Dannijo Jewelry - American Aboriginal

Two sisters heated up a digit-numbing night in Chelsea Tuesday.  The lovely Danielle and Jodie Snyder founded their rustic glam jewelry collection in 2008.  The siblings hail from Jacksonville and presented their  Dannijo collection for the first time at New York Fashion Week.  

Their collection for the upcoming season drew inspiration from the Roaring 20's and the Wild West.  They mixed big shapes with chains and Swarovski crystals to fuse art and fashion.  The jewelry was displayed on models posing in opulent worn wood-cabin vignettes with a sense of humor.  

Department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Harvey Nichols are fans, as are celebrities like Tinsley Mortimer who came to show support.  

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NY FASHION WEEK: Marchesa Spring 2011

Pure fantasy.  Retailers and media love to sing the praises of wearability (make that $aleability), but that isn't very entertaining.  The Marchesa collection was appropriately displayed at the Chelsea Art Museum Wednesday.  The gown were sculpted works of art.  Innovative embroideries with stones, beading and horsehair stroked the imaginations of the most jaded fashion observer.

The elaborate jewels and beading was carried through into the accessories.  Clutches, headpieces and shoes were encrusted with riches. 

Will you see anyone getting out of the subway with any of these pieces?  Highly unlikely.  Then again, the average subway rider is not Marchesa's prime market.  The target woman here seems to be the Red Carpet starlet (usually from the ranks of  current Weinstein Company films).  Is there anything wrong with that?  Of course not.  I am just happy to see that there are still American designers who can inspire unattainable glamour.

Spotted in the front row Mingling: Harvey Weinstein, Tinsley Mortimer, Jessica Szohr

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Tinsley Mortimer's Socialite Style - Samantha Thavasa Handbags Fall 2010

Late July, Tinsley Mortimer hosted a cocktail party to preview the Fall 2010 launch of her handbag collection for Samantha Thavasa. The reigning socialite queen has been collaborating with the Japanese label for several seasons now and the relationship seems to be going strong.

This fall, the collection took two distinct directions at the Madison Avenue boutique. There was a classic-themed collection of quilted leather with chain detail. This one looked like it was aimed towards the conservative society contingent.

The second direction was a lot more interesting. It was a rock n’ roll inspired group that incorporated tie-dyed fabrics and lacy laser-cut patterns. It took variations of corset-lacing details and applied them in several unusual ways. The corset styling was and ode to Madonna. The handbag silhouettes themselves were named after some of the best hair metal bands of the 1980’s. You know you want to carry a purse named “Poison”, “Def Leopard” and “Whitesnake”.

Photos courtesy of Samantha Thavasa and FWD

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Fashion Flanked Whitney Art Party

Artistically inclined fashion designers and cultured celebs came out to the Whitney Art Party Wednesday night. The works of John Baldessari, Terence Koh, Matthew Brannon and Marilyn Minter were up for silent auction to raise funds for the Whitney Independent Study program. The initiative strives to educate future curators and art historians.

Designers in attendance included host Max Azria and patrons Jason Wu, Adam Lippes and Francisco Costa. The stylish event saw the likes of Tinsley Mortimer, Alexis Bledel and Bradley Cooper perusing the modern art. Many of the guests paid tribute to the hosting designer by wearing Herve Leger and BCBG dresses.

Photos by Steve Eichner. Art print by Marilyn Minter

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NY Fashion Week - La Perla Fall 2010

Ah, right before Valentine’s Day, La Perla presented a lovely presentation of exquisite lingerie for their Fashion Week showing. The elegant models were (literally) put on pedestals so guests could admire them as works of art. Objectified? We can debate that later. The delicate underthings were still drool-worthy despite the limited number of people (at least in my life) that would get to see them on me.

There was a film-noir grouping that had ultra-glamorous black lace, the softest lace and satin. A second grouping, named Villa Toscana had softer, more laid back silhouettes. Colors were ivory, neutral or pastel, with a few cascading ruffles.

Accessories? Hmm, a well-chosen lipstick shade? The closest thing to accessories would be the lovely silk and lace lingerie pouches guests received as souvenirs.

I got to say hello to Tinsley Mortimer, and thank her for the interview I did with her for the Purse Page. Her reality show debuts soon. The lovely Maggie Rizer was mingling also.

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Designer Insider: 5 Questions for Tinsley Mortimer

Tinsley Mortimer is one of Manhattan’s hardest working socialites. The NYC ‘It’ girl was sought by Japanese handbag label, Samantha Thavasa to bring her sophisticated style to the collection. In designing the celeb-loved line, Tinsley set out to create bags that would reflect her style and truly wear. She grew up in Richmond, VA before moving to New York City to study at Columbia University. She is a descendant of both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, making her the ultimate ‘All-American’ girl. Gossip Girl fans got to watch the style maker this season, playing herself at Hampton’s fete. I caught the designer between engagements for a quick interview:

Mariana Leung: What pieces from your collection are you most excited about this season?


Tinsley Mortimer: I love the Travis bag!! It is a small clutch that is covered in animal print with gold trim. When I was designing it, I thought of the little gold minaudiere my mom used to carry in the 80’s. The Travis bag has a little 80’s looking chain too so you can wear it over your shoulder, which I think looks really chic. I also love the Lily clutch. It is really soft and can hold everything. I did it in gold, gun metal, and a fun bright orange.

ML: Many people consider you a modern style icon. Who in your life inspires you as a fashion role model or acts as a muse for your collection?


T.M.: A lot of people inspire me; from young actresses like Sienna Miller, to friends like Lauren Santo Domingo, and Eleanor Ylivisaker, to Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, to my mom. I pick up on details that I like from lots of people. Mostly, I concentrate on designing pieces that I myself would like to have in my own closet. I design bags that I would love to carry and make sense for me and my lifestyle. If I stick to that, then I am always happy with the outcome.


M.L.: In addition to designing a high-profile handbag line and multi-tasking through other business ventures, you are recognized for supporting several charities. Which one of your causes do you feel closest to?


T.M.: There are so many amazing charities in New York. I love and work closely with New Yorkers for Children and Operation Smile. I recently created a lip gloss called Tinsley Pink with Dior and a portion of the proceeds were donated to Operation Smile.


M.L.: The Purse Page has a lot of Gossip Girl fans. Did you find that your cameo this season as art imitating life? Do you have any ‘behind-the-scenes’ anecdotes about the cast?


T.M.: It was such an honor to have been asked to play myself on GG!! I was beyond flattered!! Everyone was so kind and amazing!! I had hair and makeup in the trailer with Blake Lively who was just adorable and so fun. Her little precious dog was in there too (I think her name is Penny). I had the best time and was just thrilled that they thought of me!!


M.L.: What are your plans and what will you dress up as for Halloween?

T.M.: Halloween is my favorite Holiday!! I love to dress up!! This year I am going as Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ. I have a really cute, short blue and white gingham dress. I am going to braid my hair with 2 big bows, and of course I’ll wear one of my favorite pairs of Mary Janes!!

M.L.: Thank you Tinsley! Enjoy the holiday!

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