Kaelen Fall 2012 Lookbook

I previously told you to watch out for the rising New York based, Toronto raised design talent, Kaelen Farncombe.  Her collection takes wardrobe classics like button up shirts, cigarette pants, the boxy jacket and shift dress and re-invents them with strong style lines with an architectural feel, graphic prints and color blocking to create clothes that are still wearable, modern and bold.


The Fall 2012 collection is all about texture with the use of charmeuse, lace, lame, velvet and textured wool. Details like cowl backs, cut out shoulders and angular hemlines are seen throughout.  Charming bow ties add a dash of whimsy while column dresses look goddess-like but in a simpler more elegant way.  The collection also featured several drop crotch pants but I am a little torn on my thoughts of those.  Do you think would you wear drop crotch pants?

Check out her full lookbook after the jump.

Eleven Objects Fall 2012 Lookbook

Eleven Objects is the creation of Linh Thi Do and Christine Rhee when they simultaneously decided that their wardrobes would be vastly improved by the addition of a new type of accessory.  They gave birth to their line in Fall 2011 with a variety of luxe embellished detachable collars.

Fall 2012 expands upon the aesthetic with the launch of the debut Ready-To-Wear collection. "Inspired by the movie Amadeus and New Order album covers designed by Peter Saville, Fall 2012 is a modern interpretation of baroque luxury."  

Metallic brocade, silk organza, patent leather and latex come together to create a multi-dimensional variety of textures.  The color story for the season is for most part subdued in Burnished Gold, Black, Ink, Royal Purple and Emerald.  Hand applied gold foil and pearls help to add light and novelty to the collection.  Peplums, exposed zippers and strong shoulders are hallmarks of this collection.  My personal fave looks are the monochromatic looks 7 & 8 below. If you are a fan of lady-like silhouettes and layering keep your eye on this label.

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Check out the full lookbook after the jump.

Website of the Day: Krystalrae

I discovered Krystalrae the other day thanks to my friend Kaity who posted this link on her Facebook. Everyone knows I love prints, so it's probably no surprise that Krystalrae's spring collection caught my eye.

What really stood out to me was this young designer's website.  Her online lookbook is incredible.  I'm totally enamoured with the typography and user experience.  Check it out at krystalrae.com and watch how the clothes change as you scroll down, beautiful and seamless!

I "liked" Krystalrae on Facebook, and look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

Catching Up with Robin Tomas

We first noticed Robin Tomas’ clothes on the runway of the Supima Fashion Competition last January.  Since that point his award winning t-shirt has been produced exclusively for Bloomingdales and gone on to create a collection of women’s wear under the label “TOMAS”.  Building on his passion to create refined yet wearable art Tomas just released his sophomore collection.

The Fall 2011 collection was inspired by the Amish community and features distinctly austere sensibilities and purposeful pleating.  While the color palette is predominantly darker and subdued, luxe fabrications and shine give new life and a sense of modernity to the simple silhouettes.  While the clothing is very “covered up”, the softly structured shoulders and sleeves look strong rather than demure.

We had a chance to catch up with Tomas to see how he was doing and a bit about his latest collection and what he’s dressing up for as for Halloween.

SRC: How has your life changed since becoming involved in the Supima competition?

RT: It has opened doors and given me quite a boost in getting my work out there. Sometimes i still have to pinch myself to make sure my design made it to the floor of one of NYC's institutions.

SRC: Your background previously was in Menswear, how does that experience effect your designs for women?

RT: It gets me to start with a solid core, a great fit using the right element to use as a statement. Menswear relies on great detailing as well, overall I was able get these essential ingredients for menswear into womenswear.

SRC: Tell us about your inspiration for the recent Fall 2011 collection? 

RT: The recent Fall Collection is inspired by the Amish community, I used pleating as an overall theme and used classic dark Fall colors with an accent splatter black and white print. - I dubb it as "Amish Chic Futura "

SRC: What kind of woman is your ideal customer?

RT: A working Manhattanite who works hard and play hard, shes driven, quietly confident and naturally chic, she likes what she wants and she is essentially sensual without being sexy.

SRC: What are 3 things every woman needs this Fall?

RT: A hot cloak, cute shrug, and a stunning dress....

SRC: Will you be dressing up for Halloween?

RT: Probably be a cowboy, or a surgeon ; )

SRC: What can we expect to see from you next?

RT: We’re presenting Spring to the press and the market....watch out!

The TOMAS Fall 2011 collection is available at:

Anik Boutique – Madison Ave and 83rd St, Amsterdam and 73rd St.

INA boutique on 101 Thompson St. SoHo