NEWS

I will be going to Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Thailand until December! There will be a big renovation of the blog when I get back, with a new feature showcasing clothes I have for sale. I collected waaaaayy too much over the years, and it needs to go..my closets are begging for a breath of fresh air. In the meantime here are a few inspiration images for projects, art, and design! See you guys in December!

Bird by Juicy Couture

Daily Wear: Mad World

Because that's what it feels likes.

It's been a while.

I've been busy with work :( Sorry. Trying my best to keep up with everything, but I usually don't get back home until 7 and by then I'm dead tired (what's been occupying me? The production office of: IMPROVD. )

I saw the September Issue finally last night. Nothing special there really. There were a few laughs but I've been so disenchanted with the fashion industry lately that it just seemed like a tedious task to watch it. I must say, the ridiculousness of Andre Leon Talley kind of made it worth it. I also appreciate Grace Coddington more as a person. She seems to have a solid head in an industry surrounded by flakes and fools.

Some favorites

I have an absurd amount of pictures. I literally went through all the free collections on display at FirstVIEW...not to mention style.com. I'll make this into a small picture post though due to my fear of blogger exploding.

How weird?

Currently I'm still being amused by the large statue of a very ornate horse that was ordered for the showroom...because, really, that horse is ginormous (as you can tell by the horse/clothes models scale--I mean, I'm smaller than the model forms!!).  On another note, my little cubicle is becoming more of an inspiration area for design which makes me feel better about coming in and sitting here. I can now directly relate my fashion trend research to the mood for next season's line.

Daily Wear: Suede in the rain

Who knew suede is ruined by rain? Just kidding. 

I'm sorry for not posting more often. I really have been swamped. My days now consist of me sitting in front of my laptop in a little office, squinting to find out whether the girl in the picture is wearing coated denim or leather. I went through literally 200+ full collections so far, between yesterday and today. A few new names for me whose collections I liked: Alena Akhmadullina, Animale, Gori de Palma. Check them.

The ups and downs

Good news is, I'm still alive. Bad news is, it's becoming harder to post as often. I started a new job on Thursday at a showroom (Scatola, here in NYC), and I've been a busy bee since (morning-8pm type of deal). 

 Another piece of good new is, I'm doing a lot of style/trend research for the line the showroom is launching, which is pretty much what I do anyway for the blog.Picture posts coming soon!

A few pics

This girl looked stunning in a gown of zippers and flowing white (her friend designed it) at the Style Like U party.

Stylish and beautiful Theresa.

(Emannuel designs some amazing pieces-- check them out on his site)

Jonathan, Brad and I

From Thursday night out. Forgive the blurriness of some. My only regret is not taking a pic of Lady GaGa while she was reapplying her make-up next to a tiny candle at the bar... because come on.. that's kind of funny and priceless. Although another highlight was when Emmanuel was approached by her about his shoulder piece and asked what he does..he replied he's an artist and designer and then asked LG, "What do you do?" She didn't like that.

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Back

I took the weekend (and a half) off again. I think I'm finding my posting balance at last. I burn out if I spend too much time on the blog, and I begin missing and thinking about it constantly if I don't post in two days. I think it's best to just take the weekends off and fill everyone in during the rest of the week, being a one-man show. 

First order of business: the NOMIA S/S2010 presentation. Designer Yara Flinn gave an intimate viewing at the Envoy gallery of her latest endeavors. I loved seeing that she stays true to her roots and continues her collections based on great feminine silhouettes with non-traditional elements (a la cut-out side panels). I also love knowing that I'll take a look at the clothes for as long as I need and get as clothes as I want! I'm a strong believer in giving showroom style clothing presentations. Runway shows are fun, but honestly, you don't get the complete 360 on the clothes in a 10 minute presentation. Kudos to Yara for showing her clothes at the gallery.

Yara Flinn, designer behind Nomia

What I love about the dresses is that the cut-out paneling (a hot ticket feature for spring/summer 2010) is paired with some mesh. It ensures any extra skin won't wind up looking bumptious. It also gives the pieces a lot of versatility. The mesh could go rock-and-roll with some leather accessories or classic with  a fitted jacket worn over. Such versatility should be respected at a time when the recession is cutting spending habits.

Fitted silk dress in sand with black mesh neckline and fishnet center detail

Silk cage dress in nude with black mesh side inserts (back)

Silk cage dress in nude with black mesh side inserts (front)--absolutely in love with it!

Duotone silk toga dress in nude/black--another winner in my book

Resin coated linen dress in black with mesh inserts and front metal zipper

Check out Nomia! 

I swear

I will post as soon as I get some food in me to absorb any leftover alcohol. In short: Nomia S/S 2010 collection, Rochambeau S/S 2010, Stylelikeu.com launch party, Wildfox party, Lady Gaga and Brad from Rachel Zoe inc. @ Broadway East, and a lot of very beautiful+stylish people.

Veruschka, what's not to love?

NY Minute Snapshot: Alexander Wang

Compared to his A/W 2009 collection, S/S 201o is more younger and sportier. No surprise seeing as his inspiration was football. The clothes are very wearable for the most part (though not many will pull out their backless knee-highs) and combine solid outwear elements with softer chiffon and intimates. Particular favorites are below, though I'm rethinking the bodysuits with sheer dresses. There's something kitschy boudoir in them which reminds me of feather pom-pom kitten heels.

(Images from Style.com // by Marcio Madeira)

NY Minute Snapshot: Araks

Araks Yeramyan delivered a collection of wearable casual pieces with an air of quirkiness. The clothes are neat and cute, though nothing exciting. I would love to see Araks deliver some cocktail or evening pieces in the future. With only 12 pieces in this collection, I'm sure she's capable of fitting a few more looks in for versatility.

(Image from style.com// courtesy of Araks)

NY Minute Snapshot: Altuzarra

With incredible attention to detail and a mash of expensive fabrics, Joseph Altuzarra's S/S 2010 delivers a seductive edge to a boho feel. Though light airy fabrics and brown suede usually remind me of the '70s, this collection's execution brings it into a completely modern perspective. The long poncho is particularly striking.

(Images from Style.com // by Marcio Madeira)

Going crazy--trend report Spring/Summer 2010

Looking through all these collections so far is mind-boggling and tiresome. 

What to expect for a good portion of next year?

Sheers

"Tribal" (think urban, though)

Cut-outs

Elegant draping

Bursts of color

Busy prints

Bold graphics

Wide legged pants (and don't forget to roll them up or cuff on the bottom)

Suits

the twentyten

One-sleeve mesh block shirt/ snail skirt

nail clutch

snail dress/ nail clutch

make-out guard/ latex dress (how cute is the make-out guard!)

mesh-back tank/ moto jacket/ coral skirt

snail tank/ stirrup pant/ sand coated cube bracelet

python bowtie/ dip dyed button front shirt/ mesh cardigan/ latex coated knit trouser

1. drape tank/snail jacket/ knit trouser 2. drape gown/ sand coated sleeveless jacket

drape gown (completely ethereal!)

V tee shirt/ latex skirt with nail harness

shoulder dress/ nail cube bracelet

mesh gown (completely in love with it)

Collection two. The three young designers who met at Pratt university presented their second (seasonless) collection today at Envoy gallery. The collection was pulled together and executed well with hardware accented accessories and elegant draping. The sheer pieces were particularly enticing next to the latex skirts and dresses. That elegant, goth charm is my weakness, and the designers delivered a strong collection. It was also a great idea to showcase menswear next to womenswear, although I feel like the menswear took a backseat. I know I didn't pay particular attention to the python bowtie and the latex knit shorts..part of it due to the crowded environment. I love the idea of standing models and the up close and personal look at the clothing, but the space didn't allow for much movement. Taking a photo of an outfit proves to be extremely difficult when there's a thousand large bags in the way. I also love the seasonless idea to their collections, although the latex items seem to be more appropriate for bouts of chillier weather. The fabric choices almost defined the seasons although they looked light enough for any pairing!

More about:

the twentyten is an independent label composed of three designers, Nina Zilka, Jeff Dodd, and David J. Krause, who met at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York studying fashion design.

the twentyten creates architectural shapes that flatter the wearer’s body. their aesthetic has a sculptural focus, yet a wearable ease. their mission as designers is to create interesting, architectural garments that still maintain an ease and comfortability. the twentyten's designs are for the woman and man who always like to look sophisticated, but never look like they tried too hard to get there.

thetwentyten.com