More Cannes & the BMAs!!

Posted on June 6, 2016 by SMM

Check out my other fave looks from the 2016 Cannes, as well as a few stunners from the 2016 Billboard Music Awards!!

As part of the Cannes, a huge charity event toward the end of the festival is the AmFar Gala, so most of those looks are from that event.

JOURDAN DUNN

Ralph & Russo gown
De Grisogono jewelry
Hair by Renda Attia
Makeup by Hilak Armand
at The Unknown Girl premiere

KATY PERRY

full floral in a red lace Marchesa gown scattered with rose petals that bloom into full rosettes at her sleeves and train
diamond jewels by Harry Winston

LAUREN MAYHEW

Xcite Prom white dress
Drukker Designs jewelry
at Cinemoi event

Mac Duggal embellished gown

Joyce Pilarsky original

ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY

strapless Galvan for Opening Ceremony gown featuring a Swarovski crystal fabric corset and powder blue satin skirt with a sheer inset
major fringe diamond danglers by Chanel Fine Jewelry
Bulgari clutch

PARIS HILTON

white lace Michael Costello gown

Charbel Zoe couture gown

At the De Grisogono party

GWEN STEFANI

Falguni & Shane Peacock look during her performance with boyfriend Blake Shelton

KELLY ROWLAND

Labourjoisie gown

ELLE FANNING

phoenix-from-the-ashes Valentino gown
Hair by Jenda Alcorn
Makeup by Erin Ayanian Monroe
Styling by Samantha McMillen

fairy-princess floral Zuhair Murad Couture
Tiffany & Co. jewelry
at the premiere of Neon Demon

FIFTH HARMONY

For all, Styling by Zoe Costello, Makeup by both Carlene K & Patrick Ta, and hair by both Dimitris Giannetos & Randy Stodghill, but the remainder of the look details, left to right —

Ally Brooke — Michael Costello gown
Normani — Naeem Khan; Giuseppe Zanotti heels; Sara Weinstock jewelry
Dinah — Balmain dress
Lauren — Sara Weinstock jewelry & gown by La Perla Lingerie
Camilla — Alexandre Vauthier gown

AISHWARYA RAI

Elie Saab lavender floral gown

TONI GARRN

two-tone silver lace Elie Saab mini with a high slit
Piaget gems
triple-strap Giuseppe Zanotti sandals

MILA KUNIS

sculptural Zuhair Murad Haute Couture mini
silver Neil J. Rodgers heels
Anita Ko earrings

It looks like Mila Kunis is just as obsessed as the Internet is with Pat McGrath’s amazing highlighter. The Bad Moms actress used the cream part of McGrath’s Skin Fetish on her cheekbones along with EX1 Blush in Natural Flush. Makeup artist Tracey Levy used the Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Coco Mirage and Seductive Rose. And a pop more of the Skin Fetish cream.

KARLIE KLOSS

body-hugging black Marchesa gown
dangling earrings and equally sparkling cuffs (all Chopard)
Giuseppe Zanotti Design shoes

BELLA HEATHCOTE

elegant full-skirted day dress with yellow and red appliqué flowers by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture
silver Giuseppe Zanotti Design platforms
Repossi jewelry
the photocall for The Neon Demon

Best Dressed of Cannes 2016

Posted on May 29, 2016 by SMM

A film festival event like no other — the 2016 Cannes!! But as any true fashionista knows, this wonderful film event is truly very big in the fashion realm as well. It produces so much stunning fashion that I had to devote 2 features to showcase it all! Here is Part One!

ANYTHING BLAKE LIVELY WORE!!

Versace gown with flowing train
silver Christian Louboutin heels
L’Oreal makeup/beauty for all of her Cannes looks

Blake is at the premiere of BFG.

At the Slack Bay (Ma Loute) premiere.

Vivienne Westwood embellished gown

for various looks, including this one above, Rod Ortega for hair

At the premiere of Cafe Society

again, wearing a gorgeous, sparkling Versace gown

more looks of Versace
triple-strap Giuseppe Zanotti Design heels

at a CAFÉ SOCIETY EVENT

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi cut-out shoulder gown

various Lorraine Schwartz pieces for different looks

KENDALL JENNER

At the From the Land and the Moon premiere.

Roberto Cavalli gown, long t-shirt dress in silk tulle all-over embroidery with black velvet and gold lurex snakes intertwined.
Chopard earrings — 43 carats of diamonds
black Gianvito Rossi heels

lace Versace minidress draped with orange and purple fabric
black Stuart Weitzman heels
Harry Kotlar yellow diamond studs
Here, Kendall is at the Magnum party

MISCHA BARTON

At the Loving premiere.

Swarovski jewelry and clutch
black Georges Hobeika gown with an intricately design bodice

maroon Zuhair Murad gown with lace bodice
Bulgari jewelry

GEORGINA CHAPMAN

Hands of Stone premiere

Marchesa gown
De Grisogono jewelry

JESSICA CHASTAIN

At the premiere of Money Monster.

Alexander McQueen sparkling and embellished gown
Piaget jewelry

NAOMI WATTS

at the opening ceremony premiere of Café Society.

Bulgari jewelry
L’Oreal for beauty and glam
Hair — Stephane Lancien
lavender Amani Prive fitted gown

KRISTEN DUNST

In Dior Haute Couture at the Loving premiere.

white Dior gown with lily of the valley embroidery on the straps and bodice
pop of Rouge Dior Brillant Red 999 on her lips

Chopard jewelry to the festival’s Closing Ceremony.

Gucci gown with bright red rose floral prints

Marc Jacobs at the Kering dinner
Stylist — Nina Clare
Hair — Renato Campora
Makeup — Mary Wiles
Fred Leighton jewels
black Roger Vivier heels
Salvatore Ferragamo clutch

SONAM KAPOOR

L’Oreal for beauty & glam
Ralph & Russo gowns

At the Loving premiere

BELLA HADID

At the opening ceremony premiere of Café Society

Roberto Cavalli gown
encrusted collar from De Grisogono
Stylist — Elizabeth Sulcer
Makeup — Patrick Ta
Hair — Jen Atkin

MALLIKA SHERAWAT

At the opening ceremony premiere of Café Society

Stunning Georges Hobeika gown
Maison Mellerio Diamonds
Dior Makeup
Hair — Dessange Paris products

Another lovely lavender, floral print Georges Hobeika gown
L’Oreal makeup
Dessange Paris hair

SONIA BEN AMMAR

The BFG premiere

Nude Stella McCartney gown with a lace and floral bodice
De Grisogono jewelry

BIANCA BALTI

Alberta Ferretti tiered, flowing gown
Chopard jewelry
L’Oreal hair & makeup

at the Opening ceremony for Cafe Society

CHARLIZE THERON

At La Chateau de la Colle Noire wearing Dior

LOTTIE MOSS

wearing Balmain at the Chopard party
Giuseppe Zanotti Design accessories
lots of Chopard diamonds

CHERYL COLE

At the Slack Bay (Ma Loute) premiere

And So It Begins….NYFW

Posted on February 16, 2016 by SMM

RUBIN SINGER

Rubin Singer’s fall / winter 2016 collection began with an exploration of his intentions as a designer. Staying true to his core image of architectural femininity, Singer delves into new categories, new shapes, and new fabrics for the new season. Unique in his approach to designing, Singer starts with an inspiration, such as the mathematical formulation “Homomorphism” (that any given formula ends up in the same place no matter how many times you change it), which is the hallmark for the fall / winter 2016 season, and then moves to fabrics – textures & colors – and from there the shape and pattern of his creations are revealed.

I have a hard time peeling my eyes away from these stunningly superb looks. There is variety, whether from the silhouette to the fabric. Many of these looks are very much red carpet worthy and I hope to see some of these again soon.

PR — Agentry PR; HAIR — Jon Reyman for Aveda; MAKEUP — Janell Geason for Aveda; CASTING — Julius Poole; JEWELRY — Jacob & Co.

JILL HABER

A breath of fresh air from the sea of apparel was being able to the Jill Haber presentation — handbags & clutches galore!

SACHIN & BABI

It’s not easy separating oneself from the pack in the contemporary market, but Babi and Sachin Ahluwalia, creators of the label Sachin & Babi Noir, have been able to hit full stride with their strong focus on evening and special occasion dresses and separates. For fall, the duo presented a charming lineup with plenty of Spanish flare — all done in a romantic yet modern way.

After a recent visit to the Getty house in Los Angeles, Sachin Ahluwalia was so inspired by the colors and textures in the archives that he wanted to reinterpret it all for the label’s young customer. These looks are insta-faves for not only myself, but any other young, modern fashionista.

These looks were just so imaginative. I loved the use of color, as well as the many floral prints. There was such a regal, luxe quality about these looks and I feel as if I want to own every single piece.

CLAUDIA LI

FOR FALL/WINTER 2016, CLAUDIA WANTED TO EXPRESS SELF-PRESERVATION: THE IDEA OF PRESERVING ONESELF AFTER AN EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL DESTRUCTION. THE COLLECTION EMBRACES THE PERIOD RIGHT AFTER. THE PROCESS OF RECOVERING AND THE PAST SEEMINGLY BECOMING AN ILLUSION IS SHOWN THROUGH WRAPPED SILHOUETTES, ORIGAMI KNOTS, PANELS AND LAYERS OF FABRICS.

NOVELTY YARNS, CASHMERE WOOLS AND LAYERED SHEER FABRICS ENHANCE THE COLLECTION. DENIM CONTINUES TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN KNOTTING DETAILS, YARN SLEEVED JACKETS AND BANDEAU TOPS.

CASTING — Andrew Weir, PRODUCTION — Shades of Grey; MAKEUP — Miyako Okamoto for Shiseido; HAIR — Linh Nguyen for Cutler/Redken; NAILS — Lisa Logan for Red Carpet Manicure; VIDEO — Andrew Swartz; MUSIC — Javier Peral; PHOTOGRAPHY — Monica Feudi; SPECIAL THANKS TO — Launch Collective, Commando, Artbeam

VIVI ACADEMY — VIVI MOYER

This is a great collection, very amazing presentation. The attention to detail, namely the beauty look, was spot on!

PR Designers & PR Crew Combine!

Posted on November 3, 2015 by SMM

PR sneaks in every season the challenge where the designers have to design for real women. And by that, it means there model for the week is not a model, but rather your everyday woman. This season was a bit more special in that the real woman makeover would be for members of the PR crew. This would also be a Sally Beauty challenge as Libby Bisanz and Gregory Patterson of Sally Beauty joined Tim to hand down the challenge details. So each designer would have their woman and was responsible for their own look — no blame games! They were to create a look going from workday to runway extraordinary. And the sky was the limit in terms of the direction of the look.

Gregory was on board this week to work with each designer/woman team for their entire makeover effect — new cut & color. So with the details set forth, everyone began with excitement for this 2-day challenge and a budget of $200. The initial excitement soon faded though with Merline in jacket woes, Ashley in tears, and Swapnil back on the smoke train.

As day 2 began it was soon time for not just Tim-time, but also fittings. Tim was quite invested in this challenge because it is the PR crew. Tim advised Kelly she might need more. With Candice, he was seeing oatmeal. Did Edmond have a camel toe issue? But it was Swapnil who was again the center of attention. Tim was over the BS and then dropped the F bomb. While other designers were having issues with their looks, Swapnil was have issues with his look and really working with his model’s needs. Tim ended up telling everyone that they truly needed to rally and they could have another fitting. But even with the 2nd fitting, Swapnil was still having issues.

The morning of, Swapnil was still having troubles and as always, Merline was running around! Guest judges this week were the starts of Lifetime’s new show Unreal, Shiri Appleby & Constance Zimmer.

So my main issue this week, with this challenge, is that I only feel like 1 designer kind of stepped up to the plate here and that was the winner, Kelly. Last week was a disappointment and I don’t think these looks were much better. It seems as if too many designers as of late are resting on their laurels and not really pushing themselves. I know the heavy focus for this was put on Swapnil the past few weeks. But really, quite a few others have too been dropping the ball and I wouldn’t have put all of the heat on Swapnil.

Shout-out — Love the new Sally Beauty do, great job on a clean, natural makeup look by Mary Kay, also great accessories to the look, JustFab

I’m not sure if I could rock Kelly’s look for Ashleigh, but Ashleigh sure does. Kelly created a look that was great looking, but also what her client wanted. It was also still very much Kelly’s voice in the piece, which many other designers were looking.

Shout-outs — another great makeover look from both Sally Beauty & Mary Kay!

I guess a runner-up look this week was Merline’s 3-piece set for Katie. Although runner-up has a little meaning here since the rest were all very so-so. I think it was great Merline did create a jacket because outside of that she made a tank with a slit skirt, not much there! But really the jacket was ok, nothing to stellar. And ultimately, Katie never wanted a jacket. Merline found fortune in that everyone else kind of blew it this week, but I’m still not that impressed with her output this week.

I guess then in the standards of everyone else not stepping up, this meant too that Edmond was either safe or in the top 3, which is utterly odd with his creation for the week. It was just such a yawn and the raincoat and dress had such a disconnect. With Kelly being the winner this week, I see the standard as give your client what they want, make it be exciting, and it should represent your designer aesthetic. It seems as if Edmond pleased Desiree, but again, the look wasn’t exciting and I didn’t see Edmond in the look at all.

To start off the bottom 3, we can then move to Candice. At first glance I didn’t hate this, but upon closer inspection, the positives do start to fade. I do see what the judges are saying in that this kind of crosses a line. It’s not Candice’s best work, although Monique didn’t seem to mind. I think Candice just had a hard time thinking more RTW, just as the last challenge, but also maintaining her voice.

It was kind of clear that Swapnil was going out this week, but I think if the judges had sent 2 designers home, Ashley should have been in the mix. She has had some great looks this season, but she has also put down the runway some not so great ones. And when she is on the not so great line, it really is not great! The most disappointing aspect was this was Ashley’s challenge, among all of the others. She prides herself on designing for plus-sized, everyday women. But to see that this is what she created, it’s like really?? I believe Ashley tries to rely to much on prints, but what makes it worse is then the use of a print in an unimaginative silhouette, such as here, a fitted dress with peplum, woohoo! Poor Nicole!

So yes, this meant that Swapnil was out. My thinking on him is just that PR is not for him. I’ve seen his work pre-PR and it was super stunning. I’ve caught an eye at his decoy collection for the finale and it was too mesmerizing. This to me would never scream Swapnil. But I will say that Jennifer was quite a difficult client. I think any other designer who could have been paired with her would have run into some issues. I’m not sure she was getting the concept of “makeover”, or even that she wanted one. With a makeover, you should seek something special and really collaborate to fulfill a fantasy. Swapnil did get lost here and out of answers as to what Jennifer wanted. Such a shame, but I would be very intrigued to have seen what this girl would have been pleased with that would have been showstopping on a runway!

Truly Inspired Womenswear at NYFW

Posted on September 28, 2015 by SMM

This next set of designers definitely had a clear vision for S/S 2016, very inspired and imaginative pieces. Enjoy!

NICHOLAS K & GBK/PILOT PEN GIFTING LOUNGE

I’m doing these posts together, because Pilot Pen actually helped in creating a look for Nicholas K this season. Incorporated into the look were Pilot Pens!

As for the rest of the Nicholas K collection, siblings Christopher and Nicholas Kunz channeled BASE jumpers for spring. “We call it ‘Terminal Velocity’ because it’s really high-energy, really adrenaline-packed,” Nicholas said of the lineup. The brand’s signature draped, hooded and layered silhouettes had even more fluidity this season when executed in parachute and ripstop nylon as well as silk, conveying a feeling of weightlessness.

Denim made a strong showing in black and periwinkle washes that had been given the dip-dye treatment, a recurrent theme throughout the looks, done mostly in a monochromatic palette of black, white and gray with a few pops of orange and red. Flight suits and outerwear in suede and leather looked effortlessly luxe over a series of highly covetable short-sleeved, button-down wrap blouses. Pounding the runway to thumping electronic music, the Nicholas K girl looked fierce — and apocalypse-ready.

I’ve been doing fashion week now for several seasons. I like seeing the progression and growth for a designer. That is what I see with Nicholas K and I was vastly impressed with this S/S 16 collection!

BABYGHOST

Qiaoran Huang and Joshua Hupper, the design duo behind Babyghost, presented a hauntingly romantic spring collection. They were inspired by a Halston documentary, a poem about death from the 1940s and classic American retail chains such as Gap and J. Crew.

So how did they weave together these disparate elements? For starters, the ode to Halston was immediately apparent in the fabrics, which included jersey burnout and touches of gold on dresses and skirts. The classic American retail chains translated to oversize tees, a cropped trench and chunky cardigans.

And the death poem? Lines from it were printed throughout the collection on everything from T-shirts to a maxiskirt. This was definitely a collection on the darker side, but there was an understated beauty about, something very alluring and intriguing.

A MOI

Spring 2016 marked Alejandra Alonso Rojas’ fourth À Moi collection. “I feel like I’ve [determined] the silhouettes and I’ve kind of rounded up who my woman is — girlish and whimsical but relaxed,” said the designer backstage at her presentation. The season’s looks ranged from crafty and artisanal — such as three-dimensional floral embroidered canvas skirts and jackets, a yellow jacquard peplum top and matching culottes and a bomber embellished in floral motifs with sheer sleeves — to more successful simplistic approaches where one could see the perfect balance between artistry and wearability.

Case in point: her black silk T-shirt with embellished sleeve detail and fluid wide-leg pants. The approach was best summed up by Rojas’ show notes: “The idea of applying the elevated sartorial traditions of the past to the necessary versatility of now is paramount when creating garments.”

This was such a delicate, very feminine, soft & easy collection. There was clever design, but also a minimalist undertone that I appreciated.

2015 Independent Handbag Designer Awards

Posted on June 13, 2015 by SMM

The 2015 Independent Handbag Designer Awards are next week, June 17th, 2015, and will be held at the School of the Visual Arts Theatre in NYC (333 W 23rd Street) at 8 pm. I am ecstatic that I will have the privilege to attend this prestigious ceremony. If anyone would actually like to attend, you can too as well! Click here to purchase tickets!

Founded in 2007 by Handbag Designer 101, the IHDAs were created to celebrate handbag design and creativity from around the world. The IHDA is the only international design competition of its kind, receiving lots of great press over the years, and and is a platform for putting new designer talent on the map. Now in its ninth year, it is an industry staple responsible for high profile collaborations and hundreds of success stories.

This year, Rebecca Minkoff will be honored with the 2015 ICONOCLAST Award. 40 finalists in 8 categories will be present. Huge prizes are at stake, such as a feature in the September issue of InStyle (Event Sponsor), potential partnerships with Guess, MaryKay Cosmetics, and Trina Turk. Also, the “Best Overall” will receive a feature on the digital e-commerce platform EVINE Live.

Here are the 2015 finalists across the 8 categories — (all pictures in order of listing for each category)

The EVINE Live Best Handbag in Overall Style & Design —
Best executed handbag overall in style and design

The EVINE Live Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design – These bags represent the best-executed handbag in overall style and design. Winner will receive a booth at WWDMAGIC, a mentorship with Hilldun and a brand consultancy with the Accessory Think Thank. The winner will also garner the opportunity to have their line sold on EVINE Live, a yearlong membership to the Accessories Council and a feature in the September issue of InStyle.

The Trina Turk Best Studentmade Handbag

Laura Sabolich
Danielle Gumina – GRIP Handbags
Nathalia Jacques
Kyungmi Bae – Angie.Bae
Blake Felty – Timson Rad

Students who started a line while in school. Winner will receive a coveted apprenticeship with famed designer, Trina Turk and Signal Brands. Winner will receive a yearlong membership to the Accessories Council and also be part of the IHDA feature in the September issue of InStyle.

Bernina Best Hand-Made Handbag —
Made with any material where the designer is making their bag by sewing machine or by hand

Boris Matveev – Kabo Leather
Gina DeWolfe – deWolfe
Christina Banjo – Christina Chi
Kamon Satayaphanitkul Sataya
WILLaCY by Kamilah Willacy

Winner will receive the BERNINA 560 sewing machine. In addition, winners will have the prestigious opportunity to be an Ambassador for BERNINA in creating blogs and projects for BERNINA social media and We All Sew Blog. Winner will receive a yearlong membership to the Accessories Council and also be part of the IHDA feature in the September issue of InStyle.

Klean Kanteen Best Green Handbag —
Bags that are made out of sustainable, recycled or organic materials

Sugandh Agrawal – GUNAS
Jennifer Silbert & Lisa Siedlecki – Rewilder
Janis Lee New York
Ian James
Deneau – Hanna Varner

Winner will have the opportunity to work with Klean Kanteen, a year-long membership to the Accessories Council and will be part of the IHDA feature in the September issue of InStyle.

Fashion 4 Development Most Socially Responsible Handbag — Bags that are made in a country where the proceeds are given back to the country of manufacturing or people that are employed to manufacture handbags to better their lives and/or conditions

Dora Izquierdo – DOIZPE
Lea Forteza – Forteza
Ana Maria Plata – Leonor
Gbemisola Johnson – O’Eclat Designs
Eileen Garcia

Winner will receive a feature with Fashion 4 Development. Winner will receive a yearlong membership to the Accessories Council and also be part of the IHDA feature in the September issue of InStyle.

Distinctly Denim by Guess Handbags — Sketch Based Category
The most trend driven use of denim, in a playful and imaginative way by embracing the personality of the brand

Winner will garner an amazing opportunity to have their bag sold on Guess.com, work alongside our handbag designer based in Florence, Italy, receive a yearlong membership to the Accessories Council and receive a feature in the September issue of InStyle. We are partnering with the Guess Foundation to donate a portion of the proceeds of the winning bag to the social service agency Peace Over Violence. Its mantra: Make a social statement with your fashion statement. And wear denim for a purpose.

The Standout & Look Great Work Bag by MOO — Sketch Based Category
Creating the unisex bag for professionals on the go. Business does not have to be boring.

Jennifer Hamley, England
Minjung Kim – Bona M. Kim
Susanne Breul – BREUL Lefties’ Finest
Erica Harel
April Rose LaFave – Hebe Rose

The category winner will receive MOOlah with which to create business stationery, promotional materials, and merchandising assets. The Designer and bag will be showcased on moo.com materials, and merchandising assets. The Designer and bag will be showcased on moo.com and the category promoted on moo.com, owned social channels, and Handbag Designer 101. The Winner will receive a yearlong membership to the Accessories Council and also be part of the IHDA feature in the September issue of InStyle.

The MARYKAY Most Irresistible Makeup Bag — Sketch Based Category
The most versatile and stylish makeup bag that every woman will want.

Amy Steele & Janine Cooper
Tika Kuchukhidze – TIKA
Emilia Arzua & Carla Lopez
Alyssa Fisherden – ACF
Monica Frisbie – Mondrina

Winner will have an amazing opportunity to work on Mary Kay projects and have their bag featured on global MaryKay.com’s and social media platforms. Winner will receive a yearlong membership to the Accessories Council and also be part of the IHDA feature in the September issue of InStyle.

The 2015 preliminary judges panel is made up of the top industry influencers and bloggers —

Colin McDonald — NYC PR firm owner
Nancy Forman — owner & operator of The Accessory Think Tank
Lolita Alford — Social media marketing whiz
Emma Grady — personal stylist and award winning fashion writer
Lois Sakany — Founder & editor of TheSnobette
Samia Grand Pierre — Editor of TheSnobette
Celia San Miguel — Bilingual style & beauty expert
Dawn Del Russo — stylist, on-air fashion expert and tv personality, recently seen on Glamour Magazine show “Dressed to Kill”
Pamela Pekerman — fashion and lifestyle expert
Grace Gold — multimedia beauty journalist
Lidia Z. — founder of StylingOn
Adriana Marie Quaranto — started a new company called AMCONYC which is the go-to platform for emerging designers, millennials and entrepreneurs
Carey Reilly — Comedian, TV Host, and Actress

So make sure to tweet or message to any brands you know a congrats for making it as a finalist and send them encouraging words to wish them luck for next week! In the meantime, check out pictures from last year’s ceremony and who the finalists and winners were last year. From Fashion Nexus, GOOD LUCK to all of the designer finalists this year as I am a huge supporter of independent and/or emerging fashion designers!

Remember, click here to purchase tickets!

This year’s sponsors are — InStyle, Guess, Rebecca Minkoff, Trina Turk, Signal Brands, Bernia, EVINE Live, Moo, Mary Kay, Klean Kanteen, Fashion 4 Development, Basic Adhesives Leather, Affinia, Garment District NYC, Pantone, WWD Magic, Hilldun, Leather Suede Skins, Bottomless Closet, Tassen Museum, The Fashion Class, Save the Garment Center, Accessory Think Tank, & Accessories Council.

Ready to Fish Presents “Compendium”

Posted on February 27, 2015 by SMM

For F/W 2015, Ready to Fish aspired to create a collection “that summarizes what we feel is the essence of Ready to Fish.” This presentation occurred during MBFW at Lincoln Center, Salon. There are some stunning pieces of RTW in this collection. Pieces that range from wardrobe basics to more upscale, chic looks that would fit perfectly for a burgeoning fashionista!

Un-related to any specific theme or inspiration, the brand started with a blank canvas to present a collection that reads like a sketchbook, and a compendium of the Ready to Fish style. It was important for them to capture the sketch-like quality of the unfinished, leaving room for both the brand’s own and customers’ imagination and interpretation. There is a minimalistic quality about this collection, leaving room for a customer to style and accessorize any given look.

As a metaphor for this collation of ideas, Ready to Fish made use of classic marble prints, adorning sketchbooks, and archive folders that will prove instantly recognizable to everyone. The collection also emphasizes the idea that many archetypes that inspired us belong to the public domain, and that the use of codes, references verses our own interpretations and developments are at constant play throughout the design process.

The designer behind Ready to Fish is Dutch fashion designer Ilja. Following the success of her couture line, Ilja decided to transform the same nature and attributes of ILJA into more wearable, everyday designs. The prêt-a-porter line, Ready to Fish, was introduced in 2006, translating a consistent innovative approach of artistic expressions as ILJA does. In December 2013, Ready to Fish by Ilja was introduced.

A core vision for the brand is to give women all over the world the opportunity to indulge themselves with beautiful fashion and lifestyle products, is applied. This vision is put into practice through the mission of creating true, optimal product engagement and innovation in all operations. This is all combined with the development of a strong brand portfolio that offers a valuable consumer experience and promotes long-term loyalty. To ensure the values of high standard design and quality of both labels, the finest fabrics are selected, all details of production are meticulously monitored, and a close watch is kept on current trends.

Celebs and special guests in attendance were actress Stassi Schroeder, Miss NY Jilian Tapper, Elizabeth Savetsky, Designer Erin Erickson, WWD Fashion Market Editor Kristi Garced, & Designer Erin Dana

Show credits —

Nails — Patty Yankee
PR — Seventh House

Snow Queen & Jack Frost Show — A Fashion Show Like No Other!!

Posted on January 12, 2014 by SMM

When most people hear the phrase “fashion show”, they are likely to think clothing, dresses, etc. But you have to remember, the fashion realm is so vast and so now, when it comes to shows, the sky is the limit! Think about what makes a look, yes there are the clothes, but there are also shoes, accessories, and of course, make-up & hair! So with that, if you are design artist for make-up & hair, you can create an amazing show!

Tawni Michelle of Dramatizon Make-Up has done just this. Tawni has over 12 years of experience with make-up design. In reaching this high level of experience, she decided to venture out on her own and start her own business. She provides make-up design, at affordable prices, for a wide variety of situations — head shots, editorial, fashion shoots, etc. You can learn more about Dramatizon on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram; handle is @dramatizon.

But rather than sticking to the traditional format of working with apparel fashion shows and merely providing make-up, she is now making the show be about the creative make-up design. And I have to say, it’s so stunning and so phenomenal! Her latest monthly show at Sky Room NYC, Snow Queen & Jack Frost, was simply awesome. I am so glad I was able to attend. Throughout this post are the various images from the show, before, during, & after. ENJOY!!

So who was the team behind this fantastic show. Well first, there is the beautiful hair design, which was by Fallon Fitzpatrick — Fallon Fitzpatrick Hair Design. She has over 10 years of professional hair experience and does cuts, coloring, styling, & more! You can book an appointment with her at Y Gallery, Soho/NYC, but she also does freelance work. Check her work out on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram! As you can see in the various images from the show, the work done on the models’ hair was all so intricate & detailed. I was blown away!

The models all worked lingerie/bikinis by Gigi Carnett. These looks were all so sexy and worked very well as a part of this show. The various accessories the models were wearing, crowns, necklaces, etc, were provided by Jenny Winters. It can’t be overlooked also that the head model was none other than NYC native and Big Brother 15 houseguest GinaMarie Zimmerman. I can’t tell you how starstruck I was since I love that show and rooted for this gal last summer! It was also such a pleasant surprise that another BB15 houseguest made an appearance to root for GM, Amanda Zuckerman. I hope to do a fashion feature with both of these ladies soon on Fashion Nexus!

The Lingerie

Accessories

GM & AMANDA

One final mention, since all throughout my post are images of the show and promotional shots for the show, and that is Isadora B. Photography. Isadora offers a wide variety of photography services. You can check out her work on Facebook & Twitter.

So back to the one who put this altogether, Tawni of Dramatizon. You can’t deny how creative this work is. And the best part, this is only from 1 show. There has been so much more and will be so much more. Dramatizon’s mission is to bring the beauty, drama, flare, and FIERCENESS to everyone. The Dramatizon team can certainly do that! I can’t wait to attend another show and see more work from this team and their creative design work!

Fashion Nexus

A fashion blog for anything & everything fashion, including fashion law topics

Tag Archives: Design

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A fashion blog for anything & everything fashion, including fashion law topics

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