New York City hadn’t seen a rainstorm quite like it had on Thursday in a while. It didn’t weary the guests that attended the Michel COMTE and MILK collaboration: A Collaboration 1996-2016, not one bit. After mixing and mingling with others at the event, it was hardly a blur of people. Instead, it was incredibly refreshing to see each person’s unique personality and style stand out—the perfect mix of individuals that were not going to let a few rain clouds take away their shine. Take a peek at the photos of the grand opening party—and be sure to stop by Milk to see the exhibit!
New York Fashion Week kicked off with a bang at the Rootstein Mannequin launch party of The Blonds’ most iconic celebrity ensembles. The Blonds are known best for dressing starlets in gem-encrusted bodysuits, crystal corsets, and mini-dresses lavishly embellished with stars, chains, spikes, and sequins. You can catch celebrities like Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus donning the brand at red carpet events.
The sky is the limit for this designer—as long as fun and rock and roll are incorporated in the extravagant details. At the event, each corner had mannequins scattered in various poses. Some of them looked so lifelike it was a bit eerie! The fashion crowd that attended arrived dressing every bit chic and sipped on “The Blondini” cocktails all night surrounded by the mannequins.
And just like that, Fashion Month has flown by! From New York to Paris– the fall/winter 2015 season is looking cozy and eccentric with a wide assortment of looks that we’re all sure to be flaunting in one way or another. This semester has been keeping me on my toes with exciting new adventures between all the work and school that has been on my plate. Despite these detours, I was still able to still catch shows during New York Fashion Week. This week I’ll be recapping a few of my adventures at the shows.
Daniel Silverstain’s presentation in SoHo was first destination this season. The pop-up space was brimming with glasses full of white wine and a crowd waiting to be seen. When the music stopped the crowd became hushed. The cameras clicking furiously were the only sounds until the first model rounded the corner and the music resumed. Model by model walked the runway and at the end lined up against the wall for onlookers to take closer views at each look. Silverstain’s fall/winter collection boasts of a punk-villain vibe. It’s hard edge looks have a “I’m going to a concert” look but the sharp tailoring speaks of a cool action figure that has super powers– hence the bold, bright pops of green and blue. A very specific group of women would wear his fall/winter line. My favorite was the emerald/black dress with feathers on the shoulders. Just the right amount of feminine and tough touches.
Last night I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak of the Trickponi pop-up shop at the Open Gallery. Trickponi, a highly acclaimed fashion boutique that pops up in the Middle East seasonally, is launching its first-ever highly anticipated retail experience in the United States.
Today marks the opening day to shoppers for their goodies displayed at the Bowery in NYC. Founded by Sara Al-Ajroush, Trickponi is showcasing Middle Eastern designers, such as Noura Al Shaik, LaSuna, Arwa Jewlery, and more, and New York based designers, such as Katie Gallagher, DEGEN among others, for a mix of fashion influences from across the globe. This East meets West experience is both eclectic and beautiful. The curated pieces of the event are perfectly on point, as it mixes whimsical designs, pretty prints, in addition to modern sleek cuts. There’s a little something for every woman in this quaint little venue.
My partner in crime, a.k.a. my roommate, joined me to discover the gems hidden around the store while we jammed out to the DJ’s music and sipped on champagne. Take a look through the pictures to see the treasures we discovered. Better yet, pop-in to the pop-up shop this week before it closes! Trickponi is open starting today (go now!) through April 27th at 355a Bowery (between 3rd and 4th street), NYC.
For a great meal afterwards, stop by Gemma at the Bowery Hotel which is right next door– the prosciutto pizza and tiramisu are to die for!
One of the greatest opportunities at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is discovering new designers. It’s like finding a hidden treasure and being able to share it with your friends. Such a win! This season I was lucky to be able to discover many new, talented designers and brands. Let me give you the rundown of some of my favorites.
Georgine
Photos by John Aquino, on WWD
Immediately after the show I wanted to buy literally EVERY piece in Georgine’s collection. It was stunning. Think old Hollywood glamour meets 2014. Leather dresses, leather leggings, and leather skirts. Yes, please! I am loving the leather trend. It was sophisticated, sexy and seductive. The luxurious pieces, over-sized cashmere coats included, were perfectly tailored and flattering.
Meskita
Photos by Blaire Brown
Designer Alessandra Meskita brought the most innovative and forward-thinking show that I’ve been to in a long time. At first I was skeptical of her many looks that included neoprene. Neoprene is the material used on wetsuits, in case you’re not a textile major. I was wrong. Look after look (42 looks, to be exact) came down the runway with a chic, glamorous appeal. Her coats were draped flawlessly; then the show transitioned into sophisticated cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, bomber jackets, and leather corsets. I loved this show because Meskita used new materials which gave her line a futuristic feel. I’d love to try one of the neoprene ensembles myself. She made it interesting and incredibly tasteful, which is not an easy task to accomplish. I can’t wait to see what else is in store with this designer!
Mathieu Mirano
Photos by Blaire Brown
Meowwww! It felt like Cat-Woman’s stylist was present at the show because look after look strut down the runway in sexy, seductive leather pieces. Motorcycle jackets paired with skirts, sleek dresses and trenches made their marks. The Parsons grad broke up the dark color palette with copper rose metallics and winter whites. Mirano has a true talent for being able to combine quality, tailored and detailed pieces with the perfect balance of soft femininity and hard structure. Beautiful.
Leanne Marshall,Project Runway season 5 winner, put on a gorgeous bridal show at Helen Mills on Sunday afternoon. The air was freezing cold and snow was fresh on the ground, yet the crowd still trekked into the venue ready to see a beautiful line of bridalwear.
For all of you that are engaged (or Pinterest-ing your future wedding anyway!) Leanne put on quite the show. Her effortless, laidback glamour style shone through exponentially. Each dress floated down the runway with ease and grace. Want to look like a princess on your special day? This is the line for you. The true showstopper was the final look: the flowing, blush pink gown. Just breathtaking.
Fun fact: sitting in the audience, one of the Baldwin brothers was checking out the show. You can spot him in the background of a few pictures– think of it as a Where’s Waldo? Baldwin edition. Can you spot him? I also bumped into my friend Brittany from Chic Galleria, so we took advantage of the photo op together! xoxo
Forget diamonds—shoes are a girl’s best friend. Isa Tapia held a presentation of her phenomenal shoe line this afternoon in an intimate setting in the quarters of the Empire Hotel. My fabulous fashion stylist friend, Liz Teich, and I were in shoe heaven. Tapia has created a line for every occasion—whether you need a classic pump, to a statement piece, it’s all there. The shoes are crafted beautifully to such full extent of detail. Absolute perfection. Take a peek at her line and let me know what you think! Shoes will be in stores starting in August.
It’s Saturday and the fashionistas are all out flaunting it in front of the Lincoln Center tents. Effortless, thrown together styles? Probably not, but they each bring a piece of their own individuality to the table that makes New York City such a fantastic fashion hub. They look fabulous, we know it, so why not share their looks? Here are some that I bumped into today.
My Friday went off with a loud bang at the Lincoln Center when Zimmermann’s Fall/Winter 2014 collection hit the runway for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Last season Zimmermann presented an uber-feminine collection full of whimsy and romance based on a circus ringmaster theme. This season however, the designers went in the total opposite direction and showcased a line called “Cloud Stompers.” Think about it for a second—how do you think a cloud stomper would poise itself, if there was such a thing?
I’ll tell you how they are—or at least through Zimmermann’s eyes. Silhouettes were of cloud-like shapes, with foggy looking grey prints. Grey prints met up with houndstooth jackets and took a stroll. Oversized coats and utility handbags made guest appearances. Then a round of clothes hit the runway with heavy-duty hardware embellishments—studded coats and chain-link details. The darkness and masculinity of the collection wasn’t for me—but it would suit the alternative chick looking for an outlet of expression. My photos did not turn out so hot, so here is a video instead. The best outfit was the lacey-jumpsuit: super sexy! (You can fast-forward the video to 9:10 to see it.)
Next in line was Carmen Marc Valvo’s collection. The audience was pumped up and reminded about Valentine’s Day just around the corner as the designer blasted Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield” on repeat, with a strong, war-like opera music to conclude the show. The designer was inspired by the opulence of the Ottoman Empire, creating a theme with shield-like material (chain mail details), breast plates, gunmetal color palette but with seductive lace details to bring romance to the line. Essentially the vibe was brought to the runway that the female is “ready for battle, and ready for love.”
Here are some of my photos from the show.
The show that broke up the womenswear focus of my week was Nautica Black Sail. Woo! Here is a video of the sexy men that graced the runway. You’re welcome.
I think after going to that show I can only bring men to meet my parents if they have a fog machine entrance, otherwise, it’s a deal breaker. You hear that, boys?
After a power nap, I rallied and headed down to a new venue called The Hub at the Hudson Hotel. Charlotte Ronson was holding a presentation in which models stood on a stage in a half circle, taking turns walking down the mini runway and then walking back to stand and pose. It was a beautiful line that I could see a lot of chic women wearing—very dark, but with pops of floral prints in jewel-tones. The criss-cross suspenders made an interesting touch.
Lastly, I trekked downtown to 15th and 6th avenue to see Heidi Gardner’s jewelry line. FUNKY set-up for sure. The House of Horology (an art/watch studio) made an interesting set, with intriguing art installations all over the room. A bit creepy, actually. But who can deny free cocktails and new fashion friends? I got both. The show started an hour in when the audience were motioned to stand in a circle as ninja-esque models rotated in the circle to stop and pose with their jewelry. It was interesting to say the least! Check out the photos I took of the party.
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5 shows in one day, a crazy Friday, but a great time! Happy fashion week, y’all!
It was just another snowy day in Manhattan. My friend Julie and I decided it was the perfect day to be audience members on a daytime talk show, The Chew. I mean, what else is there to do when a blizzard hits town?
We broke out the jewel-tone attire that is a requirement for these adventures. Red? Check. Blizzard-sturdy shoes? Check. We were ready to go.
Upon arrival at the ABC studios, we snagged our tickets and chugged our coffee before entering the field that was full of production teams and people looking for snazzy, fun audience members. Julie and I must have had a light shining down on us, because lo’ and behold, practically every person in the studio asked us to keep in contact to be on the show another time (as audience members, participants for activities, etc.). We were stoked! Lucky for us we were able to partake as taste testers— yum! Not only were we taste testers, we were chosen to be participants in a trivia-pie throwing game. We had to answer 3 pie trivia questions. For each correct answer we could step forward to get closer to Chef Michael Symon, our pie target. I lucked out and got all 3 correct—giving me perfect aim for the $250 prize I won! The studio team was so kind—we had no idea that this snow-filled day would end up with us on TV, tasting some seriously amazing food, and winning a cash prize. Who knew?!
As if that wasn’t fun and exciting enough, Clinton Kelly (a hero of mine!) chatted and took a selfie with me and Julie. Isn’t NYC amazing? The Chew episode we’re on will be airing on March 28th. Spot us in the crowd and watch our pie throwing skills!
blaire brown 