NY Fashion Week Diary - Day Three

J Brand Film Shoot for Costume e Societá

First thing on the agenda Saturday morning was an on-camera interview with Jeff Rudes, CEO and President of J Brand, and fashion journalist Mariella Milani for Costume e Societá. My friend Beth is the PR manager for J Brand and allowed me to tag along on the interview. As a publicist for several years this was nothing new for me, but it was still fun to be invited and to help out. When we arrived at the J Brand showroom in the Garment District we immediately started arranging the furniture and pulling samples in anticipation of the interview. Then Jeff arrived and decided on a few more looks to pull with Beth. Finally, the camera guy and Mariella arrived and everyone was ready to start the interview. Mariella is a no fuss, experienced journalist who knows exactly what she’s doing. There was barely any lag time and the interview took about 30 minutes. Since it was fashion week I’m sure Mariella had many places to be and many shows to see. I love working with professional journalists that don’t waste your time.

My aunt Rosa and I at Lincoln Center

Before I knew it the afternoon was upon me and it was time for my first show of the day, Mandy Coon. Once again I headed back to Lincoln Center. This time I was allowed to bring a guest so I invited my aunt Rosa who lives in the city. Mandy Coon’s fall collection showed more leather and unflattering silhouettes than her previous spring collection. Some of the pieces were not exactly my cup of tea, but I did find the tailored dresses and fur accents to be the most appealing.

Mandy Coon Fall 2011

Then it was time for the next show, Hexa by Kuho at the Park Ave. Armory. My aunt and I arrived a bit early so we decided to explore the venue. When we were finally allowed to retrieve our tickets we enter a dimly lit room where the show was about to take place. The show started with each model lit up by a spotlight as they entered. All the models were wearing black dresses which they then took off and reversed into more colorful but not identical versions of the original. As they changed, very loud dance music played and the lights flickered rapidly. Once all the models had reversed their dresses, the flicking lights stopped and they exited the stage one at a time. The presentation was quite an extravagant show, to say the least. I loved the unique concept of the reversible dress, the creative layering and draping, and the variety of colors. After the show we made our way backstage where the designer Kuho Jung was being interviewed on-camera along with South Korean actress Yoon Eun Hye. It was a treat to be able to check out the dresses up close.

Erin Fetherston

Later that evening, Beth, Stephanie (VP of Marketing for J Brand), and I headed to Milk Studios for the 8th Floor shows. The shows that evening included Erin Fetherston, Suno, and Pamela Love. Erin Fetherston, previously a creative consultant for Juicy Couture, debuted her more affordable line, Erin, that evening. The airy and pretty collection was right up my alley of style. Her unique presentation at Milk Studios included models conversing and laughing in the background before they strutted by photographers for their photo op. Overall, I just couldn’t get enough of her fall collection and considering the price tag ranges from $150 to $600 it made it even more appealing.

  

Erin Fetherston Fall 2011

Pamela Love Fall 2011

The next room I visited was the Suno presentation. The fall collection had a variety of vibrant and busy patterns with earthly tones. The charming vintage inspired designs also reflected a bohemian style. The last room was a presentation of Pamela Love jewelry. Her designs consisted of lots of spiky rough metals and crystals. It was a very spiritual and celestial collection, which I would love to get my hands on.

Suno Fall 2011

Model Karolina Kurkova at Milk Studios

Afterwards, it was time for dinner so we met Jeff Rudes and his family at the Standard Grill. The restaurant was packed and the hostess said it would be a two hour wait for a table. So instead we decided to get one drink and briefly say hi to the big boss, Jeff. After our drink we jumped in a cab and headed back towards our hotel. We decided on Delicatessen on Prince since it wasn’t a long wait and only a few blocks from the hotel. We ordered a sampling of what seemed like everything on the menu. It included the Truffle Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Chili Stuffed Corn Bread , Giorgio`s Meatballs Appetizer , Truffle-Parmesan Fries , Grilled Mahi Mahi , Beet, Endive & Fennel Salad , Roasted Sea Scallops, and Milk & Cookies and Ovaltine Pudding for dessert. Everything was absolutely amazing but we were literally stuffed by the end of the night. We then made our way back to the hotel for some much needed beauty sleep.

Related Articles:

NY Fashion Week Diary – Day One
NY Fashion Week Diary - Day Two
NY Fashion Week Diary - Final Day  

NY Fashion Week Diary - Day Two

The morning of Friday, February 11 I woke up to my cell alarm and jumped out of bed to get ready for day two of fashion week. The Tess Giberson presentation was at 9:30 a.m., another early show, but this time I gave myself enough time to get ready.

Texture and layering dominated the Tess Giberson’s presentation. A very wearable collection with several cozy oversized sweaters, cowl necks, and fur vests. Every look was a stylish ensemble that I found very chic and alluring.

Tess Giberson Fall 2011

After the presentation at Lincoln Center, I jumped in a cab and headed back downtown to Milk Studios for the Parsons panel discussion, “What Should We Be Doing?” with Jeff Rudes (Founder and CEO of J Brand), Tommy Hilfiger (designer), Rogan Gregory (designer), Stephanie Rosenbloom (reporter for the Style section of The New York Times), Andrew Rosen (CEO and President of Theory), and moderated by Simon Collins (Dean of Fashion Parsons The New School for Design). The discussion centered on the importance of the apparel industry using American factories, especially those in New York and Los Angeles. Manufacturing in the U.S. allows designers to be more creative and innovative if they have direct access to the factory instead of one overseas. Jeff Rudes, who manufactures denim in California for J Brand, said, “There is something to be said about touching and feeling your samples.” They also discussed how Wall Street should help finance young and emerging designers and how the fashion industry should find a way to connect with Apple or other technology companies in order to help with advancements in production. Towards the end of the panel, Jeff Rudes suggested the establishment of a group or network where young designers could have the guidance of a mentor as they enter the fashion industry.

The Parsons Panel Discussion at Milk Studios

Afterwards on the 8th floor of Milk Studios, I took in the presentation for NAHM. Designers Ally Hilfiger, daughter of Tommy Hilfiger, and Nary Manivong’s freshman collection was not what you would expect from a Hilfiger offspring. Mostly in black and terracotta, they reinvented the shirtdress with a Raven themed presentation that included uneven hemlines and modern silhouettes. The goth-like pieces didn’t strike me as uniquely inventive, but I was still intrigued by their debut collection.

Nahm Fall 2011 - Ally Hilfiger & Nary Manivong

Later that day I made my way back to Lincoln Center for the Cynthia Rowley show. Her collaboration with artist Ryan McNamara produced a show that was about the fashion factory. Before each look, a model would run past the runway entrance in her undies, playing on the idea that fashion is, in essence, a factory assembly line. The artsy collaboration also transcended into the collection with the geometric and cubist-inspired patterns. Personally, I was obsessed with the velveteen fabrics, the fur neck scarves, the calf length dresses, skirts, and pants. This collection was a favorite so far.

More after the jump...

Agent Provocateur Opens Their Rodeo Drive Store With A Sexy Party

Agent Provocateur on Rodeo Drive

Thursday night I attended the Agent Provocateur Rodeo Drive store launch party. I have been anticipating the opening for quite some time and was curious if it would be different from the store on Melrose Ave. As I walked in a girl in black lingerie greeted me with a glass of Veuve Clicquot. Almost immediately I fell in love with the Hollywood glamour decor. The new store fits in perfectly on Rodeo Drive with its luxurious, high-end feeling, which differs from the edgier Melrose Ave. store. Agent Provocateur seems to be placing themselves in more prestigious locations with this Rodeo Drive store and the Madison Ave. store in New York, which opened on Sunday night.

Estelle Warren, Debi Mazer, Julie Newmar (the original "Catwoman"), Dominik Garcia-Lorido (Andy Garcia's daughter and known for her role in "City Island"), Sally Kellerman ("MASH"), Agent Provocateur's creative director Sarah Shotton, and owner Garry Hogarth were all in attendance at the launch party sipping glasses of Veuve. Throughout the party, models came out in very revealing lingerie including a few in pasties. I thought to myself, is this a "Eyes Wide Shut" party or a store opening? Nevertheless, I couldn't get over how gorgeous each piece looked on them. First, the models came out in different black lingerie pieces and, next, in cream-colored and crystal embellished lingerie. Most of the pieces were from the Soiree collection, a new luxurious line Agent Provocateur launched this year. At the end of the night all the guests received a gift bag with the new fragrance, L’Agent. It was a great night that seemed to be enjoyed by all who attended.

Creative Director Sarah Shotton & Owner Garry Hogarth (left)

Inside Agent Provocateur Store

 More photos after the jump...

NY Fashion Week Diary – Day One

As I opened my eyes 20 minutes before the plane landed at Newark airport, I realized that I had slept the whole red eye flight. Sweet! It was 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 10 and I actually felt rested and ready to start fashion week. An hour later I softly knocked on the door of room # 708 at the Crosby Street Hotel and my sleepy eyed friend Beth answers the door. As I’m frantically getting ready for the first show, I chatted it up with my friend. She wonders why I have so much energy after the red eye and I start to wonder the same. In the back of my mind, however, I know that I will feel the effects of the long flight later in the day.

Beth and I with our Starbucks

My first show of the day was Nicholas K at Lincoln Center. The brother and sister designer team Nichole and Christopher Kunz showed a collection of grungy street wear with lots of layering, ruffles, velvet, and plaid. The 90s are back, but this time with much more style. I especially loved the dark and earthly tones and a cream asymmetrical sweater that made me want to fight the cold outside. During the show I noticed several models with plaid shirts wrapped around their waists. Oddly this revived 90s trend looked cool again.

Nicholas K Fall 2011

Next up was Porter Grey. Again, there were lots of dark and earthy tones, but the collection was much more preppy and feminine. I was dying over a little black dress, which was simple but nicely tailored with a flared skirt. 

Porter Grey Fall 2011

Inside the tents at Lincoln Center

As I wandered around the main lobby after the two shows, I found myself at the TRESemme Style Lounge. Since I had run out of the hotel room with my hair and makeup barely done, the pop up salon was just the perfect fix. After getting my hair curled by a fab stylist I didn't feel like a total bum anymore. Even with my hair done, I could have still used a make-up touch up. Oh but wait, I come across a table that was giving away free Maybelline make-up. I absolutely love fashion week!

Cupcakes!

Leaving Lincoln Center the icy wind blows harshly and my face starts to hurt. I swear it was one of coldest days I’ve ever experienced. Apparently a native Cali girl and cold weather don’t mix very well. When I get back to the hotel my friend Beth greets me with a box of cupcakes she picked up nearby. We sit on the window seal of our gorgeous room and check out the city view as we stuff our faces. As the food coma begins to settle in and I get the urge to take a nap, I know I have to make my way back uptown for more shows.

Mena Suvari & Gabriel Union at Christian Siriano

Once I arrived back at the tents, I checked out the Mara Hoffman presentation. She definitely went back to her tribal inspired roots, but this time with a bit of 70s flare. The colorful maxi dresses and oversized sweaters were my favorites from the collection. Later that evening and a few blocks past the Lincoln Center, I attended the Eva Minge show at Good Units at the Hudson. Kelly Rowland sneaked in minutes before the show started and sat front row, of course. The whole collection was mostly black with hints of red and a few bronzes pieces here and there. The gorgeous black lace dresses with bronze lining underneath really stood out to me. Then, bearing the cold again, I made my way back to the tents for Christian Siriano. It was a mix of classic wearable pieces and overstated gowns. The last look of the night was a beautiful mauve silk organza ruffled gown skirt; quite a dramatic way to end the show. Afterwards, everyone swarmed Mena Suvari and Gabriel Union, who were sitting front row at the show.

I finally did crash at the end of the day so I decided to turn in early and order room service. If only I could have ordered a massage as well.

Related Articles:

NY Fashion Week Diary - Day Two
NY Fashion Week Diary - Day Three
NY Fashion Week Diary - Final Day  

More photos after the jump...

Petro Zillia & Rory Beca for Forever 21 = Springtime Wardrobe Shopping!

LA based retail chain Forever 21 has teamed up with two local designers, Petro Zillia and Rory Beca, in collaborations that are making me wish for sunshine and warmer weather.  Let the Spring/Summer wardrobe shopping commence!

Although it's terribly sad to hear that the Petro Zillia store on W. Third Street is closing at the end of February, my mood quickly changed with the announcement of Petro Zillia's collaboration with Forever 21. The label, known for it's bright colors and fun, flirty style, will fit in perfectly with an affordable line at Forever 21.

To celebrate the launch, Petro Zillia and Forever 21 are throwing a big bash on Friday, February 11 from 6-9 pm at the Forever 21 store at The Americana at Brand (sister mall to The Grove.) The party is open to all and there will be sweets, treats, and giveaways!



Forever 21's next designer collaboration is with Rory Beca, which will hit store on March 4. The Grove in LA and the Times Square Forever 21 stores and will host a launch party before and on the release date. Again, the party is open to all so don't miss it!

In an interview over email, Rory Edelman, the designer behind Rory Beca, describes her Forever 21 line as, "very feminine and filled with easy-to-wear pieces.  At the same time there is a sophistication about it, which I think will appeal to Forever 21's more sophisticated customer."


I've adored Rory Beca's collection every since she debuted her collection a few years back. Edelman's Forever 21 collection is similar to her own label, known for it's laid-back style and vintage feel, but at a lower price point. "I had the fun, easy-going girl, who loves to travel and enjoy herself, in mind when designing the collection," says Edelman.

I asked Edelman if she would like to do another collaboration with similar retails store such as H&M or Topshop and she responded, " I loved the opportunity to expand my customer reach and make my collection available to more people. It has to be the right fit though." Let's hope the right fit comes along again.


Photos of the Petro Zillia and Rory Beca for Forever 21 collections after the jump...

Black Swan's Costume Designer (No, Not Rodarte) Speaks Out, But Why Now?

Amy Westcott (left) and Rodarte (Mulleavy sisters) (right)

Ask any fashion and non-fashion conscious person who designed the costumes for the Oscar nominated film Black Swan and they are sure to respond with Rodarte, the label behind Kate and Laura Mulleavy. The publicity surrounding Rodarte's costume designs for the film has undoubtedly overshadowed the credited costume designer, Amy Westcott.  Who is Westcott, you ask? Well, she's a pretty pissed off woman right this moment. Her recent interview with Clothes on Film reveals her disdain for the controversy surrounding Rodarte's ineligibility for an Oscar nod. Although it's now a moot point since the film didn't get a nomination for costume design, but let's face it, how could the Academy give Westcott the nomination when she didn't design the best costumes from the film?

So, why is Westcott making such a big deal after the nominations have already been announced? Could it be that she's upset that she couldn't ride on the coattail of all the Rodarte attention and earn an Oscar nod? Once articles started surfacing that Rodarte only had a back end credit and wouldn't be included if the film did get nominated, it was glaringly obvious that Westcott didn't deserve a nomination without Rodarte. I'm sure this must have influenced the Academy in some way. It would be one thing if Rodarte designed a dress or two that wasn't the main focus of the film, but their designs were so instrumental that their Black Swan costume was the focus of the promotional campaign.

Then there is the claim by Westcott that Rodarte did not design 40 costumes, which has been printed in almost every article, but instead only 7. In an interview with The Ballet Bag back in October, Westcott explains that Zack Brown (a famous ballet costume designer) designed the costumes for the corps de ballet and Rodarte added pieces to make it work with their Black and White Swan. However, in her interview with Clothes on Film she doesn't acknowledge Rodarte at all and instead says, "The core ballet was designed by Zack Brown (for American Ballet Theater), and my department and I added some feather detailing to assimilate them with the White Swan." So, what is it? Did they collaborate on the other 33 costumes or only designed 7?

Another Night With More Windows Uncovered at Vivienne Westwood on Melrose

Last Thursday night, I reported that one of the window of the Vivienne Westwood store on Melrose was uncovered while they were doing some work on the store. Then, last night they were working again and the side and front windows were uncovered, but this time the mannequins were dressed. As was the case last week, the windows were covered up again this morning.

The inside looks amazing with it's beautiful wood floors, gold accented furniture, and high ceilings.  Also, it looks like there is a large handbag section in the middle of the store. I'm loving these sneak peaks into the store but there is still no official opening date. I think they are just teasing us at this point.

Related article: Sneak Peak Inside The New Vivienne Westwood Store!

More photos after the jump...