NYFW: Custo Barcelona Fall 2024

Forget quiet luxury. Custo Barcelona's Fall 2024 is all about maximalist style. I love Custo Barcelona's bright graphic prints every season. When the weather gets more relaxed and more parties are on the calendar, I love the sparkly texture color-blocked into the silhouettes in this collection. 

Fall 2024 had a mix of easy, relaxed bodies for those still in post-Covid comfort mode. Then, there are a few body-conscious lean dresses to show off the physiques of those who worked out the last few years. 

A few graphic, street art-inspired embellished prints would look great as an elevated pairing with jeans under a jacket. 

My favorite was the sparkly turquoise fringe pieces that lit up the runway. 

Beauty-wise, the models were kept casual and fresh. Why compete with the main show of the clothes?

Bring on the sun!

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NYFW: Zang Toi Fall 2024 Pays Tribute to His Brother See Luon

NYFW Fall 2024 was a season of deeply emotional collections. Last night, Designer Zang Toi's fashion show served as a celebration of life for his beloved brother, See Luon. A beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace" was sung at the end of the runway. At the same time, the House of Toi family gathered on the runway with roses. Show guests and models were personally invited to pay tribute as well. You may have read my previous runway reports of Zang Toi shows and how they are loved by the photographer riser. One of the many reasons the House of Toi is devoted was the famous curried chicken sandwiches, often handmade by See Luon himself to nourish photographers who often waited hours to shoot the collection. 

Tonight's riser was a reunion of longtime press corps photographers, many of whom traveled to the city from far away to shoot this show specifically after skipping many other designers for NY Fashion Week. 

 The collection itself took inspiration from vintage Parisian glamour. Long fishtail gowns in velvet, luxurious brightly colored furs, sparkling jeweled details. The palette was a romantic black, red, hot pink, and rich orange. Motifs of roses were woven throughout in prints and embroidered appliques. The daytime looks had graphic prints with the same color palette and ladylike vintage silhouettes. Beauty-wise, deep red lipstick, and a red accent in the slicked-back hair was the season's look. 

For anyone who doubts that fashion design can be meaningful or therapeutic, just sampling Fall 2024 collections should answer that inquiry. I want to think that See Luon was watching the show from above, loving the gorgeous work that he supported and inspired, and saw a room full of people there to appreciate his contribution.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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NYFW: AdoreMe's Romantic Takeover, Plus, Ashanti!

Are you ready for romance? AdoreMe's inclusive lingerie collection opened and got NY Fashion Week off to a sexy start. When this brand first came on my radar, I was impressed that it claimed to have over 60 sizes. As a technical designer, fitting intimate apparel is already tough, let along for an extensive range of sizes as they claimed to offer. 

I first tried their offerings in 2020 when I was a different size. I tried them again in recent seasons. I am not proportional, finding bras particularly hard to find. I must say, for their cute, themed collections, cut-outs, straps, etc. Their fit was spot-on! Their prices are reasonable, which is another tough thing to do for detailed lingerie. 

While many companies claim to be inclusive in their sizing, they don't show that in their marketing. This runway appeared to show models that flaunted their full range of sizing in all shapes with great attitude. 

The lineup was divided into three moods, with the design director narrating the runway in the style of "Bridgerton". The first was ready for Valentine's Day, the second had a more tropical palette, the final group had a bridal theme. 2023's bow trend was going strong as the top accesory for hair, bras and butts.

As a surprise, the fashion show closed with a surprise performance by superstar Ashanti. The glowing singer slayed the stage in a sexy leather outfit and jewel-studded microphone. The entire crowd joined in singing with her in the after-party. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Photos by Mariana Leung

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NYFW: Richerette Fall 2023

 

Do you have nostalgia for 1990s nightlife? Richerette debuted at NYFW in Brooklyn.  Former Club Kid Richie Rich was the prince of NYC after hours decadence. He parlayed that to a coveted fashion label, counting celebs like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian as ambassadors. The spectacle around his fashion shows changed the culture of "celebrity fashion label" in making the designer the focus over the clothes.

So now, almost a generation later, what does this once notorious figure do to make a comeback? Do you produce the same thing, hoping to chase a scene that no longer exists? Is there a demand for club nostalgia? Who are the fans and customers for the new collection? 

Naming Richerette instead of reviving Heatherette, Richie Rich is bringing in name recognition while letting you know the brand is more personal and not exactly the same.

As someone nostalgic for 90s club culture, I was selfishly a tad disappointed that the brand and the man matured (even if I didn't LOL). The clothing paid tribute to the nightlife icons of who inspired Richie Rich. Think Bianca Jagger, Debbie Harry lounging about at Studio 54. However, 1990s fashion nods like lacy babydoll dresses, neon pop colors and iridescent sequins were all over the runway. The clothing itself, when they were skimpy thongs, was merchandised well for the real customer, one who are the designer's contemporaries now. The collection is far from corporate, but imagine those original club kids, now adults, still looking for a party.

Does the Richerette brand have what it takes to go the distance? I would love to see where the label takes us in the next few seasons and who the customer base ultimately will be. After the pandemic, everyone is looking to head out again, and this collection, is what you want to wear.

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How To Dress for a HOT Humid NYFW

Every influencer, selfie stylist, and fashion editor planned their wardrobe for maximum street style impact for New York Fashion Week. As the person behind the camera, I am dressing for NYFW with maximum efficiency while still looking cute.

The most important app that I need for the next few days is the AccuWeather MinuteCast one I downloaded for the summer. I already know that it is supposed to rain today and tomorrow, with lots of humid. That is so enjoyable while carrying around all of my camera equipment. I am ready with my Pucci rainboots with backup foldable flats from Coach. It is too hot for a jacket, but a tiny umbrella that fits into my camera bag will work. I am relying on layering lightweight jumpsuits (I just bought one from Catherine Malandrino) while adding one of Diane Von Furstenburg's pretty printed chiffon tops for fashion show venues with aggressive indoor A/C.

This summer, for both New York Fashion Week Men's and Miami Swim Week, they both were sweltering hot with breaks of heavy rain showers. The AccuWeather MinuteCast, minute-by-minute precipitation forecast helped me determine when to dash for my next fashion show or take cover for a few extra minutes. If I had rival runway presentations, knowing when it would rain helped me decide which show to attend.

Friday will be rough at 91F. I will be running from Pamella Roland's fashion show downtown to Tadashi Shoji in Midtown in a late summer haze. At least I have fair warning. I am planning a super lightweight silk crepe top and shorts for that day with plenty of water to hydrated. While a cute handbag for this fall is ideal for street style shots, (I miss my haircalf purse from BCBG and Marc Jacobs leather daisy bag, but just not practical during the day) my camera sling with specialty fabric to keep my skin cool is what I will be wearing for most of the week.

When it finally drops down to a cool 59F on Sunday night, I will be able to break out my more dramatic fall fashions and hit the after-parties. That is when you will see my leather and fur Isabel Marant boots, maybe a moto jacket paired with a printed dress I bought Alexander McQueen's diffusion brand McQ.

The AccuWeather app is not the sexiest application of NYFW but it will be the one who tells what is hot and what will chill you out on the most hectic of days. It gets a permanent place in my squad of most valuable tools on my phone.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of AccuWeather MinuteCast. 

To learn more about AccuWeather and its applications please visit: http://www.accuweather.com/

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Neon Pop L.A.M.B. from Gwen Stefani Fall 2012

Pop art and music go hand in hand. Pop icon Gwen Stefani merged the two into a bright, fresh update on 1980's style references along with 1960's sweater girls.

The Fall 2012 collection for L.A.M.B. Had a vivid palette of black, white, yellow and neon colors. Soft shoulder graphic t-shirts mixed with tailored suits in oversized neon houndstooth prints.  Big pop graphics and retro glen plaids mixed with short skirts and cigarette pants.

Handbags ranged from simple clutches with the houndstooth motif, to extra large patent neon or glossy black carryalls.  The hair was swept up in one of the season's most popular up-dos.  The semi-beehive with long hair at the back.

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Rock and Republic at Kohl's

Seven days and counting!  Fashion Week in NYC is almost upon us, and the event invitations are piling up… As part of the Kohl’s Rock and Republic blogger team, I am particularly excited to rock out at their launch event at the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom. 

In preparation for said event, I experimented with the ever popular “smoky eye” look, guided by a playlist of makeup “how-to” videos on YouTube.  Hmm, there is definitely a "range" in the quality of programming.  As long as it’s more smoldering than smoke damage, I’m satisfied. 

The Kohl’s collaboration with Rock and Republic is officially available online today, and I chose my picks from the collection for fashion week.  I loved the skinny jeans in the dark wash that has some stretch. There was a skull print scarf/top combo that projected scary and sweet at the same time…Great for keeping people on edge.  I like a good blazer as a wardrobe staple.  The one from Rock and Republic makes it a bigger fashion statement with rhinestone tassel embellishments.  Très glam. 

The new collection also has some edgy shoes.  How much do these studded platform heels rule?  I'm going to do some serious butt-kicking in these (if I don't topple over first).  What I really love?  So far, I haven’t found anything that topped $100.  

Ok, now it's your turn, what show or event for New York Fashion Week are you most looking forward to?  And, of course, what will you wear?

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

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Nicole Miller Spring 2012

Stripes, stripes or stripes?  Nicole Miller is a designer known for graphic prints.  In the 1980's, she blazed a trend for signature "conversational" prints of novelty motifs that was copied by brands all over the industry.  

For Spring 2012, she gave us stripes in all forms, in many directions.  Some were chevron, some were turned into graphic color blocks as a playful take on the trend.  Black and white are classic, and they were  available.  However, if you want to go bold, go for the bright purples, fushia, yellows and oranges that popped the graphic dresses.  The models were accessorized simply.  Some sunglasses and flat leather sandals to show that the Nicole Miller girl loves the sun and casual chic.

On a frigid day like today, who doesn't need some warm inspiration?

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Elene Cassis Spring 2012

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is a hectic week of running from one show to another, standing in lines and a lot of waiting.  I always love seeing what the big-name established designers will come up with each season and what trends will be important.  However, what I really find exciting about the week is the discovery of young fresh talent.

One of those discoveries last season was Elene Cassis.  Having only graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2009, Elene Cassis has already developed a name for herself and piqued my interest.  Her Fall 2011 Collection was focused, sophisticated and very chic.  Utilizing European fabrications that had a vintage feel to them, Elene’s collection played with color blocking, texture, and matte mixed with sequins.

On the heels of such a strong collection, I was very interested to see what she would come up with for Spring 2012 and I wasn’t disappointed.  The show opened with violinist Sarah Charness performing Swan Lake, which set the tone for the whole show.  Elene Cassis’ Spring 2012 collection again played with color blocking, sophisticated silhouettes, textures and a refreshing spring color palette.  Inspired by the Swan Lake theme, gorgeous dresses that mixed white and black together were a big highlight of the show.

We went backstage to talk about the beautiful new collection with Elene Cassis and also had the opportunity to speak with Sarah Charness about her involvement in the show and where she is heading with her music!

Reported by Mdivani Monroe from Ladies Who Lunch Travel, filmed by Nicholas Waickman

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Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2012

Chado Ralph Rucci's exquisite tailoring always makes him a favorite at museum fashion exhibitions.  Design students take notes on the signature seaming that dissects the anatomy like a surgeon.

For spring 2012, Mr. Rucci did not disappoint.  The runway was awash with a palette of white, more white and some shades of off-white. Shiny silver was the second big color, with inky grey/black as part of some spot prints as an accent.  Silhouettes were very body conscious.  Separates, dresses, framed the body in ultra-flattering shapes.  The only misstep was the use of clear vinyl in some looks.  It veered dangerously into spaceman costume territory.

The highly polished runway reflected the collection from below so all of the clothes looked like they were glowing from within.  I don't know how much philosophy plays into this designer's creative process, but if there was a church of fashion enlightenment, this would be it.

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Custo Barcelona - Fall 2011

The attitude was wild and brash.  David and Custodio Dalmau’s show for Custo Barcelona is one of the most anticipated during fashion week for its vibrant outlook.   For me, it was the first time seeing them live on the runway.  My eyes were blinded from the swirling patterns.

There were several pieces that evolved from last Fall’s ‘it’ item, the fur vest.  For the upcoming season, there was a feathered, halter vest, looped wool jacket, layered faux fur stripe cape and stripes of bleached white.  Their signature mix of prints this season included 1960’s geometrics mixed with electric paisley for a Bohemian look.  Metallic animal prints were combined with swirling knits that took you easily from Ibiza to Goa and then back to the city again.

Fashion designers tend to have 'runway' looks that are purely editorial.  By the time the pieces trickle down to the stores, the looks are tame and less theatrical.

Seeing the Custo Barcelona shops in Madrid last month, I can attest that this is one label where that does not apply.  What you see is what you get. 

Photos by Ritika Wahal

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NY Fashion Week: Norman Ambrose Fall 2011

Norman Ambrose embodied the Luxe Life in his Fall Winter 2011 collection with vignettes reminiscent of classic Vogue or Bazaar photo spreads. Furs, silks, feathers, hand appliquéd beading were enticingly incorporated with premium knits and delicate fabrics for the woman who is both a woman of leisure and the CEO.

The show was divided into two sides, with daywear on the left and evening wear on the right.

Some of my favorite touches – on the daytime side wool suiting with gold threads and Snakeskin Pants that can go anywhere.  On the evening side – sleek, flattering, modest cuts and the subtle use of luxurious accents that some designers overuse – sheer mesh with beading and a well-placed row of feathers around the knee of a long sequined gown.

Photos and Reporting by Marcy Clark of Women's Mafia

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NY Fashion Week: Luca Luca Fall 2011

Autumn brights hit the runway at the Luca Luca show.  A palette of warm gold, fushia, rust were mixed with more dressy black, silver and white.  The silhouettes were flattering and ladylike.  The pants were slim, pencil skirts, demure blouses.  Evening looks included flowing floor length skirts. A few pieces were elegantly embroidered with beading along the neck or waistline.

Spotted in the front row: Supermodels Carol Alt, Irina Pataeva

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