The Blonds Spring 2018 - Platinum Paradise

DO blondes have more fun? The label is called The Blonds for a reason. Spring 2018 for the designers took the general concept of streetwear and amplified the glamor and embellishment to the Nth degree.

Starting with the basic garment items of denim jackets, jumpsuits, slip dresses and shorts, the pieces were then given an extreme bling treatment. 

The Blonds are known for dressing the biggest stage divas of our generation. This collection offered outfits for performing AND for when they want to step out without losing the glamour.

Embellishment artisans were working backstage right up until the moment models took the runway. The Blonds collaborated with Preciosa Crystals to create colorful jeweled embroideries that elevated each piece. The three-dimensional look to the embroidery was achieved through a combination of mixed sizes and shapes of the crystal components, embellished with an irregular pattern. Large, chunky chains were also used to give a shiny, urban glam effect to the hardware. Big cut fabric appliques were twisted and folded to give a dimensional, lacy look.

Preciosa crystals were also used for the beauty looks. Make-up artists painstakingly applied crystals for elaborate nail art and as eye embellishments.

Despite the "platinum" theme, I liked the diversity of the models. A full range of ethnicities, genders and body shapes were represented, as long as they looked fierce. 

Celebrities in the front row included Paris Hilton and Instagram meme curator and The Fat Jewish, rumored to be launching a fashion collection together. 

Attending The Blonds Spring 2018 collection does set the bar high for you guys, so good luck.

Need a dose of bling and fabulous-ness? You can rest here.
All photos by Mariana Leung

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Zang Toi Spring 2018

I only attended a few shows this New York Fashion Week, but the one show I had to attend was the Zang Toi Spring 2018 show. I can always count on this Malaysian designer to take me away on an escape somewhere wonderful. For spring, Toi took us to Lake Garda Italy, a locale appreciated for its vivid blue waters and intense green beauty.

Both colors were center runway this season. Zang Toi uses the richest fabrics, silk crepe, silk gazar, silk twill. Emerald and watercolor blues flowed down the catwalk with a more relaxed attitude than past shows.

Luxurious tunics, easy jackets, shorts, blouses made up the daywear portion of the show. There were a few signature ballgown and fitted column dresses with opera capes, but still more relaxed. Did the design team actually get a few rest of sleep this season? Or just dreamed that they did? They all deserve a posh vacation after every NYFW.

I am a sucker for fashion illustration, especially when it is incorporated into the collection itself. My favorite day look was a flirty handkerchief hem skirt printed with Zang Toi fashion sketches like a scarf print. No surprise, my favorite evening look was the ballgown hand beaded with his illustrations.

I knew the Zang Toi Spring 2018 would be a reunion of my favorite people at New York Fashion Week. With the crazy NYFW schedule scattering editors, photographers and celebrities all over an Uber-clogged New York City, it was great to know I would finish out fashion week among friends. Notable guests included Patti Labelle, socialite Ivana Trump and supermodel Carol Alt.

Zang Toi was the posh escape into elegance, beauty and civilized fashion I needed!

Runway photos by Mariana Leung

Also on Ms. Fabulous:Wildfox La Dolce VitaSalvatore Ferragamo - Lo Splendore Dei Meistieri

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NYFW: Greta Constantine Spring 2018

We're back at NY Fashion Week. Like last season, I start the reports with Toronto-based designers. Greta Constantine is a label founded by Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong, self-claimed "Jersey Boys of Toronto".

Their Spring 2018 collection was a celebration of bold, sexy women. While the clothes aim for the future, There were a lot of retro influences. Backless tops, flowing skirts reminded me of 1970s disco. Constructed shoulders in jackets and ruffled skirts brought memories of 1980s glam, glittering in sequins and lame. Lots of legs, lots of skin were shown. The fabrics were quite luxurious. Silk tulle, satin and silk wool were the top fabrics among the sequins.

Greta Constantine, named after Wong's mother and Pickersgill's grandfather, has earned a celebrity following. The designers call Taraji P. Henson, Frieda Pinto and Tatiana Maslany as fans. The collection is sold all over the world, including boutiques in Qatar, Ireland and native Canada.
photos by Mariana Leung

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NYFW Preview - Fashion Designer Sketches

Welcome to another season of NYFW! Spring 2018 launched this NY Fashion Week. Here are a few fashion designer sketches to give you a taste of what the shows have in store for you.

Designer Taoray Wang's collection has the theme of Baroque in Shanghai. Her muses were musicians Purcell and Handel. Irina Vitjaz looks to have designed lots of body curve-hugging sleek silhouettes based on the sketches I have seen.

The design team behind Cushnie et Ochs were inspired by the painted flowers of Frida Kahlo. Also inspired by painted flowers was the designer Mijia Zhang who looked to the art of Marc Quinn. Both Pamella Roland and Adeam were inspired by recent travels. Roland with Monaco and Adeam with Hong Kong.

Bibhu Mohapatra and Han Chong both incorporated graphic stripes into their looks. Ji Oh took simple tailoring to redefine the woven shirt.

As you can see, there is something for everyone this NY Fashion Week for the Spring 2018 season. There were many changes this time around as far as format and location. I myself am only attending a few presentations as they are all over the city. Many designers opted not to show a full runway, preferring intimate presentations or appointments. Luckily, for every designer taking it easy, many up-and-coming designers will take their place.

Sketches provided by the designers.

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#NYFWM: Christopher Lowman Spring 2018- Harvard Punk'd

Who's in for scholarly chic? Indie designer Christopher Lowman styled his Spring 2018 collection along with a collegiate theme. While the academic-inspired look is a hot trend, there was something darker and in tune with current times. 

There were team jackets and sweaters. Cropped pants were paired with New Balance Athletic shoes. Intellectual glasses were by Vivid Eyewear. The "nerd" specs are a particular weakness of mine when guys wear them. Fabric choices included leather to French terry, silk to suede. Raglan sleeves and denim all gave a look of an intense student who was also plotting a rebellion. The intensity of emotion of Lowman's muse. Specifically, that student who was battling anxiety of financial instability and mental health issues that lead to the possibility of becoming a college dropout. I thought it was an accurate snapshot of how the country worries about in general right now. Anxiety of money, health and failure is on the minds of many.

This was my first show of New York Fashion Week Menswear #NYFWM for this season. I wondered if the vibe this show created would be in tune with other collections to come. Fall 2017, the theme of protest was prevalent. Will Spring 2017 be the season of fear or anxiety? Christopher Lowman found his therapy in his clothes. 

Photos by Mariana Leung.

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