(Long Island, N.Y.) Not only is fashion week famous for the fashion shows at Lincoln Center but it is also famous for Fashion Night Out and the famous lounges that are frequented by celebrities, stylists, designers, models and fashionistas. The vibe around Lincoln Center was already at full buzz on Fashion Night Out.
Fashion’s Night Out started in Manhattan and was invented by Vogue Editor Anna Wintour during the recession as a way to get customers into stores shopping. This year I attended Henri Bendel’s on Fifth Avenue and interviewed hat designer Ellen Christine, general manager Robert Murtagh of China Grill Restaurant, assistant manager Emmanuel Hamoy of Blanc de Chine Boutique, retail manager Cherylann Robinson of Blanc de Chine Boutique and KPR Publicist Jessica Rae Someck. The highlight of the evening was a Neil Concert at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Later in the week I stopped by the Empire Hotel to see the Porsche Design Fashion Lounge. Though the Porsche Design brand may be predominantly known for selling high-end accoutrements like lighters, sunglasses, leather goods and even a fragrance line, the luxury name is now expanding their recently launched fashion collection. For the first time Porsche Design is proud to present a collection for women in Spring/Summer 2011. Following the initial success of the men’s line, the women’s collection features similarly designed leather jackets that showcase hand-made production and a sporty aesthetic which establishes the brand as classic.
To learn more about Porsche Design Group please visit www.porsche-design.com.
Another fabulous lounge at the Empire Hotel was the glamorous GBK Lounge.
GBK, the luxury lifestyle gift lounge and special events company honored Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with their first GBK New York Fashion Week Style Lounge which took place at the Empire Hotel on the Second Floor, just steps away from the tents at Lincoln Center. The lounge was visited by celebrities, stylists, models, buyers and industry VIP’s. GBK, the recipient of BizBash’s Award for “Best Gift Bag,” offered its attendees an electrifying environment featuring new trends for Spring/Summer 2012, luxury gifts, spa services, refreshments and a charitable focus.
I had a chance to interview CEO Gavin B. Keilly who enlightened me on the benefits of hiring GBK productions.
Both of GBK’s presenting sponsors launched new products to the “whos who”. RevitaLash was onsite offering their newly formulated RevitaLash Advanced eyelash conditioner that lengthens and thickens ones eye lashes twice as fast as their prior formula. Green Smoke, the leading electronic cigarette manufacturer also provided the most authentic smoking experience without smoke, ash, butts or any of the odors with their electronic cigarette kits.
Guests received the following to help create their fashion wardrobe: Beyond The Rack, North America’s premier members-only shopping club that features brands such as Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu, gifted $100 gift cards towards anything on their site, as well as designer sunglasses and fragrances; Demand shoes will be stepping into Fashion Week with their super trendy line of shoes styled with unique heels.
For more information please visit GBKproductions.com.
Hundreds of thousands of fashion industry professionals, insiders and VIP’s descended upon New York City for eight days of shows and presentations by some of the world’s leading fashion designers.
“This season’s diverse lineup of designers is a testament to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Lincoln Center’s ability to create a world stage for the fashion industry to showcase everyone from the well established brands to the future stars,” revealed Lisa Holladay, manager of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “The scope and support of the event continues to evolve and with it comes new opportunities and benefits for those involved.”
This year Mercedes-Benz Fashion presented the following designers: Nicholas K, Porter Grey, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Supima, Candela, Tadashi Shoji, EMERSON, Project Runway, Luca Luca, General Idea, Rebecca Taylor, Mara Hoffman, Tommy Hilfiger Men’s, Nicole Miller, Joy Cioci, Concept Korea, Cynthia Rowley, Academy of Art University, Falguni Peacock, Ruffian, Lacoste, Pink Tartan, Jill Stuart, Son Jung Wan, ADAM, Vivienne Tam, Farah Angsana, Honor, Charlotte Ronson, Monique Lhuillier, Rafael Cennamo, Venexiana, Katya Leonovich, Lela Rose, Derek Lam, DKNY, Tracy Reese, L.A.M.B., Diane von Furstenberg, Jen Kao, Y-3, Odd Molly, Custo Barcelona, Tommy Hilfiger, Timo Weiland, Jenny Packham, Callula Lillibelle, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Rebecca Minkoff, Donna Karan New York, VLOV, Yeohlee, Norman Ambrose, Betsey Johnson, GUiSHEM, Perry Ellis, J.Crew, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Diesel Black Gold, Bibhu Mohapatra, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Argentine Designers, Zang Toi, Pamella Roland, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Malan Breton, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, J. Mendel, Chado Ralph Rucci, Milly by Michelle Smith, Anna Sui, Elie Tahari, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein Collection, MADE IN AFRICA: by ARISE MAGAZINE, Elene Cassis and Naeem Khan.
I could not possibly attend all the shows so I chose eight favorites that were influential in my fashion coverage during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Helen Yarmak Spring 2012
Fashion Designer Helen Yarmak, famous for her luxury over-the-top colorful furs showcased simple slender cotton and spandex T-shirt dresses in soft pale hues. Cotton and Spandex were combined to manufacture chic frocks in soft and bold tropical colors to coordinate with the fur collection. This range included elongated tees, sleeveless sheaths and one shoulder silhouettes with insertions of nude netting. Stylists, fashionistas and guests were amused and delighted with the huge innovative whimsical plastic industrial zippers on the bright yellow mink poncho and the fuchsia lamb vest.
The Helen Yarmak Jewelry Collection is just as glamorous as the rest of her signature collection. The jewelry featured included Sapphire and Diamond Butterfly Earrings, Button-sized Emerald Earrings, bold rings, a gorgeous ruby red tulip neck piece that reminded me of art and a dazzling Diamond Zipper.
Carlos Miele Spring 2012
Inspiration for this season shared his vision of the tropical “Bird of Paradise.” A strong tropical aquatic element was evident from day into evening. The dramatic caftan that opened the show was draped over a sleek white one-piece swimsuit. Botticelli-style inspired, the collection closed with the finale gown of a fan detailing on the bodice that made the model look as if she was emerging from a clam. The hues were bold, vibrant and vivid. Luxury fabrics were soft, drapey and slinky. One look featured a piece emulating a deflated disco ball just ready to take a spin. Calmer pieces were scattered throughout such as a long draped skirt that swooped up the center to reveal a hint of leg. For those who enjoy the tropics or evenings poolside in the Hamptons there will be plenty to choose from.
Vlov Spring 2012
Mr. Richard Wu, VLOV’s CEO and Chief Designer, revealed, “We are very excited to be presenting our Spring/Summer 2012 collection and want to thank the China Fashion Designer’s Association for their recommendation to have VLOV participate in New York Fashion Week. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our designs at such an esteemed venue and to be featured among many highly regarded global brands.”
To present during New York Fashion Week, VLOV went through an extensive review process, which included American and European fashion week representatives visiting VLOV’s offices as well as multiple store locations. Mr. Wu is highly respected and is considered one of China’s top fashion designers and has been named China Fashion Week’s Top Ten Fashion Designer for the past two years.
His men’s collection boasts edgy cuts, V-shapes and asymmetric zipper detail.
Edgy and eye-catching, the collection amused spectators for Wu’s New York Fashion Week debut. As one of China Fashion Week’s top 10 fashion designers for the past two years, Americans will surely be seeing more of collections.
Malan Breton Spring 2012
The inspiration for the Spring 2012 Collection was created from the artwork of wildlife photographer John Aiden, and the Chinese ceremony of the New Moon. Malan Breton’s vision creates his spring 2012 collection Fantôme. The collection collaborates the unique movement of ethereal beings. While still maintaining Breton’s signature Saville row tailoring he uses his signature fabrics, silks in weaves of organza, chiffon, gazaar, and his signature Chinoise metal weave.
This season, the runway featured wildlife photography of John Aiden, brought to life courtesy of Spoonflower. The show included Breton’s favorite personal styling elements. Accessories included beautifully crafted Swiss timepieces by Rado, shoes by United Nude and hats designed by Ellen Christine Millinery.
A supporter of the arts, Breton knows the importance of incorporating all of Lincoln Centers artistic elements. The show opened to a theatrical performance of “Le Cygne” by Camille Saint-Saens performed by musicians from Breton’s alma matter the Julliard School, and ballerina Brittney Franklin.
Zang Toi Spring 2012
Actress Kirstie Alley closed the Zang Toi Spring 2012 show as predicted by Coco Perez.
In my interview with Actress Kirstie Alley she admitted that he is her favorite designer and he has created numerous beautiful designs for her since 1993. Kirstie revealed, “I did the cover of Redbook and I wanted something really beautiful … he just has the most beautiful clothes, period.”
Fashion Designer Zang Toi created the dramatic, royal blue, long-sleeve show stopper gown exclusively for Ms. Alley.
Zang Toi is famous for designing dramatic evening clothes for discerning women such as Sharon Stone, Patti LaBelle and Ivana Trump.
This year the collection was inspired by North Africa, Toi’s theatrical spring collection was orchestrated by the music of Sting’s “Desert Rose,” during which models strolled out in vibrant jewel-encrusted coats, silk and cashmere sweaters with sapphire beading, and gold-bordered “goddess” coats trailing sweeping dramatic trains.
Sherri Hill Spring 2012
“Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” Kendall Jenner strolled on the runway modeling the Sherri Hill Spring 2012 Collection. The Sherri HIll fashion show for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was presented at the Trump Tower Grand Corridor on September 14th.
Sisters Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, and Khloe Kardashian sat front row and proudly cheered as their sibling 15-year-old Kendall Jenner as she did the catwalk in ease.
Kendall modeled a glamorous maroon strapless gown with a slit up the side, a silver strapless gown with short fringed skirts, a frothy white confection with marabu skirt as well as a black frock with a long black scarf. Kendall will be sweet 16 this coming November.
Also modeling on the runway was Cassidy Gifford, daughter to Kathy Lee and Frank Gifford.
Signature pieces in Sherri Hill’s Spring 2012 collection included the strapless orange gown with the full skirt, the turquoise embroidered gown and a fabulous gown with red leaf detail on the bodice.
Icon Fashion Model Carmen who has been modeling for 65 years closed the show.
Guli Spring 2012
The Guli Spring 2012 show of Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of Uzbekistan’s authoritarian ruler did not take place at Lincoln Center as originally planned amid protests alleging forced child labor in the cotton fields of her home country.
Karimova was not among the 300 people who did attend. Many were New York-based expatriates from Russia, Georgia and other former Soviet republics. Organizers of the event revealed Karimova was not in New York at the time her fashion show took place.
The show was relocated and held privately at Cipriani’s near Grand Central Terminal on East 42nd Street.
Models strutted on the runway wearing long, flowing dresses in pale colors. the men’s collection included ethnic flourishes such as blanket-like shawls flung over the shoulder. The clothes were credited to a group of a half-dozen designers who took a bow but declined interview requests.
While the fashion show was taking place twenty protesters held signs, chanting slogans like “Child labor is a crime, hey Gulnara, it’s about time.” Protestors also handed out flyers with pictures revealing children picking cotton. Activists also staged a small protest at the Lincoln Center tents where other Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week fashion shows ended on the last day of the spring previews.
Elene Cassis Spring 2012
Ellen Cassis was the last show at Lincoln Center in the tents.
Elene Cassis Spring 2012 is inspired by the Greek fret or Greek key. Meanders symbolize infinity and unity and appear significantly in bands in Greek art. This motif enhanced the clean sophisticated silhouettes that Elene Cassis’s ready-to-wear is famous for.
Ladylike soft colors made a spectacular entrance on the runway reminiscent of the early 1960’s combined with a yellow key inspired print. Also prevalent was a red and white geometric pattern which opposed the yellow for a dramatic influence. Hues consisting of aqua sea foam and salmon in soft tones as well as a flat matte pink silk defined the elegant side of the Ellen Cassis Spring 2012. Cassis’s signature black and white will also make a memorable impression in a geometric print followed by a silk blend beige tweed combined with gold specs blending a rich and classic texture to the full fashion presentation.
For more information on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week please visit www.mbfashionweek.com.
