Michael Bastian F/W 2012: "The Extra Man"

Michael Bastian’s Fall/Winter 2012 runway show was a scene of who’s who in fashion and celebrities alike. Outside, one sees familiar faces in fashion like Robert Verdi, CFDA’s -Steven Kolb, Paper Magazine’s -Mickey Boardman, Scene Magazine’s – Peter Davis, and every Men’s Magazine Editor from Details, GQ, and Nylon to name a few. But my moment of exaltation was when Bergdorf Goodman’s Linda Fargo (the very definition of fashion refinement) steps out of her service car only 2 feet away from me. This made waiting in the freezing cold without a jacket, (only because I was rushing from Lincoln Center, and the coat check line was horribly long), well worth it!

 Themed “The Extra Man,” the collection was more like “The Leading Man!” Set against a changing season backdrop where a group in the collection reflects a different season, it was a spectacular show of American fashion exuding first class tailoring. Michael Bastian takes one through a variety of environments where man is at any given moment. From the wild outdoors, as reflected by a layered turtleneck with a plaid button down, and a heavier wool button. Next, we find the ‘businessman’, perfectly tailored 3 piece wool suits, and one button pin stripe suits can get any business done! Then, there is that casual sporty but oh’ so cool guy, reflected in the collection by colorful wool knit sweaters, a preppy combination of colored corduroys with a three button blazer. And finally, we find the style conscious man, the one that loves to push the edge of fashion and doesn’t apologize for causing a stir. From the fur collar to regal purple pants, and layered leather jackets, every stylish man can definitely enhance his style with Michael Bastian’s F/W collection.

If the collection wasn’t enough, one couldn’t help notice the amazing roster Michael Bastian’s F/W 2012 collection had, from all the top male models in the industry to an iconic male supermodel Tyson Beckford who graced the runway while on retirement! I got an opportunity to ask one of the ladies working for Michael Bastian, who happens to be next to me during the show, “How did you guys manage to get Tyson Beckford to walk this show, I thought he retired?” to which she responds, “It’s Michael Bastian, we can make anything happen!”

Venexiana F/W 2012: Evening Wear Perfected!

Kati Stern’s brand, Venexiana, has been a coveted show for many fashionistas during Mercedes Benz Fashion week. For the past 3 seasons of press covering Venexiana’s runway show I have always been left breathless by the stunning evening wears that grace the runway. Each season Venexiana always has a more lengthy presentation than any other designer; boasting 70 looks for Fall/Winter 2012, but well worth every second- no other show can ever fill Lincoln Center at 9pm like Venexiana has done and  so well.

Asking one which gown, dress, or ensemble is one’s favorite is like asking which arm one can’t live without.  Exuding luxury and un-rivaled glamour, each piece from Venexiana’s F/W 2012 collection were stunning and absolutely gorgeous, but certain pieces stood out amongst the rest. For example, the laser cut black velvet gown with sheer details left the room flooded with camera flashes and that unanimous  ‘oooh’ from the crowd, a stunning statement to close the show. Another notable piece was the turquoise draped over one shoulder floor length gown with black print details, and the gold metallic one shoulder detail dress- constructed perfectly to give the illusion that liquid gold was poured on the model’s body.

I often look forward to New York Fashion Week, but in particular another chance to see a Venexiana show.

Rochambeau F/W 2012: Fashion Nomad

Sebastian Suave

Paolo Roldan

Myself and PaperMagazine 's Mickey Boardman

Brooding, and mysteriously dark gave Rochambeau’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection an air of je ne sais quoi, a quality in fashion which makes a collection even more appealing. From one’s perspective I took away a sort of cool vagabond and nomadic influence throughout the collection. From the loose silhouettes, and asymmetrical cut jackets, and hats it reminds one of classic movies centered on a mysterious traveler.

It was never planned that I showed up to the presentation looking like I was part of the collection, but I am certainly drawn to this type of style which heightened my intrigue about the designs even more. This collection by far is one I can definitely relate to and can see myself wearing every piece.

One particular ensemble worn by Sebastian Suave fast became my favorite, consisting of a ‘Side skin minimalist blazer, a leather neck band jersey, and a layered leather combination pant.’ Another piece that I love is this asymmetrical jacket with the bi fold layered lapels, simple and clean but an amazing statement piece. Other aspects of the Rochambeau collection I found intriguing were these mesh like boots with the leather trims, I see myself incorporating these in any ensemble I wear.

I do look forward to seeing what this upcoming S/S 2013 brings for Rochambeau and where they will take their collection, and what inspiration will draw out their creativity.