NYFW — The Stunners!

Posted on October 11, 2015 by SMM

Amazing set of stunning designers who presented stunning collections, whether it be thru elegant evening wear or imaginative RTW.

Libertine

Johnson Hartig is one of those designers who can find inspiration in anything, adapting disparate themes to his signature psychedelic aesthetic. His DIY approach to high-end streetwear design reimagines vintage fabrics into eccentric production-ready pieces. His Libertine collections could easily veer into the tacky, but the explosion of color, pattern-play and embellishments changes that up!

For women, there was plenty of kitsch — neon chains, beaded fringe, bedazzled teeth, patchwork utensils with dangling spaghetti fringe, etc.— the list goes on. His collection of daytime separates screamed youthful, with bright colors and tailored mix-and-match separates. I’m always excited to see the Libertine show — it’s a vibrantly rich collection, jam-packed into a high energy show.

Men’s looks included a disco-ball tracksuit, animal-print sweatpants and amoeba-patterned sweatshirts. With inspiration ranging from Staffordshire dogs to molecular cell research interpreted in fluorescent colors, the men’s lineup was fun and eccentric!

Stella Nolasco

Stella Nolasco’s S/S 2016 collection, “POMAROSA”, is inspired by the decadent beauty of the poetry of Jose de Diego, a turn of the century Puerto Rican poet, born in Stella’s hometown. Layers of tulle, lace, and sheer fabrics add movement and give life to gowns that flow with the grace of poetry, floating transparently over the runway. Seeing each breathtaking piece come down the runway I was constantly in awe, thinking ok, this look is stunning, the best of the best, can it get any better?!? And with this collection, Stella was able to prove me wrong. Every look that continued to come down the runway had it’s own individual magic, keeping me awestruck from start to finish!

The richly embroidered dresses, in colors varying from black to blush, yellow, plum rose (Pomarosa, in various tones), evoke the gentility of a bygone era with a daring, modern turn exemplified by plunging necklines. A sheer, almost lingerie-like quality of the dresses maintains an air of romanticism and whimsicality. Stella Nolasco’s charm and metropolitan sensibility render her designs modern, stylish and edgy. Consequently, she has earned a reputation as Puerto Rico’s most avant-garde designer. Her designs exude elements of both vintage nostalgia, and sophisticated modernity.

Stella is a household name in Puerto Rico, where her work receives near constant media coverage. Stella’s line has been featured at luxury department store, Neiman Marcus, amongst other prestigious retailers.   Stella attended the Atmosphere show at Paris fashion week and subsequently was picked up by famous European department store, Gerard Darel, along with international boutiques around the world including Sauce (Dubai), Style (Kuwait), Les Princesses (Paris), Studio Facts (Japan), Lorenzina (Spain), amongst others.

Stella’s designs have been worn celebrities including Beyonce Knowles (on the cover of Seventeen Magazine), Actress Kelly Reilly (Sherlock Holmes) and Actress Cote de Pablo (NCIS), to name a few.   After her successful presentation at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week in September of 2014, Nolasco has enjoyed various new opportunities, including the experience of dressing the actress Juliette Lewis, who attended the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and was selected among the best dressed of the night by several fashion critics. Recently, Stella collaborated with the Hollywood actor and fashion designer, John Malkovich, for his clothing line “Technobohemian” at their fashion show in Puerto Rico.

Show Credits

Photography — firstVIEW

Styling — Shandi Alexander

Casting — Cast Inc/Julia Samersova

Makeup — Fatima Thomas for MAC

Hair — Laurent Dufourg & Jorge Luis for Prive

Nails — Pattie Yankee

Shoes — Christian Louboutin

Music — Eiko Hara

PR — Emily Bungert/EB Consults

Michael Costello

Inspired by feminine decadence, Costello is merging his bold shapes with a softer and sweeter color palate. “This collection has more movement, leaving more to the imagination,” according to Costello. “It evokes the sexiness of a tight dress with the draping of an elegant gown.” For me, these looks perfectly encapsulated classic glam with a edgy, sexy vibe — not going too far, but pushing the boundaries just enough!

Gaining recognition as both a brand and designer, Costello chose this collection to unveil brighter gem tones, using the body as contrast. “These dresses make women feel desired and unforgettable,” according to Costello. There was a lot of great color in this collection, everything from bold tones in bright yellow to forest green, subtle hues in nude and soft pink, and beautiful floral prints.

Michael Costello is a fashion designer based out of Los Angeles, CA, building his brand around elegant and sexy silhouettes. After becoming a finalist on Project Runway, Costello has gone on to design memorable creations for celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears and is known for designing Beyoncé’s iconic 2014 Grammy gown, which is on display at the Grammy Museum. Michael’s designs have also been featured in countless editorials for International fashion publications including Vogue Italia, Elle and Marie Claire.

Photo credit — Bennet Cobliner Photography

NYFW — Modern, Bold RTW

Posted on September 23, 2015 by SMM

Eveningwear is always a must-see for the runway, but I too adore seeing some great, modern, trendy RTW looks!

Georgine

Purple & Green spandex dress

For Spring/Summer 2016, GEORGINE wanted to break traditional dressing protocols and defy the conventional approach of how people normally dress. For instance, leathers are treated in pastels in lieu of the mainstream rugged dark treatment, French laces are cut into sweatshirts and active wear, and spandex is celebrated in eveningwear. The results are subtle and surprising and inline with the Internet age where nothing is ever as it seems. All of this was mesmerizing for me, quite captivating with the color palette and mixed media work.

Embroidered dress with tan trench

Celebrity Guests: Laverne Cox, actress, “Grandma”, “Orange is the New Black”; Kristen Taekman, The Real Housewives of New York City; Tamaryn, singer “Cranekiss”; Stassi Schroeder, fashion blogger, star of “Vanderpump Rules”; Nigel Barker

Wanessa green lace dress

Show credits —

Hair: Ric Pipino for Melville Pipino Salon

Make-Up: Gordon Espinet with the MAC Pro Team

Shoes: Go Melissa

Music: Laurent Vacher

Fur: Jonevon Furs

Embroidered print blouse tip with keyhole tied collar

Jewelry: Patricia von Musulin

Sunglasses: Moscot

PR, Production, & Casting: Mao PR

Hair supplied by Janet Collections

Embroidered dress with blue half spandex sleeves

Jay Godfrey

(photo credits to Dan Lecca Photography)

Jay Godfrey’s Spring 2016 is inspired by the work of the late interior designer and architect David Collins. Godfrey’s collection specifically pays tribute to London-based Collins’ use of simplicity, architectural lines, and text to create sensual environments that are simultaneously Contemporary and established. A collection in all white is hard to pull off, hard to be that intriguing. But Jay has done that here with a great mix of looks, separates and dresses. It was clear he had a vision and executed it well.

While Godfrey, who also works in the interiors milieu, was working on designing a hotel project in Seoul, Korea, he often looked to Collins’ recently released coffee table book, ABCDCS that memorialized the late designer’s work in hotels, restaurants, bars, and private residences. Godfrey was struck by Collins’ use of different shades of white, ivory, alabaster and cream and has created a Spring 2016 show as homage to his work.

New York-based designer Jay Godfrey is the founder and creative director behind his eponymous collection of sleek, sexy and sophisticated designs. Perpetually inspired by the chic New York woman, Godfrey’s goal as a designer is to meld the classic tailoring techniques of Savile Row with modern silhouettes and luxurious fabrics. The result is his distinctive contemporary collection of dresses and separates that accentuate the female figure. Godfrey describes himself as a minimalist who embraces color in an unmistakably sensual way.

House of Perna

Amanda Perna of House of Perna, pictured above, was on this current season of Project Runway. I was a fan!! I saw her work before the show and loved it. I am now seeing her work after the show and I’m still a huge supporter!!

This collection speaks to femininity and is quite impressive. I was amazed at the clever prints and choices of silhouettes. There are great pops of color and vibrant prints, which make the pieces really stand out.

Vivienne Tam

The collection was inspired by the increasingly androgynous nature of fashion in the 20’s and today’s “street” culture. It reflects a contemporary contextualization of art deco design elements, characterized by linear forms, dropped waists, stripes, and angularities translated into relaxed shapes that are reminiscent of the teen surfer/skater culture of the 70’s and nods to modern comfort and ease.

The collection finds expression in relaxed silhouettes, ribbed knits, crisp cottons, synthesized crepes and techno-mesh layered with hand-crafted embroideries and laser-cut appliqués, combining masculine shapes with feminine embellishments. Graphic black and white, red, sea green, and accents of fluorescent pink and mint green add a modern twist. This was a great collection to witness in person. There was a lot of energy in the room and it was people feeding off of the modern vibe these great pieces were giving off. Another great collection by Tam, congrats!

NOTABLES GUESTS: Ally Brooke (Musician, Fifth Harmony), Sonia Nassery Cole (Oscar nominated The Black Tulip) Elle Dee (DJ/Model), Thatiana Diaz (Miss New York 2014), Pierson Fode (Actor), Olivia Jordan (Miss USA 2015), Niki Koss (Actress, Girl on the Edge), Ai Li (Actress, The Tenth Floor), Floriana Lima (Actress, The Mob Doctor), Natalie Alyn Lind (Actress, Gotham, The Goldbergs), Vanessa Marano (Actress, Switched at Birth), Mozhan Marno (Actress, House of Cards, The Blacklist), Mercedes Mason (Actress, Fear the Walking Dead), Ryan Newman (Actress), Teyonah Parris (Actress, Survivor’s Remorse, Mad Men), Shu Pei Qin (Supermodel), Vanessa Ray (Actress, Pretty Little Liars, Blue Bloods), Angela Simmons (TV Personality), Serinda Swan (Actress, Graceland), Hairong Tian (Actress, Silent Tears), Paulina Vega (Miss Universe 2014), Carlson Young (Actress, Scream (MTV)), Tashiana Washington (Actress/Singer, Gimme Shelter). Also in attendance: Kelly Bensimon (TV personality), Kimberly Guilfoyle (Fox News, Co-host The Five), Di Mondo, Andrea Tantaros (Fox News, Outnumbered), and more.

NYFW — All the Shimmer & Shine!

Posted on September 22, 2015 by SMM

Fashion Week is definitely at times about the glitz and the glam. You will see a great deal of RTW, but the shows with that WOW factor, the extra shimmer & shine, are definitely worth being in attendance at!

Rootstein Launch of the Phillipe Blond Mannequin

Rootstein, the iconic mannequin company who has been the leader in groundbreaking mannequin manufacturing and changed the standards of the retail display industry for almost 60 years, is proud to announce the release of a visionary new collection of male and female mannequins based on the visage of internationally famous fashion designer Phillipe Blond. This was a super exhilarating presentation. I was totally mesmerized!

Rootstein representatives elaborate, “In partnering with The Blonds, Rootstein continues its legacy of embracing individuality that captures, reflects and communicates the brilliant transience of fashion at its most beautiful and thrilling.” Throughout the decades, Rootstein has sought out celebrities who have embodied the spirit of their times and sculpted mannequins based on Twiggy, Pat Cleveland, Joan Collins, Susanne Barstch, Erin O¹Connor and Jade Parfit to name a few.

The event featured an exhibition of the mannequins wearing an archive of The Blonds most memorable runway pieces. Phillipe is beaming with excitement and adds, “The whole process is surreal and magical, like a dream. It is such an honor to join the ranks of so many inspiring icons that have been sculpted for mannequins by Rootstein.”

Pamella Roland

Dream come true, that is what I would call attending this show. I was honored to receive an invite. In awe, that is what I felt after seeing these stunning looks grace the runway. This collection was inspired by what was dubbed in the 50s as Post-painterly abstraction by Frank Stella, but not just the visually striking paintings, it was the cultural context in which they were created.

There was a ton of unorthodox materials used here, plexiglass, PVC Nebula lace, reflective taffeta, and LED fibers, all as a nod to the wave of futurism prevalent in Stella’s early works. The unusual elements are paired with a foundation of gorgeous couture fabrics in streamlined silhouettes, creating a contemporary balance.

Show credits —

Stylist — Danielle Nachmani
Makeup — Rick DiCecca of Artistry by Amway
Hair — Ted Gibson
Nails — Patricia Yankee
Jewelry — Chopard
Production Design — The Gathery
Lighting — Prospect Lighting
Music — Javier Peral
Casting — Edward Kim of The Edit Desk
Front of House — LaForce & Stevens
Location — The Whitney Museum of Art
Photography — Nigel Barker
Production — B Productions

Once again, this was just such an amazing show to be in attendance at. The magnificence of these various formal and evening wear looks were beyond my expectations. I could see so many as future red carpet contenders and I’m sure we will see a few in the coming latter 2015 award season, as well as the award season for 2016.

Zimmermann

Titled “Master and Mischief,” the show mixed the conservative — high, ruffled necklines, corset-like bodices and Victorian bib collars — with the disobedient, in the form of impossibly short, flouncy hemlines. Nicky Zimmermann derived inspiration from Ethel Turner’s 1894 novel “Seven Little Australians” about a group of mischievous siblings.

The lineup was very youthful, with lace-up backs and sheer embroidery, showing plenty of skin. It was a strong vision executed boldly. I thought this collection had a modern vibe, but still with a vintage appeal. I had a lot of faves that came down the runway!

Georgine Goes Back to the Psychedelic 60s

Posted on March 8, 2015 by SMM

Georgine took us on a journey back in time for her F/W 15 NYFW presentation, held at Lincoln Center for MBFW. The collection was vibrant, brimming with psychedelic furs and funky prints.

The collection sets out to combine the intricate and the simplistic, all the while marrying classic and modern ideals, and blurring the lines between casual and formal wear. The specific inspiration for this collection was Weimar Cabaret in 1920s and 1930s Berlin, mod sensibility of 1960s British designers Ossie Clarke and Biba, and the bright paintings of Richard Lindner and Otto Dix. “I really love how they [Clarke and Biba] had that romantic yet modern sensibility and I wanted to update those things for today,” “There’s also a lot of art deco prints that always somehow come into my collection, very subconscious, but there they are.”

The colors and hues here was fresh and popping, whether as part of a bold print or use on furs. There was shiny mustard yellow, tangerine, navy blue, deep burgundy, and more. There were also touches of gold and gun-metal metallics. To enhance the feel of the early 20th century on suede, cashmere and silk, Ratelband’s team hand-painted garments for a rich, bold pop. “I knew I wanted to use velvet,” she said. “To me it can have an old world feeling and sometimes look dated, so I wanted to play with that. We came up with the idea to design a print, then put it on chiffon –so it’s more sexy, more lighter. And that’s how we came up with it, that’s color story is right there.”

A major aspect of this collection was vintage-vibe, psychedelic furs — wraps, trims, and more! The worked perfectly with this stylized 60s hip girl that Georgine was going for with the f/w 15 showing.

Georgine has always been dedicated to one simple, yet elusive concept: to create beautiful, chic clothing that every woman will feel great about wearing. And with this collection, the designer’s vision will live on!

Up close and personal with the wild details for this collection — pocket squares, fur clutches, leather gloves, and more!

For hair, obviously the models are donning some the same short, black curly wig for show consistency. The leader for this show detail was Ric Pipino for Melville Pipino Salon. You can actually get this look by —

Cut and style wig into strong angled shape; A bob that is short at the back and longer in front. Then flatten at the top, creating a wedge shape.
Smooth curls using Alterna Haircare BAMBOO Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist.
Spray with Alterna Haircare CAVIAR Perfect Texture Finishing Spray to perfect and hold the look.
Shine and enhance the curl using Alterna Haircare BAMBOO Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Micromist.

Nails — Patricia Yankee, “Inspire”, matte base color with a metallic shiny deep “v” moon; almond inspired press ons.

But for makeup, it was all about a bold burgundy lip and smoky eye, courtesy of MAC Cosmetics — going for a beautiful and clean “Real Skin” look using Mac Water Weight Foundation, as well as Prep and Prime Powder, for the face.

For the eyes — Creating a edgier look for the eyes blending Deep Purple shade Midnight Well blending it wet under the eye using brushes #219 and #239 in a slight downward direction at outer corners. On the upper eye Deep Purple applied dry in a large shape all the way up to the inner brow and angling down through the crease to the outer corner of the eye. Finish with Extended Play Mascara and an pink/plum blush connecting the eye to the upper cheek bone (cusom color).

And for the lips — Retro Matte Liquid Lips in Oh Lady, with Plum pencil liner in a straight slightly pointed line.

Celebs & special guests in attendance — Kelly Bensimon, Diana Madison, Kelly Rutherford, LuAnne de Lesseps, Kristen Taekman, Sea Bensimon, Derek Warburton, Liv & Mim Nervo, Rachel Brosnahan, DJ Helena, Vanessa Marano, Diana Madiso.