Who says fashion week has lost its fun? Libertine designer, Johnson Hartig, has proved the naysayers wrong. His collection was bright and full of color even though the designs were almost all black and white. Almost every piece was playful and driven by youth culture. A full skirt and t-shirts were printed with the phrase “Tax the rich more" and coats and mini dresses were patterned with x’s and o’s. Even the shoes were spirited and were a black and white print that extended from the tights.
Standout trend: In a season that almost every designer is showing bright or florescent colors Johnson's collection was almost strictly black and white.
How to get the look: At the end of a party filled night, take all the pins out of your hair and shake it out really well. Then rub your eyes a bit to get your eye liner to give the effect of a smoky eye at 1am.
Who makes it work: The party girl who isn't worried about what others are saying. She does the talking and makes the rules....
Bright colors and a lady like silhouettes ruled the runway at Jill Stuart. The use of drop-waisted shifts and inverted-pleat skirts that were often mid-knee reminded us of classic Italian styling. Like many of the collections we've seen thus far, Stuart used bright colors to liven her designs. Bright orange-reds, mint greens and turquoise kept the collection lively and young.
Standout trend: Dreamy femininity with a 1960s twist. Chunky two-tone metallic heels were a major crowd pleaser.
How to get the look: Blow hair until almost dry and work in lots of mouse. Blow your front bangs straight with a large round brush. When the rest of your hair is just about dry, tease and finish with hairspray to give the appearance of a teenager's unfussy hair.
Who makes it work: Barbie can make any of these designs look great even after she has been thrown around in the toy box...
The Honor show proved to embody an understated elegance through the use of delicate materials, soft pastel colors and classic feminine tailoring. Designer, Giovanna Randall, used a-line skirts, bright pantsuits and flat shoes to create a look that was both refreshing and playful.
Standout trend: Effortlessly chic short jumpsuits that button up to an exaggerated collar; A perfect play on cool-chick androgyny when paired with lace-up Oxford flats.
How to get the look: Part your hair far over to one side and carefully sweep it over one ear. Pull the other side tight and fasten a loose, low ponytail. Spray to keep in place. Keep a clean face for an easy look, only adding lower lid eyeliner and tons of mascara, emphasizing the lower lashes. Use a pink matte lipstick to enhance the natural color of the lips.
Who makes it work: Off-duty models and waspy working girls who like to keep things simple and chic.
Koren designer, Son Jung Wan presented a youthful, experimental collection ranging from elegant, tailored pieces to funky leather ensembles with splashes of snakeskin. Sequins, fringe detail, and pocket embellishments made for an unpredictable display of various trends.
Standout trend: Navy blue silk tapered dress with a pleated back and leather fringed shoulder straps.
How to get the look: First part hair on the side with a fine toothed comb and remove any tangles. Next, separate your hair into two large pieces and, using the comb along the side of your head, tightly wrap one section over the other and secure with large bobby pins. Push the up towards your scalp to create a voluminous ponytail. Fix any strays with small pins that match your hair color and spray all over.
Line the eyes with black liquid eyeliner and use a touch of brown shadow over the top lid. Use a pale pink or nude lipstick with a clear gloss over the top for a pretty pout.
Who makes it work: Rockstar girlfriends tiny enough for leather shorts, but classy enough to appreciate the effortless appeal of a tailored blazer....
Tadashi Shoji invited fashion lovers to a lively garden party where his cloths were inspired by a variety of flowers but particularly the tulip. Luckily not all the garments were literal replications of the tulip. Tadashi used the color gradation of the flower to punctuate his deigns and accentuate the natural beauty of his flowing fabrics. The runway was filled with umbrae painted dresses and pretty tiered ruffle gowns.
Standout trend: Dresses that have he structure of having been just pollinated
How to get the look: After your hair is dry, use a comb to create a side part. Pin the front of your hair back while leaving the rest to flow free.
Who makes it work: An effortless beauty at a summer cocktail party or more formal garden party affair....
I just wanted to take a moment and thank all of the readers who participated in our Fashion's Night Out event that was sponsored by the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District. It was so much fun to meet so many readers. I hope that everyone enjoyed their prizes and can't wait to do it again next year!!!
By: L. Evans
Ippolita, which is known for their fine silver and gold jewelry, celebrated fashion week with a showcase of art and sculpture, in an exhibit called Reliquary. Giant glass blown sculptures representing containers for precious objects were exhibited in an industrial loft on the Highline Stages.
Each sculpture was between three and 12 feet high and was accompanied by video and light installations. Remarkable handiwork clearly went into each creation that was made over a multilayer period by glass and steel artists.
The exhibit offered a sense of the artistic sentiment and influence Ippolita brings to all of her work. The pieces reflected Ippolita’s highly modern and sculptural style. The Reliquary event will undoubtedly inspire shoppers to take a look at Ippolita's latest collection and appreciate the artist behind the brand. The designer's sterling silver friendship bracelet is being sold at the exhibit for $125 and feels like a true work of art in the setting of an art instillation ....
This season, Joy Cioci seems to be channeling the optimism of spring with the tradition of the Kentucky Derby. Lots of delicate ruffles, oversized floppy hats and gossamer chiffons complimented the neon palate. The extremes of delicate fabrics layered against a bright colors kept the collection seem free and adventurous.
Standout trend: Layered ruffles and casual draping relaxed the collection so that it was modern and not stuffy.
How to get the look: Use bright orange-reds on the lips and cheeks and naturals or nudes on the eyes. Skip the eyeliner and finish with a light layer of mascara. Set the hair in large rollers to get a nice light wave. Remember not to fuss with the curls because it will quickly turn your waves into a frizz craze.
Who makes it work: The proper Southern belle who isn't too shy to show her bright side with color. Perhaps, we should call it Hilly gone wild....