2015 Oscars — Best Dressed

Lots of sparkle, shimmer, and shine for my Best Dressed list! There are a few more minimalistic looks that caught my eye for the 2015 Oscars, but I was vastly impressed by this year’s red carpet. It was very hard to narrow my list down! So here goes, ENJOY!!

87th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals   Jennifer Lopez

There is no angle for which this stunning blush-hued, beaded Elie Saab gown does not look great. As always, Elie Saab’s gowns are works of art. This dress has it all, the perfect balance of elegance and sexiness, especially with that plunging neckline!

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The star accessorized with a crème Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and 20 carats, $2.5 million worth of Neil Lane diamond and platinum jewelry.

Stylist Lorenzo Martin was on deck for hair, this chic ponytail, with makeup by Mary Phillips, both of whom used L’Oreal products. Phillips provided some great pops of pink, both on the eyes and the lips!

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Giuliana Rancic

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Still amazed by how gorgeous Giuliana looks in this daring red Mireille Dagher dress. I’m head over heels about all the intricate details of this gown, the lace, the floral appliques; they are all just great! For the battle of the red looks, Giuliana takes it home for me! Paired with her look are understated diamond pieces from Forevermark jewelry.

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And for her overall styling, kudos to her stylist, Monica Rose, hair by Melissa Brown (lovely retro waves), and makeup by Daniel Deleno, the perfectly coordinating bold red lip!

Anna Faris     87th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals

Anna is dazzling in this metallic silver, strapless Zuhair Murad gown. She is shimmering all over thanks to all of the beaded embellishments. And coordinating perfectly with her look, a slate Judith Leiber clutch and diamond Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

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87th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals

Jamie Chung

Jamie has found a true designer friend in Yanina Couture. She has continued to look fabulous every time she dons one of the brand’s look. And this nude gown with a navy tulle overlay, splashed with sequin starburst detailing, is top notch. She has paired with her look a beautiful pair of Leticia Linton earrings.

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Her styling team deserves some credit here as well, overall styling by Sammy and Judy; gorgeous wavy locks by Kira Nasrat; fresh, natural beauty look from Daniel Marrone, nails by Jay De La Cruz, with the help of Caption Polish.

More specifics — Makeup artist Daniel Marrone gave Jamie Chung matte makeup in warm neutral tones with a classic cat eye, while hair stylist Kira Nasrat created sculpted side-swept waves.

 Jennifer Aniston

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Jen has ditched her go-to black looks for red carpets and I could not be more ecstatic. She looks phenomenal in this beaded nude, strapless gown from Atelier Versace. Coordinating so well with this sexy look are Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” heels, as well as a few subtle Fred Leighton diamond jewelry pieces.

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America’s sweetheart let her dress do the talking with natural makeup and thick, full lashes courtesy of Chanel celebrity makeup artist Angela Levin. “We wanted a beige lip look, to really complement her dress, so I applied Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in Louise ($36), then topped the lip color with Chanel Rouge Allure Gloss in Sensuel ($34) and Chanel Glossimer in Unity ($30),” said Levin.

To complement Aniston’s Atelier Versace dress, Living Proof hair pro Chris McMillan went for “very natural, sexy, and glamorous hair. The inspiration was to be comfortable so that she could enjoy her time.” After washing her hair with Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner, McMillan used the brand’s Blowout at the roots. He then blew her hair out with a slight side part before finishing with a bit of Satin Hair Serum to the ends to combat frizz.

Katie Cassidy

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How radiant does Katie look in this breathtaking metallic silver Julien MacDonald gown, complete with a flowing train? I can answer, she is brimming with radiance and this is an A+ look if I’ve ever seen one! Her accessories for the evening, all in matching silver hues, Stuart Weitzman heels, a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch,  Jacob & Co diamond ring, and Harry Kotler diamond earrings.

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Anna Kendrick

Anna looks marvelous in this custom peach-hued Thakoon gown. The color is right. The fit is spot on. And the diamond choker, haltered neckline gives this look that extra special touch, making it a knockout! Paired with her look are Norman Silverman diamond jewelry.

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Makeup artist Vanessa Scali used Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush in Pink for that flushed glow, then used Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Smolder from the lashline to crease and underneath the eye, with Beautiful Color Precision Glide Eyeliner in Black Violet on the top lashline, waterline, and outer corner of the lower lashes.

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As for that updo, stylist Craig Gangi sprayed Bumble and bumble’s soon-to-launch Surf Infusion (watch this space for more info on that big launch) onto wet hair, then diffused it with a blowdryer. After hair was dry, he used a 1/2-inch curling iron to “eliminate frizz and polish the wave.” He then sectioned the hair and pulled it back into a French twist, pinning it into place and spraying with Does It All Styling Spray for a light hold — as Kendrick had to change her hairstyle for that opening musical number, he didn’t want to use anything too sticky or strong for the red carpet.

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Scarlett Johansson

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Green goddess! The actress and new mom looked glam in a plunging Atelier Versace gown with an extravagant collar embroidered with Swarovski crystals. I think this is a great choice of color for not only Scarlett, but also the red carpet. It is a standout look for sure!

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Her other sparkling pieces to accentuate the look are emerald jewelry pieces from Piaget.

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Gwyneth Paltrow

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This gown seemed to cause quite a bit of fashionable discussion, but I’m infatuated with it. I think it is a hit all the way! I can’t take my eyes off this custom-made, soft pink, silk-crepe Ralph & Russo gown featuring a shoulder rosette of delicate oversized petals in gazar and organza.

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Gwyneth accessorized with Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie rubellite jewelry pieces.

Makeup artist Leslie Lopez wanted to create a smoky eye and nude lip to pair with the statement-making dress. “I used light foundation, only where needed, so that her beautiful skin would still show through. I followed with a little bit of Max Factor Bronzing Powder ($9) towards the temples and cheek bones, and used a pretty pink-hued blush on the apples of the cheeks to give her a healthy glow.” Lopez finished the look with Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon in Carolina Coast ($9), the “perfect shade to achieve the nude lip look we were going for,” she said.

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Reese Witherspoon

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Reese always know how to elegantly embody the definition of simplistic minimalism. She knows she doesn’t need the bells & whistles to stand out on the red carpet. And in this black and white Tom Ford fitted gown, she is the epitome of Red Carpet glam. BTW, love the Bardot style neckline, exquisite!

Huge props to her beauty team, styling by Leslie Fremar; hair, beautiful waves, by Adir Abergel; makeup courtesy of Molly R. Stern, fresh faced glow, slight smoky eye, lovely nude lip.

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And finally, to top off Reese’s killer look, Tiffany & Co. diamond jewelry pieces.

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Glam stat: Witherspoon added more than $3 million worth of Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Collection diamonds.

Additional beauty specifics — Celebrity makeup artist Molly R. Stern created a radiant, sexy, effortless look on Reese Witherspoon using Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Highlighter & Shader Duet in Intensity One ($77), to define and sculpt Witherspoon’s cheekbones, as well as Laura Mercier’s Faux Lash Mascara ($25) in Black and Brown for “a softer intensity.” To give her body an all-over glow, Stern used St. Tropez’s One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion ($18). For her bright nude lip, Stern used Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colour in Nude Rose as a base and then layered the beauty brand’s Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Peche for a “hint of light brightness.”

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Georgina Chapman

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My guess, Georgina is rockin’ her own line her, Marchesa. But regardless, she looks amazing in this full-on floral embellished number. It is simply divine!

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Brooke Anderson

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Brooke looked heavenly in this rose pink silk tulle organza Leanne Marshall strapless gown. Huge fan of Leanne’s work, so I’m always happy to see her unique creations on the red carpet or runway!

Her accessories, gorgeous pieces by XIV Karats. And major credit here to Brooke’s glam team — hair & makeup courtesy of Chroma Studio.

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Nancy O’Dell

What else could you ask for in a red carpet look? Black is always a winning color choice. The fit here is great. There is drama with the structured shoulder detailing and flowing train. Nancy’s black one-shoulder Gauri and Nainika gown has this and more! Paired perfectly with her look, black Aquazzura heels & statement-making diamond jewelry pieces from XIV Karats.

Blanca Blanco

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I wasn’t so sure about this look right at first, but to me, it’s wearable art. I love it! There is something so unique about it. It’s bold, daring, and full of drama, which works perfectly for the red carpet. The mix of red hues, black, navy blue, and slight sparkling embellishments, combine together magically to escalate this look.

Rita Ora

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Rita looks glamorous and elegant in this fitted black, strapless Marchesa gown, with some lovely touches of floral embellishments and a flowing train. This is A+ red carpet style in my book! Statement making jewelry was provided by Lorraine Schwartz. And Kathy Jeung did an amazing job with Rita’s makeup, natural, clean look!

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Additional specifics — Edie Sedgewick vibes with her sculpted platinum pixie, exaggerated lashes, and a perfect nude lip, courtesy of makeup artist Kathy Jeung, who used Rimmel products.

Channing & Jenna Dewan Tatum

87th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals

One of my fave dynamic red carpet duos, such a handsome pair! Channing is looking ever so dapper in his classic black Dolce&Gabbana tux. He’s even thrown in some fun accessories, black Louis Leeman shoes, and Neil Lane studs and cufflinks.

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Jenna is just as fabulous, looking ethereal, wearing a Zuhair Murad Couture white dress. I’m all about this look, the super sexy plunging neckline, the belt, the delicate beaded embellishment, it is just all superb! Jenna is too accessorizing quite well, diamond Lorraine Schwartz jewels and metallic silver Lee Savage clutch.

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Jenna’s glam squad team did a wonderful job here, Derek Peter Williams for this chic ponytail; Patrick Ta for makeup, love this gorgeous tangerine lip; and Brad Goreski for styling.

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Miles Teller & Keleigh Sperry

Another dynamic pair, looking great in black & white! Not sure about the designer details on Miles’ classic black tuxe, but he looks very handsome! But WOW! Where has Keleigh been hiding on the red carpets with Miles. I want to see more! She looks angelic and beautiful in this white Lorena Sarbu gown with silver embellished trim at the bodice.

Adam Levine & Behati Prinsloo

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Adam & Behati are Armani X 2. Adam looks quite nice in his traditional black Armani tuxe. While Behati went with a bit more drama in this Armani Prive fitted embellished gown. I knew right away it was Armani, definitely memorable and eye-catching! She’s also done a fantastic job pairing with her look, daring jewelry pieces by De Grisogono.

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Behati’s overall look is courtesy of Bryce Scarlett for hair, a chic updo and Monika Blunder for makeup, love the bold red lip. Makeup artist Monika Blunder opted for a matte red lip and feather, long lashes—the perfect complement to Prinsloo’s beaded Armani Privé gown.

Luciana & Robert Duvall

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Not all about Robert’s suit, it’s okay. But with another gorgeous Elie Saab number on the red carpet, there is no way to ignore it. Yes, very similar to J. Lo’s, but to me, this tangerine gown is special in its own right. The color is a huge difference, and looks great here on Luciana. This is Elie Saab’s style though, so it takes a close eye to note the differences and you can see that here with the sparkly embellishments — the patterns are different in both looks! All in all, both ladies looked heavenly in Elie Saab!

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Luciana accessorized with a bit more sparkle, but this time in the way of magnificent Harry Winston diamonds.

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Ryan Seacrest

So from what I am gathering, Ryan has a menswear line with Macy’s, Seacrest Style. And that is what he is donning for the Oscars. I would tell all the men I know to check this line out as I imagine you could look just as stylish, but likely the price wouldn’t be such a bad deal!

Michael Keaton

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And finally, Michael, looking quite handsome in his well fitted, classic black tuxe, courtesy of Ralph Lauren. His black dress shoes are too by Ralph Lauren.

It’s Casual Sportswear for GENTS

Gents FW15 Look 2Black ‘Knight Rider’ quilted flat brim cap, suede visor, black brushed tricot hooded pullover with metallic gold detail, black brushed tricot color blocked sport pant, and black performance sock

Gents went with a calm, cool, collected vibe for F/W 2015 during the brand’s presentation for NYMD, held at Industria Superstudio and presented by Cadillac. We all need staple, well-made pieces in our wardrobe, so for mens’ sportswear, look no further than Gents!

Gents FW15 Cadillac Lounge Look

Cadillac Lounge Look — navy ‘John’ mesh cap with black brim, black/white French terry zip front hoodie, & navy brushed tricot sport pant

It’s clear the concept was to keep the pieces simple, understated, and minimal. These looks were all about great fit, clean lines, with pieces you can easily incorporate into your on-the-go lifestyle. The looks would work great at the gym, casual Saturday afternoon or errands, or even just a low-key night out.

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100% black leather metallic gold brim cap, white french terry pullover hoodie, black quilted sport pant, and black performance sock

Very few pops of color were present in this collection, really just some maroon. But it wasn’t the vibe, so Gents stuck with basics in black and white, and more traditional colors for the fall season, namely navy blue. There were lots of separates, the ability to mix and match. There was differing fabrics though, such as comfy quilted pants to pieces incorporate leather. It’s the intricate, minimal details of this collection that make these pieces more than just your basic sweats or workout wear.

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100% leather white brim cap, navy/black/white brushed tricot zip front hoodie, black sport pant with white stripe detail, and black performance sock

I was impressed by the brand’s ability to keep it very simple, and stick with this vibe as a cohesive theme. It’s not always about the bells and whistles!

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100% black leather cap with white stripe detail, black perforated zip front hoodie, black perforated moto pant, and black performance sock

Show Credits –

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Bobby’ bomber in grey with faux fur detail, brushed tricot navy/black chevron zip front hoodie, black/navy brushed tricot moto pant, and black performance sock

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Greg’ gradient twelve panel flat brim cap, black french terry crew neck pullover with perforated detail, maroon sport pant, and black performance sock

  • Models & Agencies – Adam, Aim, Click, Ford, Fusion, IMG, Major, NY Models, One, Re:quest, DNA, Red, Soul, Q, & Wilhelmina

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Black ski beanie with faux shearling lining, white french terry zip front chevron hoodie, black sport pant with zipper detail, and black performance sock

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Wendell’ silver mesh performance snap back cap, black french terry zip-front chevron hoodie with maroon detail, black french terry sport pant, and black performance sock

Rubin & Chapelle Presents at the Top of the Standard

Rubin&Chapelle-FW15-2And yes, I mean that literally – not just high standards, but at the Top of the Standard Hotel! FW2015 is the most recent stop in RUBIN&CHAPELLE’s continued exploration of modern dress codes. Spring introduced prints in soft tops and dresses. This fall brings heavier fare in tweed coats and trousers.

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Designers Sonja Rubin and Kip Chapelle worked with designer Johanna Michel to develop prints based on traditional Scottish motifs. The results are rescaled and distorted digital prints of tartan and argyle in earth tones and pinks throughout the season’s collection. The Scottish menswear influence appears in tweeds, kilt skirts, distorted tartans, and abstract argyles. “We wanted to modernize the traditional Scottish menswear look for women.”

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Jackets and Tops are mechanically edge fringed. Virtual fringes are on dresses and jackets and achieved through print. The silhouette is generally soft and easy. Bottoms include circle skirts and pencil trousers. Tops include button up blouses and looser shapes. Kilt pleats are softened in silk blends and traditional patterns enlarged. “We’re accustomed with solids, but used a lot of print this season. Layering and mixing prints just felt right”, says Sonja.

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Fabrics utilized in this collection were wool tweed, cotton shirting, wool suiting, duchess silk, silk broadcloth, and silk/cotton blends. These eye-catching prints of course provide this collection with some vibrant colors, hot pink, teal, subtle yellow, tomato red, tangerine, and more. But as a great balance, there are some stand-out pieces in basic colors such as black, white, and grey.

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This collection is brimming with classic silhouettes, which are brought to life by bold details, the graphic prints, leather shoulder details, color-blocking, and more. Wearing any of these pieces, no matter the place, you would definitely not go unnoticed!

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Show credits —

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  • Creative Director – Frank Milliren
  • Design Direction – Marcus Huemer

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NOTABLE GUESTS in attendance: Morgan Stewart and EJ Johnson

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Idan Cohen — A Fashion Week Wedding & Show!

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For A/W 2015, Idan Cohen presented his stunning collection at MBFW, Lincoln Center, the Pavilion. On February 14th, this talented designer had 2 dreams come to fruition. One, he married his partner Elad Borenstein at the first ever Fashion Week wedding! Now I’ve seen a Fashion Week proposal, but I imagine this would have been great to witness firsthand. I wasn’t there for the 1st dream come true moment for Cohen, but I was able to attend his runway show, which was another dream realized for the designer. He presented for the first time ever in NYC at NYFW! Singing at Idan’s wedding and attending his show were Nashville duo singing sensations Lennon & Maisy!

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Cohen is known for bridal and couture pieces. And with eveningwear, it’s all about the sensuality, mixed with elegance. That is exactly what we are seeing here! His inspiration for this particular collection was femininity, specifically the woman’s body. These pieces truly encapsulate this delicate balance of glamor and lasciviousness.

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I’m seeing a huge future for Idan Cohen. I could easily see these looks on A list celebs on major red carpets right now! I’m even sure they would not only be eye-catching, but top best-dressed lists.

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The colors utilized here are all amazing! It’s of course great to see some traditional, classic black numbers, but the looks in rose pink and ice blue, PERFECTION!

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Celebs in attendance were  — Miss Jay Alexander, and Maisy and Lennon Stella.

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Show credits —

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Mara Hoffman Takes Flight!

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Rise embroidered cream linen shift dress with striped bodice and black knit turtleneck

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Belted Starbasket chiffon gown with long sleeves

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Tufted chiffon landscape long-sleeve gown

Mara Hoffman presented her 38-piece Fall 2015 collection for MBFW/NYFW at Lincoln Center, the Salon. Generally when I think of Mara Hoffman, I think wild, graphic, psychedelic prints. She still threw in some bold prints, but I thought this presentation was a bit more tame, a more reserved Mara Hoffman if I dare say. It still had the Mara Hoffman signatures and touches so I’m still on board! And it was such an honor to be at this runway. My 1st time for Mara Hoffman and I definitely hope to be there for many more shows & seasons to come!

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Cream tweed cross front Luke suit

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Triad CDC Gown

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Riser embroidered cream linen shirtdress with black, peach, blue, teal stripes

Aviation was a bit of an underlying inspiration with this collection. The runway show music was of the same nature, taking flight, gears grinding, sounds of a plane taking off. You could also see it in many of the pieces, whether it was the styling, very reminiscent of this stylized trend, especially the tall tan boots, which I loved BTW, or the knit shawls! But a lot of the prints too had the same vibe.

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Triad CDC Gown

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Trapunto twill coat with Starbasket Jacquard knit shawl

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White Trapunto star vest with black and cream tweed jumpsuit

As I mentioned earlier, this was a tamer Mara Hoffman than I’m used to seeing. There were still some vibrant pops of colors though, mainly in the more wild prints, tangerine, lime green, and red. But a lot of the prints and/or colors, were a bit more subtle, somewhat more muted, deep purple, light teal, soft pink, just to name a few. I really liked these lighter, softer color choices. It showed a different side for me to Mara’s work, and that is always a great aspect to have as a designer. I loved seeing her be forward thinking and innovative for this upcoming fall season!

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Blue Connector crepe strapless jumpsuit

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There were so many standout pieces in this collection. I loved the blue/purple/grey jumpsuit, the mixed media black sheer dresses, the ivory look below, and the black/ivory/rose pink satin dresses, just to name a few! There is just so much one could do with these looks. You could layer them up, pair them with knee-high boots as we saw here, and make it work for the colder east coast vibe. Or, you could un-layer the looks, so to speak, pair with some flats or sandals, and then BOOM, you are ready to hit up the West coast! These are high fashion RTW looks, daring and oh so very bold. A burgeoning fashionista would no doubt want a few of these pieces to make sure she stood out no matter her destination!

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Crepe back satin dress with front and back keyhole in ivory

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Blue Connector Ponte cross front dress with an open weave turtleneck

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CDC connector buttondown and full skirt

Special guests in attendance were actress Juliette Lewis, Jeannette McCurdy, Teen Vogue’s style editor Andrew Bevin, singer Kate Nash, fashion stylist Madison Guest, Victoria Justice, Nana Meriweather.

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Tufted chiffon landscape fitted bodice midi gown

Show credits —

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Black brushed cotton apron dress with Tessellate turtleneck

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Tessellate CDC Maxi Shift Dress with long sleeves

So remember — Keep your feet on the ground, hands in the sky, and allow the force to be with you at all times! 🙂

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Welcome to Fatema Fardan’s High Fashion Garden

FATEMA FARDAN FALL/WINTER 2015

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Emirati designer Fatema Fardan recently presented her garden chic, culturally eclectic A/W 2015 collection for NYFW at the trendy Soho spot, Voce Di Gallery. The space was transformed into a fashionable garden. Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, daughter of the renowned fashion editor Carine Roitfeld, hosted the event. DJ Leigh Lezark of The Misshapes provided the music for the presentation, further creating an unforgettable atmosphere and show.

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Fardan seamlessly and clearly brought the Middle East to her folklore-inspired pieces. “I was looking at traditional folklore clothing and thinking how I could translate them into clothes that the contemporary woman would like to wear,” says Fardan. “I did a lot of research and took elements from heritage clothing but refined it into a manner that can be versatile,” she says.

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Forest green, crimson red, black and grey are artfully blended into dresses, cropped palazzo trousers, chiffon blouses and heavy, crepe culottes. Fardan went with her signature floral backdrops; however, this time in warm colors. “I have a major love affair with nature, so it’s important for me to incorporate aspects of it in my spaces,” she says. “I think about the mix-and-match aspect when I’m designing,” she says. “The way that we live nowadays, as modern consumers, we don’t wear one brand or kind of design from head to toe.”

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“To be a designer you have to be open to different ways of thinking and different cultures,” she says. “You see that in most of the important designers; they’re like a culture sponge – they pick up everything from different people and places and translate it to their own design vision.” And all the elements were present to showcase this culturally rich collection: luxe fabrics, flowy silhouettes, fringe embellishments, chunky knits, and furry stoles.

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There are a lot of strong pieces in this collection. The colors, how the looks are styled, really make each piece eye-catching and intriguing. I love the leather color-blocked pencil skirt. The moss green jacket below is also a stand-out piece. Show credit — PR — Seventh House.

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Special guests for the event included renown fashion designer and stylist Rachel Zoe, fashion blogger Natalie Joos, fashion mogul Mohammed Sultan Al Habtoor, model Cory Kennedy, model Willy Cartier.

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“The whole night felt like a beautiful dream,” she says. “The ambiance was perfect – it was everything I wanted it to be.” I agree! This presentation was top notch, even the tiniest of details was thought out. We in the fashion world appreciate this astute dedication and attention to detail.

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Costello Tagliapietra — Plaids & Suspenders

 

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Red plum folded front dress with cartridge pleated skirt

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Fawn suspender dress with red plaid funnel neck

For Fall 2015, Costello Tagliapetra presented RTW fashion during their runway show at Lincoln Center, Pavilion. A great deal was all about some plaids and/or suspenders. And hey, I’m convinced; I’m a believer! Everything was very stylized and clearly driven towards the brand’s signature aesthetic. So it was nice seeing a bit of re-interpretation and transition for this Fall 2015 season.

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Bark jacket & gaucho

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Plum collared shirt & navy trousers

Costello Tagliapietra was specifically thinking about ways in which they could re-interpret their design work, to reflect upon themselves, going even back into one’s own history. So with this collection, imagine this — “A forest trail leads to a lone house deep in the woods. SHE is making her way there!”

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Fawn & bark funnel neck dress

So of course as this fashionable lady is making her trek, she would desire some very specific attire. The brand composed plaids by building up layers of colored grids. Then, thru threading lines of yarn over and across each other, these intricate plaids were created. And then of course as I mentioned, besides lots of plaid-work, there are also many suspenders’ looks, as well as some super chic dresses.

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Slate haltered dress

This collection truly evokes the colors, smells, and sounds one would stumble upon while deep in the forested trails, being grounded to the earth. But there is a sense of something more, something magical and unknown. The color palette is then derived from photography of woods and forests, abstracts, painting in watercolor, using this to map out the tones and hues for these pieces, setting the mood! Colors seen are deep burgundies, mint green, navy blue, olive green, and more.

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Dark spruce crepe pant & slate green shirt with floral embroidery

This collection is full of RTW, lots of base, staple pieces needed for any wardrobe. But all in all, it is still very thought provoking. It does leave something to the imagination, captivating you from start to finish!

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Bronze woven cardigan wrap dress

Celebs making an appearance — model Cory Kennedy, Nigel & wife Cristen barker, Miss J alexander, actress Shanola Hampton, Leigh Lezark of the Misshapes; Natalie Bergman; Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy & actress Crystal Dickinson.

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Show credits —

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  • Fragrance/Scent — MiN NY — “To score this beautiful production, we composed an original fragrance inspired by Costello Tagliapietra’s mood boards for the collection. Using our OLD SCHOOL BENCH MiN NY SCENT STORIES, volume 1, as a base, notes of bergamot, angelica root, green grass, lily of the valley, wood wax, rum, cedar wood, vanilla, patchouli, veriver roots, and bay will greet you upon arrival and farewell.”

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Forest green satin cape dress

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Fawn & bark crossover V-neck dress with red plaid funnel neck

  • Sound Designer — Erich Bechtel & Alex Herrin of Audible Difference Inc
  • Photography — Randy Brooke
  • Videography — B Productions

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Pine crepe pant and  hand stitched vest with midnight hand stitched plaid shirt

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Plum jacket & gaucho

  • Models & Agencies — APM NY, Fenton, Fusion, NY Models, Major, Marilyn Agency, Silent, Wilhelmina, Mc2, Click, & W360.

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Hand stitched plaid shell & tweed pant

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Rose wrap front dress

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Plum hand-stitched plaid shell & plum satin pleaded circle skirt

Naadam – NYFW Debut

DSC01028White cashmere v-neck tunic, wrap skirt, & scarf, with White parachute tunic

Naadam, well know for the finest high quality cashmere, made its debut presentation during NYFW for the F/W 2015 season. The collection was showcased at the divinely immaculate Highline Hotel, Hoffman Hall.

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White cashmere sleeveless funnel dress

Cashmere pieces were made for both ladies apparel and menswear. It was intriguing to see the delicate cashmere handiwork transition from soft, subtle feminine silhouettes, to that of more rugged, masculine pieces.

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Fiery red outerwear jacket, long white & ivory scarf, & grey trousers

For F/W, loving the great mix and use of colors, lots of white and ivory with eye-catching touches of fiery red, olive green, and royal blue. Lots of versatility can be seen with this collection, a lot to offer between sweaters, outwear, wraps, and more!

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Quilted parachute coat, Waffle cashmere cardigan, olive gray cashmere funnel pullover, & olive grey cashmere jogger

So a little background on the brand since it is their debut at fashion week — it is a knitwear brand that responsibly sources the highest quality cashmere in the world. It is harvested seasonally from the Bayangovi region of Mongolia. At the heart of Mongolian culture, nomadic life is the oldest human subsistence method. And Naadam exists to preserve and extend nomadic life!

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White trousers, coordinating ivory/navy printed scarf & cardigan, and navy blazer

This was a phenomenal debut, a job well done for a first showing. The styling was spot-on. The ambiance was perfection with such a beautiful location for the presentation. Every detail was well thought out and you could tell there was such great attention to detail!

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Army cashmere quilted jacket, v-neck pullover, rib vest, & slim funnel dress

Show credits & partnerships —

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Nude cashmere blazer, shorts, with white tunic and joggers

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Sand cashmere duster cardigan, white cashmere knit tunic, white cashmere jogger, & rug scarf

Hickey Freeman Sportswear – The Inaugural Collection

HICKEY_FREEMAN_LOOK 11B-2 bomber jacket in calfskin. Donegal flecked silk and cotton windowpane trouser in deep navy. Sport shirt in washed chambray.

Hickey Freeman debuted its F/W 2015 collection at NYMD, held at Industria Superstudio and presented by Cadillac. David Hart, creative director, found inspiration in the early days of American aviation. References include the modernist photojournalist, Willi Ruge’s, iconic imagery of parachuting and skydiving in the early 20th Century. The collection is built around today’s modern man and his evolving needs.

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M-1943 field jacket in deep navy reverse slub twill with soft donegal trousers. Dress shirt in blue oxford cloth.

With Hickey Freeman’s 110-year history, Hart’s collection expands on the brand’s current pillars – tailoring and dress shirting – and introduces new items into the modern luxury vernacular. Today’s man no longer wears a suit on a daily basis and needs transitional wardrobe staples to take him from the office to the gym, social activities, travel, and beyond. You can see that in this collection with a vast array of textiles and types of apparel. The collection provides this important capability to take the man from work to streetwear to more formal wear.

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Oxblood 2 ply cashmere saddle shoulder sweater with French terry sweatpants in oxblood. Cotton dress shirt in deep navy thick and thin fleck.

The collection features nods to military decoration from leather and shearling bombers, to a reverse twill field jacket. The palate is based around rich neutrals, accented with vibrant colors in the Irish Donegal fisherman’s sweaters or with the texture of the twisted slub yarn sport shirts. The colors and tones are quite appealing – great mix of neutrals in navy blue, brown, and black, to vibrant pops of color in yellow or burgundy.

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Peacoat in Donegal Tweed with Cowichan zip front sweater. Selvedge denim in raw indigo. Knit shirt in cotton slub jersey.

Hickey Freeman was founded in 1900 by Jeremiah G. Hickey and Jacob L. Freeman, and has stood for excellence in the men’s tailoring category for over 110 years. David Hart joined the Hickey Freeman legacy in November 2014, and has been tasked with introducing a modern sportswear collection with a youthful expression of luxury for the Hickey Freeman man. Hart is a New York luxury menswear designer who founded his eponymous label in 2009 as a tie business. Hart has since introduced ready-to-wear, showing his collection at New York Fashion Week. Hart has shown how versatile he is as designer between these 2 menswear brands.

HICKEY_FREEMAN_LOOK-7Selvedge denim jacket with Irish fisherman’s sweater in antique gold. Deep navy merino knit polo shirt with gaberdine trousers in deep navy.

The Hickey Freeman Sportswear collection will feature sweaters, knitwear, sport shirts, outerwear, soft coats, casual trousers, and denim. There is a great deal of layering and the capability to mix and match pieces. Both of these are admirable and desired qualities for a menswear brand and collection.

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Waxed canvas pilot blazer in jet black. Selvedge denim pants in raw black. Brushed twill sport shirt in jet black multi plaid.

Show credits –

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Logo sweatshirt in heather grey French loop terry. Cargo pants in faded lichen reverse slub twill with cotton dress shirt in white oxford.

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Shirt Jacket in silk and wool Donegal windowpane. Trousers in deep navy cotton twill with French loop terry sweatshirt.

  • Models & Agencies – Re-quest, Red, Adam, Hello, Fusion, Q Models, 1.One, & Wilhelmina

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Waxed cotton canvas English raincoat with cotton and silk plaid hunting jacket. Washed selvedge denim in faded grey. Cotton sport shirt with flecked yarn.

Jordan Tesfay & Models Unite — #curvygirlsrock

Jordan Tesfay, known for being the first full-figured fashion model to become a COVERGIRL, recently hosted a major Fashion Week party. The event was an opening cocktail reception at Bait & Hook. Delicious cupcakes. Live music. Stunning jewelry. A nice ambiance. And of course, being a model event and all, some beautiful, sexy models! What more could you ask for?!? This was such a great event. I was happy to have been invited. Here are some images and additional details on the event and about some of the amazingly talented individuals in attendance.

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DSC00946Here, Jordan is on the red carpet with Blessing Offor, recent contestant on NBC’s hit singing competition show The Voice. He was also the provider of the live music for the event.

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Also in attendance was J.W. Cortes from Fox’s hit new show, one of my personal faves, Gotham. J.W. was a treat to meet, such a humble, nice guy!

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And of course, Ricky Jarman, always a pleasure spending time with this burgeoning singer/songwriter, model, and actor — a true triple threat.

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Bait & Switch provided the refreshing spirits, but it was Kay Martin of Cupcake Kay who whipped up the scrumptious cupcakes!

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Compassion Brands showcased some gorgeous jewelry pieces at the event. The brand makes fashion more than just a trend. They have decided to take a charitable stance, truly empowering the message of “What you wear can make a difference.” Remember, the new trend is kindness!

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Again, such a great event, amazing time of fun, food, music, networking, and more! Jordan Tesfay should be proud of this smashing reception, a real success!

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