Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011

(Long Island, N.Y.) Fashion designers, magazine editors, fashion buyers, photographers, super models and fashionistas enjoyed Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s first season in Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park. From September 9th through the 16th thousands of fashion industry professionals gathered to view over 90 of the worlds most established and up-and-coming designers presenting their Collections for Spring 2011.

“We are tremendously excited about our new home at Lincoln Center and overwhelmed by the response of so many designers who will be showing with us as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this season,” said Peter Levy, SVP and Managing Director of IMG Fashion. “The opportunity to facilitate such a large number of shows and events within the new footprint of the event bodes very well for the new location.”

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week presented the following designers Nicholas K, Project Runway, Toni Maticevski, Richard Chai, Ruffian, Christian Siriano, Bensoni, Farah Angsana, VERRIER, Concept Korea, Richie Rich, Tadashi Shoji, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Duckie Brown, Michael Angel, Buckler, EDITION Georges Chakra, Ports 1961, Alexander Berardi, Academy of Art University, Lacoste, Binetti, Cynthia Rowley, Prabal Gurung, ADAM, Yoana Baraschi, Vivienne Tam, Mik Cire, Charlotte Ronson, Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Venexiana, Derek Lam, Timo Weiland, Lela Rose, DKNY, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Minkoff, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane von Furstenberg, Trias, Global Glam Collection, Custo Barcelona, Tommy Hilfiger, Vassilios Kostetsos, William Tempest, Jenny Packham, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Diesel Black Gold, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan Collection, TONYCOHEN, Monique Lhuillier, Yeohlee, Herchcovitch;Alexandre, Betsey Johnson, Perry Ellis, Elie Tahari, Monique Péan, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Rosa Cha, Max Azria, Bibhu Mohapatra, Dennis Basso, Luca Luca, Sophie Theallet, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Bill Blass, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, General Idea, Adrienne Vittadini, Gottex, Milly by Michelle Smith, Odd Molly, Anna Sui, Mackage, Zang Toi, Ralph Lauren, Andy & Debb, Isaac Mizrahi, Davidelfin, Argentina Group Show, Calvin Klein Collection Women’s, J. Mendel, Rebecca Moses, Naeem Khan, L.A.M.B. and IVANAhelsinki.

I had a chance to view many of the shows in the tents and off site. Here is an overview of my favorite shows:

Christian Siriano Spring 2011 Collection

The Christian Sirianso Spring collection is inspired by African, Indian and Chinese influences mixed with measures of elegant opulence. The apparel includes a breadth of silhouettes ranging from wide-legged trousers, safari shorts and jackets to structured cocktail dresses and light flowing evening gowns. This season Christian’s line includes a signature Asian fabric print based on digital photographs showing different vantage points of Chinese and Buddhist temples combined with varying perspectives of Indian beading. The resulting pattern captivates the eye and complements the deep red, khaki and saturated paprika tones of his glamorous new collection. I interviewed Celebrity stylist Philip Bloch after the show.

Dennis Basso Spring 2011 Collection

Spring/Summer 2011 Collection represents the glamorous summer evenings of the Mediterranean. The colors of the sea, the sunset and the horizon have been interpreted in sky blue, blush pin, ombre’d aquamarine, champagne and silver grey. Soft sensuous fabrics softly flow and move, accenting the woman’s body with fitted peek-a-boo bodices and skirt lengths that vary from mid-thigh to floor length.

“With gazar, lace, taffeta and alligator in various finishes along with hand embroidery, I have created a collection that can float in the breeze of a summer evening,” revealed Mr. Basso.

Finger-tip coats of fine mesh interspersed with sable or chinchilla give a light airy feeling along with tiny boleros that just cup the shoulder.

The entire collection is devoted to cocktail dressing for special occasions. “For me, nothing is more beautiful than to see a Dennis Basso woman dressed for evening under a starlight sky with sea as her backdrop,” states Mr. Basso.

Loris Diran Spring 2011 Collection

This season marks Mr. Diran’s eighth New York presentation and only the third in which he created an exhibition of his work. Guests were able to see the intricate details from an intimate prospective and the fashion event provided a deeper vision of the designer’s point of view. Says Diran, “I love a runway spectacle, but a presentation of this kind provides me with the ability to dwell on the concepts along with my audience”. Sponsored by AUDI, their spacious, uber-modern Park Avenue showroom played host to this event, adding state of the art effects and multi-media visuals, further enhancing the experience. As always, Diran’s Original hair styles were created by CHRISTO 5th Avenue and make up will be designed by DEX NEW YORK.

This season also heralds in Loris Diran’s first collaboration with Korean shoe Designer Jinny Kim, whose luxurious women’s collection has earned her a loyal following worldwide. Diran and Kim debuted the “Jinny Kim for Loris Diran”collection featuring summery styles in sumptuous hides.

The Spring/Summer 2011 women’s collection, entitled “URBAN OASIS”, draws its inspiration from a number of unlikely places in the designer’s broad scope of influences.The sun faded colors in soft tones, baked in the desert heat, sizzling New York City pavements, the soothing hues of summer’s blossoms, and the folded details of traditional Bedouin apparel. They come together to create an aura of simplicity, yet intricately detailed… that exude delicacy, but do not surrender a sense of ‘edge’.

Texture dominates this season’s offerings. Flowing Silk Cotton Voiles mingle with Hammered Cotton, tissue light Wool Crepes combine with wispy crinkle chiffons and Cashmere/silk seersuckers are sculpted in washed tones such as Blush, Salmon, Periwinkle, Ink, Mauve, Terracotta, Ivory, and Sand. They create a divine airiness that speaks to a woman’s innate sense of femininity. Loris Diran’s Spring 2011 shapes juxtapose asymmetric lines with delicate fluidity. Fabrics are draped and folded to create sharp lines at certain points and deconstruction at others. They criss-cross the feminine form and envelope it.

Loris Diran’s designs have been worn by NE-YO, BEYONCE KNOWLES, RICKY MARTIN, JONATHAN RHYS MEYER, NICOLETTE SHERIDAN, SOFIA MILOS, BRITNEY SPEARS, LIEV SCHREIBER, LYNDA CARTER, and ANDREW McCARTHY. His collection was also featured in the hit film, “THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA”. This prestigious assembly of notable names and associations combined with Diran’s growing presence in the design community earned him a nomination for the Fashion Group International’s ‘RISING STAR’ Award in 2009. In Fall 2010, VOGUE ITALIA invited Loris Diran to debut his collection on Milan’s runways as one of ten international designers chosen from the global fashion community.

Today, Mr. Diran happily incorporates both his collections into a luxury lifestyle that inspires his work. He recently opened the doors of his first freestanding boutique in New York City’s Bowery district. This high end boutique reflects a mid-century minimalism, complete with vintage furnishings from some of the period’s most legendary names and houses all of Mr. Diran’s collections for men and women.

Milliners Guild Spring 2011 Collection

Twenty-two hat designers from the Milliners Guild featured eco-friendly hats as part of The Green Shows at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 14th.

Even though millinery has traditionally been an environmentally friendly profession, Guild members felt it was important to highlight sustainable processes during this year’s Fashion Week. This event, entitled “Heads Up” showcased hats made from organics, recycled or re-used materials.

“Many of us were green before green was hip. One can make a hat by hand without reliance on energy or toxic chemicals, using methods that are centuries old. That makes us natural advocates for environmentally friendly practices,” explained Ellen Christine, former Vice President of the Milliners Guild.

Linda Pagan, founder of the Milliners Guild, adds “we are a collective of small and independent milliners working within the eco/sustainable/local ethos. Guild members support and maintain a network of small local businesses such as suppliers, hat box manufacturers and retailers. The local aspect of the millinery manufacturing process is unique in the fashion industry and the hats are made by hand using artisanal techniques that go back generations.”

The Milliners Guild is a non-profit organization of small millinery business owners and milliners who specialize in the design, production and promotion of handmade headwear. The group is committed to increasing the public profile of millinery as well as the public’s awareness and interest in millinery products.

For further information about the Milliners Guild please visit www.millinersguild.org. To find out more about The Green Shows, visit www.thegreenshows.com.

Women’s Mafia Spring 2011 Collection

Once again, the Women’s Mafia and Marcy Clark hosted an un-missable New York Fashion Week event. This September the Women’s Mafia Fashion Show featured the winners of their signature “Are You Runway Ready” contest, in an exclusive show at Tela Design Studio in the Meatpacking District on September 9th, 2010.

The Women’s Mafia signature catwalk competition lionizes the best independent labels by featuring winning designers to an exclusive, high profile invite-only event attended by press, top stylists, celebrity designers and key members of New York’s Design cognoscenti.

The Spring/Summer 2011 Women’s Mafia Fashion showecased

PRIESTESS NYC by Cody Ross. This is a line celebrating directional fashion, artisanship, subversive tendencies, extravaganza and fun. His label already has a certifiably cool fan-base and cult-following including Natalie Portman, Juliette Lewis, Elly from La Roux and Björk to name a few. He vigorously designs and curates PRIESTESS NYC – an avant-garde womenswear/unisex label. The brand was launched in 2008. The collection has tons of edge, sex-appeal and artistic “fabulosity.” The PRIESTESS NYC atelier is located in the West Village, NYC.

PHUONG MY, a San Francisco based designer made her New York Fashion Week debut with the Women’s Mafia. Known for her exquisite hand-sewn work for private customers in California, she creates garments for women who love to look beautiful all the time. All her garments are delicately beautiful and designed to fit the body form perfectly. She adores to drape fabric and play with form and shape to express different ways of accentuating the female silhouette.

DOMINIQUE AUXILLY taught herself to sew at the age of 16 while attending Fashion Industries High School in NYC, majoring in Fashion marketing. She then continued her studies in Fashion Marketing at L.I.M College in NYC while designing custom dresses at home. She gained a clientele by wearing her own designs to parties. Celebrities that have worn Dominique Auxilly include Nicki Minaj, Angela Simmons, Dawn Richards, Rocsi, host of 106 and park, Def Jam recording artist and Electrick Red. The line has also been featured in various print and online magazines.

Launched in 2005 by Marcy Clark, the Women’s Mafia is founded on the idea that a large group of women getting together is a powerful thing, in and of itself. The mission of the Women’s Mafia social club and online magazine is to support emerging and up-and-coming designers, artists, independent and ethical businesses, products and charitable causes while hosting remarkably unique social and networking events for members through the online magazine www.WomensMafia.com.

Women’s Mafia editors cover top tier fashion, lifestyle, art and beauty stories for members and readers in New York, LA, San Francisco, the Hamptons and around the world.

Rebecca Moses Spring 2011 Collection

Despite terrible weather conditions and a New York City tornado fashionistas still attended the Box at Lincoln Center for the Rebecca Moses fashion installation. The presentation depicted a life size library complete with illustrated backdrops by the designer herself.

The presentation was divided into ten sections, each telling a whimisical amusing story of feminity. “The Tuileries,” “Giza and the Pyramids” and “The Museum Girls.” Models were scattered throughout each section, dressed in feminine ensembles that resembled the theme of their stations.

The girls of Giza displayed rusty playsuits and heavily printed camel colored frocks, the models of the Tuileries were dressed in elegant floor-length gowns adorned with bold jewels and bright red lipstick. The Museum Models were hosted by Kate Somers in a black and white polka dot dress and a glamorous upswept hairstyle.

Tadashi Shoji Spring 2011 Collection

Tadashi Shoji’s Spring 2011 Collection was inspired by the romance and splendor of the Renaissance frescos of Piero della Francesca and Botticelli.

Fabulous fabrics with hues consisting mostly of ivory, stone, ice, baby blue and lavender were consistant.

Models were draped in water-color caftans, off-the shoulder dresses, column gowns, asymmetrical ruffled dresses decorated with paillettes, lace and intricate embroidery were featured with serious detail for this very sale-able collection.

Vassilios Kostetsos Spring 2011 Collection

Vassilios Kostetsos Spring 2011 Collection is inpired by the designer’s home in Athens. The theme of the show was “Aella” Collection, inspired by “Vazes & Amazones”, or greek ceramic vases, and the ancient amazon culture. Like the Gods and Godesses of Greek mythology models were draped in gold and blue the dominating colors of the collection.

Fish-like Scales also accentuated the collection, giving the pieces a fluid mermaid movement. My favorite piece was a silvery gown adorned with scales and gold embellishments.

The collection also featured Grecian prints, exaggerated shoulders, and armor-inspired pieces.

Helen Yarmak Spring 2011 Collection

Exquisite fur and Fashion Designer Helen Yarmak, the Queen of Fur, showcased her Fall/Winter 2010-2011 fur collection to fashionistas during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at her swanky Fifth Avenue Penthouse show room in the luxury Crown Building on 57th Street. The inspiration was “Rock – N – Roll” – a really hot collection of vests, cropped jackets and short-sleeve kimono style coats. Capes and knee-length coats brought glamour and rock star chic into the innovative trendy fur collection.

Fur hues exploded on the runway in orange and purple, jewel tones of ruby, emerald green, sapphire blue as well as neutral tones in various grays, browns and black infuse a youthful spirit into the collection. If you want to look like a glam rock star you must own a Helen Yarmak Fur.

Anne Bowen Spring 2011

Inspired by the elegance of Monte Carlo meets New York City Anne Bowen’s Spring 2011 personifies elegance and sophistication. Anne Bowen’s Designs are a favorite among many high profile celebrities such as Beyonce, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angelina Jolie. Soft silky fabrics glided the runway as models with big hair and attitude showcased the line. Anne Bowen’s collection is clean-lined and unfussy, fashion forward and ultra-modern. Among the traditional, icy white, gold, pewter and silver floor length gowns are pieces that are short with lovely trains to give a formal yet flirty effect. A nice way to show off your gams but still feel elegant.

From the world’s most prestigious fashion shows to world-famous models and behind-the-scenes media coverage, IMG is a driving force in the global fashion business.

We partner with leading designers and marketers interested in reaching fashion-centric consumers through our industry-leading fashion properties and unmatched expertise.

IMG leadership in the fashion industry includes:

•     World’s largest producer of fashion events
•     Top international modeling agency
•     Industry-leading event publications for fashion insiders
•     Fashion-related media programming

For more information about Mercedes Benz Fashion Week please visit http://www.imgworld.com