Spring 2011 Collection
9:00 pm ~ September 14, 2010 Studio, Lincoln Center
Spanish designer Toni Francesc unveiled his Spring 2011 collection at Lincoln Center’s Mercedes-benz Fashion Week on Wednesday evening. This was my first time viewing his work and after a long day of shows at the tents I was exhausted and wasn’t really sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised when the calm zen-like music started and models started gliding down the catwalk in fabulous designs. This presentation was a much needed departure from a day of not so impressive shows. It was obvious from the moment the first design turned the corner that Toni Francesc has a love affair with well tailored clothes, sensuous taste and extraordinary detail. What I loved most about the collection is that his looks were what I like to call ”360° designed”. The swooping details were on the front and back of the dresses which made them beautiful all around. There is nothing worse than a dress that is fabulous in the front but has no appeal from the back, so I really appreciated Francesc’s work. The accessories in the show were a perfect match to the line and consisted of asymmetric wooden bracelets and neck pieces from Nashelle. The collection was entitled “Urban Forest” and drew on natural elements, hence the wood in all of the accessories. Toni Francesc’s enthusiasm for his work has left an impression on me and I am looking forward to following his designs for years to come. I think I’m in love!
Men’s Spring 2011 Collection
12:00 noon ~ September 10, 2010 Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery~Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center
Nautica’s new collection for Spring 2011 stayed true to it’s roots of all things sailing. The gallery styled show was held at the Library for Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. This was my first walk though presentation ever, while the elaborate runway shows are a spectacle to see, it was nice to be able to take my time to view the designs up close and ask the live models to do a little turn if you wanted to see the sides or back. The collection was classic Nautica -swim shorts, khaki’s, striped sweaters, wind jackets and sport blazers.
Spring 2011 Collection
2:00 pm ~ September 9, 2010 Stage, Lincoln Center
Christian Siriano was the second show I attended on the opening day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This ambitious show was filled with oohs and aahs from the audience, which was no surprise to me. Siriano, the season four Project Runway winner, is very consistent in creating impeccably tailored designs that flatter a woman’s body. As in past seasons, the fierce footwear was a spectacle on the runway. All of the models wore shoes from Siriano’s Payless shoe collection (Yes, he designs shoes for Payless!). The ready to wear collection was filled with brown, gold, blue and red hues. The climax of the show was when the models walked out in Über-Fabulous evening gowns. I literally had to catch my breath after the crowd’s collective gasp as the gowns sashayed before us. The show closed in an unorthodox, yet refreshing fashion. Instead of having the models walk in a straight line for the finale, the ladies were sent out in groups staggered about the runway so that we could all get one last look. Then in unison, they madea dramatic about face and exited the stage. Siriano has solidified a name for himself in the infancy of his fashion career and I’m already excited to see what he cooks up six months from now for Fall/Winter 2011.
Designers: Nicholas and Christopher Kunz
Spring 2011 Men’s and Women’s Collection
9:00 am ~ September 9, 2010 Studio, Lincoln Center
Nicholas K was the first runway show to kick off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the first show to debut at the new Lincoln Center location. The sibling designer duo, Nicholas and Christopher Kunz presented a line that is best described as dessert nomadic with military inspired elements. This men’s and women’s collection consisted largely of army greens, greys, browns and hints of white and black. Large collars and oversized hooded jackets, sweaters and vests seemed to be a staple in this show. The models strutted down the catwalk in leather harnessed boots by Vintage Shoe Company. This may be Spring 2011 looks, but boots are definitely here to stay. Here are some looks from the front row:
I love that Nicholas and Christopher Kunz brought their dog out on the runway at the end of the show!
It may only be August, but Spring 2011 is in the air. New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week starts in 9 days and my fashion obsession is bursting at the seams with excitement. I get this feeling every six months when the worlds most talented designers, and those who love their work, flock to New York City for 8 days of all things fashion. This season marks major changes to fashions largest industry event including a technology upgrade to the 21st Century, a schedule packed with over 90 designers showing their Spring 2011 collections and the move from Midtown to Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center. This season everything will be digitized including invitations, access to the venue and seating assignments. With the promise of no longer having to wait in endless lines before each show, I’m really looking forward to a seamless show experience and I can’t wait to see my tweets on the American Express Tweet Wall. This season will also host the largest schedule of designers presenting their collections to buyers and the press. Many designers who have shown at New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the past, are back for this season. The most obvious change is the move uptown. At first I wasn’t crazy about the move from Bryant Park, the coveted destination for up and coming designers, but now I look at it as a new chapter in fashion history. So while the tents will no longer transform 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Street, I am anxiously anticipating all the Lincoln Center has to offer.
One of the great things I love about Fashion Week in September is that it marks the change of seasons from Summer to Fall. It gives me a sense of new beginnings, new goals and inspiration for fresh ideas. The other great thing is Fashion’s Night Out which will on Friday, September 10th from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The goal of Fashion’s Night Out is to support the fashion and retail industries. Click here to Learn more about the participating stores. I’ll be keeping you posted on the daily happenings at Damrosch Park right here on the House of Papier blog. I’ll also be Tweeting live about the shows and my escapades during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, so be sure to follow me at @house_of_papier.
In the words of Coco Channel: “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
::PERRY ELLIS:: Fall 2010 Collection/February 15th 7:00 pm/Promenade at Bryant Park
The Perry Ellis Fall 2010 collection under the creative direction of John Crocco was absolutely amazing. Not to mention, it was a breath of fresh air to see male models don the runway during a week where the ladies dominate. The Perry Ellis collection was full of dark hues of black, shades of gray and a pop of red here or there in a jacket or sweater. The iconic label held true to its classic and emaculatly tailored look. The over-sized turtle neck sweaters were my favorite. Visit Perry Ellis online at http://www.perryellis.com/.
Perry Ellis Creative Director, John Crocco
Got to meet T.O. backstage who was front row for the show
::TWINKLE BY WENLAN:: Fall 2010 Collection / February 13th 6:00 pm / Promenade at Bryant Park
This was my first year attending the TWINKLE BY WENLAN show at New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the collection is best described as fresh, young and vibrant. Models donned the runway in light flowing, mid-thigh dresses with opaque tights. Over sized knit sweaters – a TWINKLE signature, were also a part of this Fall 2010 collection.
::ARISE MAGAZINE AFRICAN COLLECTIVE:: Fall 2010 Collection / February 13th 8:00 pm / The Tent at Bryant Park
This was my second invite to the ARISE Magazine African Collective at Bryant Park. This show was one of the more elaboarte and highlighted the collections of African designers. The Fall 2010 Collective consisted of three labels: Black Coffee, by Jacques van der Watt and Danica Lepen, Anisa of Lioncloth and Ashes and Deola Sagoe. While all the designers showed well, Deola Sagoe was by far my favorite. Her designs were inspired by a fusion of African and Western military gear and included military style jackets with an emphasis on broad shoulders and funky shredded leggings. The ARISE after party took place at the Plaza where singer Ciara gave a surprise performance.
::VENEXIANA by Kati Stern:: Fall 2010 Collection / February 12th 9:00 pm / The Salon at Bryant Park
The VENEXIANA show is one of my favorite shows to attend during fashion week. For those of you who follow the House of Papier blog, you know that Kati Stern is my favorite designer. Once again, her Fall 2010 collection did not disappoint. Her designs were impeccable and tailored to a tee. The elegant dresses and fabulous fur coats are what every fashionista wants to to be adorned in. VENEXIANA is the go to design house for haute couture fashion. Stern incorporates diverse elements into her designs - This leather bow tied belt is one of my favorite:
This fur coat was to die for – So upset that I didn’t get a frontal shot to share with you.
I loved these dresses!
VENEXIANA Designer Kati Stern taking a walk down the catwalk after the show – I love how she does that. Most designers just come out from backstage and wave after the show. Not Kati, she struts down the entire runway! And she should, as her colletion was fabulous!
Once again the past six months have flown by and New York Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is upon us. Designers, models, make-up artists, celebrities, buyers and those totally addicted to fashion will attend MBFW in Bryant Park for the last time. This Fall 2010 season will mark the last hoopla of the grand white tents in Bryant Park that the world of fashion has come to love before the bi-annual event moves to its new location at Lincoln Center. Once again, House of Papier will be there to bring you all the latest from the catwalk. I personally love to attend fashion week because its where the most creative and artistic minds meet on the hottest and most fashionable runways in the world. Stars are made under these tents and its where I draw inspiration for my invitation designs. Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week starts on Thursday, February 11th and runs through February 18th. See you there!
