A little gypsy soul, a little downtown chic...

Who doesn’t love December in NYC? To me – winter time means furry vests and jackets, luxe over-the-knee boots, hats, scarves, shawls and sequins. My favorite way to dress for the cold is simply by layering; pairing textures (my go-to is skinny leather pants, a cashmere boyfriend sweater with a little sequin tank underneath – pair with satin lace-up booties and some fingerless gloves and voila! – brunch attire).


The kids over at Haute Hippie and Libra Leather get it. Last night’s cozy soiree down at the Haute Hippie boutique (co-hosted by HH + Libra Leather) in Nolita was all about the texture and the mood. From the animal skin rugs to the soft fur vests, guests were immediately transported out of the NYC cold into, what I can only describe as a chic African safari tent. An event to promote HH’s new line – Haute Hoodie, party-goers were encouraged to shop for beautiful statement pieces (fur calf-length vests and textured suede pants) as well as take a look at the new Haute Hoodie line for men and women – described basically as easy Sunday attire with style (printed cardigans, oversized knit sweaters, ponchos, scarves all perfect for layering) while sipping cocktails and listening to awesome tunes.  Personal styling was available and playing dress-up was encouraged.  This party was the perfect blend of downtown cool with a touch of sophistication. Fabulous job Sam Jones and the rest of the Haute Hippie + Libra Leather family!

Some of my favorite pieces from last night...

xx - Stephanie D'Andrea

Bibhu Mohapatra's Leather Embossed Studded Leather/Fur Jacket

Bibhu Mohapatra besides being one of the nicest, chillest, honest people I know, he is also one of the MOST TALENTED FASHION DESIGNERS that I'm lucky enough to work with each season. 

Mitch & I found this skin in Paris last year and I knew that Bibhu was going to go INSANE when he saw it. The stud embossed nubuck leather/ Fur combo was perfectly executed - Just the right balance of Classic + Biker Chic. It's no surprise that this DOPE piece was just featured in ELLE Mag.

Hopefully I'll sell enough leather to be able to rock one of these bad boys for fall.... (in black of cos!)

xx

Sam Jones



*Fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra was born in the Indian state of Orissa, June 15, 1972. He earned a masters in economics from Utah State University 1996, then moved to New York City in 1996 to enroll in the Fashion Institute of Technology. In 1997, while still at F.I.T, he was awarded Fashion Institute of Technology's Critic’s Award for Best Evening Wear Designer of the Year.


After F.I.T., Halston hired Mohapatra as an assistant designer. Then in 1999 he was named Design Director of the French furrier, J. Mendel. Over the next ten years, Mohapatra shifted the emphasis of J. Mendel to a more youthful look, at the same time expanding its ready-to-wear collections. His creations were featured regularly in fashion magazines Style.com DNA New York Magazine Wall Street Journal Vogue Vogue Russia and were worn by Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchet, Sienna Miller and other style icons.

Following J. Mendel's Spring 2008 collection, Mohapatra resigned in order to establish his own label: Bibhu Mohapatra. Since then, he has presented several collections of luxury women's ready to wear, rtw, couture and fur , under his own name in New York during Fashion Week. Mr. Mohapatra lives and works in New York.

In June 2010 Mr. Mohapatra was elected a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, CFDA.

*Wikipedia