Club Monaco Held All-Access Fashion Show, Introducing The New York Fashion Week Spring 2017 Collection, Available Now

For the first time at New York Fashion Week, the customer is the VIP as Club Monaco presented a full-scale fashion show not just for media, but for consumers. On February 10th, the lifestyle brand was the first to invite customers to view its new Men’s and Women’s Spring Collections at its global flagship store on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. The pieces that walked the runway are now available to shop in every Club Monaco store and online, with select items available for the waitlist. In this unprecedented move, Club Monaco is joining the movement within the industry in giving the customer premier access to shop and experience the excitement of New York Fashion Week, thus bypassing the long wait for the designs to hit the sales floor six months later.

Club Monaco Spring 2017 Fashion Show

Club Monaco Spring 2017 Fashion Show

Invited guests Include: Katie Holmes*, Cipriana Quann, Drew Barrymore*, TK Quann, Jemima Kirke*, Afton Williamson*, Jeremy Piven*, Marcela Guitierrez*, Grace Coddington, Rachel Finninger*, Kate Bock*, Shaughnessy Brown*, Calu Rivero*, Darroch Putnam*, Gretchen Mol*, Mikey Putnam*, Eric Rutherford*, Alexandra Cronan*, Nick Wooster, Kyleigh Kuhn*, Kate Foley*, Gillian Zinser*, Chelsea Leyland*, Chloe Norgaard, Eleanor Lambert*, Alexa Reynen*, Danielle Savre*, and Aamito Lagum. (*indicates wearing Club Monaco)

Jemima Kirke at Club Monaco’s Spring 2017 Fashion Show

Jeremy Piven at Club Monaco’s Spring 2017 Fashion Show

Katie Holmes and Drew Barrymore at Club Monaco’s Spring 2017 Fashion Show

Following the show, Club Monaco will bring The New York Fashion Week Collection on the road for customers around the globe. During the month of February, the brand will host a series of consumer events throughout the United States, Canada, the UK and Asia to celebrate the collection, including the following dates:

Club Monaco Spring 2017 Fashion Show

North Damen, Chicago (1731 N. Damen Avenue) – February 16, 2017

SoHo, New York City (536 Broadway) – February 16, 2017

Columbus Avenue, New York City (211 Columbus Avenue) – February 16, 2017

Prudential Center, Boston (800 Boylston Street #175) – February 16, 2017

Collins Avenue, Miami (624 Collins Avenue) – February 16, 2017

Sloane Square, London (33 Sloane Square) – February 16, 2017

North Park Center, Dallas (8687 N. Central Expressway, Space R1-1448) – February 16, 2017

Georgetown, DC (97, 3295 M Street) – February 16, 2017

Rideau Centre, Ottawa (50 Rideau Street #308) – February 16, 2017

Robson, Vancouver (1040 Robson Street, #1034) – February 17, 2017

Lenox Square Atlanta (3393 Peachtree Road) – February 17, 2017

Beverly Drive, LA (401 N. Beverly Drive) – February 22, 2017

Banana Republic And The Council Of Fashion Designers Of America Announce A Second Installment Of Their Partnership Supporting Emerging Designers

Greg Lauren and Banana Republic Collaborate on a Limited-Edition Men’s Capsule Debuting at Select Banana Republic Stores for Holiday 2016

Banana Republic and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) are excited to continue their partnership with the launch of a limited-edition capsule collection with artist and designer, Greg Lauren. The Greg Lauren for Banana Republic menswear collection debuts at select Banana Republic stores beginning this month. The collection will launch at select Banana Republic retail locations December 6, 2016.

The CFDA and Banana Republic first worked together for a special collaboration in Spring 2016, launching a women’s capsule collection created with New York-based design trio, Timo Weiland. For the second installment of their partnership, they have teamed with Greg Lauren to debut a menswear collection that is designed, cut and sewn in Los Angeles. The capsule will include 16 pieces, which marry Lauren’s iconic, utilitarian style with Banana Republic‘s classic American sportswear sensibility.

The Council Of Fashion Designers Of America logo

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962 that leads industry-wide initiatives and whose membership consists of more than 450 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. In addition to hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, which recognize the top creative talent in the industry, the organization owns the Fashion Calendar, and serves as the official keeper of New York Fashion Week. It stages the bi-annual New York Fashion Week: Men’s.

“Our partnership with Banana Republic has allowed two designers the opportunity to grow and expand their consumer and production capacities in ways that otherwise may not have been possible,” says Steven Kolb, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CFDA. “We are happy to be able to work with an iconic American brand like Banana Republic and look forward to debuting the Greg Lauren for Banana Republic collection this holiday.”

Greg Lauren (Los Arys)

After gaining recognition as a painter, Greg Lauren created Greg Lauren in 2011 with the mission of “designing clothing from the perspective of being an artist, and making garments using an artistic approach” Specializing in a “destroyed but elegant” aesthetic, the collection combines repurposed vintage military fabrics with new fabrics put through unique artistic processes to give everything a one of a kind feeling and aesthetic. Greg Lauren is now available in over 50 boutiques worldwide, and is made entirely in Los Angeles.

Etihad Airways Partners With Jimmy Choo In Celebration Of The Iconic Luxury Brand’s 20th Anniversary

As New York Fashion Week takes flight, Collaboration Launches with an Exclusive 20th Anniversary Event and High-Profile Exhibition at New York Fashion Week

Supermodel Amber Valletta Unveils Airline’s Special A380 Aircraft Livery Featuring “NYFW: The Shows” Logo and Jimmy Choo Campaign on Board

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and the official airline of New York Fashion Week, announced the extension of its commitment to the global fashion industry by collaborating with iconic luxury brand Jimmy Choo. The award-winning airline is celebrating the world-renowned designer’s 20^th Anniversary with events at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport and in New York City.

This collaboration follows an announcement made in April 2016 of the airline’s comprehensive global agreement with WME | IMG as a long-term partner of the fashion industry, connecting the airline with the fashion capitals of the world. New York is the latest stop in the sponsorship, which supports 17 fashion week events worldwide annually. It follows the airline’s recent participation at Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai, and shows in London and Milan will follow next month.

In celebration of the brand’s 20th Anniversary, Creative Director, Sandra Choi, hosted a private cocktail party during New York Fashion Week, where the exclusive music video was premiered.

“If you try to shut us down,

We’ll show you just how we get down

And just to even up the score

We’re coming kicking down your door…”

– Lyrics from the Jimmy Choo music video

Set to rap artist Leikeli47’s power anthem “Girl Gang”, the kick-ass music video stars Amber Valletta, Jasmine Tookes, Lexi Boling, Milla Jovovich, Sasha Pivovarova, Taylor Hill and Xiao Wen Ju.

Sasha Pivovarova, Sandra Choi and Amber Valletta at the 20th Anniversary Music Video launch party. (Courtesy of Jimmy Choo) PHOTO CREDIT: MADISON MaGAW/BFA, LARRY BUSCACCA/GETTY

“The video is really a reflection of who the modern Jimmy Choo woman is today. She’s dynamic, confident, playful and living life on her own terms. It’s a video that’s visually beautiful, fun and makes you cheer for today’s heroines.” says Choi.

In attendance were Diane Kruger, Olivia Culpo, Brendan Fallis, Chanel Iman, Caroline Vreeland , Alan Cumming, Jordan Barrett, Kaia Gerber, Jessica Lowndes, Devon Windsor, Kate Sumner, Sara Sampaio, Genevieve Jones, Nicole Trunfio, Sean O’Pry and many more.

https://youtu.be/prGwO6KN_dc

New York Fashion Week is the second major partnership for Etihad Airways in New York following its principle partnership with the New York City Football Club.

As part of the celebration, Etihad Airways served as a supporting partner of Jimmy Choo‘s VIP event hosted by the international models featured in the 20th Anniversary campaign including Amber Valletta, Milla Jovovich, Sasha Pivovarova, Lexi Boling, Taylor Hill, Jasmine Tookes and Xiao Wen Ju. Highlights of the event included the unveiling of the brand’s 20th Anniversary campaign video featuring the models and a live musical performance by Mary J. Blige.

(From left to right, flanked by Etihad Airways cabin crew), Amina Taher, Head of Corporate Communications – Etihad Airways and Sandra Choi, Creative Director – Jimmy Choo celebrate the opening of the Jimmy Choo VIP Lounge hosted by Etihad Airways and WME | IMG at Skylight at Moynihan Station. (PRNewsFoto/Etihad Airways)

“Jimmy Choo has been revered by the global jetset for two decades, so it is fitting that Etihad Airways partners with the iconic brand, which shares similar ambitions – to provide the ultimate in elegance, sophistication and comfort,” said Patrick Pierce, Vice President of Sponsorships.

20 Years of Iconic Jimmy Choo Red Carpet Moments

“Our aspiration is to become the airline of choice for the global fashion community, and our collaboration with Jimmy Choo serves as a natural extension of our fashion week alignment, particularly during New York Fashion Week,” added Pierce.

On the fashion runway, Etihad Airways is hosting a VIP lounge with WME | IMG and Jimmy Choo at Skylight at Moynihan Station, one of the main venues for the Spring/Summer 2017 shows throughout New York Fashion Week, from September 8 through 15. The lounge features a retrospective of the 20 most iconic Jimmy Choo shoes from the past 20 years, as curated by the brand’s Creative Director, Sandra Choi, and imagery from the Anniversary campaign, shot by Craig McDean. Along with the airline’s world-class cabin crew, the lounge will act as a hub for Etihad Airway’s signature hospitality and will feature imagery from the airline’s uniform campaign shot by Norman Jean Roy. Italian furniture company Poltrona Frau, the airline’s exclusive onboard partner for luxury leather upholstery in The Residence, First and Business classes, are featured within the lounge. In addition to the brand’s sofas, the display will include armchairs designed by Peter Marino, all featuring the top quality leather for which Poltrona Frau is known worldwide.

New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017 Shows Preview: Kia STYLE360 Announces Star-Studded Designer Line Up, Schedule and Sponsors for New York Fashion Week September 12-15, 2016

Serena Williams, Ashley Graham, Kristin Cavallari and More To Strut Their Stuff On The Runways

Hollywood & fashion special event firm, A-list Communications has announced Kia STYLE360, its New York Spring/Summer 2017 Women’s Runway Previews September 12th – 15th, 2016. This season will mark the 12th annual year at New York Fashion Week, highlighting its signature formula of fashion week events among exciting ready-to-wear celebrity designer brands, musical performances, high fashion designer brands, and fashion-fan favorites each season.

Started in 2004, and then called “Style Lounge,” this modest fashion platform launched out of the gate as a stage for some of today’s leading fashion brand designers like Rodarte, Rebecca Minkoff, Patricia Fields, and Zaldy. Over the decade, and after a name change as well, STYLE360 New York Fashion Week has evolved into a launching pad for trending and celebrity designers such as Avril Lavigne, Daisy Fuentes, the Kardashians, and Kristin Cavallari to name a few. Likewise, fashion industry elite models who have graced STYLE360’s stages and venues includes Karolina Kurkova, Naomi Campbell, Carol Alt, Tyson Beckford, Kendall Jenner and Jessica White, as well as countless celebrities including the Kardashians, Brooke Burke, Brittany Snow, Gerard Butler, Chris Noth, Tommy Hilfiger, Lauren Conrad, Rosario Dawson, and dozens more.

An element that always separates Kia STYLE360 shows from the usual fashion week clutter, are the high-profile musical performances each Season. Highlights from the past ten years include performances by Austin Mahone, Wyclef Jean, Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo, Neon Trees, Cher Lloyd, Estelle and appearances by music legends like Richie Sambora, Slash, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Pete Wentz, Rick Ross and many more.

This year’s schedule builds on the success of last year with many renewing designer names as well as renewed title sponsor, Kia Motors (www.Kia.com). Kia returns this year to invite the fashion industry to discover the all-new 2017 Cadenza sedan with integrated activations, on-site car displays and a fleet of vehicles available to transport fashion editors, celebrities and VIPs to and from the fashion shows and events. The stunningly beautiful Cadenza improves upon all the elements that made its predecessor an award-winning success, boasting a precisely crafted cabin, cutting edge technology for connectivity and driver assistance, a stronger body structure, and powertrain enhancements for a more premium experience behind the wheel.

Events kick-off with entertainment and lifestyle retailer HSN’s third successive show presenting their Serena Williams Signature Statement Collection with Ms. Williams taking the stage two days after New York’s U.S. Open Women’s Championship. The week wraps up with Kia STYLE360‘s third annual fashion event with celebrity, actress and fashion designer Kristin Cavallari, who will present her new Emerald Duv Jewelry Collection, new shoe releases from her Chinese Laundry Collection as well as signed copies of her book “Balancing on Heels”.

This September’s line-up of fashion shows and festivities for Kia STYLE360 includes the following:

Monday, September 12th

3:00pm: HSN Presents Serena Williams Signature Statement Collection Runway Show

7:30pm: Designer Fashion Runway Show TBA

9:00pm: KIA STYLE360 Presents Serena Williams Signature Statement Collection by HSN After-party at Bagatelle NYC

Tuesday, September 13th

10:30am: Raul Penaranda Spring 2017 Momentum

3:00pm: Vipe Activewear Collection Fashion Show with Angela Simmons

7:30pm: Tumbler and Tipsy by Michael Kuluva

Wednesday, September 14th

3:00pm: Addition Elle Presents Holiday 2016 RTW + Ashley Graham Lingerie Collection

7:00pm: Row A Seat 4 Collection SS17 by Frontrow

Thursday, September 15th

7:00pm: Kia STYLE360 Hosts Kristin Cavallari Collections for Emerald Duv Jewelry & Chinese Laundry at Row NYC

All fashion shows will again be staged at the two-level Metropolitan West located at 639 West 46th Street with special integrations including live streaming of shows, 360 degree virtual reality broadcasts, and Facebook live streams along with its usual parade of celebrity guests and musical performances to be announced closer to fashion week.

Other renewing sponsors generously supporting the September 2016 season includes Not Your Mother‘s hair care (www.nymbrands.com), who will style all fashion shows by lead hair stylist Michele Carrillo and her NYM branded professional-stylist team. Makeup partners, LimeLight by Alcone (www.limelightbyalcone.com) and MustaeV U.S.A., a prestigious Korean artistry make up brand (www.mustaevusa.com) are also renewed partners this season.

Official hotel and after-party partner for the third consecutive year is Row NYC conveniently located near the Kia STYLE360 fashion pavilion at 700 Eighth Avenue. The art-driven, New York-centric hotel will provide its elegant brand of hospitality and accommodations to celebrity and VIP guests as well as host the closing fashion event. Row NYC is also offering exclusive tickets to a Kia STYLE360 show (winners’ choice) and invitations to the closing event hosted at the hotel. (Details can be found at www.rownyc.com.)

Finally, award winning wine producer, Line 39 Wines (www.line39wines.com) by O’Neill Vintners and Distillers returns in an elevated presence to graciously pour its California Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir across all events.

New sponsors to the program this September include Eternal Water (www.eternalwater.com) who will keep guests hydrated and refreshed with its Pure and Pristine Artesian Water and its beautifully designed BPA free bottle which will be collected for recycling after each event. Additionally, OtterBox Products Inc. (www.otterbox.com) joins to present its line of fashionable, sleek smartphone cases to NYFW in the OtterBox Lounge and will debut some of the new looks across a couple runway shows. New York City hotspot and fashion model sanctuary Bagatelle, one of New York’s trendiest restaurants, will serve as official nightclub partner hosting Kia STYLE360’s intimate VIP event.

Kia STYLE360 also proudly welcomes ChapStick (www.chapstick.com) to its line-up of sponsors this season. ChapStick will help guests feel runway ready with new ChapStick Total Hydration Moisture + Tint – which provides long-lasting moisture plus a hint of color from the experts in lip care.

For more information on this season’s designers, to get inside access, view runway trends, special promotional offers, and watch behind the scenes celebrity interviews as well as live streaming from the runway, please visit http://style360nyfw.com/. Twitter @NYFWSTYLE360 and Facebook @STYLE360. Official hashtag this season is #KiaSTYLE360NYFW.

Students and Graduates from The Art Institutes to Debut Fall/Winter 2016 Collections During New York Fashion Week

13 Up-And-Coming Fashion Designers To Experience Career-Defining Moments On New York City Runway

New York Fashion Week is an event attended by the fashion elite, celebrities, and designers working to prove that their hard work and dedication can make an impact in the fashion industry. For 13 designers from The Art Institutes system of schools, Fashion Week is a chance to showcase the talent, determination, and creativity they’ve transformed into their Fall/Winter 2016 collections.

Stephanie Castanon sketch

These designers—both current students and recent graduates—understand that fashion is more than buzz-worthy garments. It’s a process that involves inspiration, sketching, fabric selection, garment construction, and endless revisions before a creation can be shown. They’ve overcome challenges and pushed their creative limits. Along the way, they’ve proven that they have what it takes to design and present a collection on one of fashion’s most prestigious runways. This marks the seventh season that The Art Institutes has partnered with New York Fashion Week to provide a career-starting platform for its budding designers. These promising designers will debut their Fall/Winter 2016 collections on Tuesday, February 16, at 8:30 pm, at The Arc, Skylight at Moynihan Station.

Alejandra Isunsa sketch

Since their selection, the 13 finalists have stretched their personal boundaries and worked closely with faculty mentors to finalize their collections. The designers were born as far away as Iran, Vietnam, and Haiti. Yet each shares a common bond—a love of fashion and the determination to pull together a collection within a demanding timeframe. The designers are current students and graduates of Art Institutes locations in Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, and Vancouver.

Bahareh Memarian sketch

“We are excited to once again showcase our students’ and graduates’ work at New York Fashion Week. This is a true career building experience for them, in which their passion, skills, and creativity can shine through in front of an international audience,” said Tim Moscato, Chief Operating Officer, The Art Institutes.

Zenia De Sousa sketch

Sebastian Cubides sketch

Nhi Nguyen sketch

Get a front row view of the show during the live stream runway event, 8:30 p.m. on February 16. Visit https://www.artinstitutes.edu to watch online alongside viewers from across the globe. Additional information about the designers’ backgrounds and the inspiration for their collections is featured on The Art Institutes’ blog, https://www.artinstitutes.edu/blog. (Follow The Art Institutes On Facebook Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and YouTube.)

Cunard Announces Fashion and Culinary Event Cruises in 2016

New York Fashion Week’s Own Fern Mallis Takes to the High Seas

Cunard has today announced two exciting event cruises for 2016, celebrating the worlds of fashion, food, music and dance. From the launch of its very first ‘Transatlantic Fashion Week’ to a culinary tour of the British Isles to the largest Big Band Balls at sea, guests on each cruise will be immersed in the very best of these themes.

Cunard’s Three Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth

Defining true excellence at sea with over 175 years of legendary voyages, Cunard is the operator of luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Cunard has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries since the company’s first paddle-wheeled steamer Britannia crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

The inaugural ‘Transatlantic Fashion Week’ voyage on the Queen Mary 2 arrives in one of the style capitals of the world, New York, the very same day New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017 Shows begins, after an extra special 7 night (1-8 September) voyage across the Atlantic on board the most famous ocean liner in the world.

Dame Zandra Rhodes

The voyage will be hosted by a number of very significant names from the industry, as guests will be treated to ‘an audience with’ pioneering British designer, Dame Zandra Rhodes CBE, Colin McDowell, the highly respected fashion historian and commentator Fern Mallis, the ‘Godmother of Fashion’ and founder of New York Fashion Week.

Fern Mallis ( Credit: Timothy Greenfield-Saunders)

Dame Zandra Rhodes, who has dressed some the world’s most iconic stars and musicians, including Freddie Mercury and Jackie Onassis, said: “I’m extremely excited to be joining Cunard on board Queen Mary 2 for the very first Transatlantic Fashion Week, 2016. For me, it offers the opportunity to share my knowledge and wonderful experiences from throughout my career in fashion, and give guests a taste of what my collection has to offer.“

Colin McDowell

Dame Zandra Rhodes will also reveal designs from her collections, as emerging faces from Storm modelling agency take to the catwalk during the voyage. Alongside these great fashion authorities, guests will have the opportunity to meet the designers of the future, as students from one of the world’s number one postgraduate fashion programmes, The Royal College of Art, showcase their latest collections on board.

Food lovers can treat themselves to a British Isles Culinary Discovery on board Queen Elizabeth in June next year. The cruise will feature highly reputable names and producers from the world of gastronomy, including Charles Sichel of Maison Sichel and Jilly Goolden, English Wine Critic and UK Television personality. Guests will be able to enjoy regional delicacies from around the British Isles through a range of tailored shore-side excursions, hosted on board events and specially curated menus.

QUEEN MARY 2 AND QUEEN ELIZABETH ROYAL RENDEZVOUS IN SYDNEY HARBOUR
Tuesday 22nd February 2011 – Sydney Harbour, Australia – Sydney Welcomes Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 on Royal Rendezvous on Maiden World Voyage; Cunard’s newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, arrived in Sydney for the first time this morning, following her larger sister, Queen Mary 2, into Sydney Harbour in another historic Royal Rendezvous.

Each of the three Cunard Queens (Mary, Elizabeth and Victoria) will host their very own Big Band Balls in November 2016 for dance and music lovers around the world to enjoy. Cunard’s biggest orchestras of the year will delight guests with music from Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. The big band phenomena originated in the US in the 1920s era, and soon took the world by storm by creating the party of all parties. Next year each of the three Queens will look forward to playing host to their own exclusive musical spectaculars.

New York Spring/Summer 2016 Fashion Week Review: Betsey Johnson Forever!

Runway Images by Dan Lecca/Front Row/Backstage Images by The Billy Farrell Agency

American designer and renowned fashion icon, Betsey Johnson returned to New York Fashion Week on Friday, September 11th to present her Spring/Summer 2016 collection, entitled The Curious Case of Betsey Button was a retrospective commemorating Betsey’s 50 colorful years in the fashion industry.

Backstage at the Spring/Summer 2016 Fashion Show (Photo Credit: The Billy Farrell Agency)

The show which was held at The Arc, Skylight at Moynihan Station (a soul-sucking show space, if ever there is any), was divided into six defining moments in Betsey’s career and kicked off with Betsey’s signature prom princesses of the 2000’s, followed by the “flower power” of the late 80’s/early 90’s. Next came late 70’s punk, followed by the “trippy hippy” early 70’s Betsey Johnson for Alley Cat. Rounding out the decades were the mod mavens of 60’s Betsey Johnson for Paraphernalia. Narration from Betsey herself played over each defining era, for a real trip down memory lane.

I have long held the view that, much like Bob Mackie and a select few designers that have shown at NYFW over the years, Miss Johnson’s collections are generally above review. By her own admission, she is not out to change the world (too much) or find a cure for athlete’s foot. (She is, however, a staunch supporter for finding a cure for Breast Cancer.) She is about creating a balance: injecting fun into her life and work, while still taking it seriously, BUT not too serious. Hence the signature cartwheel and split at the end of her shows, the seemingly wild, all-over-the-place but cohesive sense that marks the collections. Above all, she’s an extraordinary woman. It’s no wonder then, that she is one of the legendary women to be featured in Timothy Greenfield-Sanders‘ latest “List” documentary, American Masters: The Women’s List, to air on PBS on September 25^th.

Betsey Johnson is to be featured in Timothy Greenfield-Saunders‘ American Masters: The Women’s List, a documentary focusing on their individuals’ exceptional achievements, struggles and identities. All trailblazers in their respective fields, these women share their experiences struggling against discrimination and overcoming challenges to make their voices heard and their influence felt. Credit: © Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

The spring/summer 2016 collection, while mainly serving as a retrospective, had a lot going for it in the here and now. It was filled with ideas that would—and will– work for the season and beyond. Those strapless “prom princess” dresses were paired with long sleeve, street-ready metallic tops that a girl could wear with her skinny jeans and be on-trend. The Veronica Lake hair-dos was also an amazing addition to the overall looks. The second segment was made all the more delicious by the colorful corsets that circled the models’ waists.

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

In the “Mud Club” section, the standout piece was the red/black chevron pantsuit with a black leather bandeau top. Here, seeing nine (mostly blonde) models with semi-severe chignons, looking very much like Linda Evangelista in her 80’s prime, was a jolt but hey, it worked.

The fourth section was noteworthy for the scrimped, straight hair deftly reminiscent of the period. It was like watching (in a good way, of course) Square Pegs (starring a young Sarah Jessica Parker), a television sitcom from the 80’s. The standouts here were the fur-trimmed teacup print jacket (paired with the granny boots), the patchwork jacket with faux fur sleeves and the soft, draping long “Stevie Nicks” long-sleeve dress.

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

The iconic Max’s Kansas City was a nightclub and restaurant at 213 Park Avenue South, in New York City, which became a gathering spot for musicians, poets, artists and politicians (in essence, everyone who was anyone), in the 1960s and 1970s. It was opened by Mickey Ruskin (1933–1983) in December 1965. Max’s quickly became a hangout of choice for artists and sculptors of the New York School, like John Chamberlain, Robert Rauschenberg, Larry Rivers, Larry Poons, Brice Marden, Bob Neuwirth, Roy Lichtenstein, Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, Richard Serra, Philip Glass, William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, René Ricard, Willem de Kooning, and Barnett Newman. It was also a favorite hangout of Andy Warhol and his entourage, who dominated the back room, including some of the women represented in this section. It also showed the wide range of style of the time, including the navy polka dot mini with a white Peter Pan collar. Stunning.

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2016 Collection. Photo Credit: Dan Lecca

2015 marked a year long celebration for Johnson. In addition hitting her 50th year in the industry, Betsey was awarded the CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. The party will continue into Holiday 2015 as Johnson releases a limited edition 50th Anniversary Collection which includes dresses, activewear, handbags, shoes, jewelry all in a signature Betsey Johnson print.

Stylight.com Will Provide a Pop-Up Luxury Shuttle Bus Service during New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016 Fashion Shows

Stylight.com, the fastest-growing, international fashion discovery platform that combines content with commerce to provide 6,000,000+ users with a curated selection of the latest fashion trends and inspiration, will be providing luxury shuttle services during New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016 Shows from September 10-13, 2015.

Founded in November 2008, Stylight is the brainchild of four friends, who have complementary backgrounds in economics, computer science, electrical engineering and business administration. These four visionaries have created one of the fastest-growing online platforms in the world. Combining global inspiration with innovative online shopping technology, Stylight takes its users through a world of fashion to discover the latest trends, while shopping the hottest products and brands in one convenient place. With 350+ partner shops and over 6,000 brands under its arsenal, Stylight collaborates with major e-commerce players, like Net-A-Porter, Moda Operandi, Asos, Bergdorf Goodman, Zappos, and Neiman Marcus to name a few.

The company has evolved from a small, German start-up to a global fashion discovery platform. Currently, Stylight has over 6 million users globally, and is available in 14 countries, with offices in New York, London and Munich.

After five consecutive years, Lincoln Center is no longer home to New York Fashion Week. Now, with the show being separated into two venues across the city, show attendees will be forced to split their time between Soho and Midtown to see the latest spring/summer collections. Poised to alleviate transportation stress, Stylight will be on-site at Skylight Clarkson Square and Skylight Moynihan Station providing a complimentary luxury shuttle bus service to transport attendees to and from both locations.

Upon entering the luxury shuttles, passengers will have the opportunity to lounge on leather seats, jam out to a 90’s-inspired soundtrack, recharge phone batteries, utilize free Wi-Fi, and receive Stylight ‘Survival Kits’ equipped with favorites from Rituals Cosmetics, Norma Kamali, AHAlife, LUNA, EBoost, Poketo, boscia, Rifle Paper Co., Alive & Radiant, Fromm Beauty and more.

In partnership with MANGO, Stylight will also unveil an exclusive social giveaway, where show attendees will have the opportunity to win a $1,000 gift card to mango.com inside the shuttle.

The rides are first come, first serve, with luxury shuttle services on-site at 330 W 33rd Street and 550 Washington Street. Only rides to and from these locations will be permitted. For more information on Stylight and/or event information, go to www.Stylight.com, and follow @Stylight and #SurvivedInStylight

Banana Republic and the Council of Fashion Designers of America Announce a New Partnership Supporting Emerging Designers Who Design and Produce in the U.S.

Timo Weiland Is The First Designer To Collaborate With Banana Republic and CFDA On A Limited-Edition Capsule For Spring 2016

Banana Republic and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced a new partnership dedicated to supporting emerging designers based in America who design and produce in their local cities.

With this partnership, Banana Republic and the CFDA are committed to supporting designers located in America and American manufacturing. The partnership will include two limited-edition collections sold exclusively at select Banana Republic flagship stores and online. The program will spotlight one New York-based designer, who will create a capsule collection for Spring/Summer 2016, which is designed, cut and sewn exclusively in New York. This is going to be followed by a collection from a Los Angeles-based designer, which will be designed and produced exclusively in Los Angeles.

“We are proud to partner with the CFDA and its network of emerging designers and manufacturers,” says Marissa Webb, Creative Director of Banana Republic. “This new program is a great opportunity to provide mentorship and resources to help creative talent grow their business while designing and producing locally.“

“Banana Republic is a quintessential American retailer, which makes them the perfect partner to support our mission to help promote designers here in America and domestic manufacturing,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA.

For the first collaboration, Banana Republic will work with designer Timo Weiland, an alumnus of the CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} program, on a womenswear collection for Spring 2016. The capsule will include twelve styles in solids and in custom prints, including dresses, tops, skirts and a blazer cut and sewn in New York by Sunrise Studio, a CFDA Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) grant winner, and Sn Productions.

Co-founded in 2010 by Timo Weiland, Alan Eckstein and Donna Kang, Timo Weiland is a New York-based Womens and Menswear brand. Built around the ethos of creating clothes to live in, the collections are inspired by the multifaceted lifestyles of the designers and those around them. Drawing from a shared love of music, travel and contemporary culture, Timo Weiland presents an updated take on classic American sensibilities. Known for eclectic combinations of fabrics and detailing, the collection places focus on quality and wearability, while injecting touches of the designers’ distinct brand of playfulness.

“Donna, Alan and I are honored to collaborate on the first CFDA X BANANA REPUBLIC CAPSULE COLLECTION for Spring 2016,” says Timo Weiland, founder of Timo Weiland. “Since launching the brand, we have designed, cut and sewn our core signature woven styles in New York with factory partners based in the Garment District. Building upon this Made-in-New York aspect has been an integral part of our business and our story as a brand.“

The collection will debut at Banana Republic’s Spring 2016 presentation during New York Fashion Week in September, and launch at retail in March 2016. Founded in San Francisco, Banana Republic is located in more than 750 company-operated and franchise retail locations worldwide.

As part of Banana Republic’s partnership with the CFDA, FMI is receiving a monetary contribution that will be matched by the City’s financial commitment to the program. FMI, in affiliation with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, aims to nurture, elevate, and preserve garment production in New York City.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962 that leads industry-wide initiatives and whose membership consists of more than 450 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. In addition to hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, which recognize the top creative talent in the industry, the organization owns the Fashion Calendar, and serves as the official keeper of New York Fashion Week. It stages the bi-annual New York Fashion Week; Men’s and also offers programs which support professional development and scholarships, including the CFDA {Fashion Incubator}, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the Geoffrey Beene Design Scholar Award, the Liz Claiborne Design Scholarship Award and the CFDA/Teen Vogue Scholarship. Member support is provided through the Strategic Partnerships Group, a high-profile group of companies offering designers strategic opportunities. The CFDA Foundation, Inc. is a separate, not-for-profit organized to mobilize the membership to raise funds for charitable causes. Through the Foundation, the CFDA created and manages the worldwide Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative; raises funds for HIV/AIDS organizations and addresses the issue of model health with The CFDA Health Initiative.

For more information, please visit www.CFDA.com, facebook.com/cfda, twitter.com/cfda, cfda.tumblr.com, and youtube.com/cfdatv.

First Look: BETSEY JOHNSON Spring/Summer 2016

A Betsey Johnson fashion show at New York Fashion Week is always a celebration filled with a flood of design ideas somehow comes together in the end. She’s an industry treasure and a legend. For Spring/Summer 2016, Johnson will showcase The Curious Case of Betsey Button during New York Fashion Week on Friday, September 11th, 2015 at The Arc, Skylight at Moynihan Station. This season commemorates Betsey’s colorful 50 years in the fashion industry. A celebration of her amazing career and then some, Betsey Button is the ultimate Betsey Johnson big bang. I can hardly wait.

First Look: Betsey Johnson Spring-Summer 2016 Collection (Image courtesy of Factory PR)

Spring/Summer 2015 New York Fashion Week Report: ELLE Runway Collection by Kohl’s

Photo Credit: Tom Concordia

The ELLE Runway Collection by Kohl’s debuted their Fall 2014 collection at STYLE360 New York Fashion Week. Combining Parisian luxury and New York City Style, the collection consisted of delicate pleated skirts, embellished tops, elegant floral prints and exquisite polka dot patterns. Setting a romantic, whimsical theme with models walking under a frame of Eiffel Tower and front row café tables, guests were made to feel as if they were on the streets of Paris, with each look embodying fashion’s latest trends while still also providing easy to wear apparel for the everyday woman. The collection is available immediately for purchase on Kohls.com.

Photo Credit: Tom Concordia

Photo Credit: Tom Concordia

Photo Credit: Tom Concordia

Photo Credit: Tom Concordia

Photo Credit: Tom Concordia

Photo Credit: Tom Concordia

Photo Credit: Tom Concordia

Photo Credit: Tom Concordia

 

Fashion and Entertainment Celebrates 30 Years of Peanuts in Fashion: Snoopy And His Sister Belle Make A Bold Fashion Statement At New York Fashion Week

All new Traveling Exhibit “Snoopy and Belle in Fashion Presented by MetLife” Debuts at the New Museum Sky Room

The much-anticipated new exhibition entitled “Snoopy and Belle in Fashion presented by MetLife” opens today at the New Museum’s Sky Room in New York City.  Bringing together Snoopy and his sister Belle with the world’s foremost design talent and visionaries, the exhibition features all new one-of-a-kind creations for the on-trend vinyl Snoopy and Belle dolls. After New York, the exhibit will travel to the Palais de Tokyo in Paris and other locations in Milan, Tokyo, and more over the next two years.

DESIGNER BIBHU MOHAPATRA CREATES LOOKS FOR SNOOPY AND HIS SISTER BELLE IN A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE NEW MUSEUM’S SKY ROOM THIS NEW YORK CITY FASHION WEEK. (PRNewsFoto/Peanuts Worldwide)

DESIGNERS JEFFREY COSTELLO AND ROBERT TAGLIAPIETRA CREATE LOOKS FOR SNOOPY AND HIS SISTER BELLE IN A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE NEW MUSEUM’S SKY ROOM THIS NEW YORK CITY FASHION WEEK. (PRNewsFoto/Peanuts Worldwide)

DESIGNER ISAAC MIZRAHI CREATE LOOKS FOR SNOOPY AND HIS SISTER BELLE IN A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE NEW MUSEUM’S SKY ROOM THIS NEW YORK FASHION WEEK (PRNewsFoto/Peanuts Worldwide)

The international fashion leaders designing for Snoopy and Belle include: Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson, Bibhu Mohapatra, Calvin Klein Collection, Christian Siriano, Costello Tagliapietra, DKNY, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dsquared2, Dries Van Noten, Emanuel Ungaro, Isaac Mizrahi, Isabel Marant, J.Mendel, Kenneth Cole, Lisa Perry, MAC Cosmetics, Opening Ceremony, PhilipTreacy, Rodarte, Royal Asscher, Swarovski, Tracy Reese, VPL by Victoria Bartlett, and Zac Posen.

“Snoopy and Belle In Fashion presented by MetLife” makes its premiere appearance as Peanuts prepares to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip in 2015, along with the brand’s first all new CGI 3D feature film from Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios, the 50th anniversary of Peanuts on television with A Charlie Brown Christmas airing on ABC, and the 30th anniversary of the inaugural “Snoopy in Fashion” event of the 1980s.

DESIGNER BETSEY JOHNSON CREATE LOOKS FOR SNOOPY AND HIS SISTER BELLE IN A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE NEW MUSEUM’S SKY ROOM THIS NEW YORK FASHION WEEK. (PRNewsFoto/Peanuts Worldwide)

Fall/Winter 2014 New York Fashion Week: Joie by Serge Azria

Images photographed by Lev Radin

Since its inception in 2001, JOIE has been one of the most sought after contemporary brands catering to the savvy, fashion minded, modern woman. Understatedly chic, JOIE’s designs are constantly inspired by the Southern California lifestyle and its casual, yet sophisticated way of life. Originally known for its signature cargos, JOIE has emerged as a lifestyle brand, a complete collection of ready to wear and accessories.

The JOIE aesthetic, both modern and timeless in its appeal, draws its influence from vintage creations while successfully maintaining a fresh approach to fashion. Be it Paris or California, the JOIE girl enjoys wearing casual, comfortable clothes accented by her travels throughout the world. The concept has always been “Casual, Comfortable and Luxurious.” Therefore, each piece that is designed encompasses a balance of these three key elements…one cannot exist without the other.

Azria is familiar with accomplishment. Prior to his time at JOIE, Azria partnered with Vince Camuto as CEO and head designer to create VCS footwear (which later became the Camuto Group) where he led the company to outstanding and rapid growth. In 2004, while enjoying the challenges he faced in design and in management, Azria accepted the offer to purchase a portion of the contemporary line JOIE. With great success, he then became sole owner and Creative Director in 2007.

Fall/Winter 2014 New York Fashion Week: Tia Cibani

Runway Images photographed by Lev Radin

NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 05, 2014: Models walk runway for Tia Cibani presentation at Fall/Winter 2014 Fashion week at the Prince George Ballroom (Photo Credit: Lev Radin)

FASHION PALETTE RETURNS TO NEW YORK FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE SEASON

Australia’s premier fashion platform showcases independent designers seeking exposure at New York Fashion Week

 Renowned labels Steven Khalil, Philippa Galasso and Tightology will showcase their Fall 2014 collections at Fashion Palette’s February 11 runway show at New York City’s Pier 59

 Fashion Palette, a full-service events company promoting Australian fashion across the globe, announces its third-consecutive season presenting Australia’s leading designers at New York Fashion Week. The Fall 2014 runway show — which will take place on Tuesday, February 11 at Pier 59, beginning at 7 PM — will highlight couture eveningwear by designers Steven Khalil and Philippa Galasso and contemporary legwear by Tightology.

Steven Khalil, is an Australian based evening wear designer most well known for his red carpet creations and bridal gowns. Philippa Galasso returns to New York Fashion Week for her sophomore collection and has been featured in Elle Paris. Tightology a must have accessories label that takes tights to another level is a staple in every Australian woman’s wardrobe, they are debuting at NYFW in hopes to expand their brand globally.

Founded by Mefaddi, Fashion Palette has become the leading organization bringing Australia’s fashion to a global audience. “We strive to give local designers a platform that they may otherwise not have access to,” Mefaddi says of the company’s comprehensive approach to introducing brands to a wider fashion market. The Sydney-based company’s previous runway shows at New York Fashion Week have featured a broad array of notable Australian designers, including Tony Maticevski, Aurelio Costarella, Bowie Wong, Nicola Finetti, Samantha Wills and Akira, all of whom have achieved long-term success in the US & European markets. After showing with Fashion Palette, contemporary designer Bettina Liano opened her first NY outpost on Mott Street.

 “We are excited to once again highlight the creativity and innovation of Australia’s most promising designers at New York Fashion Week, which brings together the very best in our business from around the world,” says Sonya Mefaddi, founder of Fashion Palette. “Fashion Palette is focused on continuing to raise the international visibility of Australian talent  – and our thriving fashion industry – with worldwide buyers, media and stylists.”

 In its third appearance at New York Fashion Week, Fashion Palette is proud to introduce another series of Avant Garde Australian designers and their collections to the New York fashion audience. Fashion Palette’s model has proven so successful that next year they will expand beyond Australian talent and will move forward with independent designers from around the globe. “Fashion Palette provides a one-stop shop experience for introducing independent labels into new markets”, says Mefaddi “By offering fashion show production, media relations and showroom sales, we supply designers with the right tools to launch their brand successfully.

Models will be styled by Cutler Salon and Priti NYC.  Make-up provided by AJ Crimson.  For more information on Fashion Palette New York, please visit http://www.fashionpalette.com.au/fashionpalette/about/

Swarovski Announces Its Autumn/Winter 2014 New York Fashion Week Swarovski Collective Designers:Rodarte, Prabal Gurung, SUNO, Wes Gordon, and Brandon Sun

 Swarovski has announced its line-up of Swarovski Collective designers who will be showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2014 collections during New York Fashion Week. Selected for their creative flair and ability to demonstrate exquisite

Brandon Sun crystal sketch for the Autumn/Winter 2014 Swarovski Collective. (PRNewsFoto/Swarovski)

craftsmanship with crystal, the Collective designers receive financial support as well as the opportunity to experiment with Swarovski’s extraordinary crystal range. Founded in 1999 by Nadja Swarovski following a collaboration with Alexander McQueen and Isabella Blow, the Swarovski Collective has grown to support over 150 designers in producing some of the most avant-garde fashion looks of the past decade.

“Putting our crystals into the hands of creative talents always seems to inspire and results in the most extraordinary experimentation. Members of the Swarovski Collective continue to amaze us with their ability to fuse crystal so imaginatively into their collections. This season is no exception and we are thrilled to welcome some exciting new talents into the program for Autumn/Winter 2014,” says Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board.

Designers this season include Collective veterans Rodarte, Prabal Gurung, SUNO, and Wes Gordon as well as Brandon Sun, who is partnering with Swarovski for the first time. Sun crafted a successful career at both J Mendel and Oscar de la Renta before presenting his first collection in 2012. He commented: “I am honored to be partnering with Swarovski. I always choose to work with the finest materials, whether fur or fabric, and Swarovski offers the best one can use for embellishments.”

“Swarovski has brought us so much over the past few years, it’s impossible to summarize all it means. The crystals have helped to elevate our designs to another level, adding a new dimension to the collections,” stated SUNO designers Erin Beatty and Max Osterweis.

Christian Siriano to Be Featured Designer at 2014 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show to Benefit the Symphony’s Educational Outreach Programs

Show-stopping Designs for Fall 2014 to Be Revealed at Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Nashville Symphony Fashion Show Co-Chairs Vicki Horne and Dara Russell have announced that Christian Siriano will be the featured designer for the 2014 Symphony Fashion Show, showcasing his Fall/Winter 2014 collection, to be held

Christina Hendricks wearing a Christian Siriano design

Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

The show is presented by Lexus and sponsored by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra League with proceeds from the event to support the Nashville Symphony’s education programs, which annually serve 100,000 schoolchildren across Middle Tennessee. Past designers for the event have included Oscar de la Renta, MARCHESA, Monique Lhuillier and Isaac Mizrahi.

Boutique partner Gus Mayer will kick off the countdown to the 2014 Symphony Fashion Show with a trunk show on November 5 and 6, 2013, featuring Siriano’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on both days, and the designer will be making a personal appearance at Gus Mayer from noon-6 p.m. on November 6. Members of the public are invited to try on Siriano’s chic designs and find the perfect ensemble for spring. A portion of all sales will be donated to the Nashville Symphony.

“We are thrilled to partner with Gus Mayer to present Christian Siriano’s trendsetting designs,” says co-chair Dara Russell. “Christian’s style is totally unique, and his collections provide a distinctive look for everyone. Anyone with an eye for style won’t want to miss it!”

Co-chair Vicki Horne adds, “It is an honor to be involved in planning this spectacular event, which brings top designers to Nashville each year. We are proud that the Symphony Fashion Show makes a significant impact on our community by providing so many young people with music education programming and opportunities.”

Siriano attended the Baltimore School for the Arts and interned with industry legends Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. The Christian Siriano Collection debuted in 2006 and is shown each season at New York Fashion Week and presented to retailers in New York City and Paris. Known for his whimsical and show-stopping design – from fantasy evening gowns and cocktail dresses to tailored sportswear, as well as intricate shoes and accessories – the collection can be found at specialty boutiques and department stores around the globe.

In 2012, the stand-alone flagship Christian Siriano store opened in New York City and in 2013, Siriano was inducted as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). His designs have been popular on the red carpet with Taylor Swift, Christina Hendricks and Heidi Klum

Tickets for the 2014 Symphony Fashion Show begin at $300, which includes reserved seating and an elegant cocktail buffet after the show. For more information or to request an invitation, please visit http://www.nashvillesymphony.org/fashionshow.

New York Fashion Week Recap: Restoring One’s Karma at The Colgate Optic White Beauty Bar

Written by Phillip D. Johnson

images provided by Pivot PR

The Colgate Optic White Beauty Bar at Salon Ziba on September 9, 2013 in New York City.

This past New York Fashion Week was, for God knows what reasons, more stressful any other in recent history. For the record, I love New York Fashion Week and attending the shows. I feel energized by the vibes of creativity waiting to be explored. Every season at the Tents at Lincoln Center and at other venues around Manhattan is like going to a high school or college reunion, where you are joyous in reconnecting with the people you like (and missed) and doing your level best to circumvent–by all means possible— the toxic fiends and the frenemies you (mostly) dislike and must avoid at all cost. Overall, this season, however, there was a decidedly underlying cloud of, if not rampant negativity, then snarkiness and shadiness about the whole proceeding that took most of the enjoyment out of the week for many people, including myself. What was a pleasure to look forward to–the joy of a potential “fashion moment” during a show, the clothes, gossiping with your friends while waiting for the shows to start– became a chore I was trying to avoid. Seriously, folks, most of the inhabitants of this seasonal world we call New York Fashion Week are in dire need of a psyche cleansing, in addition to a cleansing of the aura by a host of feng shui masters.

The Colgate Optic White Beauty Bar at Salon Ziba on September 9, 2013 in New York City.

The Colgate Optic White Beauty Bar at Salon Ziba on September 9, 2013 in New York City.

The Colgate Optic White Beauty Bar at Salon Ziba on September 9, 2013 in New York City

The Colgate Optic White Beauty Bar at Salon Ziba on September 9, 2013 in New York City.

But I found a remedy for the fashion week blues, if only for a couple hours.

California Dreaming: DAISY FUENTES presents 10TH Anniversary Spring/Summer 2014 Fashion Show

Runway Images photographed by Kat Rabbit

As she celebrates her 10th Year Anniversary Spring/Summer 2014 show during New York Fashion Week at Eyebeam, Daisy Fuentes can be justifiably proud of herself and her accomplishments. She has done something not too many other “celebrity” designer can boast about: She has demonstrated major longevity and achieved an estimated $1.5 billion in sales, all while not  grabbing the magnifying industry glare like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony or Sophia Vergara. More importantly, she has done so while designing clothes a majority of American women seems to want to buy and proudly wear.

Daisy Fuentes 2014 Spring-Summer Collection

Daisy Fuentes 2014 Spring-Summer Collection

Fuentes herself knows that her success as a fashion and lifestyle brand in the increasingly competitive marketplace was not pre-ordained just because she was in the spotlight as a former model and MTV VJ (when MTV was worth watching, just saying) and that hard work, determination and many other factors went into making her clothing line the success it is today.

Daisy Fuentes 2014 Spring-Summer Collection

Daisy Fuentes 2014 Spring-Summer Collection

As she told WWD in a fashion week article celebrating the 10th year anniversary, “There are so many elements to it. It’s so moody; it’s so of the moment and on to the next. It’s hard to find customer loyalty. So when you find it, it’s like a rare gem, and you have to celebrate that. That’s why we are celebrating the longevity. I didn’t start doing this because I wanted a celebrity line. I wanted to be involved in fashion and be creative with something that had to do with fashion. The opportunity came, and I thought it would be a dream. I really took my time with every category. I didn’t just put out a line with everything. I chose partners carefully and made sense of the whole thing”

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK: FANCY FEAST® AND MALAN BRETON REDEFINE THE CATWALK WITH FELINE-INSPIRED FASHIONS

Celebrity Fashion Designer Malan Breton Debuts Designs Inspired by the Iconic Fancy Feast Cat at STYLE360 New York Fashion Week

STYLE360 Fashion Show: Malan by Malan Breton Sponsored by Fancy Feast Cat: Models wearing designs by Malan Breton pose with the Fancy Feast cat after Breton’s STYLE360 show during New York Fashion Week on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013 in New York City. The three looks were inspired by the iconic Fancy Feast cat. (Jonathan Fickies/AP Images for Fancy Feast Gourmet Cat Food)

From colorful and retro feline patterns to the classic cat-eye, the cat is today’s fashion muse. To celebrate cat-inspired fashion, Fancy Feast® Gourmet Cat Food and celebrity fashion designer Malan Breton partnered to create an unforgettable runway show at STYLE360 New York Fashion Week. STYLE360 is a multi-day fashion and entertainment environment providing opportunities for fashion designers and brands to collaborate and come face-to-face with industry tastemakers, celebrities, media, and consumers during New York Fashion Week in September and February. For the past 14 seasons, STYLE360’s accessible schedule of events offers runway shows, daytime exhibits, press conferences, product demonstrations, and after-parties that create an unprecedented amount of media buzz for all parties involved.

 

STYLE360 Fashion Show: Malan by Malan Breton Sponsored by Fancy Feast Cat – The Fancy Feast cat prepares backstage for the Malan Breton STYLE360 show during New York Fashion Week on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013 in New York City. Breton’s collection featured four looks inspired by the iconic Fancy Feast cat. (Jonathan Fickies/AP Images for Fancy Feast Gourmet Cat Food)

Known for drawing inspiration from the latest design trends and fashion influences, Breton created three looks for his Spring/Summer 2014 collection based on the style, look and timeless beauty of the iconic Fancy Feast cat, a beautiful Silver Chinchilla Persian. The unmistakable, stunning beauty of the cat motivated him to showcase new design styles that unite people’s love of fashion and cats.

“Fancy Feast enjoys sharing cat-inspired fashion with its fans,” said Courtney Louch, Fancy Feast Assistant Brand Manager. “Partnering with Malan Breton at STYLE360 has given us the opportunity to bring cat fashion trends and looks to life for our passionate fans to experience.”

New York Spring/Summer 2014 Fashion Week Recap: Avon Global Celebrity Makeup Artist Lauren Andersen Creates Modern and Minimalist Look at Elizabeth and James Spring 2014 Fashion Week Presentation

Avon Global Celebrity Makeup Artist Lauren Andersen crafted the modern and minimalistic beauty look at the Elizabeth and James Spring 2014 Presentation during New York Fashion Week using Avon Makeup.

Avon Global Celebrity Makeup Artist Lauren Andersen Creates Modern and Minimalist Look at Elizabeth and James Spring 2014 Fashion Week Presentation

Andersen played up dewy, glowing complexions with just-pinched cheeks and lips in blushing pink. “The makeup look we created for the Elizabeth and James Spring 2014 Presentation is fresh yet sophisticated. The look is inspired by a woman who is effortlessly chic,” Andersen said.

Avon Global Celebrity Makeup Artist Lauren Andersen Creates Modern and Minimalist Look at Elizabeth and James Spring 2014 Fashion Week Presentation

Elizabeth and James brings together two dynamic personalities into exquisite balance. A New York lifestyle brand bridging the gap between designer and contemporary women’s fashion. Designers Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen bring an elevated sensibility to the contemporary market with thoughtful design and a focus on pre-styled details making everyday dressing effortless.

“The makeup Lauren created for the show was the perfect compliment to the relaxed, casual vibe of the spring collection. The look is effortless, clean and natural – just like our Elizabeth and James girl,” the designers said.

Here’s how to get the look using Avon Makeup from Global Celebrity Makeup Artist Lauren Andersen:

1. Prep skin. Using a foundation brush and your finger, apply a thin layer of Avon Ideal Flawless Invisible Coverage Liquid Foundation only on areas that need coverage. To create a natural dewiness, go back over the foundation with a wet sponge.
2. Highlight cheeks, brow bone and nose by swiping these areas with Avon Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation in Transparent Glow. This will refresh and enhance skin with a luminous, radiant glow.
3. To keep cheeks looking dewy and fresh, apply Avon Ultra Color Lipstick in Carnation, a blushing pink shade, on the apples of cheeks.
4. On the eyes, use a light wash of shadow with Avon True Color Eye Shadow Duo in Healthy Glow. Apply the lighter shade to the inner eyes and across the lid. Blend the darker shade very lightly along the lash line.
5. Lightly line eyes for a “just-defined look” with Avon’s Kohl Eye Liner in Intense Brown.
6. Give lashes volume and definition with Avon Mega Effects Mascara.
7. Finish the look by matching lip color to the shade used on cheeks. Apply Avon Ultra Color Lipstick in Carnation to the center of the lips with your finger and then blot it out to give the pout a natural-yet-noticeable stain effect.

Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with nearly $11 billion in annual revenue. As one of the world’s largest direct sellers, Avon is sold through more than 6 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives. Avon products are available in over 100 countries, and the product line includes color cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, fashion and home products, featuring such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, ANEW, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, and mark. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com

Pantone Announces Fashion Color Report Spring 2014: Designers take a modern twist on the traditional to create a colorful equilibrium

For more than 20 years, Pantone (http://www.pantone.com), the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season’s most important color trends. Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today unveiled the PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2014, a comprehensive overview of designers’ use of color in their upcoming collections. Released to coincide with New York Fashion Week, the PANTONE Fashion Color Report, this report previews the most prominent hues for spring 2014 and features the top 10 colors for women’s and men’s fashion for spring 2014, along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots. (The report is available for free download at www.pantone.com/spring2014.)

Top Colors for Women’s Fashion for Spring 2014

Designers take a modern twist on the traditional for spring 2014 by pairing soft pastels with vivid brights to create a colorful equilibrium. Inspired by a mixture of blooming flowers, travels abroad and strong, confident women, designers use color to refresh, revive and defy conventional wisdom.

“This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations.”

Top Colors for Men’s Fashion for Spring 2014

PANTONE 15-3920 Placid Blue

PANTONE 18-3718 Purple Haze

PANTONE 18-6216 Comfrey

PANTONE 16-0000 Paloma

PANTONE 15-1225 Sand

PANTONE 14-0852 Freesia

PANTONE 18-1651 Cayenne

PANTONE 17-1360 Celosia Orange

PANTONE 19-2428 Magenta

Purple PANTONE 18-3949 Dazzling Blue

Top Colors for Men’s Fashion for Spring 2014

Men’s Color Palette

Light and airy Placid Blue is a perfect background color for spring, offering another alternative to the classic neutrals. Pair it with Comfrey, a more masculine take on the softer Hemlock green from the women’s palette, to create a fresh, seasonally inspired look. For a modernized vintage feel, pair Purple Haze, a deeper, stronger version of Violet Tulip, with Paloma, a confident and adaptable gray. Sand, a warm, agreeable neutral, can be coupled with more daring colors in the palette – making them less intimidating. Both Paloma and Sand are perfect complements to fiery Cayenne red, and help harness the powerful energy that intense Freesia yellow brings to the spectrum.

Accessories, including shoes, in bold colors, like Cayenne, Freesia and Celosia Orange, are becoming more popular for men this season, adding a touch of gusto to neutral formal attire. As the temperatures rise, we are also seeing a lot of vibrant patterning that combines bold and tropical colors in many sectors of menswear. Create a magnetic look by mixing Magenta Purple, a more robust version of Radiant Orchid, with the higher voltage colors in the palette, like Celosia Orange and Dazzling Blue. These three energetic yet versatile hues are sure to be a hit in spring 2014.

Top Colors for Women’s Fashion for Spring 2014

PANTONE 15-3920 Placid Blue

PANTONE 16-3823 Violet Tulip

PANTONE 15-6114 Hemlock

PANTONE 16-0000 Paloma

PANTONE 15-1225 Sand

PANTONE 14-0852 Freesia

PANTONE 18-1651 Cayenne

PANTONE 17-1360 Celosia Orange

PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid

PANTONE 18-3949 Dazzling Blue

 

Pantone Top Colors for Women’s Fashion for Spring 2014

Three very adaptable pastels sit on one end of the palette, and, because we are so accustomed to seeing them as nature’s background, they can be creatively combined with any other color in the spectrum. Placid Blue, like a picture-perfect, tranquil and reassuring sky, induces a sense of peaceful calmness, while Violet Tulip, a romantic, vintage purple, evokes wistful nostalgia. Similar to the verdant shade of springtime foliage, Hemlock, a summery, ornamental green, provides a decorative touch that’s very different from the greens of recent seasons. Pair any of these versatile pastels with a bolder hue for an au courant look.

Pilot Pen Makes Writing Fashionable, Again at New York Fashion Week

Pilot presents fashion pen collection at GBK Productions Style Suite, Falguni & Shane Peacock Fashion Show, and Birchbox lounge

Pilot Corporation of America (Pilot Pen) is making writing fashionable again at New York Fashion Week, and celebrating

Pilot Acroball PureWhite

self-expression and style, by teaming up with three unique fashion-centric events.  These events include the celebrity focused GBK Productions Style Lounge at The Empire Hotel, the fashionista focused Birchbox Local across from Milk Studios, and the Falguni and Shane Peacock fashion show at Lincoln Center.  In all three locations, Pilot will be featuring its smooth writing, fashion forward pens available in striking spring pantone colors and with chic designs, the perfect way to express yourself and your personal style.

“Fashion and writing are all about self-expression.  The right accessories are the perfect way to personalize your style,” said Ariann Langsam, Director of Consumer Marketing. “When you reach for a pen it should express your style and your words effortlessly!  From the color-blocked Acroball PureWhite, to the striking flourishes of G2 Fashion, to the bold pantone colors of the erasable and retractable FriXion Clicker, Pilot’s new pens deliver style and substance.  For NYFW why wouldn’t you use a pen that looks as good as you do?”

GBK Productions Style Lounge at The Empire Hotel – September 6-7

The week kicks off at the GBK Productions Style Lounge at The Empire Hotel, with guests including top celebrities, stylists, designers, and top jet setters.  Attendees will experience the Acroball PureWhite, the striking G2 Fashion

Pilot Corporation of America Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Pilot Corporation of America)

  Premium Gel Roller, the incredible erasable and retractable FriXion Clicker, and the luxuriously affordable Pilot MR Metropolitan Fountain pen at Pilot’s “Inspiration Station.”

   Birchbox Local at NYFW, Chelsea Market – September 7-10

Pilot Pen has teamed up with Birchbox to be part of their official Fashion Week pop-up, sponsoring the Instagram Photo Booth and Photo Wall. Attendees will experience the flawless writing delivered by the one of a kind FriXion Clicker, creating their own perfect “fashion story picture frame,” showcased on the Birchbox photo wall. The erasable FriXion Clicker allows attendees to express themselves with incredibly smooth writing and expressive colors if you make a mistake, no one has to know you’re not perfect, FriXion Clicker erases clean with no mess.  At the Lounge, attendees can participate in the #PenItFWD campaign. Pen It Forward is more than a contest; it’s a movement to bring the written word to the digital world.

Falguni and Shane Peacock Fashion Show Spotlight – September 9, 5:00pm

Incredible style and unexpected details make Falguni and Shane Peacock collections truly unforgettable. One important detail is the fact that the striking patterns featured on Pilot’s G2 Fashion line of pens will adorn the nails of the models walking in the show. These G2 pens are where style and effortless self-expression meet.  VIP attendees will be gifted the G2 Fashion Collection – the perfect pen to keep them organized and stylish.

Follow Pilot Pens’ adventures at New York Fashion week on www.Facebook.com/PilotPen, Twitter and Instagram @PilotPenUSA #PenItFWD.

RELIEF ON THE RUNWAY ANNOUNCES “INTERCONTINENTAL FASHION WEEK”

Internationally Popular Designers Give Back During New York Fashion Week

Runway Show on Friday, September 6, 7-9pm in New York City

This Friday, September 6th marks the official launch of Relief on the Runway’s “Intercontinental Fashion Week,” a New York Fashion Week event. The weekend long celebration of culture, charity and style will feature couture and ready-to-wear fashions from American designers whose work appeals to influential women including royalty, business leaders, and policy makers. This black-tie event will be attended by international press, senior buyers at major retailers, celebrity stylists, and social insiders. The annual Relief On The Runway charity fashion show features designers’ latest collections, while raising funds to help aid women, children and refugees internationally, with the overwhelming goal to inspire like-minded individuals. (To purchase tickets to the event, please got to http://rotr.eventbrite.com/)

Amalina Aman blue dress

In its three year history, the organizers have gained the support of Islamic Relief USA, as well as local and international designers. This year marks Relief on the Runway’s first showing at New York Fashion Week and the debut of their “Intercontinental Fashion Week” events. Nahda Designs hosted the first annual charity event in

La Merveille by KD

Nahda Designs

Fullerton, CA in December 2011 and also helped IRUSA in hosting their first ever charity fashion show that took place in New York in April 2012 titled, “Relief on the Runway: Attire to Inspire.”

This year’s Intercontinental Fashion Week designers, including Nahda Designs, La Merveille, Amalina Aman Designs, IslamicGems, Cover Me Beautiful, and Sabika Seattle, are first generation citizens of the US and Australia, but ethnically and culturally represent the countries of Eritrea, Sudan, Guinea, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and the Christmas and Cocos Islands. Their work and approach to design integrates their American upbringing with the history and culture of their heritage. As Intercontinental Fashion Week grows, the Relief on the Runway events will continue to incorporate designers from various countries, religions and backgrounds; giving the audience a broader showcase of internationally inspired design.

FASHION WEEK WRAP-UP: essie NAILED DOWN THE TRENDS FOR AN EXCITING LINEUP OF DESIGNERS AND ADDS A TOUCH OF POLISH TO NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

After so many successful seasons at NEW YORK FASHION WEEK, essie, the ultimate color authority and go-to professional nail brand, has earned the distinction of being one of the top backstage nail lines. For the FALL/WINTER 2013 shows, essie partnered with the nail industry’s leading talent to develop trendsetting looks while using the brand’s iconic and extensive color collection.

essie Announces Its Most Colorful Lineup For New York Fashion Week. (PRNewsFoto/essie)

America’s nail salon expert since 1981, essie was founded in New York City by ESSIE WEINGARTEN, the authority on color and is beloved for her visionary approach to nail lacquer featuring catchy, clever names that created a new standard for the category. A leader in luxury, essie is the ultimate, top-of-the-line, go-to nail brand for everyone—beauty professionals, industry insiders, celebrities and women of style—in over 100 countries and is committed to safe standards with an award-winning line of nail care products and more than 900 shades to date.

This season’s exciting designer line-up combines top fashion names with some of the industry’s emerging talent including: CAROLINA HERRERA, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, MONIQUE LHUILLIER, DKNY, 3.1 PHILLIP LIM, THE ROW, REEM ACRA, ZAC POSEN, REED KRAKOFF, DOUGLAS HANNANT, NAEEM KHAN, HELMUT LANG, BILLY REED, COSTELLO TAGLIAPIETRA, MILLY, JENNY PACKHAM, RALPH RUCCI, DEBORAH PAGANI, REBECCA MINKOFF, CUSHNIE ET OCHS, WES GORDON, VERONICA BEARD and MISHA NONOO.

The carefully crafted team of celebrity and editorial lead manicurists for essie included MICHELLE SAUNDERS, HONEY, GINA EDWARDS, CASEY HERMAN and MICHINA KOIDE.  This strong group of creative leads will be backstage, bringing their unparalleled expertise, unique vision and innovative techniques.

Follow @essie on Twitter for a behind-the-scenes look at New York Fashion Week, and a glimpse into the colorful world of essie.

GBK’S LUXURY GIVING & STYLING SUITE ROCKS NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

Images by Phillip D. Johnso/Others provided by GBK

In honor of NEW YORK FASHION WEEK, GBK hosted a LUXURY GIFT AND STYLING LOUNGE on September 6th and 7th (2012) at the EMPIRE HOTEL steps away from the Fashion Week festivities at LINCOLN CENTER. Celebrity and VIP guests made time between shows to visit the GBK Lounge. Some of this year’s guests include: Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) Angela Simmons (“Pastry” Shoes / “Run’s House”), Katrina Bowden (“30 Rock”), Countess LuAnn de Lesseps (“The Real Housewives New York”), Mark Cuban and the cast of (“Shark Tank”), Gordana Gelhausen, Mondo Guerra, Seth Aaron, Henderson, Valerie Magen all from (“Project Runway”), Paul Sparks, HBO’s (“Boardwalk Empire”) Jennifer Ashton, ABC’s (“The Revolution”) Tamara Tunie, NBC’s( “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) Olivia Culpo– Miss USA, Leila Lopes, Miss Universe, Jana Kramer CW’s (“One Tree Hill”), Nasim Pedrad (“Saturday Night Live”) and Fashion Designer Walter Baker who snuck over to the lounge for a little indulgence after his show.

GBK Fashion Week Lounge – Atmosphere Shot

GBK Fashion Week Lounge – Baan Unruk