Intrepid by Ao’c: Fashion, But with a Cause

Posted on January 9, 2014 by SMM

INTREPID by Ao’c had a big year in 2013 and I think & hope 2014 will be even bigger! I first learned about INTREPID when I attended Nolcha Fashion Week’s Fall 2013 presentations back in September — check out that post here! The founder and designer behind this burgeoning fashion brand is Aerin O’Connell. It’s so admirable that this brand is making time to focus on both growth and giving back!

INTREPID collaborated with More Than Me Foundation with TUNIC FOR CHANGE. For a low price of $29.99, you purchase an eco-friendly tunic made of 100% hemp, each with unique embroideries. All of the proceeds go to benefit the More than Me Academy. The foundation works with community leaders to identify the girls who are at the highest risk of being sexually exploited to ensure that education and opportunity, not exploitation and poverty, defines their lives. They pay tuition, provide school lunch, and work with the school and community to get the job done!

So INTREPID recently presented a collection, a mix of R2W & eveningwear, at probably one of the coolest locations ever for a fashion show — SkyWalk, Grand Canyon, AZ. This was in late 2013 for the J. Autumn Skywalk Fashion Show by Jessica Minh Anh. This was a very symbolic collection for the brand; it was truly from-the-heart. Aerin said she was able to create from such a different realm with this collection. She looked at all of her past experiences and this was about a transition, a time for freedom, perfectly symbolized with the release of a dove!

These looks all have such richness in the color tones and would look stunning on the red carpet! It was so hard to choose a few faves so the plus-side, you can see way more images! I had the same vibe when I saw the various looks presented during Nolcha Fashion Week. Again, I loved the colors here! I also loved the great mix of chic, elegant, and casual day-wear looks.

This look is probably my most fave of the collection. It’s simplistic, but very chic. It would transition so easily from day to night.

INTREPID experienced a great deal of press from this show because not only was Jennie Garth in attendance, but she also walked in the show!! Jennie looks great in this fitted look and I love sheer long-sleeves, great touch! Check out the full video of this runway presentation here.

But of course this isn’t the only great INTREPID press; there is more, from US Weekly features to celebrity sightings such as with Olivia Munn. The brand is definitely making moves and you can keep up-to-date by making sure to Like on Facebook or Follow on Twitter. For additional contact information you can also check out the brand’s customer service page. Fashion Nexus wishes INTREPID by A’oc the best of luck in 2014! I can’t wait to see you present again!!

BURKHALTER Couture by Stephanie Burkhalter

Posted on December 9, 2013 by SMM

I recently attended a truly exciting event, “Bikinis & Couture”, a fashion show presented by NYC Fashion Runway, at the Dream Hotel Downtown, Ph-D Lounge. Now, I recently wrote about the “Bikinis” portion of the event when I featured Kasia Roginska for KARO swimwear on the blog. So now it’s time for the “Couture” portion, which featured the designer brand, BURKHALTER Couture by Stephanie Burkhalter.

The various images throughout this post are of Stephanie’s most recent haute couture collection, which were presented during the event. The inspiration behind the collection is that of a transportation to a fantasy world — “where leaves become rose petals, art deco meets childhood dreams, and her dresses underline the full richness of every true woman.”

And just who is this woman?? It’s a woman who is “sensual, yet strong, sophisticated, yet playful…” Stephanie has certainly achieved these inspirational goals.

I like that this collection has the elements of fantasy and playfulness, glam and sophistication, yet it also wearable for many women. It could be a Hollywood woman, celebrating the glitz and glam while on the red carpet, or a confident NYC woman who is ready to hit the town for a hot date or a night out with the girls! This collection is all about intricacies and the underlying details, so make sure to pay close attention to each look!

Also check out past collections for the brand, such as the Paraiso Collection P/E 2013, which is filled with a variety of RTW, shoes, and jewelry.

So just who is this talent behind the couture? Stephanie is a fashion designer born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland. She graduated at the Institute Marangoni in Milan. She has traveled all over the world with her international modeling career thru Ford Model Management, based out of NY.

She started Burkhalter Couture, to design one of a kind creations, of which she wanted the works to represent joy, glamour, luxury, and beauty. The brand is not just another label, but “also a person that gives you the most intense sensations.” Stephanie “welcomes you in her dream and brings you to her magic paradise where all the women are the true flirty, sexy, spicy stars of her story.”

I also would like to make mention of a few special credits for the show and various images seen in this post:

Singing Performance that evening, Reagan Richards
Hairstylists: Shannon Davis & team, Rosalinda Biddle & Cher Chic
Make-up: J. Guerra & Team
NYC Fashion Runway Organization: Davina Reichman Schuck, CEO; Lauren Ashley Mirsky, Events Officer; Prakash Patil, Events Asst. and team
Images by JAS Photography
Denny Silva of Bulleya Photography
Arthur Eisenburg Photography
Jason Moy Photography

Lauren Ashley of NYC Fashion Runway & Reagan Richards

hairstylist team & last picture, J. Guerra for Make-up

Here, we have (left to right), Kara Landau, the Australian Celebrity Traveling Dietitian, & Davina, of NYC Fashion Runway

Exciting Updates For the Passionate & Innovative Designer Kenley Collins

Posted on November 22, 2013 by SMM

It’s safe to say the multi-talented designer, Kenley Collins, is working hard in the fashion world and is here to stay. I previously wrote an amazing piece about Kenley and now I’m so pleased to showcase to you all her most recent and fabulous work! Please read the earlier piece, but here is the brief rundown on this major talent.

Kenley emerged in 2008 when she was a finalist on Project Runway Season 5. A few years later she made a stint on the 1st season of Project Runway All-Stars. But Kenley has not rested on her laurels. She has shone like the sparkling star she is since her time on PR. She often releases collections that demonstrate her aesthetic and style — bold, retro, feminine fashion. My previous piece was all about her Grease Pink Lady collection. Well now, GET READY, and enjoy the perfectly inspired Marilyn Monroe collection. Also, enjoy the many images and if you get a chance, tweet Kenley how stunning they are because really, they are!

Here are the various individual pieces and pricing information. You can shop the line online under What’s New.

I certainly see Marilyn when I look at these pieces; in fact, I’m sure it’s the point. But I also 100% see Kenley’s gifted hand and creative mind in this pieces. I would know if I saw it that each one was a Kenley Collins original! I see a nod to the past in these pieces, but with a fresh take. Black and white is classic and the pops of royal blue are sheer perfection. Anyone who would wear these pieces is certainly a woman who knows fashion and style, and that is someone who wants to have fun! Take a look at these gorgeous editorial images Kenley shot.

Online, Kenley still is offering other pieces so check out her Dresses, Separates, Accessories, Vintage, and Sale categories. Another fun way we get to see Kenley showcase her talent is with the unique and custom dresses she makes for none other than Nickelodeon pop starlet Ariana Grande. Ariana has been on my best dressed list, as well as many others, so I’m sure for future events, while wearing Kenley pieces, she will continue that trend!

Just as with all of Kenley’s other work, when Ariana is wearing a Kenley Collins original you will know it! So one final little piece of fun, Kenley is still demonstrating her talent in more ways than one. She is still having a great time while designing window displays for the candy emporium, It’Sugar, with candy clothed pieces. (various locations)