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Taneisha Jordan / February 18, 2010 10:00 am
Alexa Chung launched her first collaboration collection for fall 2010 with Madewell at the Bowery Hotel Terrace in New York City Monday night. The collection included Chung's signature striped shirts, cardigan, railroad inspired denim and Peter-Pan collared dresses.
"It's actually a bit weird to see everyone walking around in the clothes today because they all look like me," Chung said of the line. "It's a very egotistical exercise."
Design director Kin Ying Lee thought the same of the collection. "The great thing about Alexa is that she came with really solid and confident ideas. She has such a strong vision for what the collection should be, and we really embraced it and worked to develop it. I hope you can see it works and looks really great together."
The collection is due to hit stores in August.
-Taneisha Jordan
Source: coutorture.com
Photo: fashionologie.com
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Taneisha Jordan / February 12, 2010 4:30 pm
The American Eagle LED screen above their flagship store in New York is about to be graced with the most stylish and futuristic billboard known to man.
Alexander Wang has decided instead of streaming his Fashion Week show live solely on SHOWstudio, he wanted to project a live feed onto a New York City Times Square billboard. In a last minute-search for the perfect backdrop, Wang came across the American Eagle LED screen and within 24 hours, the two agreed to show Wang's show there.
“This is a New York brand, and so much of our inspiration is from here,” Wang said, “I wanted to bring it to the people of New York and make it a part of the landscape.”
If you just happen to be passing through 46th Street and Broadway, the show is this Saturday at 6PM EST.
-Taneisha Jordan
Source: WWD.com
Photo: bizbash.com
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Lauren Dimet Waters / September 22, 2009 2:00 pm
As usual, there were so many trends from the New York Fashion Week Spring '10 shows it was hard to keep up. So we have complied this exhaustive list for you listing the top trends and the designers who showed them. We left out the trends making a return such as black leggings, studs and boyfriend jeans and shirts. This list is pretty much what you can expect that's new. That way, if you see it on sale now or this winter, you can snap it up for a song.
TRENDS:
Disco Dress by Willow
Disco Dresses (sequins): Max Azria, Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler, Derek Lam, Willow, Adam, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Herve Leger, Marchesa, Carlos Miele,Cynthia Steffe
Erin Fetherston sharp shoulders
Sharp Shoulders: Vena Cava, Preen, Rachel Roy, Erin Fetherston, Lela Rose, Matthew Williamson, Jill Stuart
Alexander Wang Sheer
Sheer: Alexander Wang, Doo.Ri, Cynthia Steffe, Zac Posen, Erin Fetherston, Rachel Roy, Vena Cava, Philosophy, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Chado Ralph Rucci, Ralph Lauren
Vest by Doo.Ri
Vests: Anna Sui, Ralph Lauren, Charlotte Ronson, Cynthia Steffe, Ports 1961, Doo.Ri, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Narciso Rodriguez, Vivienne Tam, Dennis Basso, Toni Maticevski
Tory Burch stripes
Stripes: Badgley Mischka, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, Rosa Cha, Adam, Peter Som, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Taylor, Tuleh, Cynthia Steffe, Dennis Basso
Monique Lhuillier animal print
Animal Prints: LAMB, Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Monique Lhuillier
Peter Som bows
Bows: Erin Fetherston, Peter Som, United Bamboo, Matthew Williamson, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Cynthia Rowley
3.1 Phillip Lim motorcycle jacket
Motorcycle Jackets: Nicole Miller, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Charlotte Ronson, Rag & Bone, Milly, Tony Cohen, Alexander Wang
Michael Kors long cardigan
Long cardi: Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Adam, Lela Rose, Chado Ralph Rucci, Matthew Williamson, Tracy Reese
Dennis Basso watercolor print
Watercolor prints: Dennis Basso, Costello Tagliapietra, Walter, Tony Cohen, Carlos Miele, Baby Phat, Ports 1961, Tracy Reese, DKNY, Michael Kors
Rachel Roy one-shoulder
One Shoulder: Doo. Ri, Donna Karan, Marchesa, Rachel Roy, Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Tibi, Walter, Tadashi Shoji, Carolina Herrera, Carmen Marc Valvo, Thuy, BCBGMAXAZRIA
Jason Wu feathers
Feathers or feather detailing: Adam, Diane von Furstenberg, Chado Ralph Rucci, Vera Wang, Jason Wu, Oscar de la Renta
Tony Cohen pencil pants
Slim Pencil pant: DKNY, Donna Karan, Pamela Rowland, Thakoon, Brian Reyes, Tony Cohen
3.1 Phillip Lim shorts
Shorts with Short Sleeve top: Milly, Nanette Lepore, Tibi, Brian Reyes, Tadashi Shoji, Tuleh, Monarchy, Twinkle, 3.1 Phillip Lim
DKNY rolled trousers
Rolled Trousers: 3.1 Philip Lim, Nanette Lepore, DKNY, Yigal Azrouel, Cynthia Steffe
Tuleh Bustier
Bustiers: Marc Jacobs, Tuleh, Geren Ford, Jill Stuart, Brian Reyes, Vena Cava, Isaac Mizrahi, Rebecca Taylor
COLORS
Calvin Klein
White: Jill Stuart, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Christian Siriano, Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, Badgley Mischka, Ports 1961
Christian Siriano
Nude: Christian Siriano, Anna Sui, Herve Leger, Ports 1961, Tuleh, Doo.Ri, Peter Som, Jason Wu, Luca Luca, and Erin Fetherston
Tibi
Coral: Christian Siriano, DKNY, Yigal Azrouel, Tibi, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan
Narcsio Rodriguez
Hot Pink: DKNY, Narciso Rodriguez, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Zac Posen, Custo Barcelona
Donna Karan
Red: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nanette Lepore
Brian Reyes
Acid
Green/Citron: Brian Reyeys, 3.1 Philip Lim, Tuleh, Thuy, Lela Rose, Costello
Tagliapietra, Yigal Azrouel, Tony Cohen, Vivienne Tam, Zac Posen
Donna Karan
Cool Sky Tones: Donna Karan, Twinkle, Betsey Johnson, Tracy Reese, Ralph Lauren, Costello Tagliapietra
Diane von Furstenberg
Marigold/yellow: Calvin Klein, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Cynthia
Steffe, Nanette Lepore, Preen, Diane von Furstenberg, Monique
Lhuillier, Tracy Reese, Lela Rose
- Lauren Dimet Waters
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Alia Rajput / September 18, 2009 1:00 pm
As an epic Fashion Week in New York drew to a close for me, I was privileged enough to attend one final event as a culmination of all the amazing experiences I had been privy to all week. Milk Studios, in conjunction with MAC Cosmetics, had the ingenious idea to hold a panel discussion on the last day of Fashion Week—featuring nine awe-inspiring heavyweights in the fashion industry—for students at New York's prestigious design schools, Parsons and FIT. Centered around a mostly informative and educational theme, not many members of the press were invited, but SCS was among the privileged few.
The airy, open space at Milk Studios filled up quickly, the site of panel members Proenza Schouler's Spring '10 presentation just the night before. In addition to Proenza Schouler's design duo Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCullough (who named the label after their mothers—who knew?!), the panel also boasted the impressive lineup of fellow breakout designer Alexander Wang, the co-founders of emerging designer mecca Opening Ceremony, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, co-founder/creative director of Milk Studios, Mazdack Rassi, and the Dean of Fashion at Parsons, Simon Collins. And if that wasn't enough to get chills, the entire discussion was moderated by journalism extraordinaire, author, and fashion critic for the International Herald Tribune, Suzy Menkes and emceed by Group President of the Estee Lauder Companies, John Demsey. With that much innovative energy of the fashion industry in one space, I was surprised the room didn't catch fire.
Group President of Estee Lauder Inc., John Demsey opened up the discussion
The purpose behind the panel discussion, besides as an informative tool to the emerging talents at Parsons and FIT, was to address the crucial changes surrounding the fashion industry that have become more and more apparent in today's economic and social climate. After all the guests were introduced by Demsey—who oversees the operations of the Estee Lauder empire including, in addition to Lauder, MAC, Tom Ford Beauty, Prescriptives, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone, and La Mer—the discussion got right underway. Asking the questions, Menkes' poignant and often amusing dynamic lent a tone of relaxed informality to the discussion, as if all the guests were just engaged in one big conversation. Menkes began by acknowledging the importance of New York's Fashion Week and the invaluable opportunities it offers in showcasing American Fashion. But what is the future of this industry in a time when luxury and contemporary spending has been substantially cut back and the unstoppable power of the internet has all but dashed the once exclusive nature of high end design? And to all the students on the edge of entering the industry at this tumultuous time, what can skills can be gleaned to provide every opportunity for success? Each panel member had a myriad of ideas and viewpoints to bring to the table.
Designers behind Proenza Schouler, Lazaro Hernandez (left) and Jack McCullough, field questions
McCullough and Hernandez offered the tried and true characteristics they believe necessary to launching a successful line. They noted the tantamount importance of passion and drive in an extremely competitive industry, adding the necessity to offer something different and individualistic. They attributed the success of their duality since meeting at Parsons in 1998, to the continual non stop dialogue that they achieve during design, though its not always cut and dry compatibility. "We do disagree," McCullough noted after being explicitly asked by Menkes. "But if I like blue and he likes red, then we'll usually end up using purple." They acknowledged the widespread access of high end fashion these days with the internet, citing fashion as becoming more "democratic," but noted their enjoyment that more people are able to visually enjoy their designs. They also touched on the topic of bloggers and said that their relevance is being realized as they become invited to more and more shows. Bloggers do have a lot of pull these days, they said.
Alexander Wang answering his questions
Fellow designer Alexander Wang chimed in that he credited his popularity to creating things that have legs, things that are versatile and real statements for real people. He added that he is often just as excited to see a stranger on the street in his designs as he is to see his work on a celebrity. And in dressing celebrities for events, he noted that effective designers should find the right people to represent the dynamic of their label and that it is crucial to maintain a level of integrity to yourself and your brand.
Parsons Dean of Fashion, Simon Collins (far left)
After sifting through these pearls of wisdom, Menkes then turned her attention to Simon Collins and asked him, as Dean of Parsons the New School for Design, if he should be credited with providing the backbone for these insights. Collins said that Parson was not set up as a school to teach design, rather to facilitate a designer's development. "We enable them to do what they are going to do anyway." He noted, adding that the best way to gain the crucial skills of the field is to throw yourself into an internship as soon as possible instead of trying to launch an eponymous label right away. He was, of course, resigned to note there are exceptions to that rule as Wang, and the Proenza Schouler duo did just that.
Humberto Leon (left) and Carol Lim of Opening Ceremony discusses a retailer's point of view
For the Opening Ceremony pair, Menkes asked if what the building blocks of their success was and why, especially in these times, do they continue to have business. Leon and Lim explained that it was important for them, in building the retail space, to embrace the attitude and excitement of the collections they carried. The handpicked lines offer that individualism that McCullough had mentioned though, in purchasing a designer item, one must justify if it is actually worth it. Leon and Lim's job is to maintain a consistency and loyalty to their customer base to make sure it always is. After an inquiry on why clothes cost so darn much, they broke down the components involved in luxury pricing such as fabric, cut, and constitution. The newer trend of fast fashion collaborations, they believed, are fun and don't necessarily take away from the label, contrary to what some critics say.
Milk Studios co-founder Mazdack Rassi (far right) talks about the power of media
The final topic discussed was posed to Milk Studios co-founder Mazdack Rassi and involved the friend or foe status of social networking and the Internet. Rassi said it was important that technology is moving forward as quickly as it is and providing a vehicle for anyone in the industry to create a name for themselves. He notes a URl these days is just as important as a television channel in terms of advertising and that emerging designers should use these resources to their advantage in a time when a job offer is never a sure thing. He referenced the panel itself as an example of the merging forms of media, noting how it was about collectively deciding where we go from here. Both Proenza Schouler designers and Wang added that technology does not affect the inspirations or creative sides of their lines but that it is an integral part of the process for fabric development and construction.
At the end of the panel discussion, before opening up the floor to students' questions the panel guests all supplied tips on how to beat the recession blues when seeking out a fashion industry job, though all of the points seemed versatile enough to apply to just about any facet of life. The collective contained insight including:
-Use all resources. Companies like Milk Studios provide time in their space for free to students looking to complete a portfolio.
-Find an internship but make sure its one that you will benefit from and be worth all the work.
-Ask for help from some sort of mentor in your field, they will never fault you for it.
-The most important components in finding your voice is individuality and imagination. Be yourself!
We all walked away with some interesting new insights!
Photo Source: Second City Style
-Alia Rajput
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Carol Calacci / September 18, 2009 11:30 am
These are, by far, the biggest celebs and the best outfits I've seen at Fashion Week this season!
Jessica Stroup, Charlotte Ronson
Young, fresh, trendy, with lots of color, 90210's Jessica Stroup looks absolutely fabulous in this brushstroke tube dress at Charlotte Ronson.
Becki Newton, Altuzarra
I can't help but think Becki Newton looks good in whatever she wears, even if it's not my favorite ensemble. She tends to wear very short, but textured dresses that only she can pull off.
Lauren Conrad, Rebecca Minkoff
Not only does LC look trendy and of-the-moment in her polka-dot blouse and tight fitting leggings, but she has a big baby blue Rebecca Minkoff clutch to set it all off.
Blake Lively, Marchesa
I don't think this is the kind of look we're used to seeing from Blake Lively, but that's what makes it so special. She's lost the prep and gone for edgy. Go Blake!
Byrdie Bell, G-Star Raw
She's wearing an sweet dress, but Byrdie's got that I'm not so innocent thing going on with that pouty lip. She's the only celeb I've seen wearing a long maxi dress and pulling it off well, thrown off by that tough leather vest.
Janet Jackson, Ralph Lauren
We know her Rhythm Nation days are way over. Classic, straight, maybe a bit dowdy, but Janet Jackson's dressing her age and wearing Ralph Lauren like we've never seen her (and we haven't!) Great job.
Ciara, Thakoon
Ciara at Thakoon was just so utterly cool. The royal blue just sets her off. And for someone who can go from leather to lace, from tough urban streetwear to elegant silk, she look chic and stylish in this blue skirt and top with the asymmetrically cut sleeves.
Emmanuelle Chriqui, Reem Acra
Color is the name of the game and unfortunately, too many style stars wore black this year. The ones that wore brights stood out. Lucky for us, Emmanuelle Chriqui was one of them. She went to many a-show, from Yigal Azrouel to Marchesa. But our favorite look of the season for her had to be something that made her pop–like this canary yellow tube dress from the Reem Acra, cinched with a big, purple belt. It really sets off her olive skin and her luscious black locks.
Emmy Rossum, Narciso Rodriguez
Really, what did Emmy Rossum wear to Marchesa? If you saw it, you saw a frothy pink gown with feathers, the kind that made her look more like a penicillin princess then a style star. She should stick to more elegant, sleek looks, like this amazing black and white number with the unusual collar at the Narciso Rodriguez show. Now, that's a star!
Jessica Alba, Narciso Rodriguez
Jessica may have attended only one show this season, but she succeeded to do what other celebs failed, and that was to make a powerful statement in the moment she stepped out on the front row. From the side slicked do to the patent top and bubble skirt, Jessica worked wonder at Narciso Rodriguez.
Kim Kardashian, Baby Phat
I'm impressed with Kim Kardashian. Kim took a different direction this fashion, lurching from her previous urban looks at past shows of past years to classic, grown up getups like this uniquely cut one sleeve dress at Baby Phat. Kim, we applaud you for no longer dressing like a little girl. Well done.
Rachel
Bilson, Seen Around the Tents
Rachel proves herself once again to be a fashion star like no other. Sure, she's had some faux pas in the past, but not this week. Never too overdone, but still always trendy–we loved her look in this form fitting print dress with a belt.
Olivia Palermo, Catherine Malandrino
The socialite has come out of her shell! Perhaps the new reality show has something to do with it. But whatever it is, Olivia has proven that she can work her way up the fashion charts. From a red floral jacket, cut to look like it was made from real flowers to a dip-dyed dress. My favorite though, this streamlined gray suit with yellow shoes! Edgy and trendsetting at the same time.
Mariska Hargitay, Lela Rose
As lovely as always. Mariska has the perfect woman's figure and she doesn't need to be a size 0 to prove that she has style, too. What we love about her is she's so real and yet, always looks classic and chic. This dark green dress doesn't prove wrong and that necklace certainly catches our eye without going over-the-top.
Photos: Wireimage, People.com
–Simona Kogan
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Carol Calacci / September 18, 2009 8:24 am
Amanda Bynes is, what, 23 years old?
So why is she dressing like a grandmother at all the shows?
Well, not quite like a grandmother exactly. But she has been wearing a lot of black, nude, and overall, drab and morose colors.
BCBG Max Azria
QVC Style Live
Herve Leger
Pamella Roland
I've never seen her look so–well–BORING!
Tinsley Mortimer, on the other hand, looks like she's straight out of university. Bright, beautiful, and reliving her girlie youth, she wears lots of pinks, florals and poofy tubedresses, like she's looking for her date at the next school dance.
Douglas Hannant
Milly by Michelle Smith
Charlotte Ronson
Well, she's not getting any younger, but she'd surely like it to be so! Wearing the latest trends as always.
Photos: Wireimage
–Simona Kogan
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Lauren Dimet Waters / September 17, 2009 7:00 pm
Summary: I'm a sucker for architectural minimalism when it comes to my preferred design aesthetic and few really do it better than Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein. I don't know what it is about this upcoming spring , but many of the designers that are known for sharp angles have gone soft. As in softer and fluid…more organic silhouettes. For Spring Costa even opted for lighter almost earthy color palette than what we have come to expect. The overall effect was amazingly unstructured, yet sexy and sophisticated. Surprisingly,some of the pieces reminded me a bit of Narciso Rodriguez's collection. Particularly the last three dresses that had almost the identical look and fluid movement. A departure for both designers, but obviously a sign of a major trend to come.
Color Palette: white, beige, citron, coral, pale aqua, jade, brown, grey, black
Fabrics & Textures: cotton, silk, cotton silk, cotton voile; nylon, mohair jacquard, organdy, pleating
Key Looks: white one-sleeve bubble dress, mohair jaccquard ombre brown and grey cocktail dress; pale aqua silk-cotton crinkle tank dress; grey nylon parachute gown
- Lauren Dimet Waters
Photos: NY Mag
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Lauren Dimet Waters / September 17, 2009 5:00 pm
Summary: It's no secret that I appreciate artsy fashion shows and designers who border on wacky, so I really wanted to like Joaquin Trias's sculpturally-focused clothing. Unfortunately, the more out-of-the-box he got, the less interested I was. Upside-down skirts looked like they belonged in a comedic vignette, one where a naked interloper is forced to wrap himself in giant paper towel tube and scuttle out the back door. And two dresses reminded me of lobsters or some other such segmented crustacean.
There were, however, highlights: two sculpted but simple dresses were elegant, and a silk faille jacket with wrapped cuffs had an edge to it… like an Upper East Side pirate (which looks better than it sounds). In spite of the near miss, I like Trias's innovation and look forward to seeing his fall collection.
Color Palette: Stone grey, grass green, sulphur yellow, mustard yellow, blue ocean, graphite black
Fabrics & Textures: Silk faille, high-tech fabric, waxed silk, organza, leather
Key Looks: Sulphur yellow silk faille coat dress; Sulphur yellow silk faille long sleeved dress; Grass green waxed silk blouse
—Becky Ellis
Photos: WWD
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Lauren Dimet Waters / September 17, 2009 1:00 pm
Summary: Clearly Ralph Lauren has been affected by the current recession and it got him thinking about the Great Depression, as is evidenced by his denim farmer meets cowboy collection for Spring '10. Never in a million years would I think Lauren would send a ripped pair of boyfriend jeans or faded overalls down the runway, but alas he did. He was inspired by "the character of
the worker, the farmer, the cowboy, the pioneer women of the prairies."
Models strutted down the catwalk in newsboy caps worn with faded denim, sometimes paired with silk pants or ruffles. Some of the silk was manipulated to look like denim. There was even a denim 3-piece suit (denim tuxedo) for those who just can't get enough denim.
Much of this collection reminded me of Ralph Lauren in the 80's when he was staking his name as the great All-American preppy designer. It played out like a rags to riches move that started with cotton prairie dresses and dingy denim and by the end we were treated to some beautiful items including a wonderful pinstripped suit and a sliver lamé gown, but then there was another one (the last look) that almost looked like…overalls?
Color Palette: white, blush, denim blue, light blue, navy, silver, black
Fabrics & Textures: denim, cotton organdy, silk, charmeuse, lamé, beading
Key Looks: 3-piece navy pinstripped pant suit; black strapless cocktail dress; silver lamé dress; silver lamé gown
- Lauren Dimet Waters
Photos: NY Mag
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