Tag Archives: Style

Rooftop Views and Handbags Galore

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Atop the Hotel Americano rooftop on Tuesday was the launch of the LeSportsac handbag collaboration with luxury jewelry designer Erickson Beamon. In stores this fall, the designer’s collection is composed of ballet shoe pink clutches with diamond-like stitching details, jeweled ring zipper closures, and gemstone prints enlarged to create a pixelated effect that all tie into Erickson’s
passion for jewelry design. All shapes and sizes of bags (including handy garment bags) were well thought out and created for the woman on the go.

Erickson Beamon started out in the 80’s at a runway show, stringing a few crystals onto suede for an earring piece. Next thing she knew, her chandelier earring was featured in Vogue. From that moment on she has had a following that consists of an extensive list of celebrity clients such as Drew Barrymore, Daphne Guinness, Julia Stiles just to name a few, and has additionally partnered with numerous fashion houses like Zac Posen, Anna Sui, and Marc Jacobs.

This year marks LeSportsac’s 40th anniversary in which they chose to partner with American designers to create special collections that represent their all-American aesthetic as an iconic handbag company. After viewing the precisely placed details and intricate designs this line has, I cannot wait to see what is next on the brand’s collaboration list.

 

DIY or Die! Arrives at Milk Studios

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Thursday night a hip crowd of gallery spectators mixed and mingled amongst each other at the private preview party for the DIY or Die! exhibit that opens today at Milk Studios. The place was packed with a large assortment of characters– hipsters, Wall Street, fashionistas (some I’ve bumped into at Fashion Week), and skaters alike filled the room. Many stepped up their fashion A-game for the gallery opening night. Each person was interested in the punk to reggae vibe that the DIY or Die! exhibit was celebrating; the thumping DJ beats + open bar didn’t hurt either.

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The exhibition was a collection of record covers, fanzines, and posters that stand as a true testimony to the punk rock culture of “making it work” (thanks, Tim Gunn!), even if money is sparse. Bands would get friends and family to help put together their album covers. The blank canvas of a record sleeve had endless opportunities to be personalized and gave an opportunity to share their own individual voice to fans and the public. The show had pieces ranging from the late 1960’s when the punk scene exploded in New York’s gritty downtown, to present day art, curated by Johan Kugelberg, founder of Boo Hooray. It is a great show and was a unique, very New York experience! Click through the slideshow to see the party pics for yourself.

Pop in and check out DIY or DIE! HANDMADE ZINES, RECORD COVERS AND POSTERS FROM PUNK TO REGGAE on display at Milk Gallery from July 17 through August 10. After you go, stop by The Tippler for a sweet libation– it’s right across the street!

Trickponi Pop-Up Shop Hits the Bowery

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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!

The Party at Libertine

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Creative Director Johnson Hartig loves to throw a party.

Whimsy, color, and enthusiasm hit the runway full force at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week when Libertine put on the show.  Bright bold coats with loud patterns and patches adorned each model as they strut by the audience.

Hailing a cab? Shake a leg with these bright leggings and neon stilettos.

Patchwork embellished garments scream Boy Scout meets alternative music.

The decked out red cape? Little Red Riding Hood all grown up, and she moved to New York City.

If this were a love story, the alternative Boy Scout & Little Red Riding Hood duo would meet and fall for each other on the 6 Train.

Shoe Heaven in the Empire Hotel

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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.

Stylistas Continue to Leave their Mark

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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.

Venexiana Shows Off Evening Gown Variety

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Gown after gown, dress after dress marched down the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week during Venexiana’s spring/summer show. Turquoise, tangerine, periwinkle and pink florals all colored the dresses in such a cheerful manner—ready for the sunshine and outdoor awards festival season coming next year. Although there were a large amount of gorgeous red-carpet dresses, I have watched plenty of Project Runway episodes to know that this line needed to be edited down (thanks for the insight, Tim Gunn!) because there ended up being 73 different looks. After a while, you start losing the “ooh” and “ahhh” from the audience because the show kept going on and on. Despite the length, Venexiana put together a drop-dead gorgeous show that celebrities and their stylists will be clamoring to buy this spring/summer time. Check it out in the video!

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/

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

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/