MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK
This past week, I got a chance to view the Lacoste Fall 2012 Collection from the American Express Skybox at Lincoln Center. This chic winter-infused experience designed by Felipe Oliviera Baptista, and influenced by the upcoming London Olympics definitely transported attendees to an incredible snowy wonderland. The runway set was complete with large plexi-glass boxes that blew snow made of feathers within them in order to create a magical winter scene that the models boldly strutted around as top editors took note.
The Lacoste collection began with sleek, athletic-inspired dresses adorned with zippers, bold-stripes and cold-weather ready hoods. I also loved the mixture of athletic looks and silhouettes made from leather, handsome men's coats in wool worn on gorgeous models and fun tweed-pieces featured towards the end of the show. Overall, the styles were both fashion forward and wearable at the same time.
Over the weekend, students of Vantan Tokyo shared their collections with the rest of the world. When walking into the show, the room was dim with red lighting illuminating the "Vantan Tokyo" sign on the back wall. Soft, melancholy music kept a suspenseful and dramatic feel in the air. However, as soon as the lights came on, the stage lit up and the models started walking out transforming the energy to fast-paced and upbeat.
The SWANZI collection by Cheung Siu Yan was much more abstractly whimsical than the rest. The line contained dark blue, black, and green. She paired textured fabrics with interesting metallic tights.
Students, people in the biz and celebrities, from Miss Jay Alexander to Real Housewives of NYC's Alex McCord, came out to Lincoln Center to see what 8 young designers from the Academy of Art University could really achieve.
All of the collections were very distinctive from one another, but there were three things they had in common: all were very chic, clean, and modern. Jeanette Au was definitely the most free-spirited in that the materials used were quite unique with vine-like detailing all up and down the coats.
Giovanna Randall's line, Honor, has been one of our favorites this season so far. With clean lines, flowing, light fabrics, and plenty of color, the collection was wearable and beautifully crafted. Even the blouson looks were flattering and perfectly tailored. We loved the use of bright colors and layered patterned fabrics paired with simple loafers. There was no frill or flash, just clean, classic looks, all the way down to the hair and makeup. Every single piece in the collection is wearable and practical, which is something we love.
Even the wide-legged, pleated one-piece suits were chic and realistic. We especially enjoyed the pieces that were layered with contrasting floral patterns or a simple solid tailored blouse. Also, the color! So much gorgeous, eye-popping color that we often miss for F/W collections. There was certainly an element of color-blocking in the collection --a trend that is clearly going strong all the way through 2012.
True to Gwen Stefani's funky, eclectic style, L.A.M.B S/S 2012 brought us a wide array of patterns, textures and color. Moving away from the expected color-blocking Stefani, as usual, does her own thing --and we love it!
Fun tribal, animal patterns, mixed with layers and texture made the collection multi-dimensional and unique. She also gave us a huge range of pieces to choose from. From skirts to onesies, to shorts and beyond, this collection has it all. The pieces were mismatched --in a good way! One could buy only her collection for the entire season and wear a different look everyday, that's how versatile her collection is. Gwen was also not afraid to use plenty of dark colors. We love the quilted leather jackets, which are usually reserved for Fall collections. This is a line that is so diverse, you could wear it from spring to winter with no problem. Talk about fashion efficiency! Bravo to Gwen for another season of fun, funky style.
Just as New York Fashion Week makes its way around our corner the newest breakout designer in front of all the excitement is none other than Grammy winner ,controversial recording artist Kanye West. The news came as a surprise to fans when Kanye revealed that his new self titled collection to be released this year will not be a menswear line, but a women’s collection. The collection is scheduled to be revealed at Lincoln Center during this year’s September Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week.
The buzz began three years prior when Kanye fan bloggers monitored and reported his activities in preparation to release a contemporary menswear line. This line formally known as Pastelle would follow the success of his collection of trademarked Louis Vuitton sneakers. Pastelle was highly anticipated by fans, and was highly criticized by the fashion community after reports that he had revamped the collections previous soft image. In efforts to create a brand that would match the menswear line and its new direction the brand was renamed Pastellemuseum (also viewed on his promotional Tumblr account as Past Tell Museum).
Just as New York Fashion Week makes its way around our corner the newest breakout designer in front of all the excitement is none other than Grammy winner ,controversial recording artist Kanye West. The news came as a surprise to fans when Kanye revealed that his new self titled collection to be released this year will not be a menswear line, but a women’s collection. The collection is scheduled to be revealed at Lincoln Center during this year’s September Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week.
The buzz began three years prior when Kanye fan bloggers monitored and reported his activities in preparation to release a contemporary menswear line. This line formally known as Pastelle would follow the success of his collection of trademarked Louis Vuitton sneakers. Pastelle was highly anticipated by fans, and was highly criticized by the fashion community after reports that he had revamped the collections previous soft image. In efforts to create a brand that would match the menswear line and its new direction the brand was renamed Pastellemuseum (also viewed on his promotional Tumblr account as Past Tell Museum).
With Swim 2012 Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week just a week away in Miami, it is almost impossible not to think of next year’s bikini season. Even though this summer is still young and our July 4th bikinis are fresh from the cleaners, swim 2012 designs are not to be ignored. Attention grabbing designs give an overall “Look at Me” vibe to these swimwear trends, so confidence is a key ingredient to pulling these off. One important piece of advice for this season and next; you don’t have to wear a string bikini to show off your sexy side. Whether your sun bathing in St. Tropez or the shores of New Jersey, here is a glimpse at what trends to expect for the next swim season, and some you can still snag for this year!
Check out Friday's photographs from Mercedes-Benz New York City Fashion Week! Photos are courtesy of Michael Stewart.
From equestrian to ethereal, cutting edge to costumey, the Argentine Designers' show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was an exciting, albiet undefinable presentation. Hand-selected by New York fashion editors and stylists, the designers each presented a short collection, all with very distinct aesthetics. Need inspiration for your next black tie affair or hot date? How about horseback riding or a Halloween party? You're covered.
While the designers' names may not be easily recognized, it was simple to identify Kelly Bensimon of The Real Housewives of New York City sitting in the front row with a unknown male companion. Benisom, who later tweeted that "the argentina group show was amazing," got an up-close view of the motley crew of designers that presented their Spring 2011 lines. Hot trends and head-scratchers seemed the be the theme. While you may not go for the 12-inch tall bobbie hat, leather shin guards, or a long-haired mohawk, you could definitely walk away with a few instant ideas of what the upcoming season will look like.
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