#NYFW: Vera Wang Spring 2017

Vera Wang is the queen of all things bridal in this country. Aspirational brides can shop for her gowns, China, stationery, lounge wear and everything else possibly related to their nuptials. This is why Vera Wang fans were surprised with an avant-garde sportswear that paraded down the runway.

Celebrities are often in beaded Vera Wang gowns on the red carpet in rich colors while romantic brides are draped in yards of luxury fabric. On this catwalk, the designer went minimalist. Fabrics in ivory and black, crisp or translucent or draped. Sleeves were super long. The look was more up-and-coming renegade designer at MILL Studios rather than the Godmother of weddings.  Wang clearly wants a break from her look to explore a fresh start as a designer. I wonder how much of that encompasses other aspects of her life as well.

The show did include a few embellished, evening-appropriate pieces. The silhouettes were still pared down and minimalist with the black and white palette. However, there was a running Pearl embroidery pattern that included varied pearl sizes in an organic design.

I think it is healthy for all creatives to refresh and reset their work. Surely not all designers look as good as this show did. I wonder if Vera Wang's fans agree. Then again, how often do you need to get married?

Photos by Mariana Leung

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SAG Awards Red Carpet Winners

Another red carpet full of gorgeous beaded gowns for embroidery geeks like me to drool over. The Screen Actors Guild Awards had the most talented performers celebrating their own. Designers framed these actresses in their best work.

The platinum duo was Emmy Rossum in a stunning embroidered lace gown by Armani Prive. Gretchen Mol wore a vintage silhouette with rich crystal beading from Dennis Basso.

 Julianne Moore blew up Twitter in her dripping emerald beaded dress from Givenchy. Modern Family's Julie Bowen wore a sweet dress embroidered with delicate dimensional flowers by Georges Hobeika. Also from television's  Modern Family was Sarah Hyland wearing a beautiful custom gown by Vera Wang with a jeweled bodice.

The cast of Orange is the New Black were happy to get out of the prison jumpsuits as they all killed it on the SAG Awards red carpet. Natasha Lyonne wore an elegant Proenza Schouler with a sparkling embroidered top. Jackie Cruz wore a figure hugging gown from Christian Siriano embellished with an unusual mix of jewels and beads of different textures. Paula Patton wore a stunning white jeweled gown with rich dimensional beading by Ayesha that is sure to inspire many a bridal trend.

So there you have it, who were your personal favorite on the Screen Actors Guild Awards red carpet?
Photos: Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesKEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGESTEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGEDIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/WIREIMAGEKevork Djansezian/Getty Images,Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

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Vera Wang Spring 2014- Relaxed Chic

The queen of sheen? The reigning maven of bridal showed a subdued collection for NY Fashion week.  Vera Wang Spring 2014 was about easy, relaxed sheer silks.  There was black on black of transparent and solid.  Neutral beige color-blocked with yellow or red.  Royal blue and black was the other combination with some white on white towards the end.

Vera Wang used some of my favorite luxe embroidery designs in the late 1990's and I looked to this collection to show me what the next red carpet knockout was going to be.  Unfortunately, I didn't find it.  The silhouettes were very simple and leaned mostly towards sportswear.  While the embellishments looked good up close, in photos, they read like a Hawaiian lei tacked to a shapeless top.  The fabrics are undoubtedly expensive, but they didn't always read that way visually.  The clunky shoes didn't help either.

Was this collection supposed to reflect the designer's new zen lifestyle?  (Hey, the woman looks damn good for 64). Was this runway for her diffusion lines and not her designer tier label?  The photo pit was not informed of the rundown. Don't get me wrong, I would love to lie around the house for days in big flowing silk organza.  I just don't have the budget to pay price point to do so.

What do you think of Vera Wang's relaxed collection?

original photos by David TW Leung

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Happy Birthday Vera Wang!

It’s the 63^rd birthday of fashion icon VeraWang.  Guest writer Spencer Blohm writes a tribute about the designer and what makes her the global star she is today:

                Vera Wang was born in New York City on June 27, 1949 to successful Chinese immigrants. During her childhood she developed a passion for figure skating and attempted to make the Olympic team during her teen years. After missing her chance to pursue her love of skating professionally, she took up another love of hers - fashion - and never looked back, and after graduating from Sarah Lawrence College in 1971 she took a job as a sittings assistant at Vogue.

                Vera’s knowledge and ambition served her well at Vogue and within a year she was the magazine’s youngest senior fashion editor ever. She remained at this post for 15 years,  working alongside some of the greatest models, designers, and photographers of our time. However, when she was passed over for the editor-in-chief position, she decided to leave Vogue for Ralph Lauren, where she spent two years as design director.

Vera’s true calling, however, was discovered while planning her 1989 wedding, when she noticed a gap between what she wanted her wedding dress to be and what was being sold. So, in 1990 she opened a bridal boutique in Manhattan and began selling a carefully selected collection of high-end wedding gowns.

                After her a few years of learning what it is a modern bride wanted in her wedding gown, and realizing that there was an unexploited market for sophisticated wedding dresses, Vera decided to try her hand at designing her own line. Sales of her collections took off immediately, attracting a number of celebrity fans who helped spread her brand to the masses, and she followed up with a made-to-order gown collection for her high profile clients. In 2000 she debuted her first ready-to-wear collection at New York Fashion Week and gained an even larger client base.

                Since the turn of the century Vera’s business has expanded into fragrances, housewares, footwear, handbags, fine jewelry, and even a mattress for Serta. Never one to slow down, she now has three other lines in addition to her bridal and ready-to-wear collections; Lavender Line, Simply Vera for Kohl’s, and WHITE for David’s Bridal.

What started as a small bridal boutique has now become a $1 billion fashion empire that represents the finest of American style and sophistication. So celebrate this American fashion icon’s 64th birthday by slipping into one of her dresses (you can find one somewhere, no matter your budget) spritzing yourself with some of her perfume, eating off her china, and then end the night by slipping into your Vera Wang sheets on your Vera Wang mattress! Check out the interview she did with Reserve Channel:

About the Author: Spencer Blohm is an entertainment and lifestyle blogger for Direct2TV.com. He enjoys the freedom to write about the topics he enjoys, from trends and classic approaches to style to profiles of prominent and little-known fashion designers alike.

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CFDA Award Winners - 2013

Last night at Lincoln Center, the fashion industry's elite came out with the celebrities who love them.  The occasion was to honor the achievements of their peers across multiple categories at the CFDA Awards.

Thom Browne won the award for Menswear Designer of the Year.  He was recently honored at the Pratt fashion design graduate show and Michelle Obama wore his coat on the day of the last inauguration.  I guess this win should not have been much of a surprise.

Philip Lim won the award for Accessories Designer of the Year.

Swarovski awarded honors in emerging talent to Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty for Suno for women’s wear, Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne for Public School for men’s wear, and Pamela Love for accessory design.

The most coveted category, Women’s Designer of the Year went to Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler for their fifth win in the history of these awards.  It’s a wonder that we aren’t all issued the PS 1 handbag when we step onto 7^th avenue at this point.

The non-competitive awards that honored established figures in fashion included Oscar de la Renta for the Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert.  The award was presented to him by longtime friend/fan Hillary Clinton.

The CFDA Board of Directors’s tribute honored my favorite costume designer, Colleen Atwood (Snow White & the Huntsman, Chicago, etc.)

The committee awarded Vera Wang the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award to bridal/lifestyle/eveningwear juggernaut, Vera Wang. 

While I believe every major designer is “International”, the CFDA gave their International Award to Richardo Tisci of Givenchy.

I grew up following “Toronto Life Fashion” on local television.  I was very proud to hear that the host I watched for years, Tim Blanks receive the Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard.  Canadian in ‘da house!

Photo collage from cfda.com instagram round-up

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NY FASHION WEEK: Vera Wang Fall 2013

Ah Vera... The most rough edged of males in the photographers' pit could appreciate the beauty of Vera Wang's Fall 2013 collection.  A large floral runway echoed the dominant floral jacquard of the clothes.

The show opened with various shades of grey (not quite 50) and black.  They were jeweled, beaded, shimmering and accompanied by luxe fur wraps of different incarnations.  Then the draped silhouettes showed off the signature floral in silver, purple and burnt orange.  The key fall colors were established quickly.  

Whatever length you wanted in your skirt, you could have.  There were short skirts, knee length and flowing floor length.  Not a skirt person? Elegant pants were also offered.  I was lucky enough to see some of my embroidery designs used in Vera Wang's collection in the late 1990's, and I can attest to how much of a perfectionist she is.   Based on the runway results, I can see it's worth it...

Click to see the full collection:

Photos by David TW Leung

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BOCA: Shooting Fashion and CFDA in Florida

Boca Raton, Florida may not be the fashion capital you are expecting, but the Boca Museum of Art has three stellar fashion exhibitions running simultaneously.  

The first, is Draw and Shoot: Fashion Illustrations and Photographs which shows a collection of images from artists and photographers like Rudolf Bauer, Carl Erickson, Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, and John Rawlings.  The show examines the evolving aesthetics of style and beauty in how different artists depict fashion through the decades.

Jody Culkin: Refashioned is a show dedicated to the quirky artist and her reinterpretation of iconic fashion items.

The big exhibit however, is IMPACT: 50 Years of the CFDA.  Surprisingly, this is actually the first museum retrospective of the organization and its members itself.  The Council of Fashion Designers in America, over the past 5 decades, has supported and promoted its roster of over 600 designers of the fashion trade.  In this show, living members of the CFDA like Geoffrey Beene, Diane Von Furstenburg, Donna Karan and Vera Wang have selected one item that best represented their contribution to fashion history.  

I'm ready to get out of the cold and immerse myself in some culture in a sunny location...How about you?

All three shows opened this week and will run until April 21, 2013.

photos from bocamuseum.org,jodyculkin.com,fitnyc.edu

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Vera Wang Spring 2013

Vera Wang, queen of bridal hopes.  Her Spring 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week was considerably darker than her white-clad brides.  Dark jewel tones of amethyst, forest green, black, mustard, gold and sapphire dominated the somber runway.

The collection was inspired by nature and India (where most of her embroideries are done, fitting they should be acknowledged finally).  Colored lace made its appearance here much like Tadashi Shoji's catwalk.  Monique Lhuillier also used nature as a muse (if they shared backdrops, they could have saved money) .  While there were many beautiful looks, there were a few that just weren't flattering, like the short dresses and tops that looked like rolled off the shoulders and would be continuing downward.  While these shoulders were bared, (I picture Yul Brenner's complaints in that old film "The King and I") others were embellished with luxe crystal and beading.

Was this sexier, darker, slimmer, direction a reflection of the designer's personal life? Tabloids jumped on the end of her marriage and speculated on her relationship with the much younger skater, Evan Lysacek.  While he did not make an appearance at the show, Olympic champion, Michelle Kwan did.

 I noticed cougar was not one of the nature-inspired influences on the runway...so keep on guessing paparazzi.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Vera Wang Spring 2012

The queen of all things bridal, Vera Wang showed a breezy spring collection at Lincoln Center this week. I meant breezy in a literal sense.  A fan blew the chiffon tails of the multiple short/long hems of dresses on the runway.  

The collection was very pretty, more avant-garde than one would expect from this designer known for classic elegance. There was an interesting use of seaming and bound edges.  The colors and fabrics suggested daywear, but the silhouettes definitely cried out for eveningwear.  The were a lot of prints that looked like a melting painting that was edgy for Vera Wang.  Variations on the bubble skirt and the leg revealing hems with flowing trains came up again and again.  If you were not a fan of the prints, you had your pick of bright sun yellow, pistachio, raspberry and neutrals of taupe and cream.

  

The front row notables of this show were one of the most diverse of the week...Top fashion editors Grace Coddington and Joe Zee were in attendance.  Kim Kardashian was on the other side.  Right before the show started, a hush came over the audience as a team of guards escorted Beyonce Knowles into the tent.  Most impressive for me however, was former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.  (Her granddaughter Ellie won tickets and chose grandma as her date). 

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Top Trends of the Golden Globes Red Carpet

It was observed by almost every interviewer...Black was the top color of the evening.  The ladies of E! Network were clad in figure-flattering Zac Posen, as was Eva Longoria.  Halle Berry in a short/long number in Nina Ricci.  Piper Perabo wore a glamorous Oscar de la Renta.

The second most popular color was a deep dark green.  Angelina Jolie in wore a glittering Versace gown, Catherine Zeta-Jones was glowing next to healthy hubby Michael Douglas in her Monique Lhuillier gown.  Elizabeth Moss wore a custom-created Donna Karan gown.  Black Swan's Mila Kunis made other ladies green with envy in her Vera Wang.

For those who wanted to highlight their own "Golden Globes", red was the va-va-voom gown of choice.  Christina Hendricks of Mad Men reminded of the definition of 'hourglass' in a Romana Keveza silk crepe dress.  Castmate January Jones had her assets suspended in anti-gravity in a bandage-like Versace gown.  Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang got the most cat calls from the male foreign press...

For the most eccentric (and taking the pressure off all the insecure starlets) red carpet ensemble, the award went to Helena Bonham Carter.  I was ecstatic that someone was secure enough to wear something truly original.  She wore a sculpted Vivienne Westwood gown of multiple colors and black tulle.  She wore a red shoe and a green shoe in a move that laughed in the face of the fashion police.

Images from Getty, WireImage

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A Skater, Chocolates and a Designer Walk Into A Bar...

An unlikely combination....This was the most eclectic celebrity-turned-designer projects I have seen so far.  Figure skating champion and Dancing with the Stars favorite Evan Lycasek collaborated with confectioner Ferrero Rocher to design a gown to benefit charity.

The gold leather and tulle creation was inspired by the truffle's classic gold foil and fluted paper packaging.  The dress used rich brown velvet to symbolize the silky chocolate texture.

The skater did not have to work blind.  He worked with design mentor Vera Wang, a former figure skater before her iconic status as wedding gown designer.

The gown was auctioned off with items like autographed skates to fans this month.  The proceeds went to benefit Habitat for Humanity.  The organization's mission is to work with volunteers and families to build homes for those in need.  To volunteer your time or donate, follow through here.
Images via Ferrero Rocher

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Kate Middleton's Wedding Gown Designer

Forget Project Runway, this is the fiercest fashion designer competition in years...Who will be the chosen designer for the most anticipated Royal wedding in decades?

Why so much global interest?  Kate Middleton is attractive, has a distinct style and was one of us...(Fashion industry professional).  We know she has a more educated sense of fashion than the average socialite, so whatever her choice is, it will be one not made lightly.

It was speculated that Ms. Middleton would choose British Royal favorite, Bruce Oldfield.  However, with her background and democratic taste, she could surprise everyone... Women's Wear Daily just ran a great spread of International designers and their interpretation of what Kate should wear. 

I'm posting my favorite sketches just because I love fashion illustration...

The Red Carpet ringers:  Vera Wang, Monique Lhuiller, Badgley Mischka...

The New Guard:  Doori Chung, Chris Benz, Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu...

The Italians: Alberta Feretti, Valentino, Gucci, Missoni...

The Couturiers:  Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, Nina Ricci...

Sketches via WWD

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WWD 100 Years, 100 Designers

If you're in the fashion biz, or just a fan of the apparel industry, you already read Women's Wear Daily.  It's the newspaper for this crazy business of fashion.  The publication is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a book honoring 100 top designers.

WWD: 100 Years, 100 Designers launched Thursday with an elegant party at Bergdorf Goodman's BG restaurant.  It was hosted by executive editor Bridget Foley and attended by many of today's top designers.  Vera Wang, Isaac Mizrahi and Francisco Costa mingled with muses like Bianca Jagger.  Everyone was in Manhattan chic (meaning lots of black, but exquisitely accessorized).

The book itself is gorgeously illustrated with photos of the best of fashion through the years.  If you missed your chance at Bergdorf Goodman's, WWD is holding another bash at Cipriani on November 2.  Otherwise, you can pre-order your copy on Amazon.com.
Photos courtesy of pmk.bnc

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Fashion Designers for Breast Cancer

In the month of October, pink is the new black.  Fashion designers and celebrities are putting their talents into raising awareness for Breast Cancer.  

Ralph Lauren is hosting the Pink Pony Auction to raise money for their foundation.  The auction is selling rare collectibles from fashion, celebrities and athletes.  

It also includes once-in-a-lifetime experiences like shopping with Simon Doonan, a ride with Lance Armstrong or lunch with Maggie Cheung.

Pink Pony supports programs for education and quality cancer care to medically underserved communities.  If a bidding on an item is out of reach, you can support this cause by shopping for pink pony fashion accessories like the printed silk scarf and sunglasses.

Narciso Rodriguez teamed up with Swedish chain Lindex to create the Pink Collection.  Lindex is a major sponsor to the Swedish Cancer Society, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated.  The collection itself consists of reasonably priced wardrobe staples, cashmere-blend knits, asymmetrical dresses, skinny pants.

Vera Wang collaborated with department store chain Kohl’s.  This special collection gives fans the opportunity to buy dressy pink pieces from the high-end designer at very affordable prices.  Check out the grosgrain ribbon evening bag  at only $10.00 or the sequined scarf also for $10.00

It’s not just clothing designers in the mix.  You can shop and help Breast Cancer Awareness with jewelry.  Ice.com’s Think Pink & Smile For a Cure campaign doesn’t  just ask you to shop for the cause.  They are asking you for your story of hope and humor to raise awareness of the disease.  Readers vote for their favorites to win amazing pieces of jewelry as part of their sweepstakes.   A percentage of sales from their Think Pink collection benefits the Comedy Cures Foundation.

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Chelsea's First Daughter Wedding Chic

Photo by Steven Stipelman and Courtesy Photo

Has there been a more anticipated/speculated wedding this past year? Chelsea Clinton's nuptials to Marc Mezvinsky had the media interrogating everyone from shopkeepers, gardeners and Rhinebeck residents for details of the event.
The bride wore a custom Vera Wang gown of swirled tiers on the skirt, asymmetrical bodice and a hand-embroidered crystal sash. Mom wore Oscar de la Renta.
First daughter weddings have always held a soft-spot for the American public. Perhaps the second generation represents optimism and continuity of American family values?

Photo by Getty Images
The wedding of Jenna Bush to Henry Hager was planned to be chic and simple. The Oscar de la Renta gown had a relatively simple silhouette. The V-neck back and short train was flattering and looked unstructured. Of course, the entire dress was elaborately embroidered by hand. The bridesmaids wore Bush daughters favorite, Lela Rose.

Photo by Life Magazine
In 1971, Tricia Nixon's wedding gown was so impressive, Life Magazine made it their cover story. The Priscilla of Boston dress was the epitome of what elegant, fashionable brides aspired to wear. This particular gown was a combination of exquisite lace appliqued to tulle and net.

So what will Malia and Sasha Obama wear when the big day comes? With Mom Michelle being a champion of new designers, the fashion press expects nothing less than inspiring.

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