NYFW Presentation: Korto Momolu Fall 2012

In the midst of NYFW I had a chance to see Korto Momolu's presentation at the Bryant Park Hotel's Cellar Bar.  Upon my arrival, the venue was jumping with a scene as guests grabbed drinks and enjoyed lounging as music played.  I had to maneuver my way around the crowds to see the clothes that were on models perched on pedestals throughout the room.  The collection entitled Monaco was inspired by jet set glamorous icons like Bridget Bardot and Grace Kelly.


Black, Gold, Champagne and Pewter comprised the primary color story while occasionally a vibrant pop of canary yellow woke things up.  Fabrications were in charmeuse, lace, brocade and metallic menswear adding a soft sheen of luxury throughout the collection.  My favorite pieces were the elongated silhouettes that brought to mind the ease of 70s Halston.  The champagne maxi dress with the bateau neck was a particular favorite.

Some of the shorter flared skirts looked out of place and didn't seem like they sat with the collection.  They felt a little bit too literally 80s - especially in the outfit with the sheer skirt and bra showing and the single glove.

Make-up was all about the smokey eye and sculpted cheekbone while hair was either pulled up into severe sculptural buns or styled short and brushed out.

While there were plenty of beautiful elements to the collection, the venue and slightly heavy-handed styling were distractions.  Overall though there were many wearable pieces that a woman who loved understated glamor would crave.

Project Runway Casting 2012

Who: Project Runway is now casting
What: Are you a designer who thinks you have what it takes to join the ranks of former contestants like Christian Siriano? Compete for a chance to show them during New York Fashion Week. Plus the big winner takes home $100,000 to launch their own fashion line.
When: Deadline to enter ends March 15, 2012
How: Download the application at http://www.bmpcasting.com/casting/pr/  or email prcasting@bunim-murray.com

NYFW Presentation: Norisol Ferrari Fall 2012

The Norisol Ferrari presentation was one that took me back in time in what the designer describes as Jean Harlow meets Tina Turner in Mad Max.  There were dramatic silhouettes that made me think a little bit of Charles Worth-esque (late 1900s) glamor while other items that made me think of something a very put together Goth might enjoy.


Since the designer grew up in NY in the 80s and was nurtured by drag queens and nightlife impresarios  the flair for the dramatic in silhouette and line must be second nature.  Strategically placed seams and color blocking flatter the silhouette and place emphasis on a tiny waist.

Sample Sales This Week: February 27-March 4, 2012

Who: Barneys Warehouse Sale
What: Enjoy up to 75% off on designer clothing, shoes, accessories, and more.
When: Extended through March 4, 2012.  Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-8pm.
Where: 255 West 17th St (b/n 7th & 8th Ave.)

Who: Showroom Seven Spring Sample Sale
What: Designer clothing & accessories priced at wholesale and below on brands like Odd Molly, Erickson Beamon, Issa London, Block, Lieberskind, Treesje and more.
When: Now through March 3, 2012. Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Closed Sundays
Where: 263 11th Ave, 3rd Floor (b/n 27th & 28th St)

Who: Krizia Warehouse Sale
What: 70-90% off on RTW & accessories.
When: Now through, February 28, 2012. Mon-Tues 11am-7pm
Where: 446 West 14th St (b.n 9th & 10th Ave)

Who: Rent The Runway Sample Sale
What: Snag retired, gently used dresses and accessories. The sale will feature a variety of designer dresses and accessories from your designers including Badgley Mischka, Nicole Miller, David Meister, Catherine Malandrino, Rebecca Taylor, D&G and many more-at up to 95% off.
When: Feb 28-March 4, 2012. Tues-Wed 10am-8pm, Thrus-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-3pm
Where:260 5th Ave (b/n 28th and 29th St). 212-725-5400

Who: Slane Jewelry Sample Sale
What: Score discounts on accessories/jewelry
When: March 1-3, 2012. Thurs-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm
Where: 260 5th Ave (b/n 28th and 29th St). 212-725-5400

Who: Ralph Lauren Home Sample Sale
What: Furniture, Lighting, Home Accessories, Decorative Pillows, Gifts, Vintage and Antiques at a discount at the Ralph Lauren Home Sample Sale. Credit cards only (American Express, Visa or MasterCard). All sales final. Strollers not allowed. No children under 12 will be admitted.
Shipper will be available on premises. All shipping costs and arrangements are the responsibility of the customer.
When: Sale ends February 27, 2012. Mon 9am-5pm
Where: Metropolitan North Pavilion, 110 West 19th Street(b/n 6th & 7th Ave). 718-747-1656

NYFW Runway Review: Farah Angsana Fall 2012

The Farah Angsana Fall 2012 collection exuded exactly the type of luxury that the young jet set socialite might demand. Opulence, sparkle and drama dominated the runway - this is not clothing for the faint of heart or for those who like to hide in a corner at an event.  If fashion should be about empowering a woman to feel beautiful and glamorous - Farah Angsana has found strength in what she knows best.  Afterall the designer caters to women who like herself travel the world and you could see hints of the global influence in the kaftans to flamenco flounces.
 
And while there were definitely some covered up pieces - they were form fitting as to still show off the figure.  Black, cream and pewter day wear opened the show but was soon replaced by by a parade of glittering cocktails and evening gowns in vibrant jewel tones like fiery orange, ruby red, violet, sapphire and emerald.

Skirt lengths were either mini, flouncy to the knee or flowing full length dresses that billowed into a soft swirl of fabric as models rounded the runway.  And while earlier in the runway show garments revealed sheer panels and thigh high slits for the confidant woman, nothing prepared me for the finale garment that was sheer from the waist down save for some very strategic placement of glittery sequins.  Think I wasn't the only one because I could hear the gasps and oohs from all around me.

A collection for the confidant woman who is not afraid to sparkle in a crowd.

NYFW Presentation: Mathieu Mirano Fall 2012

When I entered The Box at Lincoln Center I knew very little to nothing about the 20 year old designer behind the namesake collection Mathieu Mirano but I was pleasantly surprised.  My efforts leaving Brooklyn twice in one day had been rewarded by a skillfully tailored collection that was inspired by a dream about dragons and the women that conquered them.



Details like leather paillets, ruched metallics, and claw-like metal hardware all play up on the dragon theme but fortunately not too literally.  The result is a little like armor that a modern day heroine would wear if she was going to an event and had to look dead sexy.  The garments fit almost like a second skin in fabrics like stretch satin, leather and velvet .

The color palette was kept simple in black, pewter, silver, antique navy, crimson and gold.  The color combinations were particularly striking when combined to create graphic sun ray shapes that radiate strategically around the body.  I appreciate that the backs of these dresses have not been forgotten and are just as striking as the fronts.

Mirano has previously cited Alexander McQueen as one of his greatest influences and I can see it in his attention to tailoring, details and his flair for drama.  I have a feeling that we'll be seeing more of this budding designer in the future on red carpet.  A beautiful, well executed and sophomore effort.