Michele’s NY Fashion Blog

NY Fashion Week, Spring13 coverage

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 21:23:08 -0400

For NY Fashion Week coverage, Spring13, see my Tumblr.

...also see Instagram posts during Sept 2012.

Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week, Sept 6-13

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:03:56 -0400

Set to begin Sept 6, Lincoln Center sign already up. The Spring 2013 collections start down the runway next week on Thursday. Shows run from Sept 6-13.
FNO, Fashion’s Night Out, scheduled Thurs evening 6-10pm, at retail locations all over NYC. Check FNOnyc website for event listings. 
*** My NY Fashion Week coverage will be posted on my Tumblr.

NY Fashion Week Fall12 coverage

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:56:07 -0500

For NY Fashion Week coverage, Fall12, see my Tumblr.

Flashback 1st NY Fashion Wk at Lincoln Center

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 23:34:44 -0500

The very first New York Fashion Week held at Lincoln Center, Sept 2010. My photo of guests arriving for the first Fashion Show held in the plaza of Lincoln Center, Sept 7, 2010, celebrating the first FNO, Fashion’s Night Out (9/10/10).
A celebration for myself as well... attending my first NYFW as an independent editor / blogger / photographer.

*Have a birds-eye peek in this You Tube video.

Faux Fur - Trendy and Ethical

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:34:43 -0500

The interest in faux furs keeps growing. Not only are customers more socially conscious, but the faux fur options are so well made, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference.
Paris Without Fur, ethical fashion show, was held on Jan 26, at Hôtel Fouquet's Barrière on the final day of Paris Couture Fashion Week. Show organized by One Heart Channel and Neoplanète, with volunteers from UP Models.

More examples of chic and ethical alternatives to fur:
• IMPOSTER - This past holiday season, I spotted a faux fur vest on the main floor at Saks Fifth Ave. The luxurious look and feel has one do a double-take as to whether it is real fur. The website Imposter 4 Animals, donates a portion of their proceeds to animal rights issues.
• Tissavel - High quality faux fur fabrics, made in France.
As a note to designers and brands seeking great-looking faux fur,
Check out:
• ECOPEL - Quality faux fur with a high fashion quotient, available right here in the US through their L.A. rep: jocelyn.juul@nofatego.com
Ecopel offers great looking faux versions of classic furs and shearling, as well as trendy colors and dye treatments. Super soft hand and light weight. See my writeup on Ecopel at the recent TexworldUSA show in NY, for more photos and samples.

Eva Minge Couture Spring12

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:27:39 -0500

Eva Minge Couture Spring 12 collection showed in Paris on Jan 25. Her signature black and cream colors, and architectural, sculpted silhouettes exaggerate a woman curves. Minge cited her inspiration this season as Woman, a Monument in Majesty. She used volume and structure to highlight feminine contours, a modern approach to the hourglass shape.

Eva used hand-dyed ombre silks from the famed Milanowek mills in her native Poland, a mill which has been producing quality silks since the 1920s. Pieces from Eva’s intimate apparel line Esotiq, can be seen peeking out from under jackets.

I first discovered Eva Minge in Sept 2011, when she showed her Ready-To-Wear collection during NY Fashion Week. See my post on Eva Minge S12 in NY.

Images courtesy Eva Minge, and Alexandre Boulais Communication
Photo credits: Patrice Stable

Basil Soda Couture Spring12

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:44:15 -0500

Spring/Summer Collection from Paris Couture Week by Lebanese designer Basil Soda shown Jan 24. A collection combining femininity and strength, tailored shapes with delicate detailing inspired from the feathered breast of a falcon. Complicated construction including sheer insets, and rich embellishments of crystals, pearls, golden twigs, and silk threads.
I was beyond delighted to have been invited to the show. Although I was unable to be there in person, they were kind enough to share the images with me. Photos courtesy Basil Soda. Photo credit: Yannis Vlamos
Basil Soda has been worn on the red carpet by Giuliana Rancic, Katy Perry and Christina Applegate.

Texworld USA S13 Summary and Highlights

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:30:17 -0500

Anyone looking for Texworld USA S13 show reports, please see the TexworldUSA Coverage. It’s a mini-blog with everything related to the recent Texworld USA held Jan 16-18 at the Javits Center: show summary, trends overview, and exhibitor highlights.

Project New York trade show reports

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:17:14 -0500

You will find Project New York menswear trade show highlights posted on my Tumblr blog.

Première Vision NY Preview Spring 13

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:51:24 -0500

Première Vision showcases the fabric collections from top European and international mills, known for their high level of quality and design inspiration. Show held Jan 10-11 in the Metropolitan Pavilion.
This season highlighted Turkish mills, with a collaboration of support from TurkishFashionFabrics.com

Trend and Color Highlights
• The most noticeable difference predicted by PV for Spring13, is the clean color palette. Coral, red, and jade green feature. Icy pales look new and fresh. A few intense shades that border on flourescent, such as lime and orange, follow inspiration from designer S12 runways.
• Even the naturals color and fabric story gets a cleaned up, refined look, moving away from rough textures and raw treatments.
• Strong prints define the season. Most important print trend is Supernatural : fantasy wonderland looks of flora and fauna in hyper-real intensified colors. Underwater ocean themes especially tropical fishes. Inspired by designer Mary Katrantzou.
• Functional and technical fabrics continue to be important.
• Nautical theme is less traditional, inspired from retro Riviera looks, rather than Americana classic.

Color cards are sold through Première Vision.

PV Exhibitor list and contact info.

City Source show at FIT

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:21:30 -0500

The Fashion Institute of Technology joined the fashion trade show calendar this week, hosting the first ever City Source Expo. Timing coincided with Premiere Vision NY Preview and Indigo shows, which ran at the Metropolitan Pavilion.
Local NYC suppliers to the fashion trade showcased their products and services to fashion designers and clothing manufacturers. Great support for local fashion business.

Michael Kors IPO

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:38:37 -0500

Michael Kors rang the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange on the morning of Thurs, December 15, to mark his company’s initial public offering. Michael Kors Holding Ltd. shares opened at $25, up from their $20 offering price, and closed at $24.20, a 21% rise in its first trading day. The I.P.O. raised $944 million.
Kors has been in business since 1981. The publicity he’s gained as a judge on Project Runway, has made his name recognizable by a wider audience.

Simon Doonan talk at FIT: Being An Icon

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 13:02:44 -0500

“Being An Icon” a talk with Simon Doonan at FIT, on Tues, Nov 8, was an extension of the Fashion Icons and Insiders Symposium, held in conjunction with the Daphne Guinness exhibition at the Museum at FIT. Few people can speak with his authority about fashion culture and what it means to be an icon. Mr. Doonan is Creative Ambassador-at-Large for Barneys New York, and a CFDA award-winning window designer. He is author of two books, Wacky Chicks and Eccentric Glamour. A columnist for Slate.com, and a regular guest on America’s Next Top Model and Full Frontal Fashion.

The Barneys-Daphne connection is a strong one, making Simon a perfect choice to speak about her. You’ll probably remember that Daphne got dressed right in Barneys windows, for the Met Gala in May.

Daphne Guinness at FIT Fashion Icons Symposium

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 10:38:53 -0500

Daphne Guinness speaks at The Fashion Icons and Insiders Symposium at The Museum at FIT, in conversation with Dr. Valerie Steele. The symposium was held November 3 - 4, in conjunction with the Daphne Guinness exhibition currently at the Museum. The exhibit will run until January 7, 2012.

More photos from the exhibition... below.

Im addition to the approximately 100 garments on display, videos created by Daphne play an important role.
Several of them may be seen on YouTube. Videos are:
• Tribute to Alexander McQueen: Legend of Lady White Snake
• Phenomenology of the Body
• Mnemosyne

If you just can’t get to the Daphne Guinness exhibit in person, here is a link to a 13min video made by someone walking through the exhibit on press day. Gives you a nice overview.

For more information, you can go directly to the Museum at FIT website: fitnyc.edu/3662.asp

Eleanor Lambert: Still Here, Book Signing

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 21:20:53 -0400

Eleanor Lambert: Still Here is a book destined to be at the top of every fashionista’s wishlist this Holiday season. For American fashion lovers, and those who cherish the iconic New York fashion designers from the 1930s through the 70s, this book is a treasure. The book is not only Eleanor Lambert’s incredible story of promoting U.S. designers, but a history of American fashion as well.

A discussion on the Influence of Eleanor Lambert was moderated by John Tiffany, author of the new book Eleanor Lambert: Still Here, held Nov 3, hosted by The New Traditionalists, in SoHo. A book signing followed the discussion.

Miss Lambert was a powerhouse PR person during her 70-year career promoting NY fashion designers. Until I discovered this book, I had no idea Miss Lambert was to be credited for founding my own personal passions: New York Fashion Week, and the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum.

Often referred to as the Empress of Seventh Avenue, Miss Lambert, up to the time of her death at the age of 100 in 2003, looked the part, with her trademark turbans and oversized jewelry. Her enthusiastic work and news releases as a publicity agent did everything to advance the careers of numerous American designers, among them Norman Norell, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, Halston, and Calvin Klein. She created the Best-Dressed List, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the Coty and CFDA Awards, and Fashion Week.

The panel of Lambert’s close personal (and famous) friends offered anecdotes that provided insights about the real Eleanor. The story that caught my attention, was how Diana Vreeland, then Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, thought Lambert was an “amateur” for promoting U.S. designers, at a time when only European designers were revered. The definitive moment came in 1973, with a Fashion Show at Versailles, organized by Lambert, that put American fashion on the map. The show featured Oscar de la Renta, Halston, Anne Klein, Stephen Burrows, and Bill Blass.

DVF and Match.com Team Up for First Date Style

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 20:45:12 -0400

Diane von Furstenberg hosted a styling event for Match.com singles in New York, at her store in the Meatpacking District, on the evening of Nov 2. The event offered expert advice on how to dress for success using three popular first-date scenarios: cappuccinos, cocktails and dinner.
“Dating is really all about confidence,” says Diane von Furstenberg. “It is about dressing in a way that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. Match.com and I wanted to do something fun to encourage women to be themselves and to go for it!”

Match.com’s data on American singles has revealed that fragrance is a powerful feature of attraction. In a survey of 10,000 members, over 76% of respondents reported that they have been attracted to someone because of their scent — and over 56% of singles can still identify their former flame’s fragrance.

DIANE, the new fragrance from DVF, with the tagline “Be the woman you want to be!” would certainly work for the occasion.

“We are excited to partner with one of the fashion industry’s most iconic designers,” said Mandy Ginsberg, President of Match.com. “In dating, first impressions are key — and that includes all five senses. 70% of members make it a point to wear a certain fragrance when they prepare to meet their date, and there’s no one better than DVF to help singles learn about confidence and style."   For those singles who cannot attend one of the exclusive events, custom dating fashion look-books from the event stylists will be posted online at the official Match.com blog, Up to Date.

Styling events are scheduled in Dallas and Miami (Bal Harbour) on November 10.

Teen Vogue FashionU - Fashion in the Digital Age

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 17:19:59 -0400

Fashion in the Digital Age seminar, presented by Teen Vogue Fashion University, concluded the weekend program at the Hudson Theatre with graduation held after the panel discussion. Top names in the business shared their insights with tvfu students. Moderator Simone Oliver, Senior Fashion & Styles Web Producer for The New York Times, led the discussion on the democratization of fashion, and how social media is being used to leverage a brand.
Students heard from Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr of whowhatwear.com, Rich Tong of Tumblr, Susan Kroger of modcloth.com and Aliza Licht, SVP Global Communications for Donna Karan.
DKNY’s twitter star, Aliza Licht, first public appearance as dknyPRgirl!!! After two years of anonymity, she came out yesterday, in a video on dknyprgirl.tumblr.com, also on youtube.

During the second half of the discussion, the panel took audience questions. One interesting question was “What websites they looked at daily, to stay informed about what’s happening in fashion?” Consensus was WWD, fashionista, refinery29, theCut, JakandJil, plus Mashable for tech. Aliza follows fashion news, wwd, etc. but does not follow any other designer on Twitter.
The panel let the audience know that their generation has such a big advantage with digital media. All of them feel strongly about the future of social media, that it’s not a choice. It has democratized fashion... anyone who wants a voice can have one. It allows companies direct interaction with their customer base. In addition, social enables independent designers to reach new customers. The list goes on, and it is a work in progress.
A few of the pointers from the panel:
• Create original content
• have a unique point-of-view
• stay true to yourself, to who you are
• Twitter and Tumblr are best friends
Amazing, insightful discussion...don’t know if the tvfu students know how lucky they are to have access to these successful people.

Linda Fargo at Teen Vogue FashionU

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:37:53 -0400

Linda Fargo, Bergdorf Goodman’s senior VP of the Fashion Office and Store Presentation, has one of the most coveted jobs in the fashion world. The seminar’s descriptive title was appropriately, the Visual Gatekeeper, event held on Oct 22. Fargo is the creative voice behind the store layout, selection of women’s apparel, and window décor. She began her Bergdorf career in 1996 as the Visual Director of the women’s store.

A slideshow highlighted her famous windows, and her books about them, Dreams Through The Glass, and the newest one, Windows at Bergdorf Goodman. Regarding inspiration behind the windows, Linda shared with the students that sometimes ideas come from unlikely places... example slide photo of broken, inside-out umbrellas in a random collage after a recent storm. With a degree in fine arts, Linda also pays attention to art exhibits, and makes it a must to visit the important ones.

Linda cautioned the students that window display is a NY phenomenon. In most other cities, where life is spent in a car (ex: LA), windows will not be important to them.

Linda shared with the students, tips about what qualities make a good assistant or intern. (Her current assistant is 24 yrs old.) One tip: Never say “no” to any requested task. 2nd: assume additional responsibilities.

I hope the participating students realized how fortunate they were to be in the same room with Linda Fargo. She is one of my personal idols, and I was delighted Teen Vogue allowed me the opportunity to cover her seminar. The woman has such amazing style and taste. When you think about her access to the best of the best in fashion, and that she gets to curate Bergdorf’s selections from that place, makes you wish you could be a little bird on her shoulder, able to follow her around at work.

The sense you get from listening to her, is that she embodies and completely understands the “Bergdorf woman”. When the moderator Gloria Baume asked Linda what her own closet is like, Linda said “a wide variety” of styles, from clean classics to very trendy, ephemeral. She also likes high-low combos like the outfit she was wearing, red pant from Milly, fur vest from Gilles Mendel. By her side, was her own “Linda bag”, named after her (in the way Kelly and Birkin bags were named). Iris Apfel is Linda’s style icon.

Regarding the importance of style, Linda shared that “everyone around you is uplifted when you dress well”, having experienced this with her own staff. She truly knows and is the Bergdorf customer. Her most recent gratifying moment? ...having a Christmas tree ornament made in her likeness this season.

Her background in fine arts fostered her belief in “creativity as a human enterprise, a contribution to the world”... a civilized, beautiful world.

*Slideshow below of students asking questions, plus more photos from Linda’s slideshow.

Proenza Schouler, Teen Vogue Editors at tvfu

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:53:47 -0400

Teen Vogue Fashion University (tvfu) held a full weekend schedule of events from Oct 21-23, for a select group of 500 students interested in a fashion career. Students from 49 states and 38 countries heard firsthand advice from top names in the industry. Highlights from two of the seminars: Proenza Schouler, and the Teen Vogue editors.

• Design duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler shared how they got started in the business, moderated by Amy Astley, Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue. Jack and Laz said that while at Parsons, Tim Gunn was one of their teachers. The two spoke about their inspiration, and what their life is like on a daily basis. PS: They have a trusted partner to handle the business side so they can stay focused on the magic. A video preview excerpt of the interview can be seen on Teen Vogue Fashion U website. (*Online video access available.)
The audience was able to ask questions toward the end, and the students who introduced themselves were a diverse group, from Wisconsin, Mexico, and Barbados.

Tadashi Shoji Bridal and Spring12 Collections

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:00:37 -0400

Tadashi Shoji press days during Bridal Week, highlighted their contemporary bridal collection, as well as bestsellers from the Spring 12 runway show. Mr. Shoji really understands how to make a woman look beautiful for special occasions, and his background in fine art is evident in his hand-painted ombre washes and subtle prints. Known for his innovative designs and luxurious fabrics, the collections are intricately detailed, with ruching, beaded lace, embroidery, or chiffon lettuce-edge tiers, just to name a few.
The bridal collection offers elegant choices for a contemporary bride with modern tastes. Delicately detailed, feminine and sophisticated, in traditional white, ivory, plus many variations of champagne and pale beige tones. The range of style choices offer appropriate looks for all age ranges, from young ingenues to more mature brides. Strapless, open-back, or one-shoulder dresses, plus style options that take into consideration the more covered-up requirements for certain religious ceremonies, with illusion and lace bodices, shoulder and sleeve treatments. Fabrics include silk, crinkled silk chiffon, lace, tulle, taffeta, and gazar.
The beauty of the bridal collection made me want to get married all over again (I’ve been happily married 24 yrs, but if we ever had a ceremony to renew our vows...)

Highlights from the Spring 2012 Tadashi Shoji runway presentation in Lincoln Center, during NY Fashion Week, are also in the slideshow below. Some of the most popular include the finale dress (#34), a silk chiffon lily print in coral/grey/white, a one-shoulder with one sheer, flowy sleeve... for making dramatic entrances and exits.
Other standouts:
• a strapless drape long dress in chiffon daisy print (#33). These prints are also offered in short dress versions.
• metallic embroidered lace with overlay of pleated tulle tiers.
• Hand-painted ombres in pinks, greens, yellows, with ivory were worked into tulip shapes...drop waist dresses with tulip skirts.
• Unexpected price points: ex. the ruch front dress with illusion vine, beaded lace detail (#13) retails for about $600.

Model Khrystyna Buriak (from Major Model Management <majormodel.com>) looked stunning, she made such a beautiful bride.

For more information on Tadashi Shoji collections, or to place orders, contact: Alicia Utz, Director of Marketing and PR,
em: aliciau@tadashishoji.com

www.tadashishoji.com
SHOWROOM: 530 7th Ave, 11th flr, NY, NY 10018
ph: 212-944-1637

Steven Tyler launches Andrew Charles at Macy’s

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:31:28 -0400

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler launches rocker-chic sportswear line Andrew Charles at Macy’s Herald Square tonight. He’s due to appear and pose in Macy’s windows 5pm this evening, with his daughters Chelsea and Mia, to promote the men’s and women’s collections.
Rock star legend Steven Tyler, currently a judge on American Idol, will be the face of the Andrew Charles brand, and along with daughter Chelsea, will be appearing in an advertising campaign and making personal appearances at select Macy’s locations nationwide.
Andrew Charles, a new rock and roll collection from Andy Hilfiger, launched this month exclusively at Impulse departments of Macy's and Macys.com.
Tyler will infuse his iconic style into the brand and serve as the inspiration for all Andrew Charles menswear. Tyler, who is never seen on-stage without a series of scarves tied to his microphone stand, will also be developing a Steven Tyler Rock Scarf Collection for Andrew Charles. The scarves will launch for Holiday.
Women’s will comprise the majority of the Fall 2011 collection and features a full wardrobe (knits, wovens, outerwear and denim priced from $59 to $189) with design embellishments such as lace, sheer fabrics, Indian detailing and printed snakeskin that suggest the pioneering style of female rock icons from the 1970s.

Daphne Guinness exhibit at FIT Museum

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:47:27 -0400

Fashion icon Daphne Guinness, renowned for her experimental and eclectic sartorial taste, is celebrated for her unique personal style, with a gallery exhibition at the Museum at FIT, from Sept 17 - Jan 7, 2012. Her individuality comes across as eccentricity to some, but her passion is driven by her love and appreciation of fashion as art. The exhibition features exceptional pieces from both couture houses as well as unknown designers, approximately 100 garments and accessories from Guinness' personal collection, including designs from Alexander McQueen, Azzedine Alaïa, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Gareth Pugh, and newcomer Hogan McLaughlin. Several of Guinness' own designs are on display, plus her extraordinary vertiginous shoes, many of them heelless.
The exhibition shares with us a glimpse into extraordinary, contemporary design, rare selections of singular beauty and craftsmanship. Fashion as art form. The focus is not on vintage, but collector items created in the past two decades, co-curated by both Daphne Guinness and Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at FIT. Their joint intention was to share with fashion design students, the cuts, silhouettes, and construction details of the highest aesthetics.
Their selections for the entire exhibit are mostly sophisticated neutrals of black, ivory, grey, plus metallics in silver, bronze, gold, copper. Very few bright colors. I thought it interesting to consider, that the most extreme of design concepts need not use color to make their statement. Classic black and neutrals create timeless chic.

Since FIT does not allow photography in the museum, many of my photos here are from Barneys NY Madison Ave windows. In June ‘11, they featured some of Daphne’s collection, many of the same pieces currently on display at FIT.

About Daphne Guinness at FIT: fitnyc.edu/10861.asp

Best Dressed at NY Fashion Week S12

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:26:40 -0400

Best-dressed at NY Fashion Week, Spring 2012, on their way to and from the shows... well-known editors, creative directors, more. Trends observed: long skirts, especially in sheer, high/low hems, short-shorts, bright pops of color, but not as much color blocking as you would expect. Important solid color: royal blue. Eclectic casual mixes on the young trendsetters. Still seeing minimal Celine-type looks, clean silhouettes.

Some of the strongest trends were often seen both on and off the runway. I’ll be expanding on a few of these in upcoming posts.