VeryVeryChic

GOTHIC STYLE: Raised From the Dead

Alexander McQueen     

 

Need some inspiration for Halloween?

You could rent “Interview With A Vampire” -  think “The Fang Club” Members-Only with a vintage corset, velvet cape and sexy patent leather knee-high boots. Or if you are in NYC, visit the “Gothic: Dark Glamour" exhibition at FIT. You will undoubtedly find some inspiration and at the same time be “en vogue.” Gothic fashion has been part of the underground fashion scene throughout the years. And this Fall it couldn’t be more "In" fashion. From the collections on the runways in Paris to the macabre themes of recent feature films, designers are obsessed with the dark side.
The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York decided to explore the many inuendos of the subculture from it’s historic origins in 18th century Goth literature to Dracula films and the darkly erotic and romantic couture clothing from the runways of Paris. I was lucky enough to catch the exhibition following New York Fashion Week.
It was of particular interest to me as my California Apparel News’ Fall 08 photo shoot for LA Fashion Week was inspired by the dark mood of last year’s Academy Award nominated films. Think Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp in Tim Burton’s “Sweeney Todd,” and classic films such as Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds.”
Set in the basement of the FIT Gallery, the exhibition had jet black labyrinth-like chambers filled with corsets, crosses and plenty of darkly glamorous clothes. Going to the exhibition was like entering a dungeon, but if I had to endure some “coutorture” for fashion’s sake, then sobeit!!!! On display were gowns featured in "Dracula," streetwear from LA-based Lip Service as well as a number of couture gowns from Thierry Mugler, Rick Owens, Boudicca, Gareth Pugh, John Galliano and Yohji Yamamoto.
There was a series of black dresses for evening and a couture section with one of my favorite pieces – an Alexander McQueen dress made out of red microscope slides and an elaborate feather skirt. There was also an exquisite quilted cape by Boudicca and some futuristic "Blade Runner" ensembles with industrial tubes, magnifying glasses and a corset made from glass. Scared? Even more disturbing was a gown that had a jack set on the shoulder (to raise and lower the skirt) and shoes with insane metal heels.
Are these fashions for the mainstream? Certainly not. But that’s the beauty of fashion. It’s not just about being pretty, it can sometimes take us to dark places. After all, what could be better than living in a world of fantasy??!!

Gothic: Dark Glamour
September 5, 2008 to February 21, 2009
The Museum at FIT
photo credit: FIT website online exhibit

 

Alexander McQueen's avant garde gown made from feathers and glass microscope slides.

h. Naoto's "shocking-but-cute" Gothic Lolita ensemble.

Kazuko Ogawa's elegant Gothic Lolita dress.

 

Rodarte's silk gauze dress inspired by Japanese horror movies.

 

 Givenchy (Riccardo Tisci) darkly romantic silk tulle gown.

NYC SAMPLE SALES: The Daily Candy Edition

If you are a Daily Candy fan, then you probably subscribe to multi-city editions (like I do). But just in case you don't I had to pass on this info. Because sample sales rule and this list was to good to pass up!
Happy Shopping!





What: Dolce & Gabbana
Why: Two floors’ worth of fall and winter items.
When: Oct. 27-31. Mon., 1-6 p.m.; Tues. & Wed., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 W. 18th St., 4th & 5th flrs.

What: MaxMara
Why: Up to 70 percent off past collections from the sporty, fancy, and ready-to-wear lines.
When: Oct. 27-30. Mon., 1-8 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: 145 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves.

What: Kooba
Why: Handbags, vests, and leather jackets at 50-80 percent off.
When: Oct. 28-30. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed 2-3 p.m.
Where: 141 W. 36th St., b/t Broadway & Seventh Ave.

What: Fred Perry
Why: Yuptastic shoes and accessories for guys and gals. Cash only.
When: Nov. 4-9. Thurs., Fri., Mon. & Tues., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 547 W. 27th St., b/t Tenth & Eleventh Aves. (212-736-3030).

What: Shoshanna & Anlo
Why: Seventy-five percent off fall 2008, swimwear, and denim.
When: Nov. 5 & 6. Wed., 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: 231 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., ste. 422.

What: Tibi
Why: Lambswool sweater cape for $104 (reg. $414); crepe long-sleeve gown for $200 (reg. $784); silk shift dress for $80 (reg. $320); belted cape jacket for $140 (reg. $559).
When: Nov. 5-7. Wed., 1-7 p.m.; Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: Penthouse 15, 336 W. 37th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves., 15th flr. (212-966-3773).

What: Vivienne Tam
Why: Save up to 75 percent. Silver metallic Aphrodite dress for $150 (reg. $795); taffeta rose applique dress for $120 (reg. $495).
When: Nov. 5-7. Wed., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 260 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 3rd flr. (212-840-6470).

What: Hayden-Harnett
Why: Forty-70 percent off fall 2008 collections and accessories.
When: Nov. 5-8. Wed.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Edgo Noho, 65 Bleecker St., b/t Broadway & Lafayette Sts. (718-383-4450).

GREEN GENES: Denim with an Eco-twist

If you want to be eco-conscious and love your blue jeans (oh, and you live in Atlanta), then you are in luck. Blue Genes is offering a vintage selection of Premium Denim from $29.99. The selection includes mens, womens and kids styles in all sizes with new arrivals daily.

In addition The Owner's Closet will offer a special section with vintage finds from Christian Louboutin, Fendi, Jenni Kayne, Mayle, Doo Ri, Hannni Y and more.
And if you want to keep your kids in fabulous threads, the selection includes Oilily, Da-Nang, Diesel, Flowers by Zoe, Juicy Couture, Calypso  at prices starting as low as $3.99.

Store address: 3400 Around Lenox Drive NE, Suite 215, Atlanta, GA  30326,  Phone: 404-231-3400

Store Hours: 10:30 am - 7:00 pm Monday - Friday

                   10:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday

                     1:00 pm - 5:00 pm  Sunday

BLACK FRIDAY: Celebrate (and shop) at H&M

If there is any reason to celebrate in this economic crunch, then it's because
 H & M has decided to extend it's hours and offer a discount at the Third Street Promenade store in Santa Monica, Calif.
              On Friday November 28, 2008, at 5AM, H&M Hennes & Mauritz will open its doors at the Third Street Promenade location and will close at midnight. For the ultimate holiday shopping experience, H&M will offer a 20% discount on purchases of $50 or more until 10AM on Black Friday only.
 
Now that's definitely a reason to celebrate!! 

Store address:  H&M, Third Street Promenade, 1452 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA  

BOXeight: Ode to the Avant Garde

Michel Berandi at BOXeight                      photos: Dirk Mai

If you didn’t go to BOXeight during Fashion Week, you missed some of LA’s most cutting edge fashion. The shows were held Oct 16 to 19 at the BOXeight warehouse just East of downtown on Washington Blvd.  The line-up included some of LA’s exciting up-and-coming and avant garde collections.  Designers included hipster brands Fremont, Anzevino and Florence and Brian Lichtenberg, men’s lines Idol Radec and Post’age as well as Yotam Solomon, Kucoon, Joyrich, Rojas and New York-based Secta. Did I mention MartinMartin, Michel Berandi and Raquel Allegra???? The line-up was amazing and it’s clear that the avant garde is alive and happening in Los Angeles. Click below to see Michel Berandi - one of the biggest statement makers on the runway. Also look for upcoming pics of the scene, runway shows and people at BOXeight.

 For full runway coverage of the shows, go to my home base at ApparelNews.net.

MICHEL BERANDI:

                                                                                photos: Dirk Mai

When I heard that Michel Berandi had decided to show at BOXeight I was beyond ecstatic! I first wrote about the designer in 2006 when he launched the line and have been a huge fan ever since. Berandi brought a touch of French couture into LA Fashion Week with a show that melded fashion and fantasy. The designer was inspired by animals, insects and science fiction creatures to create a Gothic-tinged collection that screamed editorial. He used floor length hair extensions and heavy white makeup to give the show the kind of creative couture edge that are inspiring to me as an editor. I went backstage before the show and caught a glimpse of the hair and makeup artists at work and it was fashion heaven watching it walk down the runway. Here are some of my favorite looks from the show and some pre-show shots backstage.

ACCESSORIES:

                                                               photos: Jayne
LOVE this bag. I saw it at the Project Global Tradeshow and have been coveting it ever since!


In case you wanted a better view!


So good. Need I say more?

BACKSTAGE:

Michel Berandi (center) with BOXeight's Michael Utsinger and Peter Gurnz

KATY RODRIGUEZ: Modern Meets Chic

THE LIVING TABLEAU
Count on Katy Rodriguez to stage a fabulous event. The designer and vintage conniseur (she co-owns Resurrection) held her Spring 09 presentation at her business partner Mark Haddaway’s John Lautner home in the hills off Mulholland Drive. Guests sipped cocktails and mingled on the patio soaking up the stunning view. Oh, and don’t forget the clothes. Rodriguez designed Latin-inspired beaugoise frocks suitable for a modern day Frida Kahlo. She chose real women to model them and they had their own party ‘within the party’ while guests viewed the collection through the walls of the modern home.
How's that for mixing art and fashion?
To read my detailed coverage of the event go to ApparelNews.net.

To see more images, click below.

VIRIDIS LUXE: Eco-chic

                                                 photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

If you want to be eco-conscious and fashionable at the same time, Viridis Luxe may be the answer to your wardrobe dilemma. For Spring, the line includes off-the-shoulder tops, tanks, floral print dresses and fitted caftans - all in luxe cashmere and eco-friendly bamboo, silk and organic cotton. Paired with vintage boyfriend jeans, overalls and accessories, the look was totally hip and of-the-moment chic. Click below to see key looks from the collection.

CRISPIN & BASILIO: Laid Back Luxe

                                                photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week


"The blurred lines between relaxed and dressed up." - Donny Barrios

DID I SAY COVET?
Donny Barrios created the kind of collection that women want to run out to the store and buy. In fact, I found myself mentally placing my personal order as I watched the show. It’s the kind of effortless chic that is so timely right now. When you are looking for that perfect little dress but want it to be understated, yet chic and of course comfortable. Did I mention the slouchy blazers, culottes and shrunken leather moto jackets? Mmmmmm, yes, I think I’ll be living in this collection come Spring!!!  Truly, I think this was a defining moment for the designer and Barrios really hit his stride with this collection.
To read my full review, go to BritishVogue.com.

Click below to see more images.

SUH-TAHN: The Casual Avant Garde

                                                  photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week


Suh-Tahn is one of my favorite LA brands and this season it was great to see designers Shannon Nastif and Dimitry Tshcarfas expand their fabric repertoire to include denim and jersey along with their signature leather and silk. The design-duo channeled California into their collection and created looks inspired by the ocean and the relaxed SoCal lifestyle. Some of my favorites were the scuba-inspired leggings, the amazing suede jackets and of course their edgy avant garde frocks. To truly appreciate the collection, here are some great close-ups that show all the details.

To read my full report go to BritishVogue.com

Click below to see more images.

LA FASHION WEEK - Kevan Hall's Red Carpet Runway

LA Fashion Week - We just completed the last Fashion Week as we have known it for the past several years. And I found myself getting a bit nostalgic as it was announced that IMG and Smashbox would part ways after this season. Over the past 5-6 years there have been some great moments (and not so great moments), designers have launched their careers and many have taken them to great heights. But what I found on the runway is that despite the nay-sayers there was plenty of great fashion. In addition to the shows at Smashbox, there were many independent presentations around Los Angeles, at BOXeight and downtown during market. To really get a true perspective of what LA designers have to offer required going to the many varied locales around town. Throughout the week, I covered shows for BritishVogue.com and California Apparel News. Yes, it was a busy week!! From glamorous evening gowns to casual chic and the edgy avant garde here are a few of my favorite collections.

For full coverage of LA Fashion Week go to my home base at apparelnews.net.

KEVAN HALL

                                                 photos: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Kevan Hall kicked off the shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios. And full-on glamour was the order of the day. The designer was inspired by Adrian and the screen sirens of the 1930s and 40s to create his Spring 09 collection. Hall is known for dressing the glamour girls of the big screen for red carpet occasions including Garcelle Beauvais and Rachel Griffiths who were seated front row. His icy pastel color ombre gowns and ethereal silhouettes were some of the strongest looks in the collection. And if you are looking for classic - his black cocktail dresses and gowns were the epitome of chic. To read my coverage of the show go to BritishVogue.com.

To see more images, click below.

CHIC SHOPPING: Raquel Allegra at Esquivel House

 

If you've seen Raquel Allegra's uber-chic t-shirts at Maxfield, then you are probably jumping with joy (as I am) that the designer will be having a trunk sale tomorrow at the Esquivel House in Los Angeles. Sorry for the late notice...but if it weren't for the last minute you might have missed it (and that would be tragic!). The designer creates her t-shirts out of recycled prison tees from the Los Angeles County jail. Though you wouldn't know it from the looks of them. The look is casual couture at it's finest. Each one is deconstructed with a labor intensive process of stripping out individual threads, then they are stretched, tye died and given their own personality. Allegra recently showcased her line at BOXeight during LA Fashion Week (Look for a recap on the week this weekend). In fact, we were so impressed Allegra is featured on the cover of this week's issue of California Apparel News.

Here are details for the trunk show:
RAQUEL ALLEGRA Spring 09 Runway Collection & ESQUIVEL SHOES premiering the Raquel Allegra boot.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008
10 am - 5 pm
8309 West Third Street (ally entrance between Flores and Sweetzer)
Los Angeles, CA  90048


Oh, and did I mention the shoes????
WWW.ESQUIVELSHOES.COM
The hand-crafted men's and women's collection by George Esquivel will be offered at 15% and Allegra's Fall collection will be offered at a discount.


Here are some of the kicks:

  

SHOE FETISH - Nicholas Kirkwood at Seven New York

Seven New York is one of my favorite stores EVER. I stumbled upon it as I was shopping in Soho and every time I'm there I make sure to stop in and check out their latest fashion finds. The store caters to cutting edge designers who are hard to find or otherwise overlooked because of their irreverent  approach to design. Think Jeremy Scott, Bernard Willhelm, Material Boy, Preen, April 77 and Ksubi.
 I just found out that new arrivals from Nicholas Kirkwood have hit the retail floor. The designer is quickly becoming known in fashion circles for his fabulously sexy shoes. According to Seven, Kirkwood is already being touted as the next “Christian Louboutin.” It’s not surprising considering the designer has collaborated with Chloe, Rodarte and Gareth Pugh. Think sexy shapes, patterned details, exotic leathers, satin and Swarovski crystal accents. Happy shopping!!

For more information go to www.sevennewyork.com or www.nicholaskirkwood.com





 

TIS THE SEASON - Very Chic Sample Sales!

 

I die! If you are in New York, you are in luck! This sample promises to hold some very chic finds.

EM PRODUCTIONS SAMPLE SALE

If you are on the West Coast, check out EM Productions Sample Sale this weekend. Last chance to get Marlova - I've heard the designers are parting ways. Get ready, because it's going to be good!!!!!  

Here are the details:

EM Productions Press

END OF SUMMER SAMPLE SALE!! 

OCT 24 I 4PM-8PM

OCT 25 I 10AM-6PM

Azature

Chulo Pony

Cosa Nostra

Dea Moda

Define Apparel

Kosmetique Label

Marlova

Marcello Toshi Creazioni

Richard Ruiz

Royal Underground

Santeria

...And MORE...

All Samples 30%-80% OFF

EM Productions Press

1608 N. Las Palmas I Los Angeles CA I 90028

323 644 2684

**CASH ONLY**

SHE's GOT LEGS!

It’s no secret that leggings are hot this Fall. But the real news is that “Legs” are a key to being “In style” this season. During LA Fashion Week I spotted a plethora of leggings, tights, stockings and hosiery. Torn, shredded, striped and skin tight the look is hotter than hot. If you want to pack an extra punch wear it in neon or top it with spats or thigh high gladiators. Click below to see a few of the looks that I spotted throughout the week.

CHAIN GANG - An "AZATURE" Moment

Chain necklaces and jewelry have been building steam and this Fall it is one of the hottest trends going. But it’s not the kind of gold “bling, bling” chain necklaces of season’s past. The look is raw, industrial and ultra chic. To get the look, check out AZATURE – this designer’s star is definitely rising. Multi-platinum recording artist Rihanna was recently spotted wearing a necklace from the A.Z. by AZATURE collection for her appearance on the BBC benefit, “One Night To Die For.” And the collection was honored at the Gen Art “Fresh Faces in Fashion” event on Oct. 10 in Los Angeles. Last night I spotted several people rocking AZATURE chain necklaces including Geri blog guru from BecauseImAddicted and Azature Arthur Pogosian himself. Rihanna has commissioned AZATURE to design a few specialty pieces. And it’s no wonder. The designer cut his teeth working with legends such as Richard Tyler, Alexander McQueen and fashion stylist Andrea Lieberman. The collection also includes rings, bangles and necklaces and the designer’s specialty - black diamonds. To get the look go to azature.com or find it at Des Kohan or Live! On Sunset in Los Angeles.

Here is Rihanna rocking AZATURE and as well as a few other interpretations of the trend. 

Rihanna


Geri from BecauseImAddicted rocking AZATURE.


Azature and friend, Lindsay, both rocking the goods.

 
Necklace from Neiman Marcus (unknown designer).

KZO - Styling the Show for Gen Art

K.Z.O. Headquarters: Art by Brett Westfall

When Joel K. asked me to help style his collection for the Gen Art “Fresh Faces in Fashion” show I didn’t hesitate. The creative director and designer of the Los Angeles-based menswear collection has a unique global perspective and it was a great opportunity to collaborate on the show. He wanted the  show to look edgy yet modern; outdoorsy yet sophisticated; and of course ultra directional. Joel, Austin (designer of Odyn Vok) and I met on the Sunday prior to Gen Art and styled the show. Inspired by Manzanar, the WW II interment camp in the California desert, the collection explored themes ranging from imprisonment, isolation, fleeing and burning away from the past to rebuilding, freedom and liberation. Though a somber theme, bright blue nylon anoraks, flannel shirts and colorful t-shirts brightened up into the otherwise dark palette. There were plenty of high-end designer pieces such as a luxurious leather jacket and an intricate vest with multiple pockets. Clean tailored pieces including button down shirts and crisp cargo pants completed the line-up. Think California casual meets metropolitan Tokyo.

Here are some behind the scenes shots styling the collection and the complete runway show. 

For full coverage of Gen Art go to my home base at apparelnews.net

To see the runway show go to kzocinematics.com

GEN ART "Fresh Faces in Fashion" - Behind the Scenes

 

GEN ART is always a highlight of LA fashion Week. And this season was no exception. The 11th annual edition presented a showcase of the hottest up and coming design talent in Los Angeles. Mandy Moore hosted the event which was staged at the Petersen Automotive Museum and included a cocktail reception and after-party. The “Who’s Who” of LA fashion turned out to see the line-up which included womenswear collections by Nanushka, Quail, Wayf, Laeken and Maxine Dillon; swimwear by Peonie and menswear by K.Z.O. and Wayne Hadly. Accessories designers displayed their collections in an installation format. This season’s honorees included Azature’s fine jewelry, Posso’s hipster chic spats and purses, Laura Kranitz’s sculptural hats and jewelry and Jerome C. Rousseau’s beautifully crafted footwear. The looks on the runway ranged from tomboy chic at Quail and Maxine Dillon to feminine dresses at Wayf, retro hipster styles at Wayne Hadly and the globally conscious sportswear of K.Z.O.

This season I went behind the scenes to talk to the designers and catch all the action pre-show. Here are the faces, the clothes and the very chic style.

To my coverage of the show go to BritishVogue.com at: www.vogue.co.uk

FORM takes shape on the runway

Jerry Tam may have been the first designer to be eliminated from this season’s Project Runway. But it may be Tam who gets to have the last laugh. The designer has been designing his collection, Form, for the past two years. Already featured in Surface and a host of other magazines, Tam is far from being eliminated from the fashion scene. In fact, at the Spring 09 showing of his collection in New York Tam pulled in Tara Subkoff as creative director for the collection. The two fused Tam’s architectural shapes with Subkoff’s soft wearable aesthetic. According to Subkoff excess is out. It is now more fashionable to take an understated utilitarian approach. The show was held at The Atelier Skylounge which offered some fantastic views. In case you’re wondering how the two teamed up. Tam had actually interned with Subkoff at Imitation of Christ when he was just starting out on the design scene. It just goes to show, be nice to your interns – you never know when one might call you!

 

 

Pre-show final touches

 

Jerry Tam

Tara Subkoff

 

A packed front row

 

Photographers ready for action.

THE SPRING 09 COLLECTION: 

 

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK - Style In the Tents & Beyond

The tents at Bryant Park....where style begins.

The fashion crowd always is first to wear the most forward fashion styles. And New York Fashion Week was the perfect place to spot the latest trends and the hottest looks. Key styles included jumpsuits, short shorts, colorful jeans, blazers, moto jackets, fedoras and absolutely anything ethnic. From the tents at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to the streets of New York, here is a look at some of the latest looks. Oh, and don’t forget the parties – the chic set was out in full force at Ksubi, Alexander Wang, William Rast and G-Star after-parties.

To read about California designers showing during New York Fashion Week, go to my home base at www.apparelnews.net

JUMPSUITS:

Celia Smith, market editor for VIBE magazine outside the tents at Bryant Park.

 

WORKWEAR: This Acne jumpsuit was ultra cool.

ROMPERS:

PLAY TIME: This romper spotted at the Ksubi party

BLAZERS:

 

Seen at the Alexander Wang after-party

 

Seen at the Ksubi party.

MOTO JACKETS:

 

Seen at the Alexander Wang after-party

COLOR:

 

NO SECRETS: Gossip Girls in full color at the Form runway show.

SHORTS:

 

Mathew Swenson at Band of Outsiders

s

 

GEEK CHIC: FIDM students at Band of Outsiders

FEDORAS:

 

DOUBLE TROUBLE: At the Ksubi party

ETHNIC:

 

Seen at the Joanna Mastroianni runway show

 

Seen leaving the Yeohlee fashion show

 

MULTI-TREND: At the Erin Wasson X RVCA party, this girl rocked three key trends.

The blazer, boyfriend jean and a feather necklace (my guess is it is from Bless).

SPORT CHIC:

Seen at Alexander Wang after-party

 

This Italian girl rocked the sporty look with style. Seen waiting outside Cafe Habana. 

(Apart from the sometimes long queue for a table, this Cuban-Mexican eatery is one of my favorite stops in NY!)

NEON:

Seen at the Alexander Wang after party

New York Fashion Week Kick Off - The Scene, The Fashion and the Very, Very Chic

Resurrection's Avant Garde fashions at Christie's "Art + Fashion" event

New York Fashion Week – it’s the crème de la crème of US fashion. And this September the week was packed  full of runway shows, events and parties. The official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week began on Sept. 5, but as Fashion Editor for California Apparel News I arrived a day early to cover California designers who kicked off the week a day early. Trovata, Erin Wasson X RVCA, Expose NY and Katy Rodriguez were just some of the California based designers and companies that helped launch the week-long fashion-fest on Sept. 4. It was actually one of my favorite days of Fashion Week. 

TROVATA
Trovata was my first runway show. Designer John Whitledge brought a southern California sensibility of easy, effortless clothing and an Ivy League attitude to the New York runway. Whitledge returned to his Michigan roots for the signature preppy yet undeniably hipster look. The show was held in a raw studio space where guests mixed and mingled with cocktails pre-show. The collection was sophisticated and I’m sure it will be a hit at retail. A few of my favorites were the long breezy shirtdress that opened the show, the blazer paired with sequin briefs and a black and white check short and matching jacket.

 

 

 

Photos by Getty Images

Whitledge always has an unusual twist to his presentations. And this time guests had to walk through an old school bus to enter the show. Apparently Whitledge is planning a road trip of sorts. With the help of Cotton Inc., he retrofitted an old found school bus to run off vegetable oil. It will be used to visit the stores that have supported the brand over the years. Not only is the bus eco-conscious, but it also fit into the “found” art theme which was incorporated into the show. Whitledge was inspired by Rauschenberg who attempted to bridge the gap between life and art. At the end of the show the models posed on a pile of crates that continued the found object theme.

Found objects:

 

 

 

EXPOSE NY -
After Trovata, I rushed to the Expose NY brand showcase. My friend Matt Meyerson presented his first event in the Big Apple and I didn’t want to miss it. Expose NY bridged the coasts with a designer preview that included House of Bastion, Good Life tee shirts, Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses, Le Doux Swimwear, Levi Okunov, Ana Pires and the uber-stylish new shoe line, Jerome C. Rousseau. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to see every collection, but it was great to stop in and check out the talent on display. Here are a few of my finds.

JEROME C. ROUSSEAU

 

 

 

 

OLIVER GOLDSMITH
This is the real deal in sunglasses. If you are looking for the authentic shades worn by Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Michael Caine, Oliver Goldsmith is the "It" brand.The line was re-launched in 2005 by Claire Goldsmith, the sunglass' guru's great granddaughter. Today the brand has been sported by celebrities including Jessica Simpson, Gwyneth paltro, and Jude Law.
Here are a few of the timelessly classic looks.

 

 

Michael Caine

 

 

 

And of course I can't forget Matt Meyerson. Here's the man behind Expose NY. Look for the upcoming Expose LA brand showcase as well as future New York editions.

 

Matt Meyerson, Expose NY and LA founder

FINDING A TAXI IS TAX-ING!
After leaving Expose NY, I was in a rush to get to RVCA and of course there were no taxis available. Trying to catch a taxi to the Lower East side at 7 pm was a feat in itself, but luckily an off-duty cab driver was nice enough to pick me up and I made it to the event.

 

So many taxis and not one is available!

ERIN WASSON X RVCA
When I arrived on the lower East side for the Erin Wasson X RVCA party, I found out there was an elevator mishap and the only way to the rooftop part was the stairs. Heels and all I climbed several flights of stairs to the event. Who said fashion is glamorous??? Fire dept. to the rescue. Apparently a small fire had stalled the elevators. The roof-top apartment locale fit the edgy vibe of the brand. For RVCA, the hipster skate brand from the OC, Erin Wasson was a perfect fit to design the collection. Not only is Wasson a great face for the brand, but the model cum designer has a great sense of style that gives a cool edge to the skate scene. The event served as a launch party for the new Erin Wasson X RVCA collection that Wasson will be designing for the next three years. Wasson infused her LA meets NY sense of style to create a tomboy chic collection of tank tops and denim shorts and floral print dresses. I have to say, it’s nice to have a sexy contemporary option for the skate scene that is wearable for girls in their late 20s and 30s.

 

Erin Wasson and models       (photo by Jeffrey Jones)

 

Campaign shots

 

The blazer - ultra chic!

 

 

photo by Jeffrey Jones

THE SKATE SCENE - UNCUT

 

 

AFTER PARTY - on the rooftop

 

CHRISTIE's "Art + Fashion"
There was no shortage of parties and events to kick off fashion week. After RVCA, I headed to Christie’s “Art + Fashion” event at Rockefeller Plaza. The event drew the “Who’s Who” of the fashion industry including editors, socialites and designers. It was a fashion week fete and a private preview of Christie’s fall sales line-up of Resurrection’s avant-garde fashion and impressionist, modern and contemporary art. It was “The” party to be seen. I spotted Agness Deyn straight away and then ran into Kelly Cutrone, owner of People’s Revolution and a star of “The Hills,” who coordinated the event. Also in attendance were Peaches Geldoff, designer Katy Rodriguez, Mark Haddaway, Yigal Azourel, Henry Holland and Ellen Von Unwerth.  There was modern art galore and a room full of vintage designer clothes from Resurrection including Versace and Paco Rabonne among others that will be auctioned off for collectors alike…yes, it was fashion heaven.

 

 

 

 

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK KICK OFF AT SAKS
From Christie’s, the fashion flock filed down the street to Saks Fifth Avenue for the official kick-off of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. For the launch, Saks Fifth Avenue and Warner Bros. Studios in partnership with CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski Elements, unveiled The Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper Collection. To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, the crème de la crème of shoe designers including Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Sergio Rossi reinterpreted Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers. Shoes were on display in the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue and the fashion crowd was out in full force to celebrate. I ran into IMG’s Fern Mallis, Saks Fifth Avenues’ Michael Fink, Full Frontal Fashion’s James Aguiar and Santino Rice of Project Runway fame.

 

Fern Mallis and Michael Fink

 

James Aguiar and Patrick McDonald

 

Santino Rice

 

The Dorothy's capture the Wizard of Oz theme.

 

Betsey Johnson's designs for the Ruby Slipper Collection featured in Saks Fifth Ave.'s window.

 

Jimmy Choo for the Ruby Slipper Collection.

PEOPLES REVOLUTION DINNER -
For the last stop of the evening, I went with my friend Dimitri Aletras to the People’s Revolution dinner at Mr. Chow. It was great to hang with the crowd and my friend Andrew Freesmeier of IMG. The dinner ran past midnight. It was already Friday and Fashion Week was about to officially begin…….

Throughout the week I covered California designers showing on the New York runway including Band of Outsiders, Koi Suwannagate, Jenni Kayne Monique Lhuillier, Rock & Republic, William Rast, Juan Carlos Obando, Tadashi Shoji, Academy of Art University, House of Cassette, Born Uniqorn, Herve Leger, Max Azria and BCBG by Max Azria. For more on California designers showing in New York go to www.apparelnews.net