NYFW — An International Perspective

Posted on February 24, 2016 by SMM

All Photography by Shanise Gibson

CONCEPT KOREA

Jarret

Jarret, presented by Ji-yeon Lee, maintained the sleek, chic finish, but also embraced a more eclectic and eccentric aesthetic.

From the vibrant colors to the imaginative prints, I was blown away.

I love a collection that offers true variety, from colors to silhouettes.

Yohanix

Yohan Kim Brand was first established in London in 2009. The Korea-born designer, Yohan Kim, graduated from London College of Fashion in 2007. And is now debuting at NYFW. Here is a brief bio on the designer and brand —

He used to work as the designer for both Michiko Koshino women’s wear and haute couture line as early as a BA student. Not long after his graduation, Yohan Kim moved to Paris and started to work for Balmain Paris, specializing in leather wear, and later opened his own design studio in Beijing.

There is always a dark sense of humor attached to Yohan’s work, playful yet stylish. He is also aiming at exploring the ‘luxuriousness’ thru his own way. Therefore, unexpected combination of textiles has been widely applied to this collection — textured leather, cashmere wool, gold embroidery, beading, printing has been all mixed in and merged with each other in harmony. His signature combines heavy details and strong structure emphasizing a special sense of sensuality and power.

The brand focuses on playing with slash, layers and geometry shapes to create garments that are original and creative. Yohan has always been experimental with his work. He invents the new studding and beading way of his own style. All these unique details definitely creates an extraordinary visual excitement. He shows his respect to his work by making 100% effort on each garment. It is visually reflected through this collection by using luxurious fabrics, innovative shapes and creative (also time consuming) details. Yohan Kim will always keep pushing the boundaries to make the brand youthful, fresh and absolutely timeless.

FASHION HONG KONG

Hidy NG

Hidy N.G. presents some stunning RTW for A/W 16. The brand officially launched back in 2003 in NYC. The design is characterized by avant-garde silhouettes adorned with intricate details and feminine lacing technique using delicate embellishments and dentelle.

There are some truly stand-out, eye-catching pieces in this collection, specifically the look above and below. The sheer top is gorgeous, as well as the golden embellished one below.

Loom Loop — Polly Ho

This is one collection where the super fun, showmanship headpieces were also just as great as the looks. Well okay, not just as great, but it definitely enhanced the overall show quality.

The various prints adorned on various looks provided pops of fresh color and a youthful spirit.

However, I also appreciated the less vibrant pieces just as much, namely the black and/or white pieces as seen above and below. Regardless of the tone, you could see the designer’s vision and stamp.

Harrison Wong

Harrison Wong, founder of Harrison Wong Ltd, made his fashion debut by winning both the Hong Kong Young Designer’s Contest and the Grand Prix Contest in Japan. He then earned a Masters degree with distinction from the London College of Fashion. For a number of years before launching his own retail fashion business, Wong broadened his credentials by designing women’s and men’s seasonal collections for international runways in New York, Milan, Shanghai, Taipei, Sydney and Hong Kong. In addition, as Design Director for a number of fashion houses in Hong Kong and China, Wong has build up substantial creative expertise at the corporate level in these dynamic markets. Now, Harrison Wong has entered a new chapter in his career by opening his first menswear retail shop at PMQ, Hong Kong’s exciting new arts and design hub in Central.

The Harrison Wong brand offers contemporary apparel and accessories for urban males. The fashions have an edgy, aggressive design underpinned with understated elegance. Clients will typically be fashion aware with a good eye for design and who tend to incorporate art and tasteful design into their daily life. The apparel and accessories will be of the highest quality yet affordable at the same time demonstrating that fine design and taste are not necessarily determined by the price tag.

NYFW — Ladies & Kids

Posted on February 24, 2016 by SMM

DEMOO Parkchoonmoo

Entitled Warmth, For A/W 16, Demi Park sought inspiration in Korean traditional garb. The collection is an homage to the designer’s mother, whom she would only see for important holidays as she was growing up. Then dressed in more traditional Korean attire, such as the banbok, a popular Korean dress, her mother exuded warmth and strength at the same time.

So for A/W 16, Demi translated her joy of these rare moments into a very rich collection that pays tribute to tradition, as well as family and togetherness, which is expressed in the warmth of the color palette and the precious materials.

Park’s interpretation of the traditional, typically colorful motives in Korean attire sees a rather saturated appropriation here, playing with nuances of grey, gold, burgundy, camel, and eggplant, that compliment the black and white themes she is so well known for.

Makeup — Colleen Rune; Styling — Sarah Ellison; Hair — Kien Hoang for Oribe; Casting — Barbara Pfister Casting; Music — Ben Brunnemer; Production — Omen PR; Front of House/PR — Nouveau & Omen PR

Isossy Children/London

Designer Amanda Rabor presented Isossy’s A/W 16 collection at the Affinia Hotel for New York Fashion Week.

The brand offers children style and fashion reflecting a truly global culture as it enters into its 10th season. “In times of change and diverse living, fashion can reflect diverse cultures for up and coming generations to own, to claim and to wear in everyday life. It’s for the new global citizens of the world” says founder Amanda Rabor

Isossy Children offers bold, quirky, vibrant and global collections for kids. Amanda’s vision is creating a global fashion brand for children that will inspire the confidence, creativity and self belief of children growing up and living in diverse, global cultures.

Photography by Shanise Gibson

This is for sure some chic, highly fashionable childrenswear — my first time seeing the brand. Needless to say, I was vastly impressed, and it was more than an overhaul of the cuteness factor. The pieces were trendy, right on level with what’s hot today!

Nika Tang

While not a gigantic collection, Nika Tang still managed to deliver a huge, resounding impact. The outwear was phenomenal to view, but was all astoundingly well-made. The color palette offered a lot in terms of basic pieces, as well as some more unique options.

If I’m not mistaken, this was Nika’s NYFW debut, my first time seeing the designer’s pieces, and overall, I think Tang did well for herself. I look forward to seeing what she has in store next season.

Casa de Moda by Jessica Lynn

I thought Jessica did a great job last season with her chic, super trendy presentation, and this recent showing has certainly led to consistency from the brand, Casa de Moda.

I enjoyed the color palette, specifically the ice blue/serenity, which is actually one of the 2016 Pantone Color’s of the Year. I also was intrigued by the variety of silhouettes, all very fashionista-worthy and chic.

Ohlin/d

For fall, Öhlin/D creative director Jacob Park portrayed the evolution of a woman’s style — from sweet and girly to more mature and urban.

To deliver a more grown-up look, Park darkened the color palette — which ranged from sorbet tones to shades of black and brown — and kept the silhouette more graphic.

ÖHLIN/D is a contemporary women’s Ready-To-Wear brand founded in September 2013. The ÖHLIN/D woman approaches everything with a clear mind. She never thinks too hard about what she wants to wear and loves effortless, cool, and lasting fashion. She is inherently stylish.

NYFW — Classic Faves

Posted on February 17, 2016 by SMM

Every season there is a designated list of runway shows and/or presentations that I know I will attend. And here are just a few of my faves — Jay Godfrey, Nicholas K, and Mathieu Mirano. But first up, DESIGUAL!!

DESIGUAL

DESIGUAL Fall 2016 Pays Homage to the Ever-Evolving and Inspiring Urban Metropolis

DESIGUAL’s Fall 2016 collection reflected on the international metropolises where personal expression can be created and demonstrated through many diverse styles. Throughout history, cities have been a meeting place for people of different cultures to come to share and experience their own stories.

And just as I always expect, Desigual put on a show — true to fashion, to its inspiration. I’m always mesmerized at how put together each look is. No detail is left unnoticed. Desigual is a master at prints and color and continued to showcase those attributes.

The brand looks to the vibrancy of city life and all of its creative lifeblood for its Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. The collection’s aesthetic is a metaphor for the 21st century, visualized as a textured collage, where technology, trends and a global culture now are one. The essence of DESIGUAL imparts that every day is an opportunity to express yourself and wear your attitude to face the world.

Fashion has become an ambassador, the visual clue to our collective conscious. And with this season’s collection DESIGUAL celebrates the women whose style makes the city streets so vibrant.

JAY GODFREY

I look at this collection as a whole and immediately think — IT HAS IT ALL. You have the perfect colors for fall, burgundy, forest green, royal blue, and nude. You have varied silhouettes. You have RTW to evening. Godfrey always conveys impeccable taste and a stunning quality with his work. This collection is no different!

Styling & Casting by Lisa Nguyen, Hair by Jorge Luis / PRIVE, Makeup by Michelle Webb with AOFM Pro Team, Nails by Pattie Yankee, Music by Michael T, Set Design by Reclaim Design NYC, Production & PR by EB Consults. PHOTOS BY NEIL FRANCIS DAWSON

MATHIEU MIRANO

Mathieu Mirano’s poetic description of his inspiration was instantly visible in his shimmering, sensual evening collection for fall, shown on models sitting and standing on sand among, for a bit of humor, live tortoises. The designer’s travels to Egypt — specifically, the rainbow-hued sunsets and swirling desert winds — influenced his sculptural shapes as well as his palette: ombré stretch lame and an abundance of car wash-esque strips cut as skirts and even floor-skimming sleeves.

“I want my clothes to have a recognizable language,” said Mirano, whose signature elements include embroidered fringes and panels, mermaid silhouettes, liquid silks and stretch lame. What I enjoyed most about Mirano’s collection was its elevation. From previous seasons, I could tell that design, materials, just everything overall was on a whole new level for the designer.

Pretty much every piece had a regal, luxe quality to it. I really enjoyed the use of color!

NICHOLAS K — “ARCOSANTI”

“ARCOLOGY RECOGNIZES THE NECESSITY FOR RADICAL REORGANIZATION OF SPRAWLING URBAN LANDSCAPE INTO DENSE, INTEGRATED, THREE-DIMENSIONAL CITIES IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE COMPLEX ACTIVITIES THAT SUSTAIN HUMAN CULTURE.” – PAOLO SOLERI / ARCHITECT /VISIONARY FOUNDER ARCOSANTI

These quotes, these inspirations, daily guide and navigate the thought process behind Nicholas K and the ongoing traveler.

“ARCOSANTI’S MESSAGE IS THAT “LIFE IS IN THE THICK OF THINGS”. WE ARE NOT FUTURISTS. WE ARE NOT TRYING TO PREDICT THE FUTURE WITH THIS PROJECT; WE ARE TRYING TO DESIGN IT OUT OF WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE PRESENT. LET ME JUST CONFIDE WHAT WE DO KNOW: THE CURRENT GLOBAL TSUNAMI OF CONSUMPTION – OF OBJECTS, MATERIALS, ENERGY AND LAND – IS LEADING TO DISASTER, BOTH ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL. FOR THE WHOLE WORLD’S POPULATION – 7 BILLION PEOPLE – TO LIVE THE WAY 314 MILLION AMERICANS LIVE NOW, WOULD TAKE 5 EARTHS TO SUPPORT. THIS IS NO JOKE.” – JEFF STEIN / PRESIDENT COSANTI FOUNDATION

HAIR — Giannandrea Marongiu for Macadamia Professional; WOODEN HAIR STICKS — Rick McCoy; MAKEUP — Sarah Lucero for Stila Cosmetics; NAILS — Elle Gerstein for Dermelect; PR — Agentry PR

how to pack female hair in 2016

Final Recap from NYFW:Men

Posted on February 14, 2016 by SMM

SUIT SUPPLY

Suit Supply was one of my most fave presentations for NYFW:Men. It was a great showcase of the F/W 2016 collection, lots of great suit options for the modern man. It would take him from straight off the rack to a well-dressed, modernly fashionable man.

CONCEPT KOREA — DBYD (by Dong-jun Kang)

Concept Korea is a global project that publicizes Korea’s fashion culture throughout the world and supports domestic designer brands make in-roads into overseas markets. This year’s 2 showcases were presented by Korea Creative Content Agency & the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, & Tourism.

This F/W16 collection — I’m Yours and I’m not yours. The concept behind the collection was from the film “Her” by Spike Jonze. Whenever the main actor’s emotion changed, the color of the cinematography would change as well, depending on the mood. The two key words of this film contrast with the colors are “owning” and “being”. It makes one think psychologically, owning the assurance of being, or being as its complete measure of his existence.

The color palette is sand beige, melange gray, cool gray, burgundy, red, black, and white.

CONCEPT KOREA — ORDINARY PEOPLE (by Hyeong-cheol Jang)

Entitled “Hotel People”, there are always rest points/commas in musics and writings, and with this brand, they also believe that we need rest points in our lives to make it more valuable and bounce back to reality, which one usually calls it a holiday. In the background of a perfect holiday, one spots that there are people who are off for a holiday and people who chase for a holiday.

Ordinary People brings the story of a hotel where people stay for holiday. With the theme of Ordinary People’s hotel, we not only go thru the bright sides, the shoppers, and the limousines, but also every little element that makes people’s holiday perfect. With this collection, Ordinary People are proud to show every moment happening in the hotel with their own Ordinary style.

Sponsors of the overall Concept Korea show are Soko Glam! and AVEDA.

GENERAL IDEA

Designer Bumsuk Choi presented a lineup that managed to remain playful while still maintaining the minimal tone that is a hallmark of the brand. The collection included modern elements such as oversize coats with exaggerated patch pockets in monochromatic tones, color-blocking on outerwear in bomber and leather moto jacket styles and various zipper treatments on sleeves.

The outerwear pieces here were truly phenomenal, so mind-blowing!

NYMD — Part 2

Posted on February 9, 2016 by SMM

Here is my follow-up pieces for the remainder of the presentations for NYMD, hosted by Cadillac!

ROBERT JAMES

MAKEUP — Mario Badescu; HAIR — Oribe; PR — Agentry; HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY — Ben Kuto, Keith Carlson Video; SHOES — Johnston & Murphy; MODELS — One 1 Management, Tom Winslow Bella Agency; MUSIC — Love & Rockets, Matt Pickles Caveman DJ; HATS — Stetson; GLOVES — Icon

Robert James has done quite well here with this collection. The suits are very modern and well-made. I appreciate the minimalist quality of the collection, but there are some fresh pops of flare here and there, showing great attention to detail.

HVRMINN

Hvrminn designer Minn Hur’s appreciation for World War II was prevalent throughout his fall collection. The lineup, which emphasized soft traditional tailoring, offered pieces inspired by the era’s military garb and interpreted in sartorial clothing.

“My specialty is about finding the perfect balance between tailored clothes and military uniforms,” Hur said. I appreciate the clear vision and inspiration found in this collection. I see growth from it in some more literal elements to translated facets.

CWST

Orcas Island — 70 miles NW of Seattle lies the San Juan Islands, a secluded archipelago, barley tucked into the Puget Sound pocket. It’s a cellular dead zone. The type of slow paced offshore counter culture the CWST wanderer prefers. Inspired by grey washed rain shadows, cordovan tide lines, sandstone outcroppings and weathered Douglas fir, CWST veils the sun for A/W 2016.

CASTING — Drew Linehan for Trew Productions; MAKEUP — Suzana Hallili using Perfekt Beauty and Mario Badescu skin care; HAIR — Dan T. Nguyen at Oribe; MUSIC — The Eyes; JEWELRY — Fay Andrada; ADDITIONAL SPONSORS — American Woolen Co, Johnston & Murphy; SPECIAL THANKS TO — Agentry PR, Alon Entertainment

LUCIO CASTRO

The Stonehenge Collection — THIS COLLECTION IS INPIRED BY PHOTOGRAPHS FROM TRAVELLING COMMUNITIES IN THE UK FROM THE LATE 80’S TO THE EARLY 90’S, WHO HAD SPIRITUAL AND MUSICAL GATHERINGS AT STONEHENGE.

These communities lived and moved around in old buses that they had transformed into their homes and their creative spaces. From this starting point, Lucio created clashing patterns, oversized silhouettes, and a sense of lazy-comfort, always picturing the wearer at a midnight concert in Stonehenge.

STYLING — Benjamin Sturgill; PR — Agentry PR; CASTING — Trew Productions; SET PRODUCTION — Cooper Vasquez; MUSIC — Stephen Kisko

CHAPTER

Entitled Admission, Chapter’s F/W 2016 collectioni is inspired by Los Angeles and its inclusive nature, reveling in confidence, intention and the experience of finding yourself on a path lined with distractions that can be all consuming. The city has many nocturnal faces, each unearthing a subculture sought after by the individuals who seek to not only fulfill their personal ambitions, but to encounter new experiences along the way.

This collection brings those elements of transformation and distraction to life with a new approach to familiar Chapter silhouettes. In a nod to the styling of the city’s mid to late 90s swing revival, The brand’s signature color palette is highlighted by a rich dark emerald green, clay, and mud.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER — Frank Delegadillo; CREATIVE DIRECTOR/DESIGNER — Devin Carlson; SHOW PRODUCER — Julie Shumaker; IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY — Shawn Punch; ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY — Jayson Payne; PR — Raluca State; SET BUILD — Cush Design Studio; STYLING — Richie Davis/Chloe & Chenelle Delgadillo; CASTING — StyledbyPhil; MAKEUP — Suzana Hallili using Perfekt & Mario Badescu; HAIR — Oribe; MUSIC PROGRAMMING — Bladerunner Trio; LIVE PERFORMANCE — Brooklyn Circle; MODELS — Ford, Americana, Re:Quest, DNA, MSA, Fusion, Major, Red, D1, Q; SPECIAL THANKS TO — Townes, Agentry, PBLC TRDE NY, Dr. Martens

MATIERE

For Autumn/Winter 2016, Matiere explores a sense of modern migration, updating the traditional traveler with the functionalities to explore today’s world. Mixed fabrications reflect the blend of cultural inspirations, from the edgelands of England to the cityscapes of New York. This duality between the natural and the urban is expressed through the use of materials on modern silhouettes.

Many of the fabrics and textures conjure natural landscapes, while design details provide the ease to navigate them. Subtle tech elements include sealed zippers, protective funnel necks, covered plackets and adjustable cuff straps. The brand’s beloved apron front pant returns with seasonal updates, in addition to a selection of updated jogger pants and modern trousers. Outerwear remains a focus with collarless bombers, modern Harrington jackets and contemporary topcoats. Knitwear is also a stand-out category with cashmere cowl neck sweaters as well as light Japanese double knit and linen-cotton blend tops.

CASTING — communa-K; MAKEUP — Perfekt; HAIR — Oribe; PR — Agentry; HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY — Driely S.; FOOTWEAR — Dr. Martens; BAGS — Graf & Lantz; ACCESSORIES — Lucky Selectism

NYMD — Part 1

Posted on February 9, 2016 by SMM

No better way to kick off NYFW:Men then New York Menswear Day, presented by Cadillac at Industria Studios. Here are the first set of designers!

DAVID HART

The AW’16 collection is inspired by Blue Note Jazz and the effortlessly cool musicians like Jimmy Smith, Art Blakey, and Max Roach. Photographs by Francis Wolff and graphic design by Reid Miles were the inspiration for the color palette and textiles this season.

David Hart always puts out a superb showing and this collection is right in line with what I’ve come to know and love about the brand. The pieces are high quality and really perfection for the modern, trendy man. His plaid pieces this season really caught my eye!

STYLING, CASTING, PRODUCTION — Consortium; HAIR — Kien Hoang for Oribe; MAKEUP — Suzana Hallili using Perfekt Beauty & Mario Badescu skin care; PR — Agentry PR; SHOES — Johnston & Murphy; MODELS — Red, Wilhelmina, DNA, NYM; MUSIC — Xavier Aimes; GLASSES — Moscot; ADDITIONAL SPONSORS — William Grant & Sons, Glenfiddich, Aqua Brands, American Woolen Company

GARCIAVELEZ

This season aims to shift away from New York’s fast-paced environment to seek renewal and reflection in the healing environs of thermal baths tucked away deep in the Alps. With that, we get pieces that are wearable, comfortable and the perfect blend of luxury meets function.

The outerwear pieces for Garciavelez’s collection are eye-catching, I love the loose fits, with mixed media and multi-toned color palettes.

MAX N’ CHESTER

For Max N’ Chester, designed by Peter Trainor, this collection puts together a 54-piece line including tailored shirts, suits and contemporary outwear for men. Trainor also included expanded womenswear matching its male counterpart. He introduced two exclusive fabrics to the collection.

“I am excited to bring forward a collection that offers the signature Max ‘n Chester look and also incorporates modernity and newness,” said Trainor. “Maintaining our four pillars of brand philosophy: fabric, design, silhouettes, and comfort, the fall winter 2016 line is impeccably curated for anyone that seeks ultimate luxury.”

EDMUND OOI

Edmund Ooi aimed to blend collegiate prep with club kids. Inspired by the class of 2525, the designer offered up a futuristic take on the schoolboy uniform, complete with turtlenecks, leather perfecto jackets and duffel coats, all styled with cuffed denim jeans.

“I’m thinking about the student of the future and played on the idea of the uniform,” said Ooi. I really like this take myself. There is a futuristic vibe and I feel as if I’m seeing something quite different here.

KRAMER STOUDT

Mike Rubin, a Southern California native who launched his line in 2012, consistently draws from the surf, skate and punk culture of the Seventies and Eighties. But for his fall 2016 collection, he also pulled from German artist Markus Lüpertz, who regularly depicted a male dandy in his paintings.

With this collection, Kramer Stoudt not only captivated his audience with an intriguing presentation set-up, but also well-made, impeccable pieces, varying form suits to basics to outerwear.

PLAC

Titled “Retro Spectrum”, PLAC’s fall/winter 2016 collection is filled with textures that evoke 1990’s grunge between the Britpop and Madchester subculture music scene. Nostalgic sports aesthetics from the late 80’s and early 90’s are apparent throughout with pops of colors, prints and patterns.

Using familiar materials in an unfamiliar way is a core statement throughout the collection with pressed wool coats, knits infused with rayon, jackets with raccoon fur lining, and fabric blocking. Pops of cyber blue stand against a neutral color palette of black, white and olive.

STYLING — Tom Van Dorpe; CASTING — Maurilio Carnino for MTC Casting; MAKEUP — Perfekt; HAIR — Oribe; SHOES — Dr. Martens; PR — Agentry PR; HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY — Eric White; VIDEO — Alexey Yurenev; MUSIC — Yun B; STAGE & LIGHTING DESIGN — Max Relax; ADDITIONAL SPONSORS — American Woolens, Johnston & Murphy, Mario Bedescu, Aqua Brands

My Fave Fashion Nexus Posts of 2015

Posted on December 29, 2015 by SMM

Wow, what a year 2015 has been for Fashion Nexus. I wrote almost 140 individual posts. Updates and creations of various site pages and features. I attended 2 seasons for NYFW, probably with invites to well over 150 shows, attendance at near half. And what I love is knowing that there is still more to come. I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for my fashion blog!

It was so hard to pick a few faves of the year, but I selected 12 fave features of mine throughout 2015. But, right here are the top 4 posts of 2015 — What’s Hot for Prom, 2015; Best Dressed at the 2015 Golden Globes; various Project Runway postings; and Best Looks 2015 Golden Globes AfterParty.

Onto the top 12, ENJOY!

DRAMATIZON MAKEUP’S ICE KING & QUEEN SHOW

I love attending fashion shows, specifically thru Dramatizon Makeup, which I was introduced to about 2 years ago. This show is all about creative makeup looks and fierce inventive hair stylings. And on a side personal note, this show really helped to make 2015 all the more better for me. 2015 would have been very different had I never attended this show, not meeting some very special people, one in particular, that night.

PRODUCING MY OWN FASHION SHOW

Actually producing my show and then writing about it, very much a highlight of my year!

FORDHAM’S ANNUAL FASHION LAW SYMPOSIUM

I wrote a few posts on the Fashion Law Symposium, but I selected this particular one because of the riveting sessions I featured and it was so great being able to meet top model Coco Rocha!

THE RED CARPET TRENDS OF THE 2015 AWARD SEASON

Inspired from collaborative work with Mac Duggal, I went back thru all of the recent red carpets, highlighted trends, and then identified looks from the Mac Duggal catalogue of dresses.

Take for example a gorgeous go-to for any red carpet, a sizzling, bold red look —

And then, here is a stunning Mac Duggal look to match —

2015 INDEPENDENT HANDBAG DESIGNER AWARDS

Such a pleasure being able to attend the IHDAs, being in the presence of such great talent — definitely looking forward to more award shows to come!

ALL THINGS LAUREN CONRAD

Huge fan of LC, so being able to dedicate this #WCW feature on this fashionable icon was so much fun, such a pleasure!

MAXI DRESSES GALORE

I am a huge fan of maxi dresses. I had such fun looking thru maxi dresses for my fave designers and brands, and then being able to highlight some very unique finds for the season!

NYFW — REEM ACRA

Reem Acra is a designer brand I often feature on my own best dressed lists. It’s worn by such gorgeous ladies of Hollywood. So to be in attendance amongst some of the elite in the fashion industry — this is a true pleasure!

NYFW — TADASHI SHOJI

Tadashi Shoji is an amazing designer, with looks always on the red carpet, and it was such a thrill, a true honor, to attend this show again!

NYFW — DESIGUAL

This show is always a fave of mine during NYFW; it’s lively, vibrant, and exciting!

NYFW — LEANNE MARSHALL

Leanne Marshall was the first NYFW show I went to ever, way back when I first moved to NYC. Now that I am so in with my blog, it’s been great to witness Leanne’s journey thru several fashion weeks. I will always be happy to be in attendance.

NYFW — IDAN COHEN

This was my first time being introduced to this talented designer — wow, so many gorgeous, red carpet worthy looks — a new and instant fave!

So I Produced a Fashion Show….

Posted on December 14, 2015 by SMM

Photography by — Adam Lein & Shanise Gibson — So thankful to both of these talented photographers for all of these wonderful images captured from the show!

As a fashion blogger, I am always ecstatic about the many firsts I get to encounter. And here is another one — producing my very first fashion show! I thought it would be such a fun idea to put on a show for my birthday. Now it was a little belated, but I finally made it happen, just a short while after my actual birthday. And right from the very start of making plans for this show, I knew immediately one designer that had to be involved — Kasia Roginska of KARO Swimwear.

Model & Aspiring Actress, Alexis

Stunning model Jessica!!

Writer, Actress & Fashion Enthusiast Sade

KARO Swimwear was a brand I was introduced to very early on in my blogging days. I instantly fell in love with the various swimwear pieces as they were all super sexy, unique, and creative. Kasia has always been great to work with in the past and so I knew this would be such a fun collaboration in coordinating this show.

Amazingly talented Model, Erin

Model & Marketing Phenom Megan

There was quite a bit of preparation to pull the show off, but mostly, it was all enjoyable. And one aspect I loved was coordinating with these lovely ladies who modeled the various KARO pieces. Throughout the piece will be some information on these gorgeous ladies. But I truly have to extend a huge thanks to each of these women — it was such a pleasure to have them in the show and they really worked this runway!

Model — Tara

Such a great venue for the show, the immaculate Empire Hotel, very infamously featured on one of my all-time fave shows, Gossip Girl!

Model — Diana

Once again, Photography by — Adam Lein & Shanise Gibson

All in all, this was an amazing experience taking part in fashion show production. I’m not sure I hit every aspect on this first go-round, but I feel as if it was an accomplished start. KARO was the perfect brand to feature and so many pieces came down the runway, I as well as the rest of the audience, were astonished. The models all looked beautiful and sexy. It was such a fulfilling and pleasing experience, and I can’t wait for show #2!!

PR — The Finale

Posted on November 29, 2015 by SMM

So yes, finally getting around to blogging about the final eps of Project Runway and definitely just happy to get it over with at this point. I got behind on the episodes, but ultimately, I wasn’t feeling these final few shows of the season, all in all, quite disappointing. And the way everything ended up with the final 4, it certainly wasn’t making me jump to my computer to blog away. But as an avid PR fan, blog away, I must, and I did want to applaud one designer I was happy with this season — Kelly. She was my winner for the season. More on that later, but first, a bit on the episode before the finale (yep, definitely not dedicating 2 separate posts for this finale!).

So of course as the almost finale began, it was clear Edmond would be saved, despite the edit attempts of it all being drawn out. Tim Gunn save used. The designers were headed home with 9k to create a 10 look collection. The Tim visit of course came sooner rather than later and the designers were quite eager.

Tim advised Ashley to keep her hand natural when designing and not to go too matronly. For Candice, he made sure to warn her about over-designing, to keep an editing eye. Kelly found a fan in Tim, but he asked that she make sure her looks had a luxe feel, not to go the cheap route. And finally, with Edmond, he was left with a lot of work to do as not much had been accomplished.

The designers were back to NY, Kelly feeling as if she was done, while Edmond still had 3 looks to complete and he was not even unpacking! Tim came by shortly after everyone had settled into the workroom. He told the designers they would present 3 looks to the judges for feedback. However, one of those looks had to be brand spankin’ new, created just in that 1 day. The designers were then headed to Mood with a budget of $250, which could be used in any way to enhance their collection. At Mood, we saw some zipper wars and Edmond somehow racking up a whopping $395, way over budget!! It was then again Tim-time.

Tim instructed Kelly to think of proportion and Ashley received this same critique. With Edmond, it was all about what to present to the judges. And with Candice, there was worry over cohesion. So at this point I would cut to the judges’ critique on the 3-look presentation, but I will save that for my final discussion on each collection. So instead, I will skip to the next segment right before the final collections were presented at Fashion Week. After the judges’ critiques, the designers had 2 days to get to work and many had lots of work to do, well…..according to the judges.

The final episode of the season began with Tim allowing the designers to hit up Mood once more. Tim himself would do the shopping. Ashley & Kelly only took part, with no objection from Candice or Edmond. Tim later went over the judges’ notes with each designer. Brian Bolain of Lexus popped in to let the designers know they could make use of 2 Lexus coops to arrive in style for their shows. Lots of last minute craziness was of course occurring in this episode. But as per usual, everything seemed to go off without a hitch. And the guest judge on the presentations of the final 4 was country music superstar Carrie Underwood.

So without further delay, let’s get to the most important part of the finale of PR — the fashion week presentations. Ashley won, but I am going to begin with my choice for the winner, Kelly!

After the judges’ initial critiques I was afraid Kelly would drastically change up her collection as Candice did and that would have been such a shame. Kelly is a really cool designer and this is a very hip collection. I am not sure I can rock all of Kelly’s looks, but they do make me kind of want to try. Kelly is all about experimentation and she very much makes me want to experiment with my own fashion choices.

Kelly was the designer who stayed most true to herself. She has such a clear vision. She has a type of girl and this girl will go and buy these pieces. She has a unique spirit and you can see that in her work. Her styling was also very spot on, just such great work on the accessories, the hair (Sally Beauty), and the makeup (Mary Kay) — it was all spectacular.

When it came down to the judges thoughts, early on, Nina was quick to quip that she couldn’t tell what garment was made in only a day, because what she saw, it was hard to tell. She also said that this didn’t feel like a collection that was 9k worth. How the judges could think this, but somehow feel as if their winner Ashley’s collection looked like 9k, mind boggling! Like seriously! I think the tip to amp up the styling was a good thought, but overall, Kelly was lacking in judges’ support and the producers when it would come to naming her as the winner. There were other plans in mind!

But overall I applaud Kelly for staying true to herself all season. She was a dark horse and coming in 2nd was a huge accomplishment for her. I will definitely be keeping an eye on this talented lady in the future!

I wish Candice had channeled some Kelly vibes when it came to her final presentation. I will still keep an eye out for Candice in the future, but her major downfall in this finale was listening to the judges in their initial critique. Her collection could have used some downplay, but taking out most, if not all of the drama, spice, and intrigue was a major mistake. She had some highlights still, but her moment felt much more blah without the full on Candice I’m sure we all wanted to see.

If the winner was always going to be Ashley, even if Candice had gone full on in her presentation, it wouldn’t have gotten her the win, but it would have made her way more memorable. Having seen what was there before, it just really made me want more. I really just wanted to see that big ole’ dress she made, hoop skirt and all walk the runway!

And I think the last minute changes led to some of what the judges later critiqued on, which was fit issues. I’m not sure what the judges were going on about with cohesion. I totally still saw Candice in what she presented. And had she done it the way she initially intended, I think the cohesive elements would have in fact been stronger.

I’m sure she will present again and I’m sure she will not let anyone hold her back this time! But another great bit of work here from the Mary Kay team, Sally Beauty squad, and Just Fab accessories!

Edmond, sadly, was the throwaway of the final 4. He started out so strong this season, but started to lag in the final few challenges. Tim Gunn had a save to use and thus he was saved. But based on this collection, it was not needed. The judges’ critiques early on were about ampin’ up the sexy vibe they had come to know from Edmond. But that was my biggest issue I had with his final pieces — where and who was Edmond??

I’m not sure based off these final pieces if I could pick an Edmond original out in the future. This collection left me wondering who he is as a designer. There were some pretty dresses here, but nothing inventive or too creative. In fact, the one piece I adored the most from Edmond, below, is the one I see as the least like him of the bunch.

More gorgeous work from Mary Kay, Sally Beauty and the Just Fab accessories!

This work reminded me of Edmond’s Just Fab challenge win — the sexy red dress. It was a gorgeous dress, so sexy, so wearable, but a bit of a snooze-fest in the way of being unique. Nothing really here knocked me out of my socks or was that intriguing. I wasn’t taking too many 2nd glances. I’m sure a lot of women would want to wear some of these dresses, but likely wouldn’t know who they were wearing. It wouldn’t me memorable enough for them to want repeat looks by the designer.

This leaves us with discussing the winner of Project Runway this season, Ashley. I have loved so many of Ashley’s looks this season. But as the season dwindled down, I became less and less of a fan. There always seemed to be so much drama and so many tears. I was kind of over it after a bit. And then came her final presentation — a first ever for PR, a plus size collection. I applaud the effort and I was happy she went for it, but to me, she came up sub-par.

I know I am not the only one to think this or to even say it, but Ashley won this season solely so PR could get the headline — “First plus-size designer wins PR.” It was all about the press and the headline because it surely wasn’t about these pieces. It was an okay collection, but there were so many fit issues and so many flaws. There were very few standouts. I was also unimpressed by the repetition — lots of crop tops and skirts — yawnnnnnn!

And the only way I think 9k was utilized on this collection was because of the headpieces. They were gorgeous and looked more thought out than some of pieces. But yes, we sure had to hear enough about them. I think Ashley missed out by not using any prints, but many of these pieces didn’t feel luxe to me. And I again point out the flaws — all of the shorts were so ill-fitting.

The color palette didn’t lend a hand in that department either, so many baby pinks and light teals, left the collection lacking in a rich, special quality. The exception is this look below, which was oddly enough the one she banged out in a day. The deep color was beautiful and the overall quality was heightened.

One other standout was the floral motif skirt below and it was a bit of a showpiece, but one of very few that looked like work was put into it and even some of that 9k.

I digress again, it seemed as if the end was predetermined — that a larger vision was in the midst. It’s happened before where the winner was a bit questionable and I’m sure it will happen again in the future. But for an overall disappointing season, I didn’t expect much here.

A final rant/note then on reunion episode, which of course was filled with some laughs, drama, and intriguing aspects. But of course the focus was back to the most drama-filled episode this season, we all know it, the “Mean Girls” episode. And yes, I use quotation marks because I questioned the episode back then and still question the big deal over it now. I loved that it was pointed out that the girls were all being judged, yet none of the guys got called out for not picking Ashley. I don’t care if they had a plan to not do so. If she was such a great designer, one whom everyone should have wanted to work with, how only the female cast should take the blame is beyond ridiculous. She didn’t lend much to the creative process and her look was pretty much crap that week. It was one of the worst ones, so she should have taken some heat on this. She had already gotten one free ride from the Hallmark challenge, so to see her put out another bad look on the runway was clearly an issue in my opinion. It seemed to me as if all of a sudden, just this episode, those few girls were dubbed as mean girls, no mention of this before and really there was no evidence of anything shown in the episode where these girls were badmouthing Ashley or treating her so poorly. If the drama was there, the producers would have shown more. It was such a stretch. And then poof, it was all soon forgotten. No more mean girls the rest of the season, yet somehow, in the reunion episode, it was all brought up again.

Very much ready at this point for All-stars, next season, anything to get true competitive juices flowing again!

2015 Victoria Secret Fashion Show

Posted on November 19, 2015 by SMM

I can’t wait to watch the Victoria Secret fashion show when it airs in December, but with all of the images and details already out, I had to go ahead and share some of my fave looks! And what a special year 2015 is for VS, as it marks the 20th anniversary for the runway show — you read that right, the first show was in 1995.

Stars included first-timers Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. And let’s not forget about musical performances by The Weeknd, Ellie Goulding, and Selena Gomez.