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 SP11: Katie Gallagher

I just love Katie Gallagher and all of her oeuvre! This young, bold designer is indeed coming into her own.  Her latest collection (SS11 ) featured sporty- rocker chic pieces that would make Ga-Ga's head spin. My favorite was the nubuck leather jacket in royal blue- SICK!


Katie presented at Stoll Fashion & Technology Center located in the heart of the garment district- this venue really is the ideal space for aspiring designers to utilize for sales meetings and or presentations.  They also boast the worlds largest knitwear archive, a pattern libary  & hand knitting courses. Great Location.


Katie Gallagher

LOVE!!!!!

xx
Sam Jones

NYFW SP11: Duckie Brown

First off let me just start by saying that Daniel Silver and Steven Cox are my FAVORITE designers to work with.  They always call me an hour or so before they're looking to come in and start the convo with "Sam, I know it's last minute but, we only have 20 minutes or so"- two hours go by and all three of our stomachs are killing us from laughing so hard. They're the happiest couple I know, I'm inspired by their presence alone.

The show got off to a late start but once the lights started to dim and the music started to pump I started to get chills. The energy was INSANE.

There were no bells and whistles as far as the set up but with good reason- the clothing was the decoration.  I LOVED how they mixed different prints, different fabrics and different colors! Clearly their inspiration was derived from Fun & Happiness. Their palette reminded me of Eden Rock in Saint Barth's... I would love to see my significant other rocking this trendy, quirky, chill collection.

 

xx

Sam Jones

NYFW SP11 Kimberly Ovitz, Made Her Think & LNA

                                        

So it's the second night of Fashion Week in NYC and Milk Studio was, of course, a "shit show". There were about 6 designers presenting their Spring 2011 collections in various spaces spread out along the 8th floor with very little direction as to which room belonged to which designer. I'm talking MASSES of people scrambling around like sheep. Not Surprised. Perhaps signs with the exhibitors name should have been larger then the 8x10 sheet of paper that was camouflaged by the hundreds upon hundreds of visitors. I Love Milk Studio for individual presentations but when they're hosting multiple showcases theres usually chaos- especially during Fashion Week. 

After 10 minutes of frustration, I finally found Kimberly Ovitz's room and was BLOWN AWAY-well worth the few minutes of aggravation. 

Kimberly Ovitz 

One Word: LOVE. The set up really represented Kim's abstract, minimalist aesthetic with this amazing architectural white zig-zag display where the models were on display. 

This is by far my favorite of her collections. Each piece was chic, classic, edgy and sexy with subtle hints of her modern punk persona. I love that there were no colors but, rather shades of black and white demonstrating both good & evil. (That's how I interpreted it anyway.) The only thing that I wasn't crazy about was the leather, or the lack there of... 

p.s. The models were all wearing the same rocker-chic booties-Loved!!!

           

      

                    

                                                                      

                                      

                                    

Meredith Kahn, Made Her Think

Besides being one of the coolest women I know, Meredith Kahn is a creative force to be reckoned with.  Made Her Think is my favorite (affordable) everyday jewelry. In fact, i've been rocking my knuckle buster pave ring every day for the last two years! I've recently started working with Meri on her "with-it" leather handbags. I love this new collection, it's innovative, cutting edge and reminiscent of Tim Burton & Marie Antoinette's love child. (Um... who's hat am I wearing?)

MHT Look Book... LOVE!!!

LNA
Truth be told; I walked into the LNA presentation for nothing more then shits and giggles. Although cute and comfy, I don't find the line so interesting but, then again, if they threw some leather into the mix-they might be on to something! (Call Me.)


 There were however, the most interesting looking, fashionable people in the LNA spot. So since I liked the vibe, I decided to stick around...

Conde Nast (Don't leave home without em)




xx

Sam Jones