into NYC for the first time.  No doubt we'll see fabulous 1980's fashion as styled by Gossip Girl's fashion maven, Eric Daman.  Daman assisted Patricia Field on the original show and has some homages in the form of an Alex Woo "C" necklace (a prequel to the iconic "Carrie" nameplate necklace).  In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Eric also described the challenges of dressing a teenage Carrie character.  She is only being introduced to NYC from the suburbs and not in couture yet. 

 "It is a balance. She has to be stylish, but she’s also got to be this quiet girl from Connecticut that’s 16 so she’s not going to be strutting into the high school halls in two different colored Manolos. It’s a dustier pastel look, but it’s a lot of mixed patterns. I think we were really trying to create the ‘Carrie-ness’ with these mixed patterns but through tonal elements so it’s not just in your face like ‘Oh she’s wearing a polka dot sweater and star jeans,’ it looks really cute. So it’s figuring out how we can mix prints and textures together that feel ‘80s, that feel Carrie Bradshaw, but also feel very Connecticut."

AnnaSofia was super sweet and was almost giddy with all of her fashion week events.  She told us about shopping with Candace Bushnell (author of Sex and the City, Carrie Diaries) and all of the new designers she has since discovered, like Charlotte Ronson and Rag & Bone.

Can't wait to check the show out!

Read more >>

Holiday Gift Guide - Gold and Glitter

It's all about luxury and decadence for the holidays.  Whatever the economic world is doing, the wish list world can be optimistic.  Here is my round-up of the most covet-worthy gold and glittering fashion gift guide for the holidays:

Ridiculous Splurge:
Hermes came out with a diamond studded rose gold chain mail handbag that costs more than many homes at $578 000.  However, if you were one of the recent Powerball lottery, feel free to drop this under my tree. By request at  (212) 751-3181.

Luxe Wish List:
The sparkly Jimmy Choo Vamp Glitterstrap sandals would look divine with any little black dress you could come with for that holiday soiree ($653).

Attainable Luxury:
Kate Spade's gold polka dot cuff makes sure you don't take the glitz too seriously with an aspirational price point of $73 .  Also, I just love cuffs.

Rebecca Minkoff's gold Mini-Mac is the perfect handbag for day-to-night holiday event hopping at $ 250.  Never mind that I already have this bag in black and cranberry, I love it in metallic gold too.  It's just the right size for a night out since it holds my phone, makeup and money.  It's compact enough to tuck under my arm.

Oscar de la Renta's gold filagree necklace definitely makes a statement for even the most simple of cocktail dresses ($134).

Alexander McQueen's edgy gold patent studded wallet is just smokin' ($285)

Budget Stocking stuffers:
I really love my Foot Petals!  These guys keep me from screaming in pain in my heels.  I love any little foot cushions that keep me in comfort.  Foot Petals are not supposed to be seen, but let's face it, you always get ambushed when you arrive at a friend or relative's house for a party and find that you have to leave your precious Louboutins at the door.  If, they're not actually, Louboutins, but a less than impressive label, on-trend metallic gold Foot Petals ($7) have you covered.  (They also have fun prints too).

Text and font prints are de rigeur.  Having a shiny Diane von Furstenburg phone case to flash around is even better ($23).

Read more >>

Sales Alert: CFDA/Tory Burch for Sandy Relief, Rebecca Minkoff, Theory

Fashion for Sandy Relief:
The Tory Burch foundation, along with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue are holding a huge sale where the net proceeds will go towards those in need of help following Hurricane Sandy.  So much of the Northeast was devastated and is still suffering.  Here are fashion stars doing what they can to help.

Besides Tory Burch, look for almost every other designer you could want, from Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Diane Von Furstenburg, Coach, Versace (to name only a few) at 50% off retail.

When: TODAY, Friday, November 16, 2012, 10 AM - 8 PM
Where: Metropolitan Pavillion, 123 West 18th street

Theory Sample Sale:
If you are a fan of the sleek, cosmopolitan sportswear that is Theory, you're in luck.  Both The Prive and ClothingLine have sample sales for this label
For Men's and women's clothing at Prive:
When: Today, through November 18, 10 AM - 7 PM
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (between 15th and 16th street)
Women's Only at ClothingLine:
When: Today through November 18, 10 AM - 5 PM
Where: 261 West 36th street, between 7th and 8th avenue

Rebecca Minkoff:
The Rebecca Minkoff Mini-Mac has a huge cult fan base.  The sample sales are one big party (treats, cocktails, giveaways).  This collection is always a good time.  Look for 75% off retail

When: Today, 10 AM - 8PM, Saturday, November 17, 10 AM - 3 PM
Where: 260 5th Avenue, (between 28th and 29th street)

Read more >>

SALES ALERT: Alexander Wang, Rebecca Minkoff

Alexander Wang:
This designer prodigy is a favorite of many celebs and the downtown crowd.  Having met the man, I was pleasantly surprised to find that he has earned it.  Grab his uber-cool clothes up to 70% off...

When: Tuesday, November 6 through Saturday, November 10. Tues 9am—8pm, Weds̶Fri 10am—7pm, Sat 10am—4pm. 

Where: 131 Greene St between W. Houston and Prince Sts (no phone)

Rebecca Minkoff
Her bags are infinitely covetable (you can never have too many Rebecca Minkoff Mini-Macs) .  Her clothing, while not as well known, is femme and fierce.  She is the queen of social media among the fashion set.  Rebecca Minkoff's sample sales are always a party too.

When: Monday, November 12 - Saturday, November 17th
Where: 260 5th Avenue (between 28th and 29th street)

Read more >>

NY FASHION WEEK: Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2013

Rebecca Minkoff's show at NY Fashion Week was a tribute to iconic photographer Slim Aarons from the 1960's and 1970's.  Styling details took nods from art, fashion and interior decor of that era.

The sporty looks on the runway however, remind me quite a bit of my childhood in the 1980's.  The dropped shoulders, the prints, the jackets, pale blue jeans and shorts were what I remember seeing in the suburbs. Cheery floral prints and ombre shirts mixed with retro lace prints and scarf patterns.

The Rebecca Minkoff Mini-Mac is quickly becoming a modern iconic handbag.  There were plenty of purses to choose from at this show.  Mini-macs were offered in woven basket textures, large envelope clutches and smaller pouch bags had domed stud embellishments.  The designer also offered lots of chic options to outfit your tech gadgets like your iPad.  The large MAB bag hasn't gone away, they came in updated colors or finishes.  Pop contrast colors also accented traditional handbag shapes.

Full runway slideshow:

photos by David TW Leung

Read more >>

Sales Alert: Manolo Blahnik, Botkier, Rebecca Minkoff, Gant, Furla, Nanette Lepore andMore

Manolo Blahnik:

Prepare for a good fight of well heeled shoppers.  Racked.com speculates there is more stock than previous sales, but I wouldn't wait till the end on this one.  

When: May 3rd, 2012, 12 PM-4 PM - May 4th, 2012, 9 AM - 2 PM

Where: The Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St at Sixth Avenue 

Botkier:
Sexy, edgy handbags for the cosmopolitan woman:
When: May 1th - 6th, 11 AM - 8 PM (Tues-Fri) 10 AM - 4 PM (Sat-Sun)
Where: 260 5th Avenue (between 28th street - 29th street)


Improvd:

Sexy, edgy handbags for the cosmopolitan woman:
When: May 1th - 2th, 11 AM - 7 PM
Where: 261 West 36th Street (Between 7th and 8th ave)

Furla:
Gorgeous, chic bags for men and women
When: May 6th - 9th, 11 AM - 7 PM
Where: 261 West 36th Street (Between 7th and 8th ave)


Nanette Lepore:

When: May 8th - 10th, 9 AM - 7 PM
Where: 225 West 35th Street (Between 7th and 8th ave)




Rebecca Minkoff:
Lots of crave-worthy handbags, shoes, accessories, outfits...
When: May 9th - 13th, 10 AM - 8 PM (Wed-Sat) 10 AM - 4 PM (Sun)
Where: 260 5th Avenue (between 28th street - 29th street)

Gant by Michael Bastian

When: May 15th - 19th, 10 AM - 8 PM (Tues-Fri) 10 AM - 5 PM (Sat)

Where: 260 5th Avenue (between 28th street - 29th street)

Read more >>

Remi & Emmy Launches Crowd-Sourced Handbags

 Last night, an innovative handbag line launched at Caravan Stylist Studio and Socialyte.  Remi & Emmy is a project of handbag superstar Rebecca Minkoff.  The collection is available at department stores like Lord & Taylor and Dillard's.  One of the pioneers in leveraging social media and blogger relations, the company took it a step further by working with top fashion bloggers to design the product and star in their campaigns.

 Hypnotiq served up girly cocktails and a chic dessert table of cupcakes, giant marshmallows, crystal pops and cookies.  The stylists at the studio gave ladies the VIP treatment with hair and makeup makeovers.

The bags were a mix of pebbled leather and faux leather.  Some great python textures and white trim were perfectly on trend for spring.  Gold studs added some edge to bold black, red and white bags.  Zipper teeth were also used as another great accent.

The democratization of fashion has long been coming.  I think this line just elected it's consulate.

Read more >>

Socialyte Tastemakers Suite

I just wanted to give thanks and a shout-out to the team behind Socialyte.Co's Blogger lounge last Sunday.  In the rush of New York Fashion Week, running up and downtown, staying up all night to upload photos, etc. a fashion blogger can get wiped out.  

Socialyte.Co is an organization that aims to bring brands and bloggers together.  Brands know what tremendous influence bloggers have when it comes to fashion and shopping.  Bloggers collaborating with brands on product design or advertising campaigns is mutually beneficial.  Thus, the Tastemaker's Suite was born.  

Tired bloggers were invited to sip cocktails from Don Q, or re-hydrate with Body Armor vitamin water.  Snacks for the famished were provided.  The stylists from Arrojo Studio were on hand to glamorize those of us who were disheveled from runway hopping, along with makeup artists from Ulta.   I used DDF skincare eye cream to prop up the bags under my eyes.

Fun spring shoes were on hand from Chinese Laundry, ranging from metallic flats to floral printed platforms. One of my favorites, Rebecca Minkoff mini-macs were decorated with printed scarves. She just came off a fantastic Fall 2012 show at Lincoln Center. To accessorize, lovely trinkets from Bauble Bar and Seal Watches were there to dress up outfits. 

Bloggers work hard at fashion week, and we're very appreciative when people notice :). 

Read more >>

Rich Prints at Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2012

This is one of the shows I always look forward to.  Rebecca Minkoff understands the NYC woman likes an urban edge, but sometimes wants to be girly, or occasionally ironic.  Fall 2012 was a mix of long lean pants and dresses, with a few mini skirts too.

The palette was a New Yorker's palette of black, jewel tones, reds, blues, orange. The prints were painterly, almost abstract, very saturated in color. While the looks were fitted and tailored, the fabrics were soft.

Rebecca Minkoff is most famous for her handbags. Built for a busy NYC lifestyle, purses were roomy, (even envelope clutches) and structured.

Spotted in the front row: Fern Mallis, Twilight's Nikki Reed, Abigail Breslin.

Read more >>

Boxing Day Sales! Rebecca Minkoff, Armani, DVF, Burberry Brit, Jimmy Choo and Many More

I already bought a few bags at Rebecca Minkoff's end of year sale this morning...I couldn't wait.  Growing up in Canada, Black Friday was never a shopping day, but Boxing Day, stemming from a British tradition, was the shopping day for us folks up North.

As I am doing my online shopping today, I see that many retailers are getting in on this tradition too.  Ann Taylor is offering 50% off your ENTIRE purchase today.  Bloomingdale's is giving up to 75% off designers like Burberry Brit, Diane Von Furstenburg, Juicy Couture, BCBG.

Designers like Diane Von Furstenburg, Kate Spade, Stella McCartney, Armani Collezioni are up to 82% off at the big Neiman Marcus sale...Get there fast!

Cashmere retailer Inhabit is doing 50% off of all their current Fall 2011 collection.

Revolve Clothing is up to 92% off for their post-holiday sale.

Jimmy Choo is up to 40% off.

I'm going to keep adding to this post as the day wears on...

Update:

Coach is up to 70% total discounts for their 48 hour sale: 

Read more >>

Sample Sales! Temperley, Rebecca Minkoff, Theory

In Los Angeles:
Rebecca Minkoff  has the bright colors, edgy details and pockets for everything you need during the day (and the morning after).  A favorite of many celebs like the Gossip Girl cast, Jenna Elfman and most of Hollywood...

When: Friday, December 2 - Sunday, December 4, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Where: 4661 Hollywood Boulevard

In New York:

Theory's sleek sportswear got a boost of luxe designer input with Nina Ricci's Olivier Theyskens this year.  Grab current season clothing for women at this well stocked sale.

When: Now through (updated!) Monday, December 5, 10 AM to 8 PM, now extra 25% off

Where: 261 West 36th street (between 7th and 8th ave)

In London:

I love Alice Temperley's feminine, luxurious, edgy frocks.  So does Jennifer Hudson, Kerry Washington, The British Fashion Awards...the list goes on...

When: Monday, December 5, 11 AM - 7 PM, Tuesday, December 6, 9 AM - 7 PM.

Where: 20th Century Theatre

291 Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA London, United Kingdom

Read more >>

Rebecca Minkoff Giveaway + Holiday Sneak Peek

 What is on YOUR holiday wish list?  Rebecca Minkoff put plenty of items on mine this week.  The coveted designer hosted a lovely Ladies night out at her studio to showcase her Holiday 11/12 goodies.

Fellow fashion bloggers were treated to sweets, a makeup treatments and chances at receiving a hand-painted monogrammed Mini Mac clutch.  Jenni of I Spy DIY  was the one with gold paint and brush in hand.  Daniel Saynt of Rebecca Minkoff and Socialyte was acting as Santa Claus handing out handbags.

The holiday collection of Rebecca Minkoff handbags introduced us to new colors and shapes.  Innovative hardware was the big draw, with textured studs and mini hinges used in abundance as trim.  There were cute, sexy mini-dresses for partying.  The handbags were perfectly accessorized for these looks.  Fashionistas shopping for a handbag this holiday will also have the opportunity for a personalized purse.  The monogram program is available online and in-store.

 So are you salivating?  Lucky you, we're giving away a Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac clutch handbag for you to party with.  All you need to do is fill out this form for entry!

Read more >>