Kara Ross Resort 2012

Is there a lovelier way to spend an early summer evening than admiring luxe baubles over the Manhattan skyline?  I don't think so.

Designer Kara Ross previewed her gorgeous collection of handbags and jewelry on the rooftop lounge of her Columbus Circle building.  There were plenty of her signature glittering pieces with lots of stones and exotic envelope clutches.  

What always sets her handbags apart for me, is her innovative treatments of the leather.  She takes surface design on her leathers a step further.  A glazed python clutch is additionally airbrushed with metallic.  Deeply dyed ostrich is two-toned on the spots.  The trend of Ikat patterns is re-interpreted in snakeskin with handpainted designs right on the leather.  

A neon group of jewelry was a departure for Kara Ross and my favorite of the evening.  The designer took the craft of decoupage upscale with using pieced collages of fashion magazines on top of wood and finished with acrylic for a stone-like mosaic look.  The bright patterns were paired with striking neon for amazing statement pieces for resort. 

Ladies Who Lunch Travel host Mdivani Monroe had a chance to speak with Ms. Ross about her Fall 2012 collection.  Learn about her design inspirations and what a sweetheart she truly is:

Read more >>

Theia Resort 2012 - Helios Rising

Don O’Neill is the thinking woman’s designer.  He presented his collection for Theia Resort 2012 by making his entrance precisely at the moment of Summer Solstice.  Why? His collection was inspired by Helios, the God of Light.    

Mr. O’Neill used his muse to interpret the mythical elements into the fabrics themselves.  There were cocktail dresses using a technologically advanced fabric that was cross woven with contrasting colors to reflect light brilliantly.  In blue, it conveyed the rippling of the ocean, in gold; it looked the rays of the sun. 

He used his signature sequin mix in a few of the dresses.   By combining up to ten tonal colors in beads in sequins, Don achieves a richer texture and color. 

For all the cerebral design behind the mythology and fabrics, the silhouettes work on a practical level.  Don O’Neill is the rare gentleman that understands how real women wear clothes.  The unglamorous aspect of dealing with the need for ‘bra-friendly’ dresses and flattering non-model figures is addressed with each collection.  Gowns are draped to flatter actual curves.  Shirring is strategically placed not only for dramatic effect, but also to hide tummies (real or imagined by celebrities).   

The Theia Resort 2012 collection was designed for the smart, elegant jetsetter in mind.  On the red carpet, or a carpet of beach sand, these are the gowns for me.

Read more >>

Salvatore Ferragamo Resort 2012

Holiday as a luxe Bohemian or an elegant sailor.  The Salvatore Ferragamo presentation for Resort 2012 brought together luxurious representations of both archetypes Tuesday evening.  Creative director Massimiliano Giornetti channeled the 1930's in long draped silhouettes, beaded fringe and embroidery for evening.    For day looks, stripes, high-waisted pants and peacoats showed of the maritime influence.  The nautical palette of antique silver, pale blue satin, navy and cream evoked a vacation set at sea.  Techniques of pleating, ropes and satin added to the retro sophistication.

Handbags featured mirror-lined clutches in velvet.  Octogon shapes made their way into sunglasses and bracelets.  The naval theme was further represented in the captain’s hats and jeweled rope necklines.  Shoes featured details like mosaic heels and tortoise plexi.

The runway show itself was presented in grand style in the historic James B. Duke mansion on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  The models walked past a dramatic staircase, through drawing rooms and library.  The home once belonged to famed socialite Doris Duke.  Classic crooners with a narrated soundtrack recalled fashion shows of a posh past.  Celebrities included Eva Mendes, Freida Pinto, Ashley Greene and Minka Kelly.


Watch the show:

Read more >>