(Long Island, N.Y.) Fashionistas, models, fashion designers, editors and guests enjoyed another successful season in Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center and welcomed sixteen new designers to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
The Fall 2011 collections of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York second season included over 85 onsite shows, among them 16 new designers that showed for the first time, as well as 16 associate members presenting in other locations.
“This was an outstanding season,” said Peter Levy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. “We are delighted at the close of the second season at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center and excited that we continue to grow with each season. As the fall 2011 collections are coming to an end, we already look forward to the shows in September.”
Over the course of eight days designer runway shows and presentations were hosted by established brands and emerging designers such as The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection, Nicholas K, Porter Grey, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Duckie Brown, Luca Luca, Mara Hoffman, Tadashi Shoji, Eva Minge, Christian Siriano, W Hotels Global Glam, Irina Shabayeva, Ruffian, Tess Giberson, Perry Ellis, Farah Angsana, Norman Ambrose, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Minkoff, Tommy Hilfiger Men’s, Nicole Miller, Joy Cioci, Cynthia Rowley, Academy of Art University, Venexiana, General Idea, Binetti, Jill Stuart, Prabal Gurung, ADAM, MANDY COON, Vivienne Tam, Mik Cire, Charlotte Ronson, Maisonette 1977, G-Star RAW, Toni Francesc, Derek Lam, Timo Weiland, Lela Rose, DKNY, Calvin Klein Collection Men’s, Tory Burch, Yoana Baraschi, Max Azria, Diane von Furstenburg, CYNTHIA STEFFE, Y-3, Carmen Marc Valvo, Custo Barcelona, Behnaz Sarafpour, Tommy Hilfiger, Zang Toi, Jenny Packham, Callula Lillibelle, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan New York, Sachin+Babi, Monique Lhuillier, pamella roland, Betsey Johnson, Chado Ralph Rucci, GUiSHEM, Sergio Davila, Trias, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Jen Kao, Diesel Black Gold, Bibhu Mohapatra, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Dennis Basso, J. Mendel, Tibi, Frank Tell, Narciso Rodriguez, Mackage, Yigal Azrouël, VACCA, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Herchcovitch;Alexandre, Adrienne Vittadini, Milly by Michelle Smith, Helen Yarmak, Allegri, CHRISTIAN COTA, Anna Sui, Odd Molly, Elie Tahari, b michael America, Ralph Lauren, Son Jung Wan, Calvin Klein Collection Women’s, Elene Cassis, Naeem Khan, LUBLU Kira Plastinina, L.A.M.B. and Ivana Helsinki.
The newcomers to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week included Allegri, Callula Lillibelle, CHRISTIAN COTA, Elene Cassis, Frank Tell, G-Star RAW, GUiSHEM, Irina Shabayeva, Joy Cioci, LUBLU Kira Plastinina, Maisonette 1977, Porter Grey, Sachin + Babi, Son Jung Wan, Tess Giberson and VACCA.
On the final day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, global publisher of interactive entertainment 505 Games, global fashion, entertainment, and media company IMG, and world-renowned online gaming developer Funcom announced the pre-launch of Fashion World Live. Fashion World Live is the first interactive online entertainment platform for fashion lovers and the first to fully integrate fashion brands into social media.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is made possible through sponsorships including; Mercedes-Benz, DHL, American Express, Maybelline New York, TRESemmé, Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink, W Hotels Worldwide, AOL Inc., Diet Pepsi, Kim Crawford Wines, ideeli, FIJI Water, and The Heart Truth Campaign as well as the following media outlets: The New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily and Getty Images.
Of course it wouldn’t be possible to write about every show so I decided to brief my viewers and readers on seven of my favorite important shows during the seven days I was there.
The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection Fall 2011
The Heart Truth Dress Collection was established for The Red Dress Campaign as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 to deliver an urgent wake-up call to American women. The Red Dress reminds all women from all walks of life for the need to protect their heart against heart disease. Each February during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week since its launch, The Red Dress symbol has come to life on the runway with the support of the fashion industry and celebrity models at the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show.
Celebrity gals that did the catwalk included: Audrina Patridge, Natasha Bedingfield, Julianne Hough, Denise Richards, Taraji P. Henson, and Dita Von Teese.
This marked the first time the Heart Truth Red Dress Collection was shown at Lincoln Center. The stunning event showcased the power of the Red Dress and encouraged women to protect their heart health and take action to lower their risk for heart disease.
Everyone’s support of The Heart Truth campaign is vital to giving women life-saving messages about their risk for heart disease and how to lower it. Taking action requires the efforts of many groups and individuals and everyone’s involvement is key to delivering the message in all communities.
Every woman needs to hear The Heart Truth. If you’re interested in spreading The Heart Truth start by checking out the local activities that already may be taking place in your area. To have the greatest impact put your energy, talent, and effort to the best use possible by working with others who share the same goal.
For more information please visit www.hearttruth.gov.
Betsey Johnson Fall 2011
The Betsey Johnson Fall 2011 Collection brought excitement once again to the tents featuring two shows, a more sophisticated couture line and a more moderate price point to everyday consumers who love to be ensembled in a Betsey Johnson dress. Set to 80s electro-pop music, the fashion show began with the “Black Tag” Collection followed by the “Pink Patch” Collection. In the first show models sashayed down the runway wearing jet black wigs, bright blue eye shadow, and crimson red lipstick. The first collection featured basic black and white in animal and floral prints collaborating with bright pops of hues such as red, yellow and her more familiar rainbow burst on black and white garments. Silhouettes included a tutu cocktail dress with a layered tulle pink and purple skirt.
The second part of the show featured her new “Pink Patch” line. The new and improved collection is branded as “affordable more accessible and true-blue Betsey,” The Betsey customer will love the fact that all the garments are priced under $100.00.
“The second half of my show consist of 50 of my real girl looks, employees from retail, wholesale and my showroom wearing everything, 50 real girls all shapes, all sizes wearing the new price point,” revealed Betsey during our interview in the tents.
At the end Betsey arrived in a black mink coat and matching wig with a blond stripe down the back. She slowly discarded her layers of clothes to reveal a neon ensemble as her models walked down the runway for the finale each wearing a heart shaped hat and holding giant pink, red and white roses.
For more information please visit www.betseyjohnson.com.
Dennis Basso Fall 2011
Dennis Basso Fall Collection was all about the well-tailored garment. “This season we went a touch masculine,” Dennis Basso revealed backstage before his show. “Women like that.”
“Fall and Winter for me are my favorite seasons to design for. This collection is an interpretation of traditional men’s haberdashery with feminine touches. I’ve included hank knit and the lighted weight woven cashmeres in dressed, skirts and jackets. They are sometimes the single focus of the garment, but are often combined to create an interesting silhouette through a blending of technique and texture. The furs are dyed Russian sable in exciting new colors: smoke, khaki and graphite along with spice tones. Lynx, kidassia, fox, broadtail and chinchilla are used generously in bold styles with unique combinations. The fabrics are woven tissue weight cashmere, silk cloque, taffeta, cashmere jersey and embroidered silk chiffon with accent touches of croco. Shoulders are defined and the dress silhouettes are form-fitting with lengths varying from above the knee to calf-gazing; all of them following the strong influence of men’s wear,” revealed Mr. Basso.
There were fewer organza and silk cocktail dresses and more hand-knit cashmere sweater dresses. The collection featured sporty finishes on several multi-pelt fur coats that were prevalent. The fur outerwear had drawstring detailing at the cuffs and waist, showcasing a nipped-in fitted look at the waist. The broadtail and minks of course were timeless and elegant as Basso is famous for.
Large hoods were a new addition to the collection on the outerwear. These furs are meant to be worn on a cold January day, other fur capelets are worn from the limo to the red carpet. Sweater garments fabricated in mohair delivered a homespun quality. Hand-crocheted cashmere dresses were sewn onto mesh. The concept was a different alternative to the satiny frocks Basso usually slips under his luxurious furs. My favorite look was a pair of mid-calf kidassia skirts. Less lustrous than fox or mink, the goat hair had a raw quality and a deep, sexy, textured depth.
Women like that, too.
Other strong fashion silhouettes included hooded anoraks in broadtail, fisher and sable. Vests were featured in a new fitted and flared look. The evening pieces were an eclectic mix of draped cashmere jersey, hand embroidered chiffon and printed taffetas.
For more information please visit www.dennisbasso.com.
Zang Toi Fall 2011
“Timeless Beauties is a collection that embodies sheer elegance. Through a skillful blend of luxurious fabrics in classic shades of camel, charcoal, black, nude and hints of brilliant emerald. It is designed for the stylish and sophisticated palate,” revealed Fashion Designer Zang Toi.
The Malaysian born designer created 33 looks for his spectacular runway show but his grand finale dress is the one he is most proud of. Zang first sketched the design in November of last year. The garment passed through dozens of sets of hands and has traveled back and forth over continents. Beading was added in India but the garment was manufactured by his own staff at his Manhattan studio on 57th St.
“I do everything from the beginning to the end,” Revealed Zang Toi.
The black silk gazar strapless ball gown with nude beads and lace encrusted with Swarovski crystals was the last addition to his fall 2011 collection.
“You see a lot of designers doing nude and black,” confessed Zang. “But usually it’s a nude color with black lace. So I wanted mine to be a different twist of nude and black. The finale’s the most important garment, so I really want it to pop on the runway.”
Although his last gown was the most expensive my favorite was Look 21: Emerald Swarovski Crystal Grand Gala Necklace, Black Silk Velvet Gala Gown Emerald Saga Royal Fox Stole Lined With Black Beaded House of Toi Crest Silk Velvet, a sure red carpet delight for any movie star.
Bravo Realty TV Star Ms. Jill Zarin from “The Real Housewives of New York” wore the finale dress looking very much like a Russian Jewish Princess!
Zang Toi Fall 2011 Collection is a treasure trove of finely crafted tailoring encapsulating the heritage of Zang Toi and is meant to be savored and adored for generations.
For more information please visit houseoftoi.com
Vera Wang Fall 2011
“The grace, romance and effortless style of iconic American women who fascinated the English aristocracy during the 1930’s: Viscountess Thelma Furness, Lady Emerald Cinard, The Duchess of Windsor Wallis Simpson…all embodied a classic American spirit informed by British style as it’s most glamorous,” stated Vera Wang as a special note of what the collection was inspired by.
Vera Wang presented her collection on the runway with oversized wrought-iron gates as models did the catwalk wearing layers of soft pleated billowy fabrics, a modern twist of the free-spirited American heiress who charmed the English royalty back in the 1930’s.
The romantic 1930’s British aristocracy inspired collection focused on two main presentations: chiffon pleated gowns and parka jackets. All of the garments were pleated showing a variety in hues: loden, pewter, wine, ivory and mustard.
Outerwear featured a number of fox-fur-lined parka coats with the pleated dresses trendsetting a youthful approach.
Vera Wang Fall 2011 Collection ranged from leather and techno-mesh creations to oversized hood jackets.
For more information please visit www.verawang.com.
Helen Yarmak Fall 2011
Rock Glamour is truly evident in the Helen Yarmak Fall Winter 2011/2012 Collection. Russian roots were significant in her glamorous collection. Yarmak’s exquisite Russian sable ponchos sell on the European market for 350,000 euros (nearly $475,000 at current exchange). Her bright coral fox vest with deep armholes and the long sheared mink vest version in a subtle blue palette gave the collection its cool rocker chic look.
Helen Yarmak is the “Queen of Fur.” Known to celebrities and socialites she is the ultimate go-to designer. Recording Artists Beyonce, Rihanna, Queen Latifah, and Janet Jackson are just a few of her celebrity clientele. Helen Yarmak’s fur coats were mostly at knee length and carried a youthful spirit through bright color, camouflage prints and edgy shine.
Celebrities that attended included: Fox News Anchors Ainsley Earhardt, Cheryl Casone and Kimberly Guilfoyle. “What do you think of the camouflage look,” I asked. “I think it’s for the lady who has everything, she needs that in her wardrobe,” confessed Fox Anchor Ainsley Earhardt.
I also had a chance to chat with Russian Vogue Editor Victoria Davydova who was totally mesmerized by the whole collection. “Very expensive and very classic and the camouflage is great innovation for young ladies, I like the styling with jeans. It’s a great collection,” revealed Russian Vogue Editor Victoria Davydova.
For more information please visit helenyarmak.com.
Richie Sambora Nikki Lund Fall 2011
Celebrity Guitarist Richie Sambora for Bon Jovi presented his first New York Fashion Week showing of clothing Brand WTB. The label spelled out is White Trash Beautiful. The womenswear label is a collaboration between fashion designer/musician Nikki Lund and Sambora.
The line is total sexy black rocker chic with a subtle touch of Goth incorporated in it. The celebs who adore wearing the line include Miley Cyrus and Heather Locklear, for example.
Fabrics used were stretchy leather n’ lurex and metallics. The clothes stand out best on curvaceous ladies.
The White Trash Beautiful Fall Collection was presented by STYLE360 and sponsored by Polaroid Sunglasses, a multi-day showcase during NY Fashion Week. STYLE360 is a joint-venture between Hachette Filipacchi Media and A-List Communications.
A fair share of blazers, cutaway tuxedo jackets and cocktail jackets, as well as stretch satin pants, one pair with tuxedo stripes. Everything was black or silver save for a few shots of bright teal. The look was very Los Angeles.
My favorites included a silver silk strapless gown with tulle overlay and another made of silver mesh that was backless with long sleeves.
For more information please visit wtbclothing.com.
