Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 | Beauty, Fashion, Fashion Week, Haute Press, New York, News
Michael Kors Fall 2010
By Jessica
For fall 2010, it seems Michael Kors chose to go on a safari, a winter safari that is. The Out of Africa look has served as an inspiration to many a designer before but only few choose to interpret into a winter collection. Michael takes it to a whole new level without drifting away from that all-American style that is his quintessential design philosophy.
Knits and fur were the key features which were later followed by some shimmer and sheer. Silhouettes were clean cut and well-tailored while the garments were devoid of any excessive ornamentation. From fitted sweaters, chunky cardigans and fur coats to body-con gowns and skirts, the show had it all. Desert colors like fawn, eggshell, slate, taupe and auburn later gave way to sparkly black, shiny silver and glittering gold for the evening. One significant piece in the collection was a chrome-hued long parka with a round fur collar. Circular scarves, beanies, knitted gloves and leg warmers went along with the clothes.
Belts severed their purpose of cinching in the waist but also adorned the neck of the models. As for the beauty, the sun-kissed glow, shimmery-smoky eyes and a rosy pout completed the look.
—Dyuti Mishra
(Images courtesy Coutorture.com)
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 | Fashion, Fashion Week, Haute Press, New York, News
Marc Jacobs Fall 2010
By Jessica
The theatrics were at an all time high at the Marc Jacobs fall 2010 show. It started with Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy walking around the room tearing down construction paper to reveal the collection. Waiting behind those brown paper curtains, however, was the most shocking element of all: fifty-six models were standing stock still in clothes of the simplest form. Yes, Marc Jacobs, the elaborate, cutting-edge designer has embraced elegant minimalism for Fall.
With “Somewhere over the rainbow” blasting in the background, the models took the runway one simple profile at a time. The colour palette stayed true to the Marc Jacobs aesthetic: neutrals, pastels and an occasional glint of metal. The fabrics—wool, cashmere, velvet, cotton and fur trim—were quintessential Marc Jacobs as well. In style and presentation, the collection could have been any one of his previous, signature shows. However, a closer look revealed the show was anything but similar. In an industry where change is the only constant and fresh is never fresh enough, Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 gave editors and buyers something to think about with its absolute simplicity and lack of unnecessary ‘innovation.’ “There’s so much striving for newness now that newness feels less new.” said Jacobs after the show. (Style.com)
There, we have it. Marc presented a collection of A-line skirts, sequined sweaters, oversized coats, three-piece suits and calf-length dresses, all very fuss-free and dare I say, conservative. Nevertheless, there is no denying of his genius; velvet has never looked more alluring and the clear plastic trench is a stunning statement piece.
With the new hemline standards set here, footwear came in the form of block-heeled pumps worn with ankle socks or tie-up boots. Handbags came in a vast assortment, from envelope clutches to satchels and more.
The beauty look, like the silhouettes, was understated and clean with little hints of mascara and a slightly tinted pout. Hair lengths were defined along with the hem lengths; four inches below the collar bone is how it goes at Marc Jacobs.
-Dyuti Mishra
(Images courtesy of Style.com)
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 | News
Robbers, Gamblers and Cowgirls, Oh My! Betsey Johnson Fall 2010
By Jessica
A hay-covered runway? Kelly Osbourne in a mustache? Only one designer could present a show that quirky: the one-and-only Betsey Johnson. No matter how eccentric the presentation (Moncler had models stand out in the cold) or odd the fashions (glow-in-the-dark heels at Rodarte), no one tops Betsey’s funky, free-spirited approach to design, which has earned her the label, “Fashion’s Wild Child.”
With her Fall 2010 runway show, Betsey proved she is more than worthy of the title. Betsey Johnson took the fashion industry on a tour of the Wild, Wild West with a gang of robbers, bandits, gamblers and saloon girls. Though the runway show could have easily been a live play, the fashions were more wearable than theatrical. The Western bad boys—gamblers and robbers—embraced the menswear trend (also seen at the Rebecca Taylor show) with top hats, tuxedo shirts, suspenders, camouflage dresses and lots of stripes. The fair ladies wore fur-lined frocks, corsets, ruffled dresses, printed hot pink jumpsuits and voluminous prairie skirts.
The make-up was just as adventurous and uninhibited. Backstage, the head makeup artist, Sarah Lucero for Stila, chatted with me about the inspiration for the show. “The inspiration is Brigitte Bardot, a French Western film [Las Petroleras, 1971] that Betsey was inspired by,” Lucero said. “It’s all about that smoky, blacked out eye. Lashes are very straight and exaggerated. It’s like a doll eye.”
To create the sexy 60’s look, “the skin was kept bare with a matte foundation using Stila one step makeup and a peachy pale lip.” To get those sexy, smoky eyes, “apply eye shadow in Chinois all over your lids as a base. Use Espresso on your lids and crease and Ebony to line your upper and lower lash lines.” Finish the look with “black cream liquid liner and loads of mascara.”
The bad-ass sign directing editors to Sarah Lucero, head Stila makeup artist. How cool is that!
No Brigitte Bardot look is complete without sexy, voluminous hair. Sebastian Professional lead stylist, Thomas Dunkin, spoke with me about the direction for the hair. Also inspired by Brigitte Bardot, the look was “60’s cowgirl with pigtails and lots of volume.” To recreate the style, “spray Sebastian Professional Volupt Spray” for volume and texture. Blow dry hair and “set it with rollers,” for height and body. Channel your inner cowgirl by separating hair into “loose, messy pigtails.” The pigtails should be “sloppy and asymmetric. Nothing too perfect,” Dunkin added.
Models hanging out backstage.
While messy pigtails are the perfect hairstyle for the saloon girls, the models dressed as banditos wore a different “hair” look: fake mustaches. The leader of the pack was a newly svelte, Kelly Osbourne, who walked with puppy in hand wearing full robber garb complete with a bandana and a pistol. The spectacle did not end there. In a beautiful tribute to Alexander McQueen, a model walked the runway holding a “Long Live McQueen” sign. And since Betsey Johnson held her runway show on Valentine’s Day, the models spelled out “LOVE” in sequins on their backsides.
And to end the show with a bang, Betsey hit the runway at the finale wearing a mustache, a striped suit and a sequined heart on her behind. She even treated the audience, which included actress Melissa Joan Hart and Fefe Dobson, to her signature final cartwheel. Her acrobatics were followed by a line of models carrying giant hearts.
With the recession looming, and the fashion industry struggling to cope with the death of Alexander McQueen, we all needed the fun, free spirit that Betsey captures at her show every season. Here’s to love, guns and cowgirls!
xo
Jessica
Runway Photos Courtesy of New York Magazine.
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 | Fashion, Fashion Week, Haute Press, New York, TopPictures
Arise Magazine African Collective Fall 2010
By Jessica
I love discovering emergent designers that are daring, innovative and inspired. For their Fall 2010 runway show, the Arise Magazine African Collective presented three such artisans.
Surrounded by a crowd of the industry’s elite, including celebrity stylist, June Ambrose and models, Coco Rocha and Liya Kibede, three African designers/brands prepared to make their mark on Fashion’s most important week: Black Coffee, Loin Cloth & Ashes and Deola Sagoe.
Taking inspiration from Pablo Picasso’s reinterpretation of African masks, designers Jacques van der Watt and Danica Lepen of Black Coffee presented a line of flesh tone cocoon-shaped coats, structured shoulders in architectural shapes and fluid dresses in soft, mint green colors. Models, including Chanel Iman, wore clean yet dramatic chignons that presented an elegant contrast to the sharp, geometric silhouettes. The light eye make-up and a nude lip complemented the look, courtesy of Iman Cosmetics.
The second collection was presented by Tanzanian designer, Anisa Mpungwe, of the brand, Loin Cloth and Ashes. Inspired by her father’s hometown of Ifakara, Mpungwe’s collection was a melange of body-skimming dresses, billowy pants and flowing skirts with an origami bird motif that runs throughout. Urban blacks and grays comprise a monochromatic color palette, energized with touches of metallic gold, electric blue and sharp stripes.
Hailing from Nigeria, designer Deola Sagoe, showed her collection of bodycon dresses, slim pants and military-inspired jackets with metallic, embroidered and lace flourishes. Inspired by East African Maasai warriors and 18th century European military uniforms, the looks were sharp, valiant, sassy and strong. The models were directed to walk with strength and confidence as the embodiments of Sagoe’s design philosophy. Leading the army of models, Lopez stormed the catwalk with a fierce stride (Rae Holiday of Stuff Fly People Like remarked, “Sessilee walked off the runway and took the show with her!”) and each model followed her lead. At the close of the show, designer Deola Sagoe walked out to a standing ovation.
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 | Beauty, Fashion, Fashion Week, Haute Press, New York
Backstage for Zac Posen Fall 2010
By Jessica
The fashion gods must love me. I woke up the day after Valentine’s Day to an email inviting me to cover backstage at the Zac Posen Fall 2010 show—and was immediately thrilled. This was better than chocolate, champagne, roses and jewelry, since I’ve been smitten with the young designer for as long as I can remember. (And yes, in case you were wondering, he knocked my boy toy out of the park and was definitely my Valentine this year).
I jetted to the Altman Building on 18th Street faster than you can say “Fashion Week” and was ushered downstairs and through a long corridor to backstage. The scene was a fashion frenzy with hairstylists, media, celebrities, models and make-up artists all scrambling hurriedly in preparation for the show.
Amidst the chaos, I chatted with head make-up artist for MAC, Stephane Marias. He revealed the look was created for the “young girl who is a rebel and a little bit punk” who spent the night partying and woke up the next morning still looking “sophisticated and chic.” The night-before eyeliner is something every woman has been guilty of waking up with but Marias assures this look is more trendy than trashy.
To recreate it, apply “smudgy eyeliner on the top and bottom” of the eye and “fade it away with a q-tip.” To compliment the “fierce” eyes, the skin was left bare and lips were painted deep faded red to appear like “left-over lipstick” from the previous night. Scroll down for images of the make-up artists at work on models, like Sessilee Lopez (who I met backstage! She’s super sweet).
Zac Posen and head MAC makeup artist, Stephane Marias
The man of the hour, Zac Posen, showed off his charming, boyish good looks as photographers snapped away minutes before the show—which was styled by his true Valentine, boyfriend Christopher Niquet. Meanwhile, celebrities like Miss J of America’s Next Top Model, Veronica Webb and legendary supermodel, Pat Cleveland (whose daughter Anna walked in the show and is Posen’s new muse) chatted and hammed it up for the cameras.
After leaving the backstage area and securing a spot in the Standing section (Yes, I stood in my studded boots with a sprained ankle to see the show. Anything for Zac!), I mingled with friends, Elaine Welteroth of Ebony Magazine and “Ferocia” of The Glamazons Blog until it was finally time for the show to start.
Celebrated hip-hop violinist, Miri Ben-Ari, stood to the left of the runway and gave a rousing rendition of songs by rapper, Styles P of the Lox, and Run DMC. While Ben-Ari’s electric violin filled the room, backed by a thumping beat, famous beauties, Alek Wek, Sessilee Lopez, Anna Cleveland and Coco Rocha, stormed the catwalk.
I appreciated that they were allowed to bring some life and personality to their strut, smiling and winking at the crowd as they walked. Sessilee Lopez even modeled with her hands on her hips, swaying them from side-to-side.
The front row was just as star-studded with industry legends, Sex and the City wardrobe stylist, Patricia Field, American Vogue’s Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, The Washington Post’s Robin Givhan and Elle Magazine’s Joe Zee absorbing the fashions.
Youth, vibrance and luxury were the prominent themes of the Zac Posen Fall 2010 collection. A study in exquisite tailoring and proportions, the collection encompassed lavish colored furs, flouncy printed dresses, swing coats and sleek 40’s style pantsuits. The color palette vacillated between bursts of purple, hot pink and mustard hues and more neutralized tones of camel. Textures were free and adventurous with velvet pantsuits and fur booties.
Noticeably absent, however, were the opulent, lavish gowns that are almost synonymous with Zac Posen’s design aesthetic. In what can be interpreted as an answer to the February 3rd New York Times article which chronicled the designer’s financial troubles, Zac Posen offered a wearable collection that is sure to sell out in the stores. This coupled with his lower-priced Z Spoke line and collection for Target should be enough to restore the designer to commercial success. Though Fall 2010 is less elaborate than previous seasons, I can personally attest that Zac Posen’s runway shows are still as extravagant as ever.
xo
Jessica
Monday, February 15th, 2010 | Fashion, Fashion Week, Haute Press, New York, News
Behind-the-Scenes at Marc Bouwer's Fall 2010 Virtual Runway Show
By Jessica
Marc Bouwer is more than a designer; he’s a visionary. The talent behind red-carpet gowns for Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker and Beyonce Knowles, Bouwer is the first designer to ever host a virtual runway show. Now, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Alexander Wang and Isaac Mizrahi are all following suit.
Marc Bouwer is also a pioneer in his passionate campaign against animal cruelty. In 2002, he was the first designer to present a collection completely devoid of animal products. The groundbreaking collection was sponsored by PETA, who later gave Bouwer the prestigious PETA Humanitarian award.
POSHGLAM was honored to attend an exclusive taping of Marc Bouwer’s Fall 2010 virtual runway show. Famous for his eye for detail and sophisticated draping techniques, Bouwer chose avante garde shapes, luxurious textures and rich, metallic hues for his Fall 2010 collection. Visit Marc Bouwer on Thursday, February 18th at 9AM EST for a front-row seat to the debut of Bouwer’s stunning collection. Click here for a behind-the-scenes video of the shoot.
Between dressing Victoria’s Secret Angel, Candice Swanepoel, and chatting with the director, Carl Byrd, Bouwer took a moment to speak with POSHGLAM about the inspiration behind his Fall 2010 collection (chocolate!), his affinity for faux fur and the young, sexy starlet he’d love to dress.
POSHGLAM: What was your inspiration for the new collection?
Marc Bouwer: I envisioned a beautiful woman wearing these avante garde clothes walking through a celestial universe and thinking about a past lover. The colors were inspired by a velvet box with a burgundy ribbon that you open up and inside are chocolates in metallic wrappers, hence the jewel tones, the turquoises, purples, burgundies, golds and silvers. Then you unwrap them and there’s this gorgeous, dark chocolate. It’s a rich, sensual experience.
PG: Chocolate and lovers? Sounds perfect. I see metallic is a strong theme in this collection, which is different than what you’ve shown before. In what other ways is Fall 2010 different than your previous collections?
MB: A little more avante garde and futuristic. Fashion is moving in that direction but it’s not just about padded shoulders. It’s all about extending the sleeve—a tight silhouette with explosions in the neck, the sleeves, the hip or the back, in architectural angles. And now that I have three different lines [his eponymous line, the moderately-priced Marc Bouwer GlamIt! and M by Marc Bouwer, a line on QVC], I can afford to be more experimental and spend a little more money with my Marc Bouwer Collection line.
PG: You’re adept at changing with the times and the virtual runway show is an example of that. Why did you choose to host a virtual show instead of a traditional show?
MB: We were the first to have a virtual show because I wanted to give the whole world a front row seat: school kids,
mothers, editors and celebrities. [Traditional shows have] become a celebrity circus and I’m not so concerned about getting celebrities to my show—they wear my clothes. I want everyone to see it.
PG: You’re also a pioneer when it comes to anti-fur activism and I’m really proud of what you’ve accomplished, including your PETA humanitarian award. Fur is a huge trend on the runway this season. How are you combating that and offering an alternative in your collection?
MB: People need to become aware of the process. When animals are killed to make fur, their skin is ripped off of them while they’re still alive and they’re thrown in corners to die. If you want that look, technology has given us a way to recreate it. I have a faux fox jacket in my latest collection. To spread awareness, I always speak out at interviews and to celebrities.
PG: Speaking of celebrities, Beyonce looked gorgeous in your dress at the launch party for ‘Heat.’
MB: Thank you. She’s beautiful. She also wore one of my dresses in Paris.
PG: You’ve dressed so many beautiful ladies: Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker. What celebrity would you like to dress that you haven’t yet?
MB: I’ve worked with so many. Even the young girls like Taylor Swift and Rihanna. I’d say Megan Fox. And I always wanted to dress Nicole Kidman and finally, I did.
PG: Congratulations! I love Nicole. Well, I’m sure celebrities and editors will fall in love with this new collection. Thank you for speaking with us.
MB: My pleasure, thank you for coming.
Saturday, February 13th, 2010 | Celebs, Fashion, Fashion Week, Haute Press, New York
Christian Siriano Fall 2010
By Jessica
The Christian Siriano runway show is as over-the-top as the designer’s bold on-air personality. A hushed silence falls over the crowd as famous models glide down the runway in dramatic gowns. Famous celebrities cause paparazzi pandemonium as they take their seats in the front row. The Fall 2010 show was no different.
After standing on a long line of editors and fashionistas, I finally got settled in my third row seat just in time for the paparazzi circus surrounding actress, Mena Suvari, model, Veronica Webb, and Amber Rose, the fashionable girlfriend of rapper, Kanye West.
Once the chaos died down, the show opened with a stunning Sessilee Lopez in a leather jacket and skirt belted at the waist and impossibly high heels. The looks that followed were an ode to sophisticated femininity peppered with futuristic flourishes: avante garde meets 60’s Parisian chic. The cocktail dresses, organza blouses and textured skirts found new interest with ruffle and petal details. The color palette was rooted in deep purple, navy and black with vibrant, energizing bursts of fuschia.
The last look, modeled again by Sessilee Lopez, was a theatrical fuschia gown as romantic as it was exquisite. It received a standing ovation from the crowd. My heart stopped beating at the sight of Sessilee in the gown; the image transported me to a parallel Parisian universe of romance, beauty and unbridled passion…until she started to wobble on the tall heels and I was jolted back to reality. Trembling legs aside, the show solidified Siriano as a talented, sophisticated designer who has come along way from the TV show, Project Runway. Fortunately, though, he’ll never leave the drama behind.
Stay fashionable!
Xo
Jessica
Friday, February 12th, 2010 | Celebs, Fashion, Fashion Week, Man Of Style, Men, New York, News, Philanthropy
Fall 2010 Heart Truth Red Dress Collection, Jessica Met Reggie Bush
By Jessica
“You gotta have heart.” That was the message at the Fall 2010 Heart Truth Red Dress Collection show, one that I look forward to every season!
The cause is as beautiful as the fashions: to raise awareness about heart disease, the #1 killer of women. Visit www.hearttruth.gov for
more information about the disease and what you can do to help! The fact that celebrities lent their star power to such a noble cause made the night even more positive.
Rewind to the beginning. After rushing to our third row seats right before the show started, my girlfriend and I were pleased to see my crush, Reggie Bush, seated in the front row, literally seconds away. To my friend’s horror and utter dismay, I had to go introduce myself. I mean, I was only singing his praises on POSHGLAM last week.
I went to say Hi and Congratulate him on the huge Superbowl win! I was pleased to discover that Reggie is kind and gracious, the perfect gentleman. He even posed for a picture (see below). All thoughts that I may be closer to that wedding were dashed when I realized he was there to support his girlfriend, Kim Kardashian. (I’m totally kidding! They’re cute together and I’m completely happy for them).
Though Reggie Bush caused quite a stir (someone behind me asked, “Is that 50 Cent?”), once the show started, all eyes were on the celebrity models.
And what a sight to see! Underneath chandeliers and with an adorable red and white set in the background, celebs stormed the catwalk in support of heart disease awareness.
Reality star, Bethenny Frankel, was an adorable, pregnant lady in Isabella Oliver.
Desperate Housewives actress, Felicity Huffman, walked out in Oscar de la Renta and took a moment to hug her husband, who was cheering her on in the front row.
Singer and new jewelry designer, Estelle, worked the catwalk in a lovely Zac Posen gown. Her purple eye make-up, courtesy of celebrity artist, A.J. Crimson, was the perfect accent.
The legendary actress, Joan Collins, walked out to applause in Stephanie Rolland.
Crooner, Jordin Sparks of American Idol fame showed off a svelte figure in a form-fitting Badgley Mischka gown.
The one-and-only Kim Kardashian was a radiant beauty in a Marchesa gown that showed off her famous curves. She worked it on the runway, stopping long enough to blow a kiss to Reggie in the front row.
Kimora Lee stormed the catwalk in a short, embellished dress from her new line, Kouture by Kimora.
Raven-Symone was the ultimate runway diva in Tadashi Shoji, even kicking off her shoes before making a dramatic exit to backstage.
The lovely actress, Regina King, sashayed down the runway in a one-shoulder Tracy Reese dress to to Alicia Keys’ “Put it in a Love Song.”
Newscaster, Robin Roberts walked out to thunderous applause in a J.Crew Collection gown that highlighted her toned upper body.
Heart Truth Red Dress Collection fixture, Heidi Klum, stole the show in a gorgeous John Galliano gown. She’s even more beautiful in person!
After the runway show, I had the pleasure of meeting Robert Verdi and Micah Jesse, whose blog made our Top 25 list last year. I even got to see Wendy Williams, my favorite radio jock turned TV show host. The fun-filled fashion show was the perfect end to Day 1 of Fashion Week. Stay tuned for more insider coverage.
Xo
Jessica
Pictures Courtesy of InStyle.
Thursday, February 11th, 2010 | Celebs, Fashion, Fashion Week, Haute Press, New York, POSHGLAMer
Jessica's Fashion Week Diary: Day 1 – BCBGMaxAzria
By Jessica
Despite an inconvenient snowstorm in New York City, Fashion week is well underway for the last season at Bryant Park. Not phased by the bitter cold, celebrities, bloggers, editors and buyers are trekking through the snow in furs and high heels to see the collections up close and personal. (I, on the other hand, tried to be cute in my patterned pea coat and the wind is attacking me with every step).
After rushing from my hair appointment downtown in a taxi, I made it just in time for the BCBGMaxAzria show. The room was packed with Fashion’s elite, including front-row fixtures, Anna Wintour (American Vogue Editor-in-Chief), blogger du jour, Bryan Boy, Michelle Williams (formerly of Destiny’s Child) and Keke Palmer. Last minute, I got bumped up to the third row and was thrilled to only be three rows behind Queen Anna.
The Fall 2010 collection was a parade of fluid silhouettes with easy, off-the-shoulder necklines and asymmetric hems. Designer Max Azria chose a muted color palette of gray and navy with vibrant pops of bright yellow and blue. The collection boasted sequin and sheer flourishes which rendered a youthful, modern vibe. Here are some snapshots I took with my camera.
Keke Palmer wore a vivid, printed BCBGMaxAzria frock while Michelle Williams wore a kick-ass black ensemble with neon gloves and spiky, short hair. So psyched that Michelle remembered me from my magazine job! She’s a doll.
Now heading backstage to the AOL media lounge to hang out with the Stylelist bloggers before the Ports 1961 show. Note to self: pack faux fur jacket tomorrow.
Stay fashionable!
xo
Jessica
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 | Beauty, Fab Events, Fashion Week, Haute Press, New York, Philanthropy
Beauty for a Cause: Bobbi Brown Teams Up with The Heart Truth for Fashion Week
By Jessica
Things get pretty heartfelt at Bryant Park for the fashion week as make-up czarina Bobbi Brown teams up with The Heart Truth for the fifth year in a row. Apart from sponsoring the Red Dress Collection 2010 fashion show which is slated for the 11th of this month, Brown has also created an exclusive limited edition Bronze Shimmer Brick in partnership with the foundation.
The Bronze Shimmer Brick ($40) is the perfect palette for that sought after goddess glow with warm earthy tones and copper hues. It comes with a mini face blender and there are only 500 of these limited-edition beauties available. So hurry up and grab yours while it lasts. And always remember to stick to the tagline and ‘listen to your heart’.
Available online at Bobbi Brown.
-Dyuti Mishra
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