The Countdown Begins……Nolcha Fashion Week — Sept. 2014

Posted on July 3, 2014 by SMM

Yes, that’s right, let the countdown begin — in less than 3 months, Nolcha Fashion Week will be back, Sept. 2014, at Chelsea Piers in NYC! This week I announced a huge sweepstakes that Biovea is taking part in. But NFW is very much a part of this collaborative sweepstakes, as you could win 2 VIP passes to the many fashion runway presentations being put on by NFW. The event is clearly a “can’t miss!!”

HERE IS THE LINK AGAIN FOR THE SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY!!

Nolcha Fashion Week is a leading, awarding winning event, held during NYFW. It’s a time for independent designers to showcase their amazing creations and collections. And trust me, there are always great looks that come down the runway. I have definitely found some faves from attending and covering for Fashion Nexus in the past couple of years — Dany Tabet, Leka, Claire Farwell London, Intrepid by Ao’c, KARO swimwear, Danilo Gabrielli, and more!

This year’s lineup I’m sure will be just as great —

MICHAEL WILLEMS FOR “ALBERTO”

Alberto creates menswear with a desire to create the perfect pant that fits every man!

VANESSA TEYE FOR “B’VENAJ”

B’venaj is all about celebrating the human figure, finding freedom within the garments created.

KNUD HORSCH FOR “CARL GROSS”

Carl Gross has been an up and running label since 1925 — always creating fashion, quality, and comfort!

GIORGIO FILIPPI FOR “CODICE”

CODICE is all about polished and sophisticated looks of ease, contemporary and modern wearable fashion.

RACHEL GREGORY FOR “GREGORY APPAREL”

When you think Gregory Apparel, think feminine modern minimalist with a dash of prep.

JENN BURGOS FOR “JBURGOSNY”

JBURGOSNY wants to send a message to all women, especially mothers — you can still look and feel fabulous after having children. And this is the brand to dress women in all shapes and sizes.

MIMI TRAN

Contemporary styles, enhancing one’s beauty, celebrating femininity, that is MIMI TRAN.

DOLLY DONSHEY FOR “MONSTRUOSITE”

Monstruosité focuses heavily on bringing concepts to life by integrating music, art and theatrical elements to showcase the ideas behind the designs. Monstruosité views fashion and millinery as a way to tell a story and push creative boundaries, while also focusing the utmost attention to detail.

I am getting pretty excited. Each year I’ve attended Nolcha Fashion Week, it has only gotten better and better. I’m sure this season will not disappoint! So get to know NFW, check out my own fun times, showcasing looks in My Fashion Diary & Fashion Week looks, also some great snaps of myself with celebs I met at the runway presentations. And of course, check out my previous fashion week coverage on Nolcha —

Biovea @ Nolcha Fashion Week =’s ……

Posted on July 2, 2014 by SMM

CLICK HERE TO ENTER BIOVEA’S GIVEAWAY!!

Simply put, a match made in heaven. Now this is not the first time this leading manufacturer and online retailer of high-end health and beauty products has taken part in Nolcha Fashion Week. But this time, Biovea is back, bringing even bigger collaborations and more excitement! Joining in on this sweepstakes madness is Adrian London skincare & Neulook, and it’s hard to say that the resulting prize pack is nothing short of an amazing offer.

So what do you win —

a $3000 Visa gift card
2 VIP Nolcha Fashion Week show passes
& many more exclusive gifts & goodies

How do you enter? —Simply click on this link and YOU ARE GOOD TO GO!

I must say, speaking as someone who has attended Nolcha Fashion Week shows many times, this is a once in a lifetime type prize. Of course $3000 to spend is amazing. But not many people have the pleasure of attending major NYFW shows. I attend all the time and people are always asking me — how were you able to go, what is it like, etc. By entering this GIVEAWAY, you too could have the EXPERIENCE — seeing some talented designers present stunning looks, networking with major industry insiders, and hey, maybe even see a celeb or 2 along the way. Here are some pics of myself at Nolcha Fashion Week during various seasons!

REMEMBER — CLICK HERE TO ENTER & POSSIBLE WIN!!

Here is a bit more information about the brand to thank for this opportunity — Biovea. As part of Biovea’s mission, the brand is all about maintaining a strong reputation for service, reliability and quality. The brand is fully and deeply committed to providing tools for healthy living. They offer a wide range of products within a vast array of categories — Vitamins & Supplements, Diet & Fitness, Beauty, Personal Care, Kids, Pets, Food & Home, Organic, & more!

Adrian London, sold thru Biovea, is the leading innovator in naturally effective and luxurious skin care formulas. Products one can select from are — Soothing Regeneration cream, Daily Replenish moisturizers, Renewal cleansers, & more! There are even product options for men, such as Calming Aftershave toner and Age-Defying Moisture cream. And the banner ad below is not a joke or just an image I’m using for this post. Take a look at the various products and if you see something you like, now is the perfect time to buy! You can save 15% off your purchase by using the Promo Code “ADRIAN15”.

Neulook, an online retailer set as your “Premier Beauty Destination”, is also taking part in all of this SWEEPSTAKES excitement. With Neulook, you can shop for a wide selection of beauty products from some of your fave beauty brands — Calvin Klein, Paris Hilton, Source Naturals, Dior, Gucci, BIOVEA, OPI, LA Naturals, and more! And again, as seen in the banner ad below, another amazing current offer, to save 10% off your 1st purchase by using the Promo Code “Neu10”.

So we have Biovea, Nolcha Fashion Week, Neulook, and Adrian London to thank for this AMAZING SWEEPSTAKES OFFER. Make sure, again, that you enter, as you do not want to miss out on this unique chance to get some loot and be at an actual runway show, in NYC, during NYFW!! Stay in touch and updated with Biovea across social media by Liking their Facebook page, Following on Twitter, and/or their Instagram page.

Sydney Evan — Back at Bergdorfs — Custom Charm Bar!!

Posted on June 18, 2014 by SMM

The stunning and unique jewelry brand — Sydney Evan — is back at Bergdorf Goodman this week for its annual Custom Charm Bar event. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of attending this event last year, meeting the kind and talented founder of the brand, Rosanne Karmes, and later fully featuring Sydney Evan on Fashion Nexus! I encourage all of my readers, if you are in NYC, to check out this event; there is still time to head over tomorrow to check out all of the brand’s wonderful charms!

Bergdorfs is located at 754 5th Ave. The event will begin at 12 pm and will end at 6 pm. The purpose behind the event is so that — jewelry enthusiasts and Sydney Evan fans will have the opportunity to work alongside designer Rosanne Karmes to create their very own personalized Sydney Evan beaded bracelet and/or necklace. When I attended last year, Rosanne worked so patiently and attentively to each of her guests. It was truly a fun occasion! Here are some pics I took last year —

The custom bead bar will offer a variety of 14k gold and pave diamond charms to choose from, including the brand’s signature spiritual styles like hamsas and evil eyes, lucky symbols, new zodiac charms, and Sydney Evan’s celebrity coveted “Love” word charms; paired with a rainbow of beaded bracelets or beaded lariats made from semiprecious beads or varying length chain necklaces. Karmes will be on site to help customers create their very own custom creation that represents their personal style, which will be available for pick up within 24 hours of ordering.

And remember, even if you can’t make the event, Sydney Evan can still be purchased online or in various retailers across the U.S., or even international retailers. Sydney Evan is a true trend-setting luxurious jewelry brand. And you can rest assure that when purchasing any Sydney Evan pieces you are purchasing only the highest of quality. You can even check out the great deal of press the brand has rightfully received since its inception, from major editorial spreads in Nylon, Harrods, Cosmo, Bazaar, People, and more, to a major celeb following and fan base — J. Lo., Mila Kunis, Emma Stone, Lea Michele, Bar Rafaeli, Hilary Duff, Kate Hudson, Lauren Conrad, & more!

Sydney Evan really seeks to satisfy each and every customer. If you have any questions there are a myriad of ways to communicate, including on social media-Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. So enjoy the event if you attend or just browsing the Sydney Evan website!

2014 CFDA Awards — All the Glitz & Glam!

Posted on June 5, 2014 by SMM

Check out my best dressed list for the CFDA Awards‘ red carpet. Also, at the conclusion of my piece, the full list of winners from the night’s festivities!

WHITNEY PORT

Ahhhhh, Whitney looks AMAZING!! I’m loving the black & white looks at the CFDA’s, but especially this Dennis Basso knee-length creation. But as we all know, the look never stops at just the dress, here is the breakdown for the remainder of her look — black closed heels by Nicholas Kirkwood; jewelry by Eddie Borgo and Ilana Ariel; clutch by Rafe New York; Katie Jane Hughes of Butter London for makeup (Butter London’s orange “Lady Bird”) and nails (“Yummy Mummy”); Neil Gogoi for hair (super sleek straight look w/ the aide of EVO’s “Root Canal” spray in for volume and worked through the line’s “Easy Tiger” smoothing balm before drying); and stylist Lara Backmender. I’m a huge fan of the Butter London Yummy Mummy nail color as well, so nice to see I amongst some fashion elite when using!

Here are some of my beauty/nail looks in the Butter London “Yummy Mummy” color, also pictured a golden snake ring from nOir Jewelry, an Ashlyn’d clutch, an American Eagle silver bow ring, and a mint green Francesca’s clutch.

BUSY PHILIPPS

I don’t see Busy enough on the red carpet to have ever included her on one of my best dressed lists, so when I see her looking so divine, I MUST include her! This red halter-necked Honor gown, in flaming red, is very Victorian-esque, but you know, with the CFDA red carpet, there can be a little dramatic flare. I mean hey, Rihanna, was wearing a blinged do-rag, so for me, this is at least fashionable flare! The statement making necklace chosen to complete Busy’s looks is from Irene Neuwirth.

ASHLEY & MARY-KATE OLSEN

I was so shocked I enjoyed the twins’ looks as much as I did. Don’t get me wrong — I love these ladies and am happy for all of their fashion success with The Row & Elizabeth and James. But sometimes I don’t completely get their red carpet looks. However here, I’m seeing totally chic, well put together looks by both ladies! Ashley’s long-sleeved black dress is courtesy of her own brand, The Row. Mary Kate’s looks is as well, but her black Nymphette sandal heels are from Christian Louboutin.

COCO ROCHA

I’m definitely about the drama and high-fashion in this black and white # Coco is donning. It is full on glam and I love all the details in this Christian Siriano look — the strapless neckline, the intricate pattern on the skirt, & more! And of course there would be no drama to this look without the black hat by Heather Huey. Coco’s whole look is just major drama, including her bold beauty look & slick do, both from hair & makeup artist Veronica Chu.

CHANEL IMAN — Chanel looks exquisitely glam in this fitted black look courtesy of Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2014 collection, complete with sheer netted long sleeves & cutouts at the plunging neckline. A diamond ring from Graziela Gems and earrings from Effy were the perfect touch to finish this look off.

HEIDI KLUM

Heidi is usually wearing too much, or I guess I should say too little, for me to generally call her a “best dressed.” But in this reserved pale tangerine Donna Karan gown, with a deep-V neck, I have to say I really like the look. This gown is actually part of DK’s 2015 Resort collection. This is a great color and I like that the look is not so “in your face.” I think she should keep on this path of still looking sexy, but also very high-fashion & high-class! Her jewelry is from Lorraine Schwartz. And coordinating in addition, quite nicely, are Heidi’s remaining accessories, clutch & shoes, both from Jimmy Choo.

BLAKE LIVELY

Blake just seems to be unstoppable as of late when it comes to ruling on the red carpet. And she has done it here again in this olive Michael Kors mini with pale pink embellishments. Her major hoop earrings are by Lorraine Schwartz. I have to also say, I love her rose pink Casadei heels since I too have a very similar pair, but mine are from Lauren Conrad’s exclusive Kohl’s collection. So if you like these shoes, I can assure you, LC’s are lower in price and very good quality!

HILARY RHODA — Lace can be very hit or miss nowadays. It use to be all the rage, the trend to wear, but now, for me, it’s become a bit riskier to actually pull off. But no worries for Hilary in this bright & colorful pink & tangerine hue, semi-sheer J. Mendel gown.

JODIE SNYDER MOREL & DANIELLE SNYDER

These lovely ladies are the design team behind the statement-making jewelry brand DANNIJO. The pictures below show some better shots of them, also pictured are Hilary Rhoda and Sophia Bush. So it is my guess then that all of the ladies’ accessories, even to clutches, are courtesy of DANNIJO! I named Hilary best dressed above so this goes for her look as well.

STACEY BENDET — I’m not jumping up and down over Beth Behr’s look from Alice + Olivia, but assuming designer for the brand, Stacey Bendet, is wearing A + O as well, then this look is definitely worth making mention of and including on my best dressed list. More black and white and also reminding me of my own black and white leather look, courtesy of A + O!

JAMES MARSDEN — I need a best dressed guy on my list right! So I pick James, who looks very handsome in this classic black tuxedo suit by Todd Snyder.

So now to the actual awards presentation. The awards are presented in coordination with Swarovski. Other official sponsors are — Intel (Office Technology Sponsor), MAC (official beauty sponsor), Lexus (Official Automotive Sponsor), Veuve Clicquot (Official Champagne Partner), & Proximo (Official Spirits Sponsor). Final votes were tabulated by Ernst & Young, official accounting firm for CFDA.

The awards presentation was at Alice Tully Hall — Lincoln Center. Film director and screenwriter John Waters was the host for the evening. Here is the full list of winners:

Womenswear Designer of the Year — Joseph Altuzarra
Menswear Designer of the Year — Maxwell Osborne & Dao-Yi Chow of Public School
Accessories Designer of the Year — Ashley & Mary-Kate Olsen for the Row
Fashion Icon Award — Rihanna

There are also the Swarovski Awards for emerging talent —

Womenswear — Creatures of the Wind — Shane Gabier & Christopher Peters
Menswear — Tim Coppens
Accessories — Irene Neuwirth

The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Tom Ford. The Founder’s Award went to Bethann Hardison. The Media Award to Paul Cavaco. Raf Simons of Christian Dior received the International Award. The Board of Director’s tribute went to Ruth Finley, founder of Fashion Calendar.

Turner & Tatler — Vintage Jewelry for Modern Times

Posted on May 27, 2014 by SMM

One of the best things about having my fashion blog, and really about being in NYC, is you never know what each day might bring. Everyday is like a surprise, where hidden treasures can be easily found. Relating this back to fashion, take for example an ordinary fashion outing for my fashion blog, Fashion Nexus. I am out at a press preview for a fave jewelry brand of mine, Ted Rossi, where lo and behold I stumble upon another astounding jewelry brand — Turner & Tatler.

I liken Turner & Tatler to a hidden treasure because it is such a unique brand, where each piece is truly special and has its own piece of history. It’s just like the brand’s owner, creator, and founder, Cindy Chaplin, says, the pieces are “modern renditions made from classic pieces of an earlier day…… the antiques of tomorrow.” Cindy has always had a love for jewelry, dating back to fond memories of shopping trips with her mother to the heart of the jewelry district in NYC — 47th Street. So how did a love of jewelry, with an interest in its history, lead to the inception of Turner & Tatler?

It is not a huge surprise. And the instant you meet Cindy and begin discussing her work, you can see the passion, drive, and fondness in her eyes. It’s very encouraging and inspirational to see a hard working woman is making the most and finding success with something she holds so dear to her heart. Cindy started the brand in 2012. She found an unfulfilled market for antique jewelry that was being admired, yet not worn. The premise behind Turner & Tatler is that for each piece, she takes other pieces apart and puts them back into a more useable form. A few examples — an Edwardian belt buckle as a diamond necklace, or a Victorian star brooch floating on a neck chain. It’s yesterday’s jewelry fashioned for today. But each piece still retains its vintage appeal, while still portraying a modern or fresh feel.

There is no added manufacturing. And there are also a wide range of pieces from which to choose — bracelets, chains, charms, earrings, necklaces, and rings. The collection can be seen in London at Liberty of London (purchase available thru Kojis Jewelry) and also at the Harborview Center for Antiques in Connecticut. There are a few ways as of now to make purchases such as visiting a private trunk show or contacting Cindy directly @ cindy@turnerandtatler.com or 914-329-9790.

I have thoroughly perused the Turner & Tatler site, so fun, & I encourage all of my readers to do the same! Here are just a few of my fave pieces within each product category —

RINGS

SAPPHIRE & DIAMOND WHITE GOLD FLOWER

VINTAGE GREEN ENAMEL BUCKLE RING

In order — Tourmaline & Diamond ring; Antique White Gold Ring w/ Synthetic Ruby; Double Snake Head ring; & Black Opal & Diamond ring in White Gold

BRACELETS

FANCY LINK SLIDE BRACELET IN YELLOW GOLD

LUCKY CHARMS BRACELET

click each to enlarge

In order — Mesh Buckle Bracelet in Yellow Gold; Opal Bangle; Coral Yellow Gold & Diamond Bracelet; & Snake Wrap Bracelet

SHIPS AHOY BRACELET

PEARL & DIAMOND BRACELET SET IN PLATINUM

CHARMS

In order — Rotary Telephone; Purse, Teapot, & Skeleton Keys — Charms

In order — Studded Padlock, Fox Drop, Filigree Gold Ball Drop, & Rock Crystal Orb Locket

EARRINGS

In order — Triple Drop Amethyst Earrings; Amethyst Hexagonal Earrings; Citrine Drop Earrings; & Yellow Gold Tassel Earrings

In order — Pearl & Diamond Drop Earrings; Moonstone Drop Earrings; Peridot & Diamond Drop Earrings; Turquoise & Diamond Earrings

NECKLACES

CLOVER NECKLACE

PAINTED PORCELAIN NECKLACE

click each to enlarge

In order — Triple Star Floating necklace; Bohemian Garnet Cluster necklace; Diamond Scalloped necklace; & Arrow necklace in Yellow Gold

DOUBLE DIAMOND DROP NECKLACE

SAPPHIRE BOW DROP NECKLACE

CHAINS

LOVE UNDER LOCK & KEY CHAIN

HONEYCOMB SNOWFLAKE ON A CHAIN

BUTTON HOLE WATCH & CHAIN

AMETHYST GOLD & PEARL CHAIN I can’t wait to see more from this phenomenally unique vintage jewelry brand in the future!! Good luck to Turner & Tatler!

Son Jung Wan Presents “Re-composition”

Posted on March 7, 2014 by SMM

Son Jung Wan, for Fall/Winter 2014, presented several looks for which I would clearly label as walking works of art. Her specific inspiration for the collection was from abstract expressionist artist Mark Rothko. Rothko worked with expressions of various emotions in his artwork thru his wide use of color. And color is certainly not lacking with SJW!

You see a lot of blues (royal), cold & darker, like the Arctic Ocean.

There is also luxe golds, rich & full of history, admiration, & desire.

Mid-tone gray is also utilized, also giving/providing a sense of luxury with the collection.

And finally, ivory, set to convey expressions of tradition & grace.

Alongside a vast use of color, there was also utilization of a wide range of fabrics. Many looks incorporated a mixed use of materials. For example, colorful furs accompanied alongside metallic details. A signifier in many of Rothko’s works was the blurred color boundaries and that is presented in SJW’s collection by way of unfinished edges. This collection is all about modernity, but in a new way.

In a Rothko work, on his canvas, emotions spanned from joy to sadness. Son Jung Wan “wants to paint her collection with colors of emotions as Rothko did.” You can’t deny the artistic quality in all of the looks, whether it’s the fabrication on fur or shimmer of a metallic detail. Imagination and creativity flourish throughout this collection.

Here are a few other faves of mine from this collection that caught my eye. The mixed use of fur throughout, the versatility with the separates, the color schemes when paired together all are just STUNNING!

A few special guests were in attendance for this fabulous show — from Real Housewives of NY, Kelly Bensimon; (Kelly is wearing a Son Jung Wan Day Dress & Fur Coat); from new talk show “The Real”, Adrienne Bailon; (Adrienne is wearing a Son Jung Wan beige winter coat); from Gossip Girl, Kelly Rutherford; & from Radio Disney, Jake Whetter.

SHOUT-OUTS

Production — Freesmeier Projects
Stylist — Deborah Watson @ Walter Schupfer Management
Director — Lynne O’Neill
Casting — Communa-K
PR — Deborah Hughes
Music Director — Laurent Vacher
Make-up — Miyako Okamoto for Shiseido
Hair — Laurent D. @ Prive Salon
Lighting — Strohmeier Lighting
Nails — Shiseido
Dressers — Stephanie J.
Set — Kadan

Ernest Alexander Men — Get Ready, It’s the Big Race Day!

Posted on February 14, 2014 by SMM

There are many great menswear posts coming up on Fashion Nexus! This is all thanks to Agentry PR & Cadillac who put together 7 menswear presentations for the Fall/Winter 2014 season, aka New York Menswear Day/NYMD. First up, the classic & tailored menswear brand Ernest Alexander!! Since Cadillac was the presenting sponsor of this event, they partnered up with 3 designers, Ernest Alexander as one, to wrap with a custom print a 2014 Cadillac ELR. This is pictured above, snow & all, since precipitation was the fashion accessory for NYFW 2014!

Ernest Alexander is certainly known for classic designs & creations. Their collections often encompass tailored suits coupled with complimentary separates, including accessories, such as flight or canvas bags. Well this Fall 2014 collection is no different thanks to the brand’s designer & founder, Ernest Sabine.

The collection draws inspiration from board track racing, which is an early motorcycle sport devoted to speed & danger! The individual looks are reflections of a time when racers would incorporate heavy wools & leathers into their race day outfits. Racers were always impeccably dressed, woven shirts worn under sweaters & then paired with classic chinos. This collection takes elements from this traditional uniform and gives it a modern or updated take.

There are a lot of bold & statement-making pieces in this collection, such as the outerwear. There is the lambskin leather racing jackets, shearling collared flight jacket, & a shawl collar wool coat. Another great aspect to this collection, which is always front & center for the brand, is VERSATILITY. There are a lot of medium to heavy weight wools, which are used in the blazers & trousers to help create mix & match separates. The wool trousers can also be paired with the many classic woven shirts & wool vests.

The color palette & textiles for this collection are outerwear pieces that offer a combo of soft olives & greys, which are then complemented with rich brown, black, & olive leathers. On top of masculine & dark colors, we also see pops of blue, houndstooth, plaid, and wool. The collection would not be complete without a few signature updated travel bags & accessories, which are constructed from leather & wax cotton (to create a glistening sheen). Updated features include new front pockets & the glossy finishes.

I love attending menswear presentations, just as much as the ones for womenswear; and no, it’s not just because of the male models! But I really enjoy seeing the highly talented craft & skill that goes into these pieces, the thoughts behind it; there is always a great story and Ernest Alexander knows how to tell one thru their presentations! Here are just a few of my fave looks from the collection with their descriptions:

Black leather racing bomber jacket & olive canvas moto pants

Black leather moto jacket, Slate houndstooth wool blazer & trousers, blue-striped collared shirt, & 5-panel cap

Grey wool blend blazer, black canvas moto pant, mustard gingham shirt, & 5-panel cap

Navy wax cotton field jacket, navy canvas moto pant, & blue striped shirt

Olive leather moto jacket, blue wool jumper/sweater, taupe striped shirt, grey wool blend trousers, & olive canvas overnight bag

Grey wool work blazer & trousers, taupe striped collared shirt, plain wool-blend necktie & navy leather flight bag,

SHOUT-OUTS

Location: Industria Studios
Styling & Casting: Micah Johnson
Hair: ION
Hair care product: Conair for Men
Make-up Team: Hair Room Service
Make-up: EVOLUTIONMAN
PR: Agentry PR
House Photography: Eric Ryan Anderson
Shoes: Florsheim Limited
Watches: Autodromo
Eyewear: Barton Perreira
Beer: Peroni
Cocktails: Brugal Rum
Water: FIJI

It was great attending the 2014 Ernest Alexander collection, just as much fun from attending & writing about the 2013 Spring collection — make sure to check that piece out as well!!

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

All About KARO Swimwear — Unique, Sexy, & Bold Swimsuits

Posted on December 5, 2013 by SMM

It’s not summertime, but why not get into a warm mindset and at least dream since it’s so cold right now! And what’s the best way to do this? — taking a look at some amazing swimwear pieces from the unique brand — KARO Swimwear.

This brand is inspired by jewels, natural stones, pearls, and crystals. You can definitely see this inspiration come alive in each custom and handmade look. So a little while back, I wrote a snippet about the brand during its presentation for Nolcha Fashion Week. I’ve since talked with the phenomenally talented designer behind the brand, Kasia Roginska, and I knew I had to do a full piece. A few lines and images just wasn’t enough.

Before we get to the various images, here is a brief background for Kasia. She was born in Krakow, Poland. As a child, sewing and fitting outfits for dolls was just the beginning of an emerging passion, which Kasia is now fully developing. After graduating from fashion design school, her family moved with her to the USA — CT. She took a break from fashion design, but it wasn’t long before her bottled creativity needed a bigger outlet. It was just this past January that the idea for KARO swimwear blossomed — SO EXCITING!!

BACKSTAGE CRAZINESS!!

The pieces are just so great because they are so different with the unique details of pearls, jewels, or crystals. Another great aspect of the pieces is that they certainly embody a confident and sexy woman. It’s so great how daring and risk-taking each piece is, whether it’s the cut or the bright color or bold print. And the stamp for KARO, what Kasia wants to have stand out, is that there’s also possibility of matching shoes and accessories. So as you look thru the images, take note of the handbags, totes or decorated high-heels and sandals!

The various images are of KARO’s most recent Spring 2014 collection. The brand hasn’t even been on the scene a year and has already been presented three times so you will see images from Nolcha fashion week, Fashion Week Brooklyn, and the most recent fashion show for NYC Fashion Runway’s “Bikinis & Couture” at The Dream Hotel‘s Ph-D Lounge.

CORAL LACE: one piece w/ nude lining

The deep-V neckline is decorated with strands of green dyed quartzite chips forming a fringe look and it’s hand-beaded.

PURPLE BUTTERFLY

This is a haltered applique suit with details of Swarovski crystals, purple flowers, and large imported turquoise rhinestone connectors.

CLEOPATRA

This is a two-piece suit with a large collar of chunky glass, metal, and jewels.

MULTI-COLOR ANIMAL PRINT

This is a purple, lime green, & turquoise animal print 2 piece suit. The top has attached, a handmade purple amethyst crackle stoned nugget, two tiered necklaces. The bottoms are scrunched back with a two tiered layered belly necklace.

BUMBLEBEE

This is a one piece suit with black and yellow accents & a haltered top. It’s decorated with three large black rhinestone pieces, which are imported from Europe.

This is a peach colored convertible bikini/monokini with detachable mid-piece. The bottoms are ruched and accented with beautiful leopard print flowers and Swarovski crystals.

AMETHYST MONOKINI

This is a plunging amethyst satin suit with silver braided halter straps around the neck. The Brazilian cut bottoms are accented with silver tone jeweled flowers.

SEA FOAM LACE

This is a beautiful, ultra feminine, sea foam lace suit with chunky freshwater white pearl layered necklace and scrunched bottoms.

Here we have a retro polka dot 2-piece suit with triangular cups and decorated with red Swarovski crystals and two large black rhinestone broaches.

ZEBRA MONOKINI

This zebra print monokini is connected by semi-precious pink dyed stones.

WHITE SATIN ORCHID

This is a sensual white satin orchid suit with silver tone metal & green manmade stone connectors. Each artificial orchid has a purple freshwater pearl inside the blossom. The bottom is a Brazilian cut & scrunched and the top has triangular cups.

SNAKE SUIT

Here we have a bold approach to beach attire — it’s a bandeau top with a snake connector, scrunched back bottoms with snake connector rings. The snake is detachable and can clip on in many ways or worn without!

The pink blossom suit has black onyx stone accents on the straps and inside each flower. The connectors are rhinestone butterflies.

There are additional pieces to the Spring 2014 collection so make sure to take a look. But here are a few other pieces from the various shows that I liked!

I would like to also mention a special thanks to the various photographers who shared their images with Kasia:

Get Ready! The PONO Annual Holiday Sample Sale is Here!

Posted on December 2, 2013 by SMM

PONO by Joan Goodman is a designer jewelry brand I have certainly fallen in love with. I wrote a piece awhile back on the brand and I enjoyed learning about the brand, the designer and of course, the amazing jewelry pieces! It’s been great to keep in touch and so I’m happy to announce their annual holiday Sample Sale, which starts now, December 2nd.

It’s a pretty lengthy sale duration period so make sure if you are in NYC to get out to this sample sale! You have from December 2nd until December 13th. The location is 347 W 36th Street, Ste. 405. As you can see from the flyer above, everything is going to have some major discounts attached, 50-80% off. One of the great things on top of great deals is that the designer, Joan Goodman, will also be around. I find that is very touching and I know as a shopper, I would love to meet the talent behind a designer fashion brand so I hope any customers enjoy that experience! Joan is an obviously talented designer, but also a very kind and welcoming individual. She will be sure to make your shopping experience a great one!

There is going to be a great selection. I will be sure to tweet some additional photos as the sale endures, so if you don’t already, make sure to follow Fashion Nexus on Twitter. You can follow PONO on Twitter for updates as well. What you see above will certainly be available for purchase — a bold colorblocked choker for $40 from the original price of $205; also, the Masai necklace, on sale for $75 from an earlier $205. And as you can see below, the Italian resin colorful cuffs are on sale for $10 from an original price of $50.

The sale is for weekdays only from the 12/2 to 12/13 period and the hours are from 9 am to 6 pm. If you have any questions, you can contact by phone at 212-216-0044. You have the chance to find some bold pieces at this sale so now is that time for you to find jewelry you can fall in love with and make a statement! You certainly wouldn’t be alone in doing so, remember, PONO has been seen on TV with the hit CBS show, The Good Wife.

Arboreal Goddess Bracelet So get out and shop away. Also stay tuned for additional sample sale updates. I will also be doing additional posts on the brand for the Spring 2014 season.

Fashion Nexus

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

Tag Archives: New York City

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