Signature Risto: Bimbiloski

Cool comes to mind as I re-call my first ever Risto runway show F/W11. I was intrigued by the loose silhouettes, soft yet so boyish with an air of casual sophistication. The tailoring on the suits paired with shorts were skillfully done, but Risto pairs it with an oversized luxurious knit sweater which brings it out of the stuffy corporate look and into chic cool wear. And from time to time I was wowed by pieces so signature Risto. The mustard colored fabrics with splashes of cream is Risto's signature, seen in dresses, one piece jumpsuits, and even a caftan like ensemble. My personal favorite though a bit understated compared to the rest of the clothes on the runway was this all cream skirt paired with a simply printed white button down blouse, and the piece I love most has to be this luxurious cape-like assymetrical front coat. Most of the pieces I adored from the collection were definitely the coats and oversized wool sweaters- such a great pre-lude for Autumn.

A Modern Reflection of the Past: Allison Parris

I love when designers look back to the past, specially their own family and draw inspiration from it to create such beautiful work. As designer Allison Parris draws from her grandmother as inspiration for her F/W11 presentation one can't help feel a sense of nostalgia in her work, I do love her modern take on the 4o's era. I also learned that Parris is one of a hand full of designers using eco-friendly, eco-conscious materials and I do applaud her, considering that its so much easier to use regular materials and not care! Parris, (after speaking to her and her PR) takes the extra step by using recycled and organic materials in her clothing- I fell in LOVE! I love the wrap skirts with the corseted waistline, the fringe beaded tops, and the cropped wool jacket. Many of the pieces either had a raw organic silk base or recycled netting and natural feather trims. Definitely one to watch, I am excited to see what's next for this budding young designer, and can more experienced well established designers follow in Allison Parris's footsteps and work towards making clothes more eco-conscious??

3D Fantasy: Selita Ebanks inside Marc Bouwer's Wonderland

Soho House was buzzing with celebrities, fashion industry drones (like myself), fashion connosieurs and fashion lovers alike anxiously anticipating Marc Bouwer's 3D presentation starring Supermodel Selita Ebanks (make no mistake, she is a supermodel in every meaning of the word, inside and out). The atmosphere was full of life; all lovers of Bouwer's genius work. From the cast of the Real Housewives of NJ to Johnny Weir it was elbow to elbow with people trying to make it to the theatre room (an intimate 30 seat area where presentation was held.) To describe the show, one word come to mind: 'MAGICAL'. Another word comes to mind is GORGEOUS and that's the only way to descibe Marc Bouwer's creation.From plunging necklines, to sexy low backs, to fringe and to everything that blings, every piece was amazing. In particular, I was smitten by the flowy goddess fuschia dress with the butterfly sleeves, complimented with an oversized gold butterfly neclace- simply DIVINE! What I also enjoyed most was how Bouwer presented a juxtaposition of "Good Girl gone BAD" since throughout the show Selita was in a heavenly dress soft and lovely, then as the next scene works in, she'd be in a serious ferocious outfit- the body fitting mermaid fuschia dress with the black lace- for lack of a better word "BAD-ASS!" It's difficult to describe the entire show without the aid of photos, but check out the you-tube link below and enjoy! Anxiously waiting to attend another Marc Bouwer show this upcoming Fashion Week..Stay Tuned!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L6DyVe658c

Rugged Sophistication: That's the 'General Idea'

Whether trekking through the Alps, getting lost in the Alaskan wilderness, conquering Everest, or simply walking through New York City's Central Park on a cool Autumn evening- General Idea by Korean designer Bumsuk Choi makes the rugged outdoors look AMAZING!! From wool knit shorts, color infused fur hooded jackets, varieties of modern leg warmers, and body fitting outdoor vests- who knew being outdoors could look so CHIC?

By infusing inspirations from both military and mountain outdoors, Bumsuk creates a functional and practical yet undeniably trendy collection for General Idea. Most male consumers often wrestle with the conundrum of finding something that keeps the 'masculine' look but at the same time do still look aesthetically AWESOME!! I must admit I was more than eagerly anticipating this show after I saw Bumsuk, (or at least I think it was him) in the lobby of the Hotel Empire wearing my favorite piece of the collection (camel colored wool knit shorts) - Not even a 9am show time in frigid weather could keep me away, and I surely WAS NOT disapppointed! Every piece, from hat to jacket, to leg warmers, backpacks, and boots; I wanted it ALL!

You Never Forget Your First!! NYFW F/W11

Sure enough the Victor De Souza runway show was definitely a memorable experience. Although it was a bit hard to see pass rows of people, (had to stand in the back) REAL talent truly shines thru. It's definitely a refreshing breath of air to see pops of color: vibrant, exciting, and alive on runway for FALL/Winter. Usually designers reserve strong colors for Resort or Spring lines, and typically stick to dark and muted pallettes like gray, black, cream, chocolate. Victor De Souza breaks the conventional mold and sends forth a rich pallete of colors down his runway. From Yellows, Aqua, Green, and my favorite this rich royal blue, an array of beautiful colors.

My personal favorite during the show was this royal blue and beige lace embroidered dress with a high collar sleeveless moto jacket and lace high gloves to match, exudes such a 'Rock-n-Roll Elegance'. During Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NYFW11 F/W runway, Victor De Souza was the first runway I attended, and it sure was a great open for my week. Surely, De Souza is the designer to keep an eye on and I myself is eagerly anticipating what's next to come from this visionary.

Mercedes Benz FashionWeek FW2011

One must wonder why in the business of fashion, (where everything must be new, NOW, and fresh) I have the audacity to post my fashion week coverage 6 months later. Simple, with millions of blogs, magazines, and television coverage talking about fashion week and its events, another blog would seem redundant amongst all that saturation. I decided to wait until the dust cleared and the fashion world is ready for the next season, while anticipating WHO's going to wear this season's hottest trends shown on the runway 6months ago.(note that fashion is always 1 season ahead) There is definitely a method to my madness!

Before I go into the shows I covered during fashion week, I have to mention that one of the most memorable moment I had was being fortunate enough to see Betsey Johnson during an interview. Being only 2 feet away from such an iconic and vibrant figure of the fashion world, it surely was an honor for a stylist who's just starting out in this crazy business. Although Betsey Johnson never noticed me, to be in her presence was inspiration enough!!!

Chakra Salon and Spa: Blazing a 'Zen' trail in the heart of Asbury Park, NJ

In a sea of chaos it's wonderful to find a ZEN oasis like Chakra Salon and Spa, where residents of Asbury Park, NJ can relax, unwind, and most importantly find their inner 'fierce-ness'.
As the town of Asbury Park focuses on reconstructing, and revitalizing itself to its former glory; in the hay-day of being the shore escape for many wealthy residents of the tri-state, it's great to see businesses return to the area- and Chakra Salon and Spa is definitely blazing the trail for reviving life back into Asbury Park.

Owner, Raymond Vail with his partner Michael Wyckoff and their team of stylists and masseurs offer a peaceful and relaxing experience within such an upscale establishment; with services ranging from hair, nails, and massages- one can escape their everyday stress and calmy drift in pure bliss! Between the water feature gently cascading from its copper wall and the sitting buddha serenly placed in the foreground, I couldn't help but feel 100pounds lighter as the stress of everyday life come off my shoulders.

Located on 518 Bangs Ave. Asbury Park, NJ Chakra Salon and Spa is minutes from the Asbury Park boardwalk and seconds away from Main Street. One may contact the establishment at (732) 455-3960 to schedule your day of pure relaxation, or visit their website at ( http://www.chakrasalonandspa.com/ ).