Post Olympics - Missing Britain

I was sad to bid farewell to the Olympic Games even though I wasn't overly thrilled with NBC's coverage.  Did we really need to see four thousand hours of water polo?  I said it before, I'll say it again, "Fun to play, boring to watch."  Aside from a few athletes/races/events, I thought the fun segments that Mary Carillo did as she traveled all over the city of London and the country were pretty much the highlights of the summer games (BTW, doesn't she have the BEST job?).  They made me miss England since I haven't traveled there for several years now.  Since the Games have been over, I've been feeling nostalgic and I took the opportunity last night to wear the "Union Jack Dress" from my Fall 2012, Modern World Collection. 

 

posing in front of Lincoln Center

 

Dress: Stacy Lomman : New York

Shoes: Via Spiga

Bag: Francesco Biasia

Skull Ring: Wendy Brandes Jewelry

 

As most of you know, New York Fashion Week is happening and last evening Zang Toi showed an unbelievably exquisite collection.  I attended the show with jewelry designer, Wendy Brandes who looked beautiful (and tall!) in one of Zang's dresses.  I might be a bit biased, but I think the two of us were the best dressed!  Kirstie Alley had nothin' on us -- okay, she had her dance partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy on her arm, but I digress...

 

Wendy Brandes wearing Zang Toi

 

front view of my "Union Jack" dress

 

BREAKING NEWS!

I'm just eight short days from the end of my Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for my Spring 2012 "Biohazard" Collection!  On one hand, I'm excited, motivated and energized, while on the other hand, I'm a bit nervous since I'm still $1500 short of my goal.  As most of you know, if I fall short, the plug is pulled on the project and it gets filed under "Unsuccessful."  Let me just say that I do not "do" unsuccessful.  No way.  I'm a Type A personality with an extra gene of determination.  I don't like to lose and I give everything I do 110% effort.  Scared?  Good, I will use any tactic right now to get donations! 

just some of the choices... more where these came from...

So, I'm pulling out the heavy artillery -- I'm offering to auction off a custom piece from new line.  The price on Kickstarter is $2,000 and you can snatch up the last spot by pledging that amount if you want to be absolutely sure to secure a garment.  Or, you can take a shot at bidding for it and try your luck. I've added a new "awards category" on my Kickstarter page starting at $499 for the opening bid!  Any takers?  It's a STEAL!!!  Let the bidding begin...

Of course, if you want to contribute (which I would appreciate beyond belief), you can pledge ANY amount, from $5 upward.  If I can get 100 people to donate $5 each, that is a HUGE help!  200 people -- even better!!  Pass this along to anyone you know who loves fashion!

Mucho Gusto Custo

The Custo Barcelona show at the tents last Sunday evening was, as usual, a huge draw.  It's one of the most popular shows and Spanish designer, Custo Dalmau never fails to please the crowd.  The label is known for color, wild prints and mixing unexpected fabrics.  The fall 2010 collection added some much needed vibrancy to the sea neutrals flooding the runways this past week.

Below is the press release I just received from the Custo team.  I couldn't have written a better commentary!

Custo Invite

A metal bath of vibrant contrasts dazzled New York, courtesy of Custo Barcelona. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York was once again the setting for the presentation of the designer's new autumn-winter 2010-11 collection.

Sparkling metals melted into pure lines to form new volumes that contrast with the warmth of fur. Bryant Park tent provided the backdrop and an attentive audience of more than 800 people from all over the world, including actresses like Gossip Girl's Connor Paola, One Life to Live's Tika Sumper or Miss USA Kristen Dalton and Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez, attended the show.

Under the name 'Hairy Metal', Custo Barcelona presented a collection where the indisputable protagonists were metallic sparkles. New York saw a strong, energetic and contemporary collection, in keeping with a new era. Bronze, steel, gold, black and rust comprise a new colour palette which is mixed with graphics inspired by mercury, melted silver, red hot iron and tin.

The cold of metal is contrasted with fake fur, which has been developed in every imaginable form. Hairs of different lengths and colours have been mixed together to create new graphic effects that are sinuous, geometric or crossed. Different types of furs have also been mixed with wools to match the colour graphics and produce volumes that create new depth.

A primitive looking collection that brings cold and warmth face-to-face. Of contrasting looks. Of melting metals. A veritable ode to the periodic table of elements. An invitation to experiment. A mysterious and spectacular show courtesy of Custo Barcelona, who has managed to surprise us once again.

All photos courtesy of Custo Barcelona Press Office

Neutral Ground

Stylish women like to stay on top of trends, so for all you Fashionistas, here is a quick review on the key colors for next fall. New York Fashion Week is well underway and designers are sending a clear message that neutral tones are going to be important for fall 2010.

Fall 2010 - BCBG (left), Herve Leger (right)

(photo credit: Coutorture)

On the first day in the tents, Max Azria sent shades of taupe and grey strolling down the runway at the BCBG show and followed up later in the week with a similar palette for Herve Leger. Ports 1961 designer, Tia Cibani also showcased tones of grey which she warmed up with rich browns and bronze. Designer duo Costello Tagliapietra’s feminine dresses were not only soft in terms of drape and fabric, but also in color. For fall 2010, they chose toasty desert hues complimented with dusty rose and fiery orange. Camel made a statement this season as several collections used this classic color for heavier wools and outerwear pieces. Last season’s Project Runway winner, Irina Shabayeva, featured a flock of camel coats, some of which were painted with feathers.

Fall 2010 - Costello Tagliapietra (left), Ports 1961 (right)

(photo credit: Coutorture)

Irina Shabayeva - Fall 2010

(photo credit: Coutorture)

 Color blocking continues as a trend. This technique allows for brighter pop colors to be introduced and combined with neutrals to create a balanced composition. Grey and nutty-brown serve as the foundation for DKNY’s fall 2010 collection. These base colors were chopped into patterns using shots of cobalt, chocolate and maroon. Fuzzy mohair, chunky knits, tweeds and fur provide texture which prevents the shades of grey and beige from looking flat and drab. Tone on tone pairings look modern when shiny and dull fabrics or soft and hard are juxtaposed against each other.

DKNY - Fall 2010

(photo credit: Coutorture)

Other designers to stand their neutral ground so far include; Michael Angel, Yigal Azrouel, Catherine Malandrino and Behnaz Sarafpour. Fall 2010 Fashion Week will run through Thursday, February 18th. With Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrara and Ralph Lauren still to come; it’s likely New York will continue to see classic neutral colors on the runways.

Fall 2010 - Michael Angel (left), Yigal Azrouel (right)

(photo credit: Coutorture)

In The Red

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!  I've been running around a bit today trying to get to a few shows and presentations.  My camera keeps dying -- I guess rechargeable batteries have a life span after all.

red lips and red dress at Costello Tagliapietra

very fitting for Valentine's Day

I'm disappointed that I will probably have to miss Betsey Johnson's show.  I just don't see how it's possible to be downtown for a 7pm show (which will not likely begin on time) and get back up to the tents for Custo at 8pm.  I would definitely attempt it if the two venues were in walking distance, but I don't trust the subway on a Sunday night.

racy in red at Georges Charkra

Highlights: Berlin Fashion Week

Berlin Fashion Week came to a close on Saturday and if I had to summarize the shows in a few words, I would say: Leather, latex, luster and luxury! I could write a monster post wherein I review each collection, but who has time for that? Besides, Berlin doesn’t compare (yet) to New York, London or Paris Fashion Weeks. But, I personally enjoy discovering new designers with unique style and vision -- it’s so boring to look at the same labels all the time. So, let’s break down Berlin…

Schumacher, .dimitri, Susanne Wiebe

                                  

Color: Black was the strongest (non)color across the board. No surprise there. Dark shades of burgundy, midnight and charcoal are dominant tones in the fall palette. Sparkly silver and glimmering gold accent and brighten the deep tones. Brighter hues of blue and orchid add an energetic pop to the spectrum.

"Color" Strenesse Blue, .dimitri, Arrondissement AQ1

Fabric: Buttery satin, rich velvet and flowing silk chiffon mix with soft knits. Cashmere and virgin wool fibers are used in heavier jacket fabrics as well as warm jerseys. Leather is present in almost every collection. Tech qualities such as neoprene offset natural fabrics to create a modern twist.

"Fabric" Allude, Sam Frenzel, Anja Gockel

Surface: Silicon printing creates a glossy finish; sequins add glittery shimmer and leathers are patent and shiny. Plush pile fabrics offer texture as do a variety of fur and tweeds.

"Lacquer Shine" Chaya, Perret Schaad, Susanne Wiebe

"Glitter"  Anja Gockel, Stefan Ekert, Joop

"Lush & Plush"  Rena Lange, Sam Frenzel, Rena Lange

Key-Looks: Narrow silhouettes including skinny pants prevail. Business attire makes a statement in separates and dresses. The formal tuxedo diffuses into daywear creating sensual silhouettes. Oversized knits are paired with leggings and tights for a sporty-elegant ensemble.

"Skinny Pants"  Schumacher, ic! berlin, Stine Goya

"Tuxedo" Penkov, Hausach Couture, Boss Black

"Voluminous Knits"  Michael Sontag, Allude, Arrondissement AQ1

So, how do you like Berlin??  I'd say it's wunderbar!