FIT

We're in the midst of winter's coldest month and there's no better time than now to take a well-deserved vacation or at the very least think "tropical." Joonbug recently had the opportunity to chat with Sharon Lavi, one of the designers/founders of the trendy Nieves Lavi brand. Celeb fashion fans include Kourtney Kardashian, Kelly Ripa, Jessica Alba, Eva Mendes, Katharine McPhee and more. Nieves Lavi is making its return back to Resort with their 2013 collection, marking the brand’s exciting return to the colorful season. Inspired by the sundrenched beaches of Saint Barthélemy, the dresses and tunics evoke the sensual, relaxed aesthetic of a lush paradise that’s Parisian chic meets casual Caribbean. Designed in New York’s fashion district by Sam Nieves and Sharon Lavi, this duo understands what flatters a woman's shape and curves in an effortless way. What inspired you to create the popular Nieves Lavi line? We wanted the freedom to express our own distinct vision. We wanted to create an attainable designer line. Tell me about your background in the fashion industry. I've spent seven years in design, textile Design, and Marketing and Accessory Design . Before I founded Nieves Lavi, I was a Senior Designer for Harve Benard and a designer for Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang, where I also worked on accessories. I started my career in fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. What are some of the seasonal "must-haves" from the collection? Describe the resort/spring 2013 look. The Resort collection is geared towards a chic and effortless vacation--it features simple yet sophisticated styles that can fit any fashionista. Key pieces include easy fitting tunics and short or long drawstring caftans that flatter everyone. What is the one piece that you would suggest for a vacation get-away? The must-have piece in my opinion is the CDC China silk caftan in one of our prints. I love the Aqua color snake print worn from the beach to a restaurant with only a change of a bag -- pair it with a straw clutch and gold wedge sandals and you' re good for sunset drinks in St Barts or any place else! What's your advice to someone looking to get into the fashion industry? Dress appropriately for the interview, always show up on time, be pleasant and happy to help. These are the qualities everyone appreciates and seeks out. What do you pack in your own beach bag? Nieves Lavi cover up, lip gloss, sunglasses, Clarins 20SPF, an interesting book or a magazine, and a bottle of water -- I keep it simple.

Cynthia Kan

Though Cynthia Kan had been aspiring to be a designer since the age of 14 when she paged through Vogue for the first time, this budding designer quickly realized her dream after one large design project in 2007: creating her wedding gown and dresses for her bridal party. After going back to school at FIT in 2008, she quickly launched her namesake label in 2009 filled with classic silhouettes with some modern twists.

Last night, Caitlin Kelly, an up-and-coming swimwear designer, held an exclusive preview runway show on the rooftop of 2 Gold Street. Caitlin graduated from FIT and has since designed for Badgley Mischka, Target, AH Schreiber, and was the head designer for Aerin Rose Swimwear. Her line was so well received that the owner of Jordan Taylor Inc. offered her the opportunity to create her own high end swimwear collection. The exclusive preview last night was the result of that opportunity and she will be showing her Spring/Summer 2013 collection again at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami this July.

If you missed the first part of the Fashion, A-Z exhibit at Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) that ended May 8th, have no fear! The second exhibit is up and running until November 10th where more than 60 garments and accessories from FIT’s permanent collection will be on display for the public to view.

If you are not familiar with these fabulous fashion exhibits, we shall give you the run down. FIT organized two exhibitions titled “Fashion, A-Z: Highlights from the Collection of the Museum at FIT” and part two is currently on display. The presentation is set up in The Fashion and Textile History Gallery where 50,000 garments and 30,000 textiles from the museum’s vast collection have been meticulously combed through to bring together the best of the best for your enjoyment.

FIT’s “The Future of Fashion”: BFA Graduates Fashion Show

What: The best work from FIT’s graduating bachelor of arts fashion design students will be debuted at a runway show. Apparel will include: sportswear, special occasion, knitwear, intimate apparel, and children’s wear. See the talented students who could be the next up-and-coming designers show their duds on the catwalk!

When: Wednesday, May 2nd at 4:30 PM

March 6: CFDA President, Diane von Furstenberg, speaks at FIT

In celebration of CFDA’s 50th anniversary and their exhibition, Impact, the Museum at FIT will also be hosting a series of lectures, starting with the CFDA president herself, Diane von Furstenberg.

Begins at 6 PM at the Museum at FIT

March 6th & 7th: Multi-Designer Sample Sale

You wouldn’t dare brave the frigid temperatures ahead without cozy, warm outerwear, right? You also wouldn’t buy a dress that was all wrong for your body type, right? Well the same applies to outwear. Even though it’s covering your perfectly planned party outfit, your coat can still flaunt your figure! Beautiful coats come in all shapes, sizes, and styles and are usually an investment—so find the perfect fit. Now you can be sure your protection from winter weather is flattering rather than frumpy.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

New York Women in Film & Television will host the 11th annual Designing Women Awards at Macy’s Herald Square. The ceremony will honor the creative work of hair, make-up and costume design created by women in the entertainment industry. RSVP Required. Macy’s Herald Square; (6:30pm-9pm)

Tuesday night I caught a brief ending to an open Q&A with Ruffian designers, Brian Wolk and Claude Morais. The design duo spoke on the craftsmanship of their Fall 2010 bevy- taking note of their silk blouses, flaring knee-length skirts and cropped jackets. Brian expressed major enthusiasm when speaking about the sequined jersey dresses, which required the designers to send them out for handmade work. The small, yet intimate event allowed attendees to roam the studio admiring the designers sketches, artwork and wall of inspiration. The collection was partially inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Nights, a theme that carried through the vintage arrangement of images within the design room. The evening was hosted by Friends of Fashion, a national social enterprise created to support the fashion industry through scheduled exclusive events, private shopping parties and designer meet-and-greet opportunities. For more information, please visit their website.

Last night, Elle Magazine heavy-hitters took up a conversation about bloggers - Tavi Gevinson particularly - for ELLEvated, a forum of six Elle editors, at WFIT, the Fashion Institute of Technology's radio and tv broadcasting network.

During the discussion, Joe Zee, Kate Lanphear and Anne Slowey discussed the pros and cons of the publicity fashion bloggers have received within the past few seasons. Slowey, who has criticized the 13-year-old blogger Tavi before, compared real-life journalists to Tavi's "selling out" for Target videos of fame. Although it may have sounded as if she's against them all, she spoke words of kindness when she spoke about leading fashion blogger Bryanboy. Below are transcripted excerpts from their discussion.