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NY Fashion Week 2011: Jason Wu's Fall/Winter 2011 Collection (Exclusive with Video)

Filed under: Apparel

Designer Jason Wu's Fall 2011 Collection during New York Fashion Week

A highlight of Fashion Week is the Fall/Winter 2011 Collection created by Fashion Designer Jason Wu before a packed house during New York's Fashion Week this afternoon. Anna Wintour, the British-born Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, was seated in the front row along with Hamish Bowles, the European Editor at Large for Vogue (see photo gallery below). Jason Wu was the designer of the white ballgown worn by Michelle Obama to the inauguration festivities.

"I aim to make clothes that look great on women and make them feel beautiful," Wu told Luxist. "They are timeless. These are wardrobe pieces. These are pieces that can be kept for a lifetime. And that is always the way I have done it. I have never been the trendy person. I really want to make clothes that are truly desirable for women."

For his Fall/Winter 2011 Collection, Wu told Luxist he was inspired by the beautiful photos taken by Robert Polidori in his book, "Parcours Museologique Revister", which documented the detailed restoration process of Versailles over a period of 25 years. The theme of contrast runs through the photos and the collection.

Wu explained to Luxist (see video below) that the juxtaposition between the rough undersurface revealed during renovation and the opulence of the decor inspired a mixture of luxuriously embellished fabrics with his signature American sportswear elements. The collection included sharp tailored pants, ascot shirts and charcoal flannel coats. Accents included colorful embroidered Swarovski elements, burned out features and lace detailing. The color palette was restrained with lots of black, white and nude throughput the collection highlighted by shots of bold colors including cerise pink, chartreuse, ultra violet and antique gold.

"This season the color choices was really about working with a restrained color palette," Wu told Luxist. "It is an austere mood that is brightened up by these embroideries and the embellishments and details that were so delightful to me and such a joy to work on."

Fashion Week Makeup: Get the Look

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance



We gave you the lowdown on the latest collection from Susan Woo this season. To mirror the stunning clothes, the models wore a perfect makeup palette embodying spring. Backstage, Tina Turnbow, lead makeup artist for Tarte has created the flawless look.

For an effortless, fresh face, achieve the look in three steps: a dewy complexion, kohl-rimmed eyes, and natural lips. After applying your tinted moisturizer, sweep cheeks with cheek stain Dollface. For the smoky-eye look that works all day long, line your eyes with a kohl liner, and smudge with empasEYES waterproof shadow/liner in charcoal to add depth at the lash line. Curl lashes and add several coats of mascara, then brush brows in an upward motion. Finish with a swipe of new LipSurgence, a natural mint-flavored lip stain.

We had the opportunity to sample the LipSurgence in "amused," a wonderfully bright fuschia shade. We can vouch that it adds just the right amount of color to your face without rubbing off on your wine glass.

Fashion Week Style Off the Runway

Filed under: Apparel

While designers from Bryant Park to Chelsea defined our trends over the next season, we found a few cues of inspiration off the runway. Check out the easy looks here for ways on incorporating tomorrow's top New York Fashion Week looks into your wardrobe today.


BiCoastal Style

While the week was all about our dear New York, a few out-of-towners managed to get their collections in the limelight. We enjoyed the new SuperTrash collection, which premiered at Landmarc, Columbus Circle, from Creative Director Olcay Gulsen, whose sleek silhouettes are entirely wearable on both coasts. SuperTrash fans range from Victoria Beckham to Rachel Bilson, and are remarkable for their refined style and high quality materials. "I started SuperTrash in 2004," Gulsen told Luxist. "And it was for this whole new generation of girls who were strong and independent and starting their careers and being who they were and not being ashamed of it." To get an easy idea of the look, the Supertrash woman is someone who pairs rich, textured leggings with a divine wool jacket. "That is the complete lifestyle of SuperTrash," said Gulsen. "Just travel all around the world, have a great time, and be proud."

The Fashion Statement: Fashion Week's a Wrap

Filed under: The Fashion Statement



New York fashion week, which ends here today, will unfortunately be remembered as 1) the week during which Alexander McQueen committed suicide and 2) the last time Bryant Park hosted the shows.

As tragic as the loss of McQueen was, in particular, life went on as did the designers in the tents and elsewhere in the city. Here, a few highlights from the week:

Rodarte, shown above, looked as if heavy salvaged pieces of fabric had been caught up by a stiff fall wind and wrapped its wearer in bohemian luxe. Ironically, the Mulleavy sister design duo chose fall to lighten up with bright colors and florals, a stark contrast to the black goth-like collection they presented for spring.

Boyfriends and husbands, beware of closet raids. Preen set the tone for the new blazer silhouette -- a masculine and longer-body -- worn with a belt or not. After seasons of tight and short blazers, this roomier style looks just right.

Michael Quintanilla, a journalist friend of mine I bumped into after Donna Karan, made the comment that only the work of a master can transform basic black pieces into a phenomenal collection. Karan is such a master. Black off-the-shoulder gowns, black cocoon coats and black blazers accented with leather patches were simply gorgeous. The designer carefully punctuated the show with fuchsia coats and teal cocktail dresses that, against all that black, were all the more eye-popping.


Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge at Fashion Week

Filed under: Decor



With this year marking the end of Bryant Park tents, it also marks the end of another fashion week mainstay, the backstage lounges. To commemorate the occasion, Patrick McMullan installed a gallery of some of his hottest backstage and frontrow shots over the years. Before the front rows were regrettably filled with Real Housewives, McMullan's gallery shows the likes of Madonna, a young Leonardo, and Ben Affleck enjoying the view from Bryant Park. While the days of A-listers filling up the tents has long passed, if any celebs had made their way to the front lines, they would have passed through the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge. When it comes to fashion, Mercedes-Benz has always been the leader of Bryant Park, and their backstage lounge, the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, has for years welcomed press, celebs and fashion insiders to recharge after a day of catwalks.

Each year Mercedes-Benz partners with a new designer, and this year they chose an interiors classic, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, creators of some of the most innovative and comfortable furniture design in the country. The lounge was influenced by Mercedes-Benz latest ad campaign for their new SLS AMG, a modern reinterpretation of their classic 1954 Gullwing. The ad, taken by groundbreaking photographer Nick Knight features German supermodel Julia Stegner, who wears a Gareth Pugh metal dress inspired by the design of the SLS AMG itself. The futuristic photo set the mood for the forward thinking behind Mercedes in the lounge.

Mitchell Gold stopped by the lounge once complete to talk about his vision behind the decor. "We started with recognizing Mercedes-Benz's new introduction of the great SLS AMG," Gold told Luxist. "We thought it was very cool looking, very sleek, and yet when you're sitting in the cockpit you're enveloped in comfort." The resulting lounge mixed modern and classic elements with a white vinyl tufted bar with silver buttons, white Lucite coffee tables, gunmetal vinyl ottomans, and insanely soft white faux suede loveseats.

New York Fashion Meets North African Dreams - Rachel Roy

Filed under: Apparel

Rachel Roy glams it up, Cleopatra styleRachel Roy's Fall/Winter 2010 presentation this Valentine's Day was a glamorous affair, with chocolates by Godiva, champagne by Moët & Chandon and a lush collection of fabulous, womanly garments inspired by Cleopatra. Roy's statement about the collection was rich with promising descriptives: "This fall, we unveil a desert-tomb palette infused with saturated blossom, moody elixir, onyx and deep river hues. It is a season of strength, mystery and allure -- an exploration in texture and luminosity."

In keeping with many of the other shows, the clothes were less focused on color and heavy on neutral metallics from silver through beige to gold. The collection also included fur and cashmere, adding softness without detracting from the opulence. There were several pieces in the extremely wearable presentation we'd love to have taken straight to our closets, but perhaps we can find enough gold and silver in there to create similar looks without mugging a model.

One thing you won't be able to fake: The shapes. Roy's artistry with draping and understanding of female body was well showcased, from interesting sweaters to immaculately tailored dresses and mini jackets with scarab-esque lines. The look is form-fitting, yet modest -- well, except for the see-through, cobweb like pieces (that must be her nod to the desert tomb).

Though we won't see these pieces again until next season, keep in mind that this spring's metallics will layer well with what's coming up for fall. One thing we know we need immediately: long gloves (the ones featured in the Rachel Roy show are by Portolano). Now, picture yourself in these:

United Bamboo Fall 2010



Every season designers strive to relive a decade on the runways, with varying levels of success. When it works, it can spark a whole year of fashion, and when it doesn't, the designer is nailed. We're thankful for United Bamboo, design team Miho Aoki and Thuy Pham, who drew inspiration from the 1930s this season for their Fall collection, and evolved the signature decade into something entirely their own. Their incredibly gorgeous and cohesive fashion consists of dresses, coats and pants that literally can be worn every day of the week.

We started backstage where Shiseido artists furiously coiled individual locks of hair on models, set, and unfurled to reveal a sprouting coif, which matched with dark lipstick provided the perfect complement of mess and glamour to the flawless clothes.

United Bamboo created an amazing wardrobe in homage to the 1930s liberated woman, according to the designer's statement, "the kind of sophisticated wildcat Clark Gable chased all across Asia, and who wasn't affected by the Great Depression because she never got depressed." They drew from the styles of Amelia Earhart to Norma Shearer, a tan oversized cardigan, a flight jacket, long hemlined skirts and a Technicolor dress. Using menswear fabrics they created a variety of structured pants meant for a woman who means business.

Generra Hits Fashion Week - Exclusive Interview

Filed under: Apparel

Christina and Swaim Hutson
Remember Generra?

Generra, the brand which brought us the Hypercolor t-shirt back in the 80s and the Second Skin tees in 2004 is back on the scene with a full fledged New York Fashion Week showing. We sat down with the latest designers, husband-and-wife Swaim and Christina Hutson (pictured), who recently charmed the world with Obedient Sons & Daughters, backstage on Saturday, just before their Snow White themed presentation burst onto the runway.

Luxist:
So, we hear the show was inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarves -- are we talking Disney or the Grimm Brothers?

Swaim Hutson: Whoa.

Christina Hutson: The Disney version.

L: What inspired you about it?

CH: We were figuring the direction of the brand and the formula for this ... somewhat of a relaunch, and we first discussed that we wanted to do color and be known for color. So, Snow White came about because of the color. For Fall, we went with Snow White ... more for the Seven Dwarves in the background; the color, the optimism and the sweet, happy spirit of it.

L: What are your materials like?

CH: Well, for girls it's a balance of silks, lighter weights, chiffons and heavier silks in small proportions, with chunky mohairs and angoras to balance it with a tomboy aspect. For guys, yeah --

SH: It's like, chunky, chunky sweaters, cotton twills, washed cotton, puffer jackets --

CH: Touches of shearling, touches of fur --

SH: Yeah.

CH: Overall, it's all more on the lighter side, more wearable fabrics for when fall's actually ...

SH: When fall's actually fall.

CH: Yeah.

SH: We deliver in July; this collection will be hitting stores in July, so --

CH: So, lovely, light fall fabrics that we all love, but we also went with a "wear now" sort of thing.

SH: You can layer if it for some reason snows in July.

L: Individually, which of the Seven Dwarves do you most identify with?

SH: I was not prepared for this.

CH: I don't know if I'd get Grumpy or Shy ...

L: I don't think there is a Shy.

CH: Oh no, Bashful.

SH: Bashful. We don't even know them all.

CH: I know Grumpy.

L: What about you, Swaim?

SH: I think Sleepy.

CH: Yeah, Sleepy.

L: What celebrity would you most like to dress?

CH: Can we skip that one? We don't want to ...

SH: Sleepy.

L: That's fine, you don't have to pick. But tell us what your next collection's going to be like. Are you going to stick with the Disney theme?

CH: No, the most important message to stick with I think is about color, about casual --

SH: Youthful --

CH: Yeah, and youthful. So, it will always be something new, but that same optimistic, happy feeling.

SH: We're not going dark and moody next.

So, did the next Second Skin or Hypercolor come down the runway on a chisel-faced, handsome, 6'4" Dwarf? You be the judge -- check out this gallery with key looks and some exclusive backstage shots:

Fashion 2.0 Social Media Awards



Last year marked more than any other a move of marketing and PR toward social media. With Fashion Week taking over the entire city, it's hard to turn a corner in New York now without bumping into a social media "expert," a blogger, Tweeter or YouTuber. As more and more fashion brands direct their ad money away from print spreads toward digital campaigns, many industry watchers are taking note of who floated to the top and who failed miserably.

Last year the New York Times dubbed Burberry the leader of the pack. Their microsite, The Art of the Trench, began when they roped in online influencer Scott Schuman, creator of the amazing Sartorialist Blog to photograph people wearing its iconic slicker. Then users submitted their own posts, and could comment and approve on others, resulting in millions of pictures views. It was a mini Satorialist site, a trusted underground name co-opted by social marketing, all geared toward the traditional British brand. The stakes had been set, now who would follow suit?

Style Coalition and ideeli, in partnership with Lucky Magazine announced the Fashion 2.0 Social Media awards this fashion season, to recognize some of the more clever campaigns in a special reception at the W Hotel, New York City. The nominees were chosen by a panel of industry influencers, and awards were, of course, chosen by the people, with over 10,000 online users ringing in their votes. Inside the packed room, executives from Donna Karen, Kate Spade, and Coach were on hand to receive awards. FourSquare was awared an Innovator award. When we were at the tents today, a mere thirteen users had checked into Bryant Park on FourSquare. Only time will tell what the landscape looks like come next Fashion week.

And the complete winners are:

· Best Online Video: Chanel, Coco In Motion
· Best Twitter – Donna Karan, @DKNY
· Best Facebook Page: Coach
· Best Blog: Free People
· Best Website: Kate Spade
· Next Big Thing: FourSquare
· Top Innovator: Burberry

Check out the winning campaigns and let us know what you think. This author is reachable on Twitter.

Band of Outsiders 2010 Presentation

Filed under: Apparel



Last night Milk Studios was packed to the brim with painfully stylish downtowners eager to get a glimpse at the Band of Outsiders 2010 presentation. Scott Sternberg's latest production did not disappoint.

An avalanche of dinner party chairs set the scene upon entering the room. Models leaned on the furniture, each other, alternately chatting and posing for photos amidst a Pink Floyd soundtrack. They played with Swarovski encrusted walkie talkies and typewriter props. From the Boy line, one model was the center of attention wearing a black and gold silk habotai v-neck outfit, complete with cordovan saddle oxfords lined with stark metal cleats. A man hanging from a ceiling swing wore tightly knitted black and white melange wool blend sweatpants, a comfortable look that was anything but casual. Anna Wintour and daughter, with no front row seat to occupy, settled for a private tour of the clothes.

Continuing on to the center of the room, the collection took to the outdoors showcasing looks for a day on the waters or on the slopes. A tree-lined office showcased more of Sternberg's impeccably dressed suits, another collection from the L.A. designer that is redefining the meaning of tailored for both men and women. Sleek vertical lines conquered the room, whether on a perfectly buttoned up Boy hunter green flannel shirt, or a slim-fitting Band gold and navy gingham check shirt covered with a navy pinstripe worsted wool suit.

A vintage Jaguar and piles of suitcases ended the presentation with a line of ready-to-wear ensembles perfect for travel. With fitted vests and effortless trenchcoats, Sternberg's collection gives us no excuse for dressing down on a trip. We bumped into Bored to Death star and the face of the Band of Outsiders fall campaign, Jason Schwartzman, who was eyeing a hooded toggle coat. "It was my honor," Schwartman told us of the collaboration. "I love what Scott does. Finally, something that fits me."


The Fashion Statement: Farewell, Bryant Park

Filed under: The Fashion Statement



Fashion weeks gets underway here in New York today but, even before one model could place a stiletto on a crisp white catwalk, the mood was bittersweet.

That's because this week will be the final time the collections will be unveiled in the Bryant Park Tents. Bryant Park management had long been locking horns with fashion week producers, complaining that American fashion's biggest spectacle was growing too large and restricted public access to the park. In September, the shows will move to Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park, a venue that can better accommodate the twice-annual event.

The shows have been held at Bryant Park since 1993 catapulting more than a few designers' and models' careers and fostering many more memories. Several fashion insiders took the time to reflect recently and the Tents will be adorned with their quotes. Here, a preview:

"I began modeling in 1965 when there were only shows in Paris. When Bryant Park started, fashion became a world event. It was exhilarating." -Lauren Hutton

"Bryant Park became the beacon of what New York fashion stands for-an industry that's fearless, tireless, and always moving forward." -Anna Wintour, Vogue

"Bryant Park became the heartbeat of fashion twice a year... we will miss it!" -Diane von Furstenberg

"Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is when all of New York comes together to shine a light on its family of designers. We share a runway, a calendar, an audience-and of course, the spotlight. As a result, it has given us a world presence. There's no better way to support our industry than when we stand together as one." -Donna Karan

"I'll always have fond memories of the Tents in Bryant Park, it was one of the earlier highlights of my career." -Gisele Bündchen

"I propose that a plaque be mounted in the park as a legacy: 'The Bryant Park Tents 1993-2010 branded New York as the indisputable Fashion Capital of the World.'" -Tim Gunn

The Fashion Statement: Shop Like Europeans

Filed under: The Fashion Statement



At New York fashion week, you have access to throngs of fashion journalists, stylists, celebrity stylists and buyers. I was dying to ask these stylish people how they have navigated shopping in a downturn. Are they shopping? Are they cutting back? Have their buying habits changed?

Yes, yes and yes (except one self-proclaimed shopaholic who said if she allowed herself to buy one thing, she'd fall off the wagon).

Answers like this came back unanimously: "I used to buy cheap and volume and now I buy fewer things that are better quality and I take care of them."

Timeless pieces top people's lists for fall. A midnight wool coat. A pair of black pumps. The perfect white shirt. An LBD, of course. And all are planning to make these purchases from well-established designers.

There's little talk of wear-'em-once pieces like plaid trousers, It handbags or look-at-me shoes. If buying more of a statement piece, like the one pictured above from Tuleh (Spring, 2010), they'll wear it a million different ways. In other words, they're shopping like Europeans, not Americans.

"I'm focusing in on what I need and I need a black dress. " said Jennifer Lee Rosth, a fashion editor based in Austin, Texas. "I've been shopping my closet for two years. I was so glad that I had been an American before because I had 15 black dresses. But, now, I'll be more choosy."









Marc Jacobs 1980s Fashion Show

Filed under: Apparel

marc jacobsAh, the 1980s, architectural hair sprayed into place, heavy eye makeup, neon bright clothes, sharp shoulders. All this and more was on display during Marc Jacobs's Fall '09 collection show on Monday during New York Fashion Week. The show brought back artsy 1980s Manhattan in looks made for clubbing.Jacobs, as quoted by the Wall Street Journal's Heard on the Runway said the show was a tribute to "What New York used to be before it was gentrified and such a boring place to live – when artists could make a living here." Jacobs recently celebrated th graffiti stylings of Stephen Sprouse and this new line further cemented Jacobs current love affair with 1980s style.

Models Fall For Herve Leger

Filed under: Apparel

shoe at the Herve Leger show
The fashion line Herve Leger designed by Max Azria, is famous for the diet-inducing bandage dresses but what was most dramatic about the Herve Leger New York Fashion Week show on Sunday was the toppling models. The Leger show was packed with the young and beautiful including Sophia Bush, Jessica Stroup, Michelle Trachtenberg and January Jones and a crowd which gasped not just over the form-fitting and sparkly thigh-bearing dresses but for two of the leggy models falling on the catwalk. We can't blame the lovely ladies, those sky-high heels combined with tight dresses that don't accommodate much leg range of motion make for a dramatic silhouette but are difficult to navigate.

Scenes From The Barbie Fashion Show

Filed under: Apparel


The 50th anniversary of the Barbie doll was celebrated today with a runway show at Bryant Park in New York City attended by young girls and all sorts of Barbie fans. The show included pink decor and designs from some top designers. Models were turned out Barbie-style with manes of high hair, heavy glossy make-up and four-inch pink heels. While, as the AFP reports, Barbie sales have fallen in recent years the doll still has a tremendous fan following. Rachel Roy, Betsey Johnson and Bob Mackie were among the designers showcased in the flouncy, sparkling show. Check out some highlights in the gallery below.

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