Archive for February, 2009

Editor’s Note: Because there were so many shows this season (and so few of us!), we enlisted Malorie Kaye, a dear friend and fabulous fashion publicist, to cover the Ports 1961 show for us (where she spotted Olivia Palermo!). Here are her thoughts!

In these trying economic times it seems creativity is key, especially in the world of high fashion. Every aspect of the Ports 1961 show was at the top of the creativity curve, resulting in what was one of my favorite overall presentations of the season.

I entered the Promenade at Bryant Park to find a bright pink sky and a runway that wrapped around the outer aisles, leaving a slew of VIP seats lining the center…generously creating extra seating and geniously establishing not two, but four most needed front rows. As the talking subsided from the awe of Cibani’s inventive set-up, a band dressed in caftans and playing music that seemed a cross between Bali and Tribal began to play, setting quite an obvious tone for the show. (more…)

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It must have been a good day for the girls of the Anna Sui show.  There was nary a stiletto in sight on the catwalk, which must certainly have been a relief in a season that saw multiple models tumble.  That was the first thing I noticed.  The second is Agyness Deyn, who had been noticeably missing from this season’s runways was actually walking.  She opened and closed Anna’s show with an outfit change in between- and yes, I noticed the shoes before I watched the clothes and the models.

The show opened with a series of almost all black ensembles.  I love myself some head to toe black and I love how Anna reinterprets what anyone else would’ve make sleek and minimialist into something whimsical.  I remember telling the girl next to me that the entire presentation was very Belle Epoque.  Each look had a Parisian, almost doll like quality.  In fact, I was very much reminded of Erin Fetherston’s show earlier this week in mood and tone.  The clothes were completely different but theme was the same whimisical girliness. After the dark pieces, Anna moved on to her signature bright colors – most noticeably blues and oranges before Agyness closed with a great black frock and some killer accessories. While Anna Sui is not usually my personal  style, I actually find myself jealous of the gal who will pull off her look.

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When you are more into the music than you are into the clothes, you know that there was something going on. Miss J of America’s Next Top Model and a few distinguished looking European gentlemen in the front row were all bopping their heads and feeling the Bollywood beats that the DJ used for the show—a little bit of an odd choice for the runway show of a renowned Italian suitmaker but why not. For the record, I had no problem with the men’s clothes at Domenico Vacco—sharply tailored, sophisticated suits that call to mind the time of Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird, with some beautiful fabric choices and patterns with subtle ginghams and beautiful soft glen plaids.

However, I was a little confused over some of the choices for the women’s designs. First, I had a hard time ascertaining who the Domenico girl or woman is. The show started off with fairly mature designs, with a conservative pinstripe red suit, a nicely cut velvet brown suit that wouldn’t look out of place on a Michael Kors runway, and some ordinary wool coats, of which I have seen cuter designs at Nanette Lepore and Tracy Reese this season. (more…)

Meet Muse – this collection is new from Smashbox for Spring 2009, and may look a bit different from the signature sleek black packaging that you’re used to from the brand. Spring at Smashbox means vibrant, bold colors inspired by artistry and muses, so the splattered, canvas-esque casings couldn’t be more fitting. The Muse Collection is made up of a luminizing primer, blush, eye palette, mascara, and lip paints. I had the chance to sample a few of these:

• Blush Rush in Masterpiece: Masterpiece is a warm coral shade with some peach undertones, which I thought wouldn’t work well with my skin tone. I was wrong, because this actually creates a very warm flush across my cheeks. It instantly brightens your complexion! I did miss the traditional packaging here, though. This compact does have a mirror, but closes via magnet.
• Lip Paint in Luminary: The Lip Paints are rich, creamy, and long-lasting glosses. Best of all, they are not sticky at all, even given the richer consistency. The Lip Paint applies smoothly and evenly. Luminary is more of a sheer nude shade that looks lovely alone, since it enhances your natural lip color with shine and a touch of color. I think it would even work and enhance as a layer over other lipsticks or glosses, too.
• Bionic Mascara in Black Violet: Black Violet is a very deep purple that has a subtle violet sheen. You’d need a few coats to truly see the plum tones, but 1 coat is probably enough and appropriate for the daytime or work. I love to wear on a night out for its lengthening and dramatic characteristics.

I can’t wait to try the eye palette–the colors really epitomize the spring season! The Muse Collection looks so fun and will definitely inspire you to experiment with its pretty, bright colors.

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When I was little, my sister and I would wake up early on Saturday mornings and make ourselves breakfast (usually those cinnamon rolls in a can, which is kind of gross, if you think about it) and watch The Smurfs on TV.  My favorite character was Smurfette, of course, because she was stylish and all the boys liked her.  So from the moment I found out that Too Faced was coming out with The Smurfette Collection, I knew I needed to have it. (more…)

As you may have noticed, we’re huge fans of Jennifer Behr here at TDO.  I got my first peek of their spring collection in early January and was pleasantly surprised to see that she had added belts to her collection.  

Though pretty much everything from her spring collection is on my wishlist, I’m particularly loving the Braided Crystal & Chain Belt. This luxurious belt is composed of braided brass and crystal, stitched onto vintage metallic gold ribbon.  Doesn’t that just sound gorgeous?  I’m obsessed with how it’s styled on the site as well – so ethereal and romantic!  For those who are worried that the “one size fits all” sizing, don’t worry; the back is finished with a flexible elastic and hook.  That means you can wear it wherever you need – whether it’s at your waistline, slung low over your hips or for definition (over a coat, dress, etc.).  Love it!

Right now, there’s no way I can justify the $575 price tag, but this sits firmly on my wishlist for the spring season. For more info or to order, visit JenniferBehr.com.

One part tortured romantic, poet/ composer and one part spaceman, the G Star Raw 2009 featured the kind of cool clothes that I only wished I saw at William Rast.  It was one of the most enjoyable shows that I have seen thus far this season thanks to the soulful, romantic music coming from two pianos hidden behind a transparent curtain, the front row boasted Mischa Barton (wearing a bowler hat), Carson Kressley of Queer Eye from the Straight Guy, Amanda Setton of Gossip Girl, Shenae Grimes, Natasha Bedingfeld, and a surprise dramatic read at the end of the show from Benicio Del Toro.

Looks in the beginning part of the show were crisp with Victorian high collared, closely buttoned white shirts to the neck tied with silk ascots, and black silk/velvet jackets fitted close to the body with trapeze-cut black pants – resembling what I imagine a more fashionable Phantom of the Opera would wear.  The looks then moved to dramatic gray jackets, festooned with wide button lapel collars, lots of snaps and zippers with a military influence, and what looked explicably like headphones. (more…)

Editor’s Note: I enlisted the help of my friend Christine of Stylepill to cover the Max Azria show for me yesterday while I was getting ready for my evening events.  As this was her first Fashion Week show, I was delighted to hear this morning that she loved it!  Below is her commentary:

As the lights dimmed and loud, hip-popping beats filled the room, I watched eagerly as the first handful of models strutted into the room. Seeing that structured shoulders have popped up in most collections, Max Azria’s models were appropriately donned in exaggerated, broad shoulders, and coupled with skin-tight leggings and leather—very reminiscent of Lara Croft. As I sat watching, thinking to myself that I probably wouldn’t wear too many of these ensembles, I was pleasantly surprised by a lovely pop of white. With its plunging neckline and swishy skirt, I found myself coveting this slinky dress as I envisioned myself channeling Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface. (more…)