NYFW SS11: CYNTHIA STEFFE

 The rain was falling, my hair was frizzing, and my feet were blistered from the 5 inch wedges I dubbed my "fashion week shoes" which  I consequently stuffed my feet into. I got to the show about 15 minutes early and patiently waited for my plus one Andrew to show up. Upon his arrival I excitedly pulled out my invitation and anxiously awaited my seating assignment. Much to my disappointment the woman simply stated- "You're standing." I held my tongue took a flute of champagne and moseyed on in. 

There were white picnic benches set up in a U shape with seating in the middle as well as along the sides. On the seats were tiny black boxes which made me want a seat even more. Andrew and I took our places against the wall, but this was Libra's leather, and I deserved a seat- so I took one. The chatter about the show got progressively louder, and the room was filled with excitement. They let the anticipation grow for about 45 minutes, the lights cued, the music sounded, and the show began. 

The first dress down the runway was an eye catcher- a honey colored white trim halter dress. It was fun flirty, and set the mood for the rest of the show. The clothing was elegant, bright, flowy, and totally chic. It was a modern spin on classic European style, and there was SO MUCH LEATHER! There were leather trimmed jackets, leather bustiers, leather skirts, and leather hoodies. I LOVED IT ALL. The clothing moved with ease and the prints were bright and warm- even the shoes supplied by Via Spiga were to die for. All I can say is Shaun Kearney- you rocked it. The collection was the perfect combination of edgy refined chic.

xx

Jen Moore

NYFW SS11: MAX AZRIA

Walking into the Max Azria show was surreal. Just a few years ago I worked retail for him, and now, I had a seat. As I was walking through the door I was spotted.... "Jen!!" a girl screamed excitedly, as I looked up it was one of my old coworkers. She looked at me, and said...."How do you have a seat?" my response? "It's all about the leather." Maybe I should have held my tongue because to my dismay there was not much leather at all. 

The room was simple and elegant, the music was soft and subtle. It had a very zen feeling with light grays and whites, seating up the walls, between the runway, and then up against the other wall where I was firmly planted in my 4th row seat. The first row was designated for all the "important" people aka the celebs who I guess were too important to actually attend. I heard buzz about Ashlee Simpson, Pete Wentz, an Kelly Rowland, but none were there to be seen, however the people who were there were there for one common reason- the collection. 

Max Azria Spring 2011, is not much different than his last few collections. The materials are light, airy, silky, and totally ethereal. He used warm beiges, whites, seafoam greens and obviously black. The collection seemed to be slightly Chanel and Calvin/Helmut inspired from cropped tweed jackets to black scoop neck sheath dresses. Although the Azrias did a good job at keeping me interested in the details.. nothing was truly "different", although beautiful indeed. This may be brash, but stop playing it safe, and get your own aesthetic, it seems as though every collection has been drawn from someone else's. That being said, they are great at making knock- offs and should probably continue what they're best at- the clothing is undeniably beautiful.

xx

Jen Moore

NYFW SP11: BCBG Max Azria

Effortless. Chic. Timeless. Versatile. Sexy. BCBG (Max & Lubov Azria) delivered a vintage inspired lady-like glamour - and their execution was exquisite.

I loved every single ethereal dress that floated across the runway. 

I sat within arms reach of Ashley Simpson & Kelly Rowland and was tempted to ask them if they both use the same plastic surgeon since their noses resembled eachother. Anna Wintour looked beautiful, really.

xx

Sam Jones