Whitney Eve S/S 2013: Elements Magnified

As celebrities and fashion connoisseurs alike pour into the Studio at Lincoln Center the scene would have been utter chaos if it weren’t for the efficiency of the PR staff from People’s Revolution. Everyone from magazine editors, bloggers, and photographers were eagerly anticipating what designer Whitney Port had in store for her Whitney Eve Spring/Summer 2013 collection. At one point the house was at such capacity that venue security closed down the lines with people waiting to get inside; I knew this show was sure to leave everyone in awe.

Whitney Eve ‘s S/S 2013 collection explores the ideas of geological elements, and uses it as inspiration for her signature prints, “the elements of precious stones and crystals magnified, shattered, and blurred to create this season’s prints.” Whitney Eve is synonymous to eclectic feminine aesthetic, while embracing a youthful elegance. Printed denim, fringed evening gowns and blouses, and luxurious knit-wears all combine under a banner of menswear inspired tailoring to create this strong edgy definition of femininity.

Personally, I enjoy when designers combine different aspects of design such as structured and fluid silhouettes, casual and tailored, soft and edgy to create an ensemble that‘s complimentary  to each piece and exudes confident ‘CHIC’ , and Whitney Eve is a prime example of how mixing and matching different fashion ingredients can come together as a perfect mosaic in fashion.

Many in the industry had deep doubts about Whitney Port making her mark as a respected designer often remarks like “She’s another celebrity using her fame to try to be a designer,” has been expressed, but as she proves her talent; and season after season bring to one of fashion’s biggest stage an amazing collection, Whitney Port has cemented her name as a respected American Designer, and proves all doubts WRONG! I continue to look forward to Whitney Port’s growth as a designer and what direction she will take Whitney Eve in the future.

 

 



Suzanne Rae F/W 2012: Edwardian Era Modernized

References to the Edwardian Era of fashion is clear and apparent during Suzanne Rae’s F/W 2012 collection, and the designer’s aesthetic for modernizing a classic time period in fashion and still maintain that vintage quality is wonderfully intriguing.

Quintessential Edwardian inspired fashion with a body flattering silhouette and cinched waistline yet still remaining demure, Suzanne Rae translates this impeccably in her designs with a modern twist. For example, in one ensemble Rae combines a classic Edwardian inspired skirt (though transformed into a fish tail skirt with the higher hemline in the front) with a modern menswear inspired button down shirt. Another modern take on a classic that Suzanne Rae’s collection beautifully showcased were the cropped velvet capes, a must-have trend for Fall/Winter 2012!

Anne Bowen F/W 2012: An Experiment in Beauty

Decadent, Audacious, Graphic...are adjectives used to describe Anne Bowen's Fall/Winter 2012 collection.
Inspired partly by Aleksandr Rodchenko ( a Russian artist, sculptor, photographer, graphic designer, and founder of Constuctivism in design), the collection was a meriad of geometric silhouettes, metal embellishments, amazing beading, and rich textures all creating a modernist mood. Using silk organza, chiffon, wool crepe, jersey knits, and charmeuse Anne Bowen's F/W 2012 collection had a strong yet delicate balance in each ensemble.
Anne Bowen is well known for amazing bridal couture and formal wear, but this collection blew everyone away as strong metal embellished pieces and almost glam warrior like dresses came down the runway. One felt that this was almost a statement of rebellion for the designer proving that a chameleon changes with its environment. The beauty of the collection was in the risk it took and that it was unexpected.
My absolute favorite stunner was the asymmetrical hem metal dress with the chain purse to complement. The piece was stunning without being gaudy and too over the top, and it had a wonderful marriage of glamour and edge which is a testament to great design.

Pamella Roland S/S 2012 : Frame Worthy!

During fashion week after several days of insanity and practically living on the New Jersey transit and train, I rushed to upload pictures and without verifying if everything was done completely I erased my memory card and went back to the tents. Sadly one of the shows that didn't upload was the Pamella Roland presentation. Everything from the clothes to the picture I took with Nigel Barker (Judge on America's Next Top Model) and his wife, and several other celebrities..all gone!
After searching my phone I found one picture and it was of the piece that I found exemplified the story and the entire collection. Though the entire collection was stunning, I felt drawn to the glitz of the sequins and how it was applied skillfully like splashes of paint unto a textile canvas. Then, it all made sense, the story of the collection was made cohesive with the clothes being presented through picture frames because the clothes themselves were a magnificent work of art. Literally, the mermaid cut dresses were stunningly covered in sequins ranging from all colors of the turquois sea, or in alternating black and white.
It's definitely a shame that I wiped out all my pictures of the presentation, and I hope to get another chance during F/W 2012.

                            

Monique Lhuillier S/S 2012



 

 

After several seasons of trying feverishly to get into one of the most coveted shows of New York Fashion Week and the entire fashion industry, I felt so blessed and fortunate to be able to cover the Monique Lhuillier S/S 2012 show- and to get front row, AMAZING! (check the video)

World renowed and sought after by celebrities and social elites alike for her bridal couture, Lhuillier steps out and amazes the fashion world with an equally stunning RTW line mixed in with elegant couture gowns for her S/S 2012 collection.

One of the stunners that caught my eye instantly is the yellow/saffron mermaid cut dress above. Simple and understated elegance with some ruching throughout it is the perfect understanding of the definition of classy. Another runway favorite I have is the floor sweeping tie-dyed blue ball gown dress. For many industry folks, a tie-dyed dress may be fashion suicide specially sending it as the closing look for New York Fashion Week, but I have to disagree on the basis that the final finished product is stunning and well executed. For me the combination of white and multiple shades of blue is refreshing and great for a red carpet event during the spring and summer seasons.

Now touching on the RTW, one of the obvious favorite is the yellow trench inspired wrap dress with black lace details on the front. Another piece I fell in love with is the men's wear inspired ankle cropped tuxedo trousers with the complimenting jacket. I find it stunning and sexy when masculine menswear can be translated and executed well into a strong feminine womenswear but with the same impeccable tailoring.

I'm certainly looking forward to NYFW F/W 2012 and what Monique Lhuillier has in stored for the fashion world. Stay tuned for the upcoming season.

For more photos please visit : ( http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.233345446740843.55021.185323141543074&type=1 )

VLOV by Qing Qing Wu S/S 2012: Chic Minimalism

Debuting his collection in New York Fashion Week was a well planned risk for Chinese designer Qing Qing Wu and his label VLOV. Before I go into the clothes I do have to mention the amazing treatment I received from the VLOV company especially from their CFO. As I scurried to try and get an invite for the show I was sure to get a decline response considering it was 2 days prior to the actual date that I got in contact with VLOV for an RSVP, but to my surprise the CFO of the company contacted me personally and he made sure I can get an invite even though the list was closed. So for that I am fashionably in his debt.
I am pleasantly surprised that VLOV took fashion out of the proverbial box and put a unique spin on classic men's pieces like the one button and the double breasted suits, and used lightweight fabrics that still held a structured silhouette like commonly used textiles for men's suits. Below is one of my favorite pieces of the collection. The lightweight material lends a spring/summer feel to the slim low cut suit paired with shorts; with an oversized lapel and hidden button the piece is clean yet chic. In summation: lightweight fabrics, amazing tailoring, and cool modern design all fit a great fashionable puzzle.