Glam Damn It Philadelphia

La Dolce Vita: Alberta Ferretti Named Next Impulse for Macy's Designer

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:46:00 -0500

Karl Lagerfeld, Giambatista Valli, Doo.Ri, and now Alberta Ferretti!

Macy's has been pulling out all the stops recently, enlisting high-profile designers to team up with Impulse, the retailer's contemporary womenswear collection. Now, Alberta Ferretti has been revealed as the sixth and latest collaborator!

Ferretti has been designing since the 1970's and currently has two lines under her direction: the eponymous Alberta Ferretti, known for glamorous gowns and luxe ladylike attire, as well as It-Girl and street-style star favorite Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, a younger, more contemporary line. A name synonymous with romantic, uber-feminine, red-carpet-worthy looks and cool Italian style, her Impulse collection for Macy's will remain true to the iconic aesthetic she is known for. Macy's Executive Vice President of Marketing, Martine Reardon, adds "[Ferretti] appeals to an international consumer as well as American consumer, and her fabrications are very soft, very feminine, chiffon-like, drapey, comfortable, and really pretty, yet they look very elegant."

We couldn't agree more!

The designer cites her homeland of Italy, more specifically the Amalfi Coast, as the inspiration behind the line, offering "...the collection I created is fresh and bright, featuring light summer clothing that evokes the spirit of my beautiful country and is at the same time true to my style," as reported by WWD.

The 30-piece collection will be comprised of knitwear and separates, ranging from party frocks to peasant blouses and eyelet pants, all incorporating a touch of the signature Ferretti flourish. The capsule collection, which is sure to be easy on the eyes, will be even easier yet on the wallet. With prices ranging from $49 to $119 to collection fits just about everyone's budget!

Expected to debut April 17th, her creations will be available right in time for Spring --meaning you'll be vacation-ready in no time! But act quickly --the collection will only be available for a brief 10-week stint.

We don't know about you, but we're daydreaming of warm, sun-filled Mediterranean getaways as we speak!

Steven Alan's F/W 2012 Presentation

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:52:02 -0500

Steven Alan’s collection was presented at the clean and simple Pier 59 Digital Studios in Chelsea this morning, and though extremely crowded, we managed to make our way through the whole collection!

It could almost have been called the Steven Alan speakeasy, as the fashion presentation was filled with the ultra-cool hipster vibe among the crowed as well as the models. Chill music was playing and coffee was served so it was really a perfect environment to relax and breathe in all of the new styles.

Alan’s fall collection can be described as a combination of sorts. With lots of flannel, knee-length skirts, modest necklines, some 1940’s flare mixed with a 1960’s vibe, his designs were clean and chaotic at the same time. Like many style experts have predicted, reds are making their way back this fall and Alan’s collection did not fall short of red in the garments, shoes, hats, and even lip color. The simplicity of it all created a new appreciation for a natural kind of beauty with little makeup used on the models, neutral colors and a clean grey/white backdrop.

The crowed was quite an eclectic crew in what they were fashioning and just as much a part of the scene as the designs. We grabbed a couple snap shots of a few that we chatted with and though we didn’t get to speak with Mr. Steven Alan himself, we did get a quick snap shot of him as well!

F/W 2012 Accessories Revealed

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:50:00 -0500

With NYFW here, we at Glam Damn It are hard at work, gearing up to bring you extensive coverage of all the fashionable festivities taking place throughout the city.

In the meantime, to satisfy all your fashion cravings, we present to you a sneak-peek of eight designs which will debut during the F/W 2012 New York, Milan and Paris shows, courtesy of WWD!

Enjoy!

NYFW: Obakki F/W 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:02:00 -0500

Fashion week is officially here! We kicked off this season with Canadian label, Obakki. Obakki is known to Vancouverites as pure modern, classic, laidback, and angular. The most recent fashion show for the design house can be described no differently. And the best part about each piece, it can be worn on its own, or paired with another to make a statement.

The show took place at the Midtown Loft and Terrace- a perfect spot for the event as it is almost a blank canvas; a place ideal for dressing up with beautiful models and modern duds. The picturesque white draping on the windows almost matched the fantastic draping done on the dresses where they just hung perfectly and effortlessly on the models’ bodies. On the contrary, some of the other pieces were much more rigid with sharp hemlines and angular necklines, yet these too still hung perfectly. Most of the colors used in this collection were neutrals: bronze, silver, white, black, maroon, and Jade. The fabrics were consistent with the simplicity of it all as well: leather pants and cotton, jersey-blends, silk and mohair dresses and tops. The shoes used were classic (think the perfect pump or ankle-bootie) whereas the bold bangles and jagged necklaces exuded the ethnic presence of it all.

The most moving part about the entire performance however, was the slide show before the catwalk. Founder and Creative Director, Treana Peake, showed clips of her travels through the Sudan and, throughout the video, explained what it was like to experience that culture with the beautiful colors, people, and passion. She explained that her goal behind the collection came from her need to tell the story of these people and their culture. Her fantastically ethno-chic designs definitely told a story of modern simplism with a punch here and there.

Guests were greeted throughout the night with champagne and the music was filled with laidback beats. All in all it was a great performance!

Be the New Face of BCBGMAXAZRIA

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:30:00 -0500

And the game begins!

Refinery29.com and BCBG are teaming up to host a competition to see who will be the face of BCBGMAXAZRIA’s Spring 2013 ad campaign. Creative director, Lubov Azria, and Refinery29.com will hand pick 10 women from all over the U.S. to fly to L.A. to be photographed, and have their images put up on BCBG’s social media pages, the website, and even in retail stores.

Round one: The winner of the contest will be featured in BCBG’s 2013 ad campaign as well as receive $5,000 in merchandise value. Didn’t win? Well don't worry because there is always a second chance!

Round two: Second place will have some awesome perks as well. Out of the 10 women chosen, through popular ratings, the people’s choice will also receive the prize of not only being all over BCBG’s social media but also being given a $1,000 credit to BCBGMAXAZRIA!

If this sounds like you, don’t waste time! The submission date is right around the corner on March 22, 2012.

For more information visit here. For all of you models or aspiring models, it's go time!

Not Your Typical Neon

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:15:16 -0500

Neon is making a victory lap and a successful comeback this spring in all sorts of ways. It made an appearance a few seasons ago, and of course we all remember its big hit in the electric eighties, but is it possible that this somewhat tacky look has come to our spring 2012 making a classy third appearance?

We here at Joonbug have found a few neon favs for this spring that could definitely make the once-was cheap trend, turn into a fashion forward chic look.

Check out our favorite bright pieces that made the Not Your Typical Neon list in the slideshow!

The Modern Man Fashion Show

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:58:00 -0500

The Underground hosted their annual Modern Man Fashion Show this past weekend. Chicago's most dapper, including Edward Glassman, Jerry Azumah, Klay Korver, Kevin Aeh and Phil Tadros, showcased the hottest styles by City Blue, Haberdash, Sir & Madame and Apartment Number 9. Ahmed Braimah spearheaded this year’s runway show. According to Braimah, the “Modern Chicago Man is the epitome of the Renaissance man, pays attention to detail in all aspects of his life, whether it be business, education, art, food, sports or fashion. He is focused and driven but never contrived.”

Presenting various looks that allow the ‘Modern Man’ to achieve a balanced transition from work to play was one of the main objectives for this show. Braimah stated, “The Underground not only plays hosts to this type of Modern Man every weekend, but we try to embody the idea of the "Renaissance Man" in what we do. Whether it be introducing new fashion through a show like this, or highlighting a new DJ, we constantly try to innovate and bring the latest trends to our guests. The Underground also provides an escape for the ‘Modern Man’ from the stress of the week, whether that be from his job, his relationship, social factors or political issues. It's a way to retreat.”

Braimah selected boutiques and brands for this show, based on what people in Chicago are talking about and where they shop. He wanted “boutiques that could provide a variety of styles, because the Modern Man is all about range.” We can certainly look forward to another show that provides style, variety, and most importantly--a few extra surprises.

Armani in Worli

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:40:47 -0500

Giorgio Armani is famous for his brilliance in classic chic designs. His evening gowns are to die for and his well-tailored suits create a certain James Bond-like affect. He has conquered the fashion world and ventured into home design. The reowned designer is adding to his real estate design portfolio (which includes NYC's 20 Pine) with a new skyscraper in Mumbai.

Armani has recently signed an agreement with real estate developers in Worli, one of Mumbai’s most expensive areas, to design and decorate the World Towers residential complex. Ready in 2015, this will be the second tallest residential complex in the world as a 117-story skyscraper. Go big or go home, right?

Armani will be custom designing all furnishings for the four bedrooms, the World Villas, the World Mansions, multiple private swimming pools, gyms and even elevators.

Now there’s only one question left to ask: casa tua, casa mia?

Fashion Week Problems? Kmart to the Rescue!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:04:00 -0500

Gearing up for the biggest fashion event this year can be tres stressful. Regardless of how you’re participating—jetting to shows around the city, snapping street style at Lincoln Center, or tirelessly perfecting models backstage—preparing for Fashion Week is no easy task. Cell phone charger, check. Band-aids, check. Tide pen, it’s all here; off you go! You’re rushing down Columbus Avenue, dodging uneven pavement and the less fashionable, when—suddenly you realize your previously flawless opaque tights have an unsightly run; a blemish in your perfectly styled look. Enter Kmart Concierge. Yes, Kmart is going to solve your fashion-induced crisis.

Following their “Money Can’t Buy Style” campaign, Kmart debuts a genius endeavor to further align the brand with fashion and get involved in Fashion Week in a big way. The superstore enlisted SOPHOMORE NYC creative director, Chrissie Miller, to create an exclusive tee shirt representing the style-saving service. According to Kmart, “from tights to lip balm and mineral water—must-haves that Kmart is known for—select influencers will have their Fashion Week dilemmas solved with real-time delivery by Concierge girls outfitted in the #FashionWeekProblems tee from 2/8-2/16.”

Just follow then tweet your fashion emergency @KmartFashion, include the #FashionWeekProblems hashtag, and wait for rescue!

In celebration of the partnership, Kmart Fashion held a launch event last week we were thrilled to attend. The newest Spring/Summer collections for Kmart Fashion were on display, including Sofia by Sofia Vergara, Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, and Bongo; each was bursting with bright, bold colors—right on trend for the season. We spotted Paper Mag’s Mickey Boardman, Nylon’s Dani Stahl, and stylish socialites Cory Kennedy and Fabiola Beracasa. Attendees mingled and perused the new lines, excitingly taking advantage of the onsite Instaprint photo booth which printed real time Instagram party pics with the hashtag #FashionWeekProblems. Before we left, (with an incredible swag bag of items from Kmart’s Fashion Week Survival Kit!) we had a chance to chat with Chrissie Miller about the tee and her fashion week must-haves!

Joonbug: We love the tee! Tell us about the inspiration for the design.

Chrissie Miller: We were thinking about real problems that occur during fashion week and accidents that happen—we’ve all seen those videos of models slipping and falling on the runway. We wanted it to make sure it stood out and was fashion-y, so we went with the red pump. I love the cartoon look.

JB: What are three staples in your Fashion Week Survival Kit?

CM: A phone charger, definitely; a change of shoes, something comfortable like the moccasins I have in my bag right now; and a snack, usually water and almonds.

JB: What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming F/W 2012 Fashion Week?

CM: I really enjoy seeing friends—that come in from Paris or LA—that I don’t normally get to see. Also, the Purple Party is my favorite event!

"Working with Kmart just made sense. I've been a fan of the store since I was a little girl growing up in NYC. It's such a heritage brand and still a place I go to find classic basics which I can build into my everyday look," says Chrissie on the partnership. She continues, "The t-shirt design came about from this idea of #FashionWeekProblems. Who hasn't had a major shoe emergency on their way to a show or party? A broken heel is every girl's nightmare!"

Check out Chrissie Miller’s laid-back line and pick up your own #FashionWeekProblems tee (a gift with purchase while supplies last) at SOPHOMORE NYC’s 143 Ludlow Street store.

New York Fashion Week's Haute New Designers

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:17:50 -0500

New York Fashion Week is unlike any other. It is where designers, models, and really anyone else in the creative cluster come together for a 60-minute stint to show if they will make or break it in the industry. Important people will be in the crowds to love or loath designs and, with over 250 designers showing this week, the rookies are going to have to step it up in order to leave their imprint in this crazy-cool and chaotic biz we like to call the fashion industry.

Although a veteran to the industry, Gemma Kahng is making a comeback this NYFW and has been the biggest buzz of the hour. Kahng’s designs were a hit back in the early '90s but, like many, her 15 minutes of fame was up once the Y2K hit and thus, she went into hiding. Now that she has arisen from hibernation, we are expecting her to come back with a bang and show us that she is here for the long haul. During an interview with StyleCaster, she was quoted explaining, "My work is getting more complicated and at the same time, more refined. What I am doing now requires a more difficult process but at the end it is more thought-out." It will be interesting to see what Kahng has in store for us, but we are confident it will be a cohesive presentation.

Next on our list of designers to look is William Okpo. As confusion will have it, William Okpo is actually not one, but two designers, and twin sisters for that matter: Darlene and Lizzy Okpo. The two started their first line in 2010 and being the kin of Nigerian immigrants, these girls enjoy creating designs sure to juxtapose an immigrant’s sense of style and the American cultural norm of clothing. A fascinating concept when thought about and, if done right, definitely a great idea that could to leave us all with a lasting impression.

And last but not least is Samantha Pleet. This Brooklyn designer has been out and about in the fashion scene since 2006, but her artistic-meets-ethereal inspirations are what will set her apart from others. The most interesting piece of knowledge about this up-and-coming designer is the recent traveling she did around the world to discover new muses and inspirations for her designs, and she even blogged about it on her website to keep that personal connection with her followers. If her designs this week are as thought provoking as her process to attain them is, she should have no problem keeping the talk going on amongst the fashion scene.

Be sure to keep tabs on these designers as they may just be the next big things to come our way!