Tag Archives: fashion

Zang Toi Showcases Ballet Beauty on the Runway

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Since 1989, designer Zang Toi has built a world-renowned fashion house that has luxury insiders anxious for more of the House of Toi. Toi opened the show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with a male ballerina performance. The attention to details and theatrics were just part of the beautiful opening—which followed with clothes just as intricately played out.

At first, a dark palette of black, navy suits, jackets, trousers and shorts graced the runway. It was slightly confusing for a spring show, until finally ballet pinks and spring blues emerged on red-carpet-worthy gowns and dresses. The ‘ballet babes’ themed show was glamorous and paid homage to the ballet, as many of Toi’s looks are named accordingly. His show was beautiful—and it was beautiful watching him walk the runway with the model at the end, filled with emotion of putting his amazing line down the catwalk at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. It’s no surprise that Toi has dressed countless celebrities and won too many to count awards. After covering shows for almost 4 years now, this was the very first time I have ever witnessed the ENTIRE audience rising for a standing ovation. Wow—what a moment!

For more of Zang Toi, check out his website at http://zangtoi.com/

Street Your Heart Out: Street Style at NYFW

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Everyone and their dogs showed up during New York Fashion Week dressed to impress. Whether it be classic, sophisticated style, punk-rock edge, or quirky-unique, fashionistas alike all made the entire week a runway itself– even if you didn’t make it into the Lincoln Center. I met a lot of fun spectators and participants in all kinds of attire. What inspires me the most about being in the fashion industry is that every individual has his/her own point of view of what is stylish and beautiful. No matter what the look, the differences are what makes the fashion scene exciting and unique. Besides–if we were all wearing the same thing– wouldn’t that be boring? Take a look at all the stylish people I took snapshots of and let me know what you think. For a closer look- click on the collage.

Tweet your personal style to me @blairebrownNYC and you can potentially be featured!

Joanna Mastroianni Brings Flirty Dresses to the Runway

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Inspired by the architecture of Gaudi (see images of his work here), Joanna Mastroianni designed a beautiful collection full of black, white, Mediterranean blue with tangerine pops. Her cocktail dresses had everything from A-line cuts to one-shoulder caftans over skinny jeans. The sweetheart dresses had impeccable tailoring and even hand-sewn embroidery. Transparent tops brought on the sex appeal making this flirty line not just for girls. It is a younger market fashion line, but held every aspect of sophistication. Each detail was well thought out and perfectly placed. Models strut down the runway as TLC’s “No Scrubs” started jamming from the speakers.  I’d wear her pieces to a cocktail party, date or a gala event.

GORGEOUS! See for yourself in the below video.

For more, see www.JoannaMastroianni.com

Argentine Designers Premiere at the Tents

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The Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs granted 7 lucky finalists the opportunity of a lifetime: to show their lines at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The designers were each handpicked based on their creativity, career progress and ability to show and sell internationally. Viviana Uchitel, Tenaz, Agostina Bianchi, Mariana Dappiano, Fabian Zitta, Daniela Sartori, Marcelo Giacobbe all brought their Argentine flair to New York City which showcased Argentina’s great creativity and talent.

Watch the video to see each designer’s lines—which one is your favorite?

My Fave of the Week: Cynthia Rowley

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Drumroll, please! Cynthia Rowley’s Presentation was my favorite of the week. Rowley demonstrated what she is known best for: whimsy, femininity, and beautiful style. Walking into the Highline Hotel where the presentation was held was a trip in itself. The overwhelming, delicious smell of espresso upon arrival and a cute little cocktail bar tucked to the left. Kind PR girls ushered guests up the multiple flights of old-school, castle-like stairs into the giant banquet room that was decorated similarly to Cynthia Rowley’s party-décor shop—with multi-colored bulbs placed in the old chandeliers and bright, cheery streamers draped for days. The atmosphere was fun and vibrant, and I hadn’t even seen the clothes yet.

Rowley’s models stood side by side showcasing her Spring/Summer line that will be in stores in 2014. Bright colors, feminine shapes, floral prints, embroidery—she left out no detail when creating this collection. Surfer girls in California, women in Greenwich, Texas ladies going to a cocktail party—her designs are created for all kinds of women across the country. Women with confidence that are bold and feminine will flock to stores to get their hands on this sweet collection.

I left the event smiling—no one could help it after seeing these happy, whimsical designs. It was a fabulous fashion affair!

For everything Cynthia Rowley, check out http://www.cynthiarowley.com/

 

Moroccan Beauty at Son Jung Wan

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Photos by Rodin Banica

As always, Son Jung Wan put on a gorgeous, feminine collection for the Spring Summer 2014 season at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Son Jung Wan is one of my favorite designers to see each season at NYFW—she never ceases to amaze me by her beautiful collections! Inspired by Morroco, Wan used neutral whites, blush, and tan for the base of her collection—adding pops of lemon, amber, and Saharan-desert tones. The silhouettes floated down the catwalk swaying back and forth perfectly. The bright lights made her gold-sequined dress glimmer in a sexy, seductive way—perfect for a red-carpet event or cocktail party. If you wear one of her garments, you will feel like a glamorous woman. Son Jung Wan put on quite the show!

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For more of Son Jung Wan, check out her website http://sonjungwan.com/

BlacMéra Brings Couture and Eels to Fashion Week

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BlacMéra put on a beautiful show at Pier 59 for New York Fashion Week. The couture brand put together a spring line that embodies the designer’s aesthetics of bringing femininity and romanticism together with an old world’s beauty and charm. The line is built for the modern, strong woman of the world. What better place to present a line like this than in the Big Apple? A city that is full of beautiful, powerful women. On the side, champagne glasses bubbled with edible hibiscus flower drinks, and the Spice and Tease stand enabled guests to dip bread in all assorted spices. It made for great conversations and atmosphere.

The glamorous jewel tones glittered down the runway as soon as the show started. Models strut, one by one, down to the end of the aisle and back to their multi-level stools to stand on. After each posed and were in place on stools—applause broke out and guests mingled to get closer views. An exciting element to the garments was eel leather. I had no idea that this was possible—but with a closer examination, it looked luxe and perfectly detailed with Yuliana Candra’s designer touch.

After seeing her Spring 2014 collection, I am looking forward to see what she’ll create in the future!

What look is your favorite?

For more BlacMéra, check out her website http://www.blacmera.com/

Luxury Rooftop, Friends, and a Fur Sensation: Helen Yarmak SS 14

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I arrived at the iconic Crown Building on 5th Avenue to explore through Helen Yarmak’s newest Fur Sensation line for New York Fashion Week and was thrilled at how the event turned out. The elevator ticked ‘til it hit the 23rd floor, and I was ushered out and greeted by friendly faces. The penthouse showroom suite was set for glamorous people with luxurious lifestyles—much like the brand and designer herself. I moseyed around the showroom snapping photos of the fabulous mannequins (yes, the mannequins were styled great!) and then was surprised to see models strutting around the room theatrically—posing this way and that. The intimate setting was perfect to meet people, see each look up close, and to have one of the best rooftop views in the city. Beautiful!

Helen drew her inspiration from sensational patterns and color which are brought to life through her designs. She chose to infuse checkerboard, stripes, and color-blocking on her new shapes and styles. Other furs used are mink, lamb, fox and ermine.

Legendary style icon Patricia Field was the celebrity stylist at the event. She styled the models with such a luxurious edgy look down to the very last detail. In addition to Patricia, Rod Stewart made an appearance. He hung out as we all checked out Helen Yarmak’s new designs. And yes—that’s me posing with him in the photo!

See the photos above to see all of Helen Yarmak’s gorgeous line.

You can find out more about Helen’s designs and creations at www.helenyarmak.com

Step into the Ring at Zimmermann’s “Ringmaster” Fashion Show

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Elegance, classicism, femininity with a rural touch are just a few ways to describe the Zimmerman collection. High end ready to wear with sophisticated draping is what the two Australian designers are best known for—and Nicky & Simone Zimmermann proved it to be true at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014 collections.

With a very complex show of juxtaposition between fabrics and the different shapes, this season Zimmermann went with a theme called “The Ringmaster,” in which the proportions “defied gravity” with buoyant, coated fabrications floating like puffs of air around the body. Holding true to the theme, soft silhouettes flowed with each step—but sharp asymmetrical cuts and plunging necklines kept the line modern and fresh. Color is injected as though looking at old photographs; dreamy, feminine hues softening a bold base of black and white.

I fell in love with this collection, and not just because of the romanticism it portrayed. The colors, the styling, the movement of the fabrics, the creative structures: all create a gorgeous fashion line that I want to be seen in. Congratulations to the designers for a wonderful spring/summer show!

For more of Zimmermann, check out www.Zimmermannwear.com

A Vivienne Westwood Influence at ‘Punk: Chaos to Couture’

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The entrance of the newest installation at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was quite the opposite vibe from its neighboring ‘Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity’ exhibit. Booming music, dark lights and punk rock symbols pulled museum-goers into the special exhibit that opened on May 9th— meanwhile, next door consisted of quiet, hushed voices and courteous spectators.   It was a contagious, exciting feeling walking into ‘Punk: Chaos to Couture,’ even if you are not a punk rocker by any means. Although she wasn’t the only designer presented, Vivienne Westwood played a major role in the show.

Moving from mannequin to mannequin, admiring each and every provocative style displayed, viewers “Ooh’ed”, pointed, and snickered at some of the bizarre looks. The most represented designer throughout the show was by far Vivienne Westwood. She stood out as the ring-leader of the ‘Punk Movement.’

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Westwood not only designed clothes, she also branched out into footwear. Super-elevated platforms in patent leather. Bondage boots. Shoes with multiple tongues. Spikes galore. All were just another part of Westwood’s kitschy themed looks. Her extreme designs got the attention of the world, and not just fashion critics. Her brand began to flourish as she took on the London rebellion scene—inspiring Americans to do the same.

Being such a cult-leader in the punk movement, Westwood was given her respects to being the leader of it all at the ‘Punk’ exhibit. It was exciting, inspiring, and the set-up of the entire show was exhilarating. Each corner I turned I wanted to see more. I didn’t know what to expect—especially since this is not a trend I am into. By the end of the show I was disappointed there wasn’t more to offend me visually—and I wanted to run out and tell spectators to check it all out. An amazingly curated exhibit!