Fashion Group International Rising Stars - Menswear

Congratulations to the menswear designers that have been selected as finalists for the Fashion Group International's Rising Stars awards. FGI recognizes emerging talent in the Fashion and Design industries in the following categories: Accessories - Beauty/Fragrance Corporate - Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur - Fine Jewelry - Home/Interior - Menswear - Retail - Women's RTW. To see more about all of the nominees, check out FGI's announcement and photos!

See below for more information on the four menswear designers Luis M. Fernandez (NUMBER: LAB), Simon Spurr (SIMON SPURR), Ian Velardi (IAN VELARDI), and Rob Magness (GROWN & SEWN).

Photography in Motion from César Mansilla Sialer

Buenos Aires based, Peruvian born, photographer César Mansilla Sialer has one of the best photography videos I have seen in a while - but maybe thats because it isn't really a video. Rather than attempting a switch to narrative video to get his work out to the public - he has taken the art of slideshow above and beyond with his Photography Reel. The illusion of time and movement is still achieved, while highlighting his ability to capture a still image (rather than showing some new technique). Don't believe me that it isn't just a slideshow... see for yourself!

Commonwealth Propper hosts Cocktails for a Cause

At Commonwealth Propper they Hate Cancer and Love Moustaches, so they have dedicated the month of November to supporting Movember, a moustache growing charity event held each year that raises funds and awareness for cancer, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. Therefore for the month of November 10% of Commonwealth Propper sales will be donated to the charity. Help them kickoff this month of giving back by heading down to 1732 Spruce Street and having come cocktails from Art in the Age for their monthly happy hour. Great clothes and a great cause, what else does a gentleman need - great cocktails, of course, but they will have that too!

Christian Cota and Doutzen Kroes at Fashion's Night Out

Super exciting event for tomorrow's Fashion's Night Out... Christian Cota and Doutzen Kroes will be creating one of a kind prints using pixal paint screens at Saks Fifth Avenue on the third floor from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Then hop downtown to check out the launch of Christian Cota's shoe line for Aldo at their Soho store (579 Broadway) from 7:30 - 8:30 PM. Two events in one day, especially so close to fashion week, seems almost superhuman - but if any designer can do it, Christian is surely the man for the job!

Livestreaming Fashion Week from Metro Velvet TV

Watch live streaming video from metrovelvet at livestream.com

If this isn't working you should check it out at MetroVelvet

House of Major - Fashion to the Max

With fashion week coming up, I couldn't help but share this hot ticket. Former Heatherette designer Richie Rich is teaming up with the fashion forward Jean-Luc Quevauvill​iers to produce what can only be an amazing satorial extravaganza... Knowing these two over the top designers, if there is one show not to miss this season, it is this.

Fashion's Night Out now Fashion's Night In...

Don't worry if you can't make it to NYC for Fashion's Night Out this year. Pop princess Alex Young’s recently launched fashion line “A Young Rose” will be a participating e-tailer this Fashion’s Night Out on September 8th. New this year, Fashion’s Night Out will include online retailers, allowing people who can’t make it out a chance to still participate in the stylish evening (you just have to supply your own champagne...) To celebrate Fashion’s Night Out, recording artist Alex Young will give away a FREE DOWNLOAD of her upcoming and never-before-heard single, “Don’t Play With Me” with any purchase from her online boutique on September 8th, 2011 – the day of Fashion’s Night Out. This hot, 70s sounding new track will definitely get you dancing and is Alex’s first single off her upcoming DIGITAL CAPSULE of songs to be released fall 2011.

Listen to “Don’t Play With Me”

Shop at “A Young Rose” Online Boutique

Brooklyn Royalty - Fashion Week Launch Party

Independent label Brooklyn Royalty is collaborating with killer website Brokelyn on a new apparel collection that is set to launch during September 2011 Fashion Week. The launch party will be Friday, September 16th from 7:00-10:00 PM at Mission Dolores, a great bar and event space at Fourth Avenue and Carroll Street. The men's and women's tees & tanks being launched will be sported by models and also available for sale to the public.

In keeping with the Brokelyn ethos, nothing will be over $20 and as part of this inaugural launch, each shirt will come with a package of neighborhood discounts available for those sporting the Brokelyn collection. There will also be delicious drink specials, fashion week-related prize giveaways, and free temporary tattoos if you want to blazon yourself Brooklyn pride (at least for the night...)

Discounts Include:
* 2-for-1 beer or coffee at Flying Saucer on Tuesdays
* 2-for-1 drinks at Bocca Lupo after 10:30 on Friday and Saturday nights
* 2-for-1 beer at karaoke Wednesdays, MikNic Lounge
* A free one-bite appetizer at St. Austere restaurant in Williamsburg
* And way more than we can list here!

To contact Brooklyn Royalty designer Bob Bland, email brooklynroyalty@gmail.com. You can also reach Brokelyn founder Faye Penn at faye@brokelyn.com. Mission Dolores is located at 249 4th Ave at Carroll St.

Burberry Body

Maybe it is just me... but the newest video from Burberry seems a bit... ehem... suggestive. Though the simplicity of the shots by Mario Testino are incredible and striking, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is beautiful as always, I am a bit suprised at how sexually provocative the video feels. Between the intimate tone of the video (totally appropriate for a perfume that is supposed to make you feel sexy) and the sleek product packaging (again elegant and appropriate, though perhaps overly phallic) there seems to be something more that the video alludes to. Apparently if you get the new Body from Burberry (launched today) you will have everybody you need for a good time...

Nudes by Sophie Delaporte - Opening Sept. 22 at Sous Les Etoiles

Inspired by high fashion (and her career as a British fashion photographer), Sophie Delaporte claims that with her new series Nudes she has been able to overcome the limitations offered by fashion photography. Her photography has alway brought about a spirit of vivacity and intuition which is now translated with a new energy into graphic simplicity. Accessories such as paper, fabric, and furniture, embellish the pose of the model to create a dramatic and playful elasticity of movement. With her own colors, her way of staging, and the joy of her imagery, Delaporte lets these fashion butterflies take flight - sans clothing.

The show opens at Sous Les Etoiles Gallery in New York on September 22nd from 6:00-9:00 PM. The gallery is located at 560 Broadway Suite 205. A catalog will be released with a foreword by Vicki Goldberg, journalist and critic, who has overseen photography’s rise in contemporary art over the past 25 years.

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

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

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.

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.