FASHION WEEK
As we saw during February’s Fashion Week, Versace’s fall/winter 2012/2013 collection is filled with leather, studs, and fishnet stockings. The designs along with the harsh bang-lines and cat eye makeup made for a dark, rocker-chic show, and as far as their ad campaign goes, they have just bumped that ambiance up another couple of notches. The combination of model melancholy brilliantly expressed by Elza Luijendijk, photography work by the ultimate duo- Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, and Joe McKenna’s styling, made for a dark, gothic-chic ad campaign.
Fashion’s Night Out, the much-anticipated annual event in which shoppers, bloggers, designers, retailers, photographers, and editors alike take to the streets to shop, party, and celebrate fashion all night long is getting even bigger. Courtesy of our fearless fashion leader Anna Wintour, (she created the big night in 2009 to boost retail in a slumping economy) FNO events have been popping up across the nation from Charleston, SC to Kansas City, MO. Not only is FNO the biggest party to kickoff fall/winter New York Fashion Week, it’s a fashion ‘holiday’ that connects the industry no matter where you are celebrating. It’s kind of like the New Year’s of fashion—the party gets bigger the more people you know are joining in!
Runway shows are ushering in new trends reaching far beyond just clothing and accessories, thanks to the insurgence of backstage beauty coverage gaining almost as much popularity as the shows themselves. Hair and makeup, as seen on models from your favorite shows, are gaining space in the limelight and quickly setting trends for the season. Nails too are no exception, and direct re-iterations of clothing trends have been popping up on fingers and toes everywhere.
We’ve rounded up our favorite nail trends taken straight from the Spring 2012 runways, and let you know how to get the look with the same shades used backstage:
Besides being the most exciting part about fashion’s changing seasons, Fashion Weeks around the globe are meccas of great style. Sartorial devotees pull out all the stops, dressing to impress fellow style-ites, industry professionals, and celebrated fashion photographers whose photo requests are the highest form of flattery any fashionista could hope for. Layers upon layers were key—modified with glamorous fur, expert print mixing, native inspiration, and fearless color. We’ve rounded up our favorite looks spotted last week as New York’s fashion elated hit the streets at Lincoln Center and beyond.
In our book, Jason Wu is incapable of failing or having a bad collection. It's really just impossible. So our praise for his F/W '12 collection is no surprise to anyone, really. If his Target collaboration collection selling out instantly (to our dismay) is any indication, we're certain we're not alone in this sentiment. Jason Wu's designs are continuously what fashion dreams are made of. A combination of the perfect use of detailing, tailoring, color and fabrics, Wu is a fashion design prodigy. Pure perfection.
So, let us wipe a tear or two for the beauty of his latest collection. We really don't need to say much more. All hail, Jason Wu!
Celebrity fashion designers To-Tam and To-Nya Sachika also known as "The Real Twins of NYC" launched their Fall/Winter 2012 collection. The crowd roared with whistles, "oohs," and "ahs." The collection was most definitely a sight to see!
As the unveiling of IVANKA: "If we ever meet again" began, there was a short film directed by Matias Desiderio. This short film introduced the character of Ivanka, a fictional secret agent-like character whom delves you into a world of action. The runway models each represented a scene of Ivanka's action-packed world thus giving the audience a feel for this character the Sachika twins created. Ivanka is sexy, sultry, beautiful, elegant, strong, and this; friends is exactly what the collection upheld!
Pamella Roland debuted her fall/winter 2012 collection amidst a winter wonderland at Lincoln Center last night. The red-carpet-ready designs featured colors from subdued neutral tones to shimmering silver and emerald. One ever present element was luxurious fabrics and a lot sparkle. The collection was quite versatile, with varying patterns and cuts --there were no two pieces that looked alike, which was refreshing. We especially loved the designs with sheer high necklines and dropped waists.
Her use of embellishment added just the right touch without looking gaudy or overdone. Her cocktail dresses were equally as exciting as her full length gowns, and would be a great black tie alternative for those who opt for shorter hemlines.
Graffiti artist turned fashion designer, Claw Money now designs clothes, footwear, and accessories for some of the biggest names in showbiz, including Kanye West, Rhianna, and Nicki Minaj. Currently, the designer is working on a mural at Andaz 5th Avenue for their TBD art exhibition, which features different artists who will paint their view of New York --today. The project is curated by the SA Studios Artist Collective and each piece will be photographed and turned into limited edition post cards ($5 at bar downstairs). Proceeds will be donated to charity. To view the artists at work and read about their experiences, visit www.andaz5thavenue.tumblr.com. Even more exciting, Andaz 5th Avenue guests will also receive a 15% discount on Claw Money’s entire clothing line during her residency. “Art is an integral part of Andaz 5th Avenue and we strive to find new ways to support art and design,” says Jonathan Frolich, General Manager of Andaz 5th Avenue. “We are excited to welcome Claw Money as our Artist in Residence, building upon our new tbd Art series and offering guests a unique opportunity to interact with this famous artist.”
The Lela Rose Fall 2012 collection was inspired by creations of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The challenge and subsequently success of great architecture is the fusion of structure and movement. Motion, as seen in Calatrava’s works, is a combination of romanticism and functionality is what designer Lela Rose chose to capitalize on in her Fall 2012 collection. The prints and fabrics in this season’s collection: linear labyrinth organza, hazed floral embroideries, and carbonized silk; all possessed a graphic, angular characteristic and three-dimensional appeal. Even the softer, floral print was approached with the same aesthetic as geometric shapes were created with contrasting seams. The collection was styled with ankle-strap heels and socks. “The stacked heels resemble architectural beams in a rounded, arched way,” said Rose. Continuing the Lela Rose for Payless collaboration, we can expect to see eight pairs from the runway available in stores this fall. The models wore a deep brick-colored lip, defined eye, and side swept, delicately coifed locks for an overall polished and refined look.
After back-to-back shows/events we managed to make it out Friday night despite an on-setting cold and sheer exhaustion. But we're sure glad we did. Yigal Azrouel's after party at the Gramercy Park Hotel was one party we didn't want to miss. So, we rallied with a Claritin 24 hour tab and a fistful of tissues, Christian Louboutin's a blazin'. Two packs of Emergen-C later we found ourselves atop the Gramercy Hotel terrace with a second wind and a glass of wine. Almost immediately, uber fashion photographer, Antoine Verglas complimented my shoes --things were looking up!
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