Bright Young Things - Art + Fashion from Not A Gallery

On Wednesday, September 7th, Not a Gallery celebrates the opening of BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS, ten new Diamond Dust Paintings along with an archival fashion exhibition from Albright Fashion Library. Style Icons being honored in this presentation include Bridget Bardot, Steve McQueen, Grace Kelly, Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, James Dean, & Paul Newman.

The opening reception will take place at the MINA Gallery space - 32 Cooper Square from 7:00-9:00 PM. Complimentary cocktails will be accompanied by beats provided by DJ (And incredible fashion designer) Timo Weiland. Timo will most certainly not be the only fashionista in attendance with some powerhouse editors and stylists curating the mannequins from the Albright Fashion Library collections. Whether you love art, fashion, or just free cocktails on a Wednesday; this is certainly an event not to miss!

MANNEQUINS CURATED BY
Julia von Boehm, Stylist
Peter Davis, AVENUE
Kristian Laliberte, Refinery29
David Lipke, WWD
Andrew Lutjens, WSJ.
Luigi Tadini, PAPER
Patti Wilson, Stylist
AND MORE

OPENING RECEPTION
Wednesday, September 7th from 7-9pm
MINA Gallery, 32 Cooper Square, NYC
Complimentary Cocktails
Music by BAKER with Special Guest DJ Timo Weiland
RSVP to rsvp@notagallery.com

Automaton at Hasted Kraeutler

Incredible NY photography gallery HASTED KRAEUTLER is offering a limited number of pre-release copies of Paolo Ventura's new book, The Automaton ($60) which isn't supposed to hit the shelves until2012. HASTED KRAEUTLER will have 200 advance publication copies during Paolo Ventura's exhibition The Automaton of Venice, September 8 - October 15, 2011.

The Automaton centers around an elderly, Jewish watchmaker living in the ghetto of Venice in 1943, one of the darkest periods of the occupation of the Nazis and the rule of the fascist regime in Italy. The city where the watchmaker has lived his entire life, now desolate and fearful, is the stage where this story unfolds. The photograph is actually the final product in a chain of creative processes, from initially drawing the scene in watercolor to constructing an elaborate miniature set with figurines to taking the final photograph. Paolo Ventura has been selected for the Italian national pavilion of the prestigious Venice Biennale 2011. Paolo Ventura lives and works in Anghiari, the small village in northern Italy where he grew up. He has created three bodies of work, War Souvenir (2005) and Winter Stories (2007-2009), both of which were published in books, exhibited widely and critically acclaimed, and mostly recently, Venice (2010).

See below for a selection of works from all three collections.

Lanvin Video - Fistpumping Fashion

Lanvin looks like it is going to have a situation for fall... thanks to this Steven Meisel video that was apparently choreographed by Pauly D. The girls were slightly ironically (and forgivably) bad but the boys were just tragic. I didn't realize that Alber Elbaz, Karen Elson, and Raquel Zimmerman were such big fans of the American Riviera that is the Jersey Shore...

Though the dancing is laughable at best, the clothes still manage to be gorgeous - proving you don't need rhythm to rock out in these stellar designs. And when it comes to Lanvin, you are right Alber - I do want you, or at least I want your clothes.

KahriAnne Kerr Spring 2012 - Two Collections with One BOLD Look for Spring

KahriAnne Kerr takes her inspiration from the iconic hard-rocking sister act of Ann and Nancy Wilson from the 70s and 80s girl band, Heart. Their hit song "Barracuda" plays a recurring role in both the Kahri and KA lines for S/S 2012.

The latest collections include maxi dresses, silk & satin ruffled tops, metallic-coated linen skirts, cropped jackets and bustier tops. Chevron stripes and strong magenta tones reflect an LA "rocker" aesthetic that is continuing to gain steam with downtown New Yorkers. Sheer flowing long sleeves and peasant-style dresses plus eyelet fabric are an updated homage to the bohemian-chic look of classic female musicians from the 70s (think Stevie Nicks with a sartorial facelift).

The "Barracuda" theme goes a bit too literal when it is reflected in fish-scale patterns used throughout the collection. Fun screen-print tees and tote bags with odes to Heart's lyrics pull everything back in the direction of fun, while still holding to the literal aspects of the inspiration.

These LA looks aren't just available on the west coast, KahriAnne Kerr's designs are currently available nationwide and in New York City at Kit 228.

Check out both the KA and Kahri lines in the videos below

LES Runway at Grand Opening

Tickets are now available for the LES Runway!

Come and see some of New York's up and coming designers in the most intimate and interactive runway ever to hit New York. Swag bags, champagne and all the fixings of a downtown fashion event will be provided. Yet another great experience provided to NYC from Grand Opening! The LES Runway will be open from September 7th through October 2nd.

Runway: Thursday, Friday and Saturday (7, 8 and 9pm)
Pop-up Shop: Tues, Wed and Sun (12pm-7pm), Sat (12pm-6pm)

Get your tickets here:
http://www.grandopening.org

Grand Opening
139 Norfolk Street, NYC

Maria My Love wins at NYILFF

Launched in 1999, the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) is the premier Urban Latino film event in the USA, and this year Maria My Love took home the award for best domestic feature film. The award was accepted by producer Tiana Matthews. Inspired by a true story, Maria My Love is about a young woman named Ana (Judy Marte) struggling to deal with her mother's death and her father's mistakes. In an effort to feel better, she reconnects with her half-sister Grace, (Lauren Fales) and, inspired by a new boyfriend (Brian Rieger), sets out on a quest to find someone to help. Though excited and hopeful when she meets a hoarding woman named Maria (Karen Black), she encounters a situation more emotionally and morally complicated than she had expected to find. The film was written and directed by Jasmine McGlade Chazell.

Commonwealth Propper Fall Shirt Launch

Commonwealth Propper is ending the summer the best way anyone can... with a cocktail party and some fall shopping. Who says back-to-school shopping has to end when you graduate, now you can do it with a drink in your hand; at least on August 31 from 6:00-8:00 PM at their Rittenhouse Showroom (1732 Spruce St.). Commonwealth Proper makes both ready-to-wear and custom suits and shirts for the contemporary gentleman. They design their garments with a traditional aesthetic and with modern, yet appropriate styling and details.

Central Park Conservancy ''Film Festival''

Not to be outdone by its tiny neighbor to the south Bryant Park, Central Park has movies too... And here it is a ''Film Festival''. Music will take center stage at the ninth annual Central Park Conservancy Film Festival, which brings free movies to the heart of Manhattan for five nights, Aug. 23-27. From rock to country, the films will celebrate great musicians and the best in popular music, with each night showcasing a different musical icon.

All screenings begin at 8:00 pm, rain or shine. Gates open to the public at 6:30 pm. Guest DJs play at 6:30 pm. All movies will be closed captioned. Bring a picnic! Please note that alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, video cameras, tape recorders or flash cameras are not allowed. All bags are subject to search. (Now I know why I haven't gone before... no wine allowed - but it is a good option if you are looking for a recession-friendly cheap and sober date.)

Young Patrons of Lincoln Center - Party on the Plaza

The Young Patrons of Lincoln Center are throwing a big party on September 26th and you know you won't want to miss it. While you are at it, pick up over a 100$ savings by getting your ticket and membership at the same time... that is if you aren't already a young patron. The event will include hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and an incredible fountain show. As summer comes to a close, who could resist one more excellent outdoor event.

Young Patrons of Lincoln Center (YPLC) is a membership group for arts enthusiasts in their 20s through early 40s dedicated to celebrating and supporting the world’s leading performing arts center. Through special events, arts advocacy, community outreach, and annual contributions, YPLC members build future audiences at Lincoln Center and increase access to the arts for a diverse range of New Yorkers.

Maria Vazquez - Spring 2011

The final show of fashion week in Buenos Aires and the runway has sprouted giant multicolored mushrooms. The opening look did not disappoint after the mushroom laden runway and acid trip video. Bright colors pop on top of crisp white backgrounds and a caged bird print on black adds to the trippy vibe with its bright colors and swirling paisley accents. The show continues with some great color blocking in lemon and tangerine silks, paired with turquoise green shoes.

The Maria Vazquez girl is definitely living in a technicolor world this spring - even the accessories, like a multicolored button clutch, help bring a pop of color to an otherwise all too normal little black dress. Flowers and stripes make an extremely powerful statement whether paired or standing on their own. These patterns become 3D and really jump out to grab the viewer as they are incorporated into structural elements of the garments (and I thought that they were speaking loudly before - now they are standing up and shouting!) The girl who wears these clothes better have a lot of personality - otherwise the clothes will end up wearing her. Seriously, they can truly come alive - or maybe the show was just one big acid trip. Either way you should watch out for these clothes - you don't want to miss them, and you will definitely see them coming. Hopefully to a boutique near you...

Photographs courtesy of Mike Ferre

Hermanos Estebecorena - Spring 2011

The models had to navigate a runway full of obstacles, and in their underwear no less! Well at least the first two did... The obstacles ended up melding together to display the company logo when seen head on. The clothes were classic, refined, and at times playful. The look incorporated fun prints like flowers and lighthouses (reminiscent of little boys' bedding) with everyday staples and some sleek jackets. These pieces could walk right off the runway and into the closet of any dapper dude from New York, London, Tokyo, or Milan. The HE-man has plenty of fashion sense with a bit of whimsy thrown in.

There also might have been a bit of magic backstage - with the whole show comprised seemingly of three models (though it turns out to be four - two sets of twins, one being admittedly more identical than the other...) Apparently in Argentina only the boys know how to do quickchanges, and these guys are experts.

The staple pieces presented in the collection are well thought out and excellently tailored, giving the right mix of polish and enjoyment. The tailored shorts, hemmed to just above the knee, have a great sense of classic modernity to them. If there were to be any complaint (not that I have one) it would be a question of color. The clothes were impeccable but lacked the bursts of color one so longs for after a cold grey winter.

As the show came to a close there were a few surprises. The chest mounted camera was certainly one of them, and this techno-modern edge came from nowhere - as did the next model (in his only sighting of the show) finally giving us some color in a purple bathing suit - worn with a thick coat of chest hair. Overall an excellent collection of spring staples - which according to the runway obstacles you can now buy online!

Photographs courtesy of Mike Ferre

Varanasi - Spring 2011

The heavy handed intro video was entirely unnecessary - like being forced to sit through all of the credits before getting to watch the movie. The African influence on the collection would have been abundantly clear without the laborious video (OR the African singing, OR the sculptures on the runway - though both of these I enjoyed). Lightweight white linen pieces floated down the runway with patchwork and applique details that ride the line between tribal and holly-hobby but somehow manage to come across mostly fashionable. As the music amped up and the group started singing we were delighted with a celebration of colors in interesting geometrics - both on the clothes and the models themselves (the models had painted hands and arms). All of the colors seem to have a root in nature which allows them to be mixed (at times in abundance) interestingly and elegantly. The clothes are definitely for a more modern and artsy woman who appreciates the hand touched feel of less processed fabrics and a spice of something different. Bright bold prints brought back the tribal feel in a modern and interesting way. One of the recurring visuals was a (nearly giraffe) pattern that seemed to emulate the cracks in dry mud - both structurally and in prints. I still can't decide whether the plastic Massai neckbands and giant gold starfruit earrings were over the top or a genius new jewelry trend to watch.

The wood, metal, and leather sculpture were just as interesting as the clothes and never waivered in their taste level or interest. They definitely added rather than detracting (unlike the video).

Photographs courtesy of Mike Ferre

Cora Groppo - Spring 2011

One of the strangest openings I have ever seen, three models walked down the second row of seats on both sides of the runway before the first model stepped foot on the runway. This was a precursor of the models doing double duty - walking the runway then completing another lap up and down the aisles. The garments were decidedly dark with black, navy, and midnight blue as a palette. However, their light and ethereal nature told you that they were decidedly for spring. The clothes had an interesting precariousness to the way they were layered - as if made from scraps of other luxurious garments. Color came into the collection with dusty mauve, platinum, and purple. There is a natural architectural quality, as if the pieces grew organically or were put together by waves or winds rather than men in hard hats. The great mix of textures range from light weight knits, to silks and jerseys, and even a shockingly yet seasonably light leather. The layered looks are great for a day on the town - and will carry you from spring through fall. Meanwhile, the sculptural dresses are perfect for your next cocktail event and can hold their own against the best that modern art (or modern dance, given their ethereal nature) has to offer.

Grupo 134 - Spring 2011

The hipster vibe meets an old English (as in England... not the malt liquor) feel - including an older bearded man who is either famous or they were really trying to push the bum aesthetic further than anyone in Williamsburg is willing to. The clothes were in a muted palette of tan, cream, white, grey, and black. The stylistic choice of a bowler hat is not my favorite; especially as it has been repeated on every single model. There is a good use of layering, even if the clothes look worn out, although the guys look bored and dirty more than anything. The ladies come out in a similar aesthetic but here it seems to have some direction. Light weight fabrics flounce down the runway and the girls look ready to hit the street in the summer heat. My personal favorite look is a cream silk jumper with short-shorts in a dark polka dot. And unlike their gentlemen counterparts, we are seeing a bit of color on the ladies, with coral colored tops and accents.

Another older man comes out and walks the runway for good measure (this one is shaven and more rocker-chic) then the fashion is amped up! The mens and women's clothes are both sleeker and, at least for the boys, chicer. It seems that now we have gone from day to night- where the proportion of black in the ensembles makes a bit more sense, even if it is supposed to be spring. I am sure that it doesn't hurt that it seems like they have saved their better looking (and better walking) models for this section of the show - since apparently quickchanges weren't an option. the dark black outfits on the ladies are brightened up with white stripes to add a nautical yet dramatic feel to them.

The video art piece projected throughout the show was very well thought out and well tied into the show; that is, until the unfortunate Greenpeace ad at the end. Stupidly and unnecessarily politicizing, it almost makes me dislike the whole collection even though there were a few worthwhile garments.

Vicki Otero - Spring 2011

The opening look combined with the harp music gave a very Victorian / Alice in Wonderland doll feel, which quickly jumped back and forth with a sort of retro-modern style. Dark color palette of blacks and greys with heavier looking fabric than you might expect from a Spring/Summer collection was combined with platform with platform shoes so hideous you would almost think they are orthopedic...

The first white garments are (not) surprisingly unfresh - with a bib detail that is at one moment baby doll and the next sailor boy. Finally we get some plausible spring dresses, but even when they are flouncy they feel too heavy in grey and dark blue hues. The color suddenly shifts to include a bright lipstick red with black - seemingly coming out of nowhere and then disappearing back into nothing - which I think is where it belongs. A white cowl-back top paired with a black skirt followed by a white overcoat and great scarf tied in a bow (in black of course) try to salvage the collection at the end. The show finishes as we see a tango singer come out to stand off the last model like a matador with a bull.

Other than the last two looks the white Alice in Wonderland dress on the harpist and the all white linen suit on the singer my be the best outfits in the show. I can only hope that they were also made by Vicki Otero. In the end, the only thing heavier than the fabrics pleated and folded upon the models is their makeup - a fuchsia eye with accented heavy eyebrows definitely read spring (if you are Frida Kahlo).

Evangelina Bomparola - Spring 2011

The show opened strong with an elegantly tailored tangerine jumpsuit, followed by multi-colored graphic and geometric pieces in an ivory, camel, and tangerine palette. She is clearly drawing inspiration from the late 70s and early 80s. At times this was in a very modern way like her shift dresses, which are simultaneously architectural and structureless - in the best possible way. While at others very literal, as with the odd pair of bellbottoms included in the collection. The color palette expands to include exuberant accents of magenta and canary as well.

Her high waisted short-shorts will definitely give girls a reason to hit the elliptical before spring gets here. A series of canary dresses bring some pop back into the collection while highlighting the aforementioned architecturality of the collection as they float down the runway. Stunning gold zipper details are highlighted bu the black trim surrounding them - really making this detail stand out on these otherwise bright and weightless garments. The Mondrian inspired clothes are perfect for a cocktail or a gala event, whether you are supporting the MALBA or the MOMA. Truly a modern sensibility for dressing women, Evangelina has managed to pull some of the best elements from the past and drag them into the present.

Unfortunately, as a series of gorgeous ivory dresses with magenta accents came out the musicians either ran out of things to play or encountered technical difficulties, distracting from the show - always something to think about when you choose to use live musicians in a show. The cacophony of noise started up again- now sounding more like a siren than music - just as the last model stepped off the runway. Such a tragic way to end an otherwise splendid show...

Buenos Aires Fashion Week

The stage was set for my first South American fashion show. Other than the setup for a live band on the runway and ads playing from jumbotrons before the show - this seemed just like any other runway event. It is quite remarkable how fashion people all seem to look the same, no matter where you are in the world. And of course, there was the requisite amount of pushing, herding, and standing in line. The main salon (much larger in size than the two runway salons combined) feels more like one of the trade shows La Rural is famous for hosting, than anything I have seen in New York. This led to the event feeling somewhat smaller market, not dissimilar to the up and coming Philly Fashion Week (which I was ever so lucky to model at once upon a time...) Perhaps a trip to Brasil is in order to see if this is just how things are done in South America. Also Interesting is how centralized everything is - with all of the PR seemingly handled by through the fashionweek organization rather than individual PR firms, and without upstart rival shows happening all around town.

Stay tuned for the resulting articles...

Articles are now up for:

Cora Groppo
Evangelina Bomparola
Grupo 134
Hermanos Estebecorena
Maria Vazquez
Varanasi
Vicki Otero

ANATOMIE - Shopping at The Hampton Classic

ANATOMIE was founded by Shawn and Kate Boyer, a power couple with both fitness and fashion backgrounds, who have also designed collections for Elite Models, Fashion Sport, Cigarette Offshore Racing and Lamborghini. Featuring French and Italian fabrics and tailoring, these clothes are perfect for the woman on the go. Shawn and Kate describe their creations as "sophisticated and sexy, just like the women who wear them."

ANATOMIE is poised to be the tupperware of sportswear. You don't have to wait for a trunk show near you, or even run out to your local boutique, since ANATOMIE will do in home shopping parties for you and your friends...

Timo! Wallets x Not a Gallery

Headed out to the Hamptons this weekend? If you aren't you should be - to check out the launch of Timo! Wallets x Not a Gallery, a new collaboration between digital artist Justin Belmont and fashion designer Timo Weiland. The event will take place at the summer location of NOT A GALLERY at TENET: 91 Main Street, Southampton, NY with complementary cocktails from 6-8 pm. You won't need your wallet for your drinks at this event, but you can definitely pick up an awesome new one.

BMW Guggenheim Lab Launches in NYC

BMW Guggenheim Lab to Launch in New York in August 2011 See the project at http://www.bmwguggenheimlab.org/index.php?option=com_mediastorm&view=videos&task=view&id=3

Focusing on Comfort in the City, the BMW Guggenheim Lab has launched its first of nine projects today on the border zone between the East Village and the LES. This community forum space will travel to Europe and Asia before returning to the Guggenheim Museum where the information gathered will be presented. Over the Lab’s six-year migration, there will be three distinct mobile structures and thematic cycles. Each structure will be designed by a different architect, and each will travel to three cities around the globe. The structure is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1-9 pm (with extended hours of 10am - 10pm on weekends). Looks like the East Side has found its answer to the highline... but only until October 16th!

Severin's Pop-Up Shop, Party, & Presentation

Brenna Wallace's new line Severin is having it's first presentation and party on Wednesday, August 10th from 7-10 pm. The event will take place at the LES's one stop art, fashion, and music wateringhole - Gallery Bar (120 Orchard St). Severin, founded in 2010, is a contemporary womenswear collection that is minimalistic in body, rock & roll at heart, and aims for comfort and quality in its soul. Enjoy the mid-week drinks and beats while picking up some hot new Severin designs. Open bar from 7-8 pm, contact info@severinnyc.com to RSVP!