Best Dressed at the 2016 NYC Easter Parade

Happy Easter my fashionable bunnies! Yours truly got decked out in my Byron Lars spring dress and a big pink flower bonnet I made the night before to stalk the stylish folk of the NYC Easter Parade on 5th Avenue. I took so many photos of the creative looks that I think my camera started smoking. My favorite shots are in the slideshow below. 

It's funny. You wouldn't think that Easter bonnet style would have trends from year to year, but after shooting the last few years, I discovered each year has distinct styles. In 2016, I noticed that fashionable groups have put more of their culture into their Easter looks. The American Qi Pao society showed off modified Chinese style for spring. I saw a stunning woman shimmering purple African dress glide through the avenue (slideshow). 

Another look is the elegant flower chapeau. These are elaborate floral sculptures paired with very refined or black tie outfits. My inspiration for this is legendary costume designer Rosemary Ponzo (in the red roses) whom I hunted down at the parade.

Easter Parade Dogs

Dressed up dogs are a popular accessory. This year I saw more dogs than ever (one carriage transported seven!) Hats, flowers, tutus, bunny ears and dresses were all a part of the pup's wardrobe today. I saw ONE actual live, lop-eared bunny who looked terrified (see slideshow). 

With Iris Apfel being fashion's top influencer these days and the popularity of the senior style icons of Advanced Style, it is no surprise the men and women ruling 5th Avenue are the elder generations. The most elaborate looks of the parade belonged to New Yorkers who have attended many a parade and knew how to work their looks better than everyone. 

I saw many a paper strip hat on 5th Avenue. I guess that speaks to the trend of recycling, but others just remarked that people were wearing garbage. It turns out that someone had set up a table for crafts at the northern end of the parade. 

One of the most fun, NYC-specific trends were the bonnets made in tribute to New York City landmarks. There were soaring hats built in the shape of the Empire State building and Chrysler building. There was one hat for the Natural History museum that including dinosaur skeletons. There was a TKTs booth for Broadway. There were a Bergdorf Goodman/Sex and the City tribute tower of hat and many more Gotham spots. 

So I hope you had a terrific Easter weekend my peeps. If you were at the parade, send me your pics! Next year, join me at the NYC Easter Parade and dress up!

PHOTOS BY MARIANA LEUNG

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Fairy Tale Fashion at the Museum at FIT

Happy Easter Weekend my lovelies. I thought I would start it off with Manish Arora's Alice in Wonderland inspired costume at the Museum at FIT's Fairy Tale Fashion exhibit. This fantasy fashion tribute is one you don't want to miss if you are in town. It is a gorgeous mix of looks both from contemporary designers and historic costume. Some are inspired by ancient tales literally while some are more in spirit.

Alice in Wonderland's loopy dreamscape has Mad Hatters, a character driven insane from his own profession in fashion. Playing card motifs, tea parties, rabbits and a host of other characters tht inspire designers. Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland film inspired a bunch of designers like Haider Ackerman and Alexander McQueen to create tribute ensembles for the movie.

Cinderella is a romantic story with an epic makeover. Both her "rags" stage and ballgown stage has
served as muse to many designers. In the 1970s, designer Giorgio di Sant'Angelo created a bohemian collection of layered prints and stitch details to celebrate Cinderella's rags. Many a designer created stunning ballgowns. Christian Louboutin designed the drool-worthy Cinderella shoes to coincide with Disney's Cinderella movie.


Little Red Riding Hood is a story about a girl defined by her outerwear. There were historic red hooded cloaks along with contemporary designer counterparts. The Beauty and the Beast tale also displayed historic costumes to illustrate the story of the era of the 1700s.

The Little Mermaid and many under the sea creatures were the inspiration for some of the whimsical exhibits. Seaweed and coral motif appliques embellished a Rodarte fishnet gown. Hideki Seo created an elaborate Sea Witch ensemble for the exhibition. Nature also plays into the lore of fairies and Sleeping Beauty. Woodland creatures are a part of the Snow White and Rose Red fairy tale. The exhibit pays tribute to furry pelted looks from J. Mendel, Prada's 2008 collection with James Jean fairy illustrations and Alexander McQueen's collection of dresses with insect motifs.

The Wizard of Oz is a great story to inspire fashion designers. The hero of the day are those ruby slippers. Many shoe designers have created their own version of the famous footwear. Gingham and prairie looks, sinister black and green fashion illustrate the fashion tropes of this story. The Museum at FIT hosted their own exhibit of Tonner Doll's tribute to The Wizard of Oz movie. A huge collection of designers re-imagined high fashion updates to either the Wicked Witch or Dorothy.

While some of the fairy tale fashion is pure costume fantasy. Some of the gorgeous looks were perfect for bringing magic into real life. If you want to give your sartorial day a happy ending, get yourself to thehttp://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/exhibitions/ Museum at FIT's exhibit before it ends at April 16, 2016.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Mywalit is Making My Season of Color

It’s finally spring! As a New Yorker, I am often accused of wearing too much black. For my spring 2016 resolution, I am vowing to make it a season of color. I started with a cute leather good that I received from Mywalit, a brand founded in Italy in 2005.

Their collections of handbags and wallets are designed with a distinctive color block style. Each piece is stitched and cut by hand. The company sources super soft leathers from around the world for the best quality and feel of the product.

Every season, Mywalit collections celebrate different cities around the globe. The colors are inspired by the energy and people of that location. This season’s feature is Cape Town. My wallet’s colors of sunny orange, seafoam, violet and fuchsia find its muse in the South African city. South Africa can be characterized as a location where the sea meets the sun. Drummers, dancers and vibrant street art are also part of South African culture. 

My Hubby gave me an incredible painting over the holidays that echo the same spirit. It has rays of global colors shooting all around me as I stand in front of it. My jacket is a mix of traditional fabrics and textures that were sourced from around the world and embroidered with worry dolls that I thought would match the Mywalit shades. My nails are a darker violet than the one on the wallet, but accented with huge sparkles like the night sky.

Anchoring your outfit of the day around your favorite accessory can be a fun way to go. Starting with the wallet’s color palette, I chose my shoes, handbag, jewelry and ultimately clothing to complement the hues. I found this was a much more interesting way to build an #OOTD. Most days I start with a little black dress and inevitably keep adding more and more black.

Spring is for new beginnings, new colors, new ideas and new labels to shop. Mywalit has beautifully made pieces that are perfect to update your wardrobe for the new season. If you haven’t heard of them before, this is a lovely label to check out. They are not trendy, but design driven. The craftsmanship is meant to last through multiple seasons. As opposed to fast fashion, leather goods are worth investing in. Explore their other styles by connecting with them on Mywalit's Instagram for spring style inspiration.

Sponsored by Single Edition Media on behalf of Mywalit.

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Farley Chatto Fall 2015

Dance dance. The Farley Chatto runway at Toronto Fashion Week opened with a ballet performance excerpt from La Sylphides to set the tone. The ballet is a romantic tale set in Scotland for the fall and winter.

The collection itself contained lots of tartans and plaids. There were furs all over the outerwear. There were ultra-feminine skirts of tulle and other soft fabrics for dancing. Menswear jackets were well cut and dapper. Pants were quite slim. Women's furs were luxurious and offered in natural and vivid colors like purple and red.

Hardcore fashion fans delighted in the appearance of supermodel Stacey McKenzie on the runway (far right in the mauve fur coat). The staging itself did not take itself seriously. Farley Chatto is a Canadian fashion vet who costumes the country's top arts productions including the tv competition Canadian Idol. He teaches fashion at the nation's top program at Ryerson University. He has a respected reputation in tailoring to celebs like Saraj Jessica Parker to George Clooney. That didn't stop him from sending down a shirtless male model wrapped in faux tiger fur and shawled in cable knit as eye candy.

Farley Chatto even showed off his own impressive ballet skills for the finale. I can't say I have ever seen a designer do that for his show. Bravo.

photos by David TW Leung

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Toronto Fashion Week: David Dixon Fall 2016

This was one of the most moving fashion shows of Toronto Fashion Week. David Dixon dedicated his presentation to his late sister. As a response, his fall 2016 "Gene" collection was a collaboration with Ovarian Cancer Canada to raise awareness on health issues for women.

The collection itself had a minimalist color palette of black, white and various shades of gray. As Dixon's sister "loved everything girly" there were flower appliques, tulle and sequins mixed in with structured denim. The contrast also symbolized how fragility can be mixed with incredible strength.

Strong trench coats and sleek sheaths were paired with flowing organza tops and flared skirts. Over-sized metal grommets could be matched with delicate flowers or pailettes.

The finale brought a standing ovation as David Dixon held hands with survivors and those affected by cancer. Thank you David Dixon, for showing us fashion can be meaningful both personally and to others.

photos by David TW Leung

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Toronto Fashion Week: Gender Bending Sosken by Marisa Minicucci Fall 2016

Feeling cozy? Montreal designer Marisa Minicucci produced a sleek warm outerwear collection for the Toronto Fashion Week runway. Fall/Winter 2016 was an exploration of androgyny for the Sosken label. The conversation around gender fluidity is at an all-time high. The silhouettes for the jackets and coats had strong shoulders and a lean cut.

There were dark black, charcoal and browns with highlights of cream, red and blue. Textured wool houndstooth and plaids were in the mix. All the classic fall and winter fabrics and colors but with fresh, modern designs. Fur as an accent was the big star of the catwalk. There were fur capelets, scarves, handbags, messenger bags, muffs, foot warmers... It's Canada. It gets cold.

Marisa Minicucci as a designer, loves to constantly redefine sportswear and her overall creative outlook each season. As a woman, she thinks a lot about how the customer incorporates her clothes into her lifestyle. Unlike many male designers, she designs to flatter women of ALL shapes and sizes, not just the model. I find that to be the strength of female designers in general.

We might have had a light winter this year, but with Sosken's great outerwear from Marisa Minicucci, I am ready for next winter.

photos by David TW Leung

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Toronto Fashion Week: Christopher Paunil's Elegant Brides Fall 2016

David Pecaut Square in Toronto was graced with glamour on the first night of Toronto Fashion Week. Designer Christopher Paunil and partner Chalo Hancock showed their first runway show this season at the venue after launching their label in 2010.

Christopher Paunil creates impeccably tailored evening wear and bridal gowns for mostly private clientele. He takes his muses from classic couturiers like Charles James and Valentino which you can see from the sculpted silhouettes. Paunil likes to combine unusual and traditional fabrics into gorgeous gowns.

With the current runway collection, you can see the top two Pantone colors of rose quartz pink and serenity blue represented in satin right off the start. The variations of high/low, mermaid and trumpet skirt silhouettes are impeccably contructed.

The Christopher Paunil has already been picked up by legendary bridal retailer Kleinfeld in 2014 when they entered Canada. What was more notable for me was how much mentoring work the designer does with younger artists to be with organizations like U for Change. Even as they were developing their own collection, they had a policy to give back to the community as they were growing.

photos by David TW Leung

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Burlesque & Bubbles - Dr. Sketchy Does Commedia Dell'Arte

I love the trend of drinking and drawing. Dr. Sketchys has been a New York, now International institution of combining fine art, raunchy burlesque and music set in a bar. I haven't been to a session since 2010 .

Founder Molly Crabapple has since gone on to publish multiple books, become a highly sought-after artist and star journalist for Vice. She passed the reins to very capable personalities to host yesterday's event at Midtown's Flute Champagne bar. The two-drink minimum of creative champagne cocktails can surely get you in a baudy mood.

Falana Fox & Viktor Devonne

The Commedia Dell'Arte theme of last night refers to the classic Italian theater style that heavily relies on common tropes. Pierrot is the traditional lovelorn male constantly wooing Columbina. He is a romantic figure, though often portrayed as a fool. From theater group to theater group, the plays may be different, but the characters stay the same.

While there is no actual instruction in the "class", the timed poses are similar in structure as many life drawing classes. You start with 1-minute gestures, then 2-minute poses, increasing to 5-minute drawings with one 20-minute pose. There are contests to win prizes from sponsors. Tonight they included sketchbooks and designer bow-ties. In the past they could include spa products, sex toys or shots of liquor.

The models were female and male burlesque performers Falana Fox and Viktor Devonne. Both of them were game for any pose or state of deshabillement for the sake of good art. 

I love getting my sketching practice at Dr. Sketchy from a fashion lens because the models are sexy, but come in all shapes and sizes (rather than the same tall/thin models of fashion sketch classes). As Hubby pointed out, burlesque is all about the accessories. When you're down to the pasties, it's all about the bling and feathers. The performers sell those tiny little fashion accessories that much harder. The sassy expressions are much more fun to draw than a bored "model" look. 

Without the competition of a class, or grades, you can just hang out and have fun. A strong drink next to you with a DJ and models in lingerie or less, it can be a wild night out. At the end of Dr. Sketchy's, you have a book full of sexy drawings. Doesn't that sound fun? Whatever city you live in, there is probably a Dr. Sketchy's near you. Check out the website for their schedules. 
Sketches by Mariana Leung

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The Blonds Take You Down the Rabbit Hole Fall 2016

Well hello, Alice. The Blonds took you down the rabbit hole for NY Fashion Week for fall 2016. My favorite designers of over-the-top glam diva looks brought lots of pink, Marilyn Monroe and dazzling Preciosa crystals to the runway at Milk Studios.

If you have ever seen a pop star (like, any of them) and admired their glittering outfit, it was probably created by David and Phillipe Blond. There was a fantastic fashion exhibit of The Blonds' most iconic stage outfits last season with Rootstein Mannequins.

Fall 2016 was about surreal, sexy corsets, gown and lots and lots of bling. Christian Louboutin created custom heels to match the looks. There were a few gowns and some unsubtle streetwear options. These are not outfits for the wallflower or appropriate for the real life of most people. If you are not filling stadiums with your star wattage, these would be Haute Couture masterpieces for collecting. The looks were for the anti-heroine. Think Tarantino's kick-ass ladies more than Jane Austen.

The exquisite handwork of velvet applique roses, lace, structured boning would make any burlesque queen an obsessive. The pink palette and gigantic bows gave a nod to Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Huge crystal jewels in various sizes and shapes were augmented with extra reflective coatings to really shine.

The Blonds collaborated with crystal manufacturer Preciosa to work on special pieces for Britney Spears this season. As an embroidery designer who has used their product many times in my own work, it was a delight to chat with Klara Karaspova, the Area Trade Marketing Manager for the inside scoop. Their PR agency acted as matchmaker so Preciosa could offer their full offerings of crystal elements for The Blonds to incorporate into their designs.

Preciosa has a huge range of colors and finishes, but their product developers still scour the globe for the most important hues and textures of emerging trends for the designers to use. For fashion and jewelry designers can hot-fix the stones or embroider them when they are in fixed settings. Developing new colors or shapes can take months or even years before they are right for the market.

If you have ever wanted to live your own twisted fairy tale. The Blonds Fall 2016 collection have earned the King and Queen of my Heart. Preciosa crystals will be the ones to make the crown.

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Leanne Marshall Fall 2016

So what are your favorite Project Runway alums up to? Season 5 winner Leanne Marshall wowed the judges with her skills in draping romantic silhouettes.

She has become a popular indie bridal designer and showed her collections during NY Fashion week. For fall 2016, she took on a darker coffee, gold, grey and black palette. She opened the show with shorter silk rompers and cocktail length dresses. The showstoppers were the airy gowns in georgette and masterfully draped ruffles. Marshall also mixed in a few bridal looks that incorporated manipulated fabric embellishments or sexy inserts of lace.

For a designer who proudly flaunts her Californian roots, this was a darker, sophisticated collection perfectly at home in NYC. This city does that to people. The hair was slick and tied back. The eye make-up was dark and smoky.

The most memorable thing about this show was how the models looked while they moved in these dresses. Marshall clearly designed the dresses with how they would float or ripple as the wearer walked. I chalk this up to her experience working with dance costumes. At least you know these are dresses where you can move at an event.

Considering this was a relatively new label of a low-key designer, this show was fully packed where guests and press were spilling into the runway itself. Celebrities in the audience included Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and Empire's Ta'Rhonda Jones. More established designers didn't bring crowds as big as this show.

There have been man Project Runway contestants. Very few have joined the ranks of really expanding their labels to the next level. Congratulations to Leanne Marshall for being one of them!

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Zang Toi Fall 2016 - Exclusive Interview

Of course NYFW fell on the coldest winter days of the entire year. Fashion designer Zang Toi made the most of it with the most luxuriously cozy winter collection on the runway. He often designs the season around a destination he fell in love with.

We went backstage to chat with Zang Toi to find out the inside scoop on fall 2016:

Ms. FABulous: What was the great inspiration for fall 2016?

Zang Toi: Fall 2016 was inspired by my Christmas trip to Courchevel in the French Alps. You'll see more ski-inspired sporty looks.

Ms. F: Are you a skier yourself?

ZT: No! But I love the coldest weather. I love the snow. Snow makes me happy! Every winter I try to go to the coldest place in Europe. This season I picked Courchevel, one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the French Alps.

Ms. F: What were your colors and fabrics?

ZT: I decided to go with mostly shades of gray and black. In between, there are some surprise colors you don't normally associate with Zang Toi. There are pops of red and grape color, "La raisin" and "La rouge". This is more understated than last season but more luxurious. I achieved different textures with alpaca wool and metallic. There are all different furs. There is a flat top pyramid texture and also textured beading. It's all about textures this season.

Ms. F: How is your family?

ZT: Family is good! Unfortunately my big brother couldn't make it this season. It's the first time he'll miss the show. While he was packing to leave, he realized his visa was expired. With Chinese New Year, he couldn't get it renewed in time. The poor photographers (in the riser) won't have their chicken buns for the first time!

Ms. F: Oh no! I know everyone has really appreciated them over the years and appreciate you. Good luck and thank you for your time!

The collection was indeed incredibly luxe. I loved the rich cashmere, and pyramid fabric and the different furs as he had promised. I don't know if you would really want to wear these gorgeous looks on the slopes and have them beat up with dirty snow. The clothes were more like a 5-star fantasy of what a ski wardrobe would look like if you had an unlimited budget and your skis were made of platinum.

The multiple shades of grey and black fit in perfectly for New York City. The rich red and purple were for that super glamorous black tie apre-ski gala in my head. The models were styled with their impeccable hair back in beaded toques. Classic red lipstick evoked a vintage Hollywood elegance.

While we all know about his dramatic ballgowns, the skiwear with slim pants and ultra-luxe leggings were great options for sophisticated daywear. Also, hands-down, Zang Toi makes the best tights.

For Fall/Winter 2016, I don't know that you'll see the Olympic team wearing these clothes. However if you find some beautiful princess on the slopes posing with her entourage, I can't imagine a more fitting wardrobe than Zang Toi Skiwear.

Runway photos by Cassandra Past, backstage, Mariana Leung

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Accessories, Necessities, and Garments: What to Pack for Loreto

One day you’re going to wake up and discover you’re on your way to Loreto and wonder what to pack for the trip. The first thing that will come to mind is how to evoke the spirit a dream Mexican vacation through wardrobe. Brainstorming looks and browsing online stores cover-ups, and sun dresses fills up your spare time leading up to the trip.  Today I am going to provide suggestions on what to pack for Loreto Mexico which will include accessories, necessities, and garments. 

During a recent vacation I made the trip to Mexico and stayed at the Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto resort. This trip marked my second experience with the property so I had an idea of what I needed which saved on overweight baggage fees.  During 4 day trips I typically pack 2-3 swim suites.  Since Loreto has the perfect balance of land and sea activities I suggest packing multifunctional pieces.  When shopping for bathing suits or 2- piece sets I go for items that I can wear with one of my many maxi skirts, under a maxi dress, or with shorts.  On one excursion hosted by Villa del Palmar, we went from a boat ride to an island, and concluded with shopping trip in town.  It was very convenient to slip on a vibrant maxi skirt over my houndstooth bathing suit and become a part of the colorful canvas which is the town of Loreto Mexico.

Packing solid color dresses that can be dressed up with accessories such as anchor chains, bracelets, chandelier earrings, and bangles.  I particularly like the long flowy cotton/ spandex maxi dresses sold at Old Navy.  The brand sells these dresses year-round and comes out with their new models at the first of the year.  Since I travels o frequently, I tend to stock up once a year in preparation for my unknown adventures at that tend to take place later on in the year.  Lastly, if you are like me and take advantage of hotel gyms then I would suggest packing workout clothing and sneakers for small hikes.

Warm days lead to cool nights so I recommend bring a light sweater and/or windbreaker.  I typically create a travelers first aid kit which includes quick fixes for minor vacation related challenges. 

Things such as sunblock, Aloe Vera gel for burn, Neosporin for bites, Cortizone for rashes, baby wipes, Band-Aids, Advil, tide stick, and alcohol pads.  Additionally, I packed a late tote for shopping and 2 large, 2 small Ziploc bags for wet swim suits, seashells, and other items that need to be separated from your clothing. 

During my time at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto I spent a lot of time taking pictures of the scenic views around the property and beyond.  The sleepy tourist town just beyond the resort required little fuss as far as styling goes.  Everyone appeared to have transitioned from the beach to the market and back.  Regardless of what you pack I suggest spending more time relaxing than anything else.  There is no dress code for a stress free vacation.

This article was written by Kitty Bradshaw | Website | Instagram | FaceBook | Twitter

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