Jil Sander's Raf Simons used orange as one of the staple colors for Spring 2011
Showing posts with label color. Show all posts
Showing posts with label color. Show all posts
Orange Ya Glad To See Some Color?
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, "I'm a neutral girl." Not neutral like Switzerland, rather, I'm partial to a neutral palette when it comes to my clothes. It's a New York thing. But, I certainly appreciate color and I go through little phases of loving a particular hue that speaks to me until I get bored with it and move on. Story of my life!
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Right now, I'm feeling orange. Not fluorescent, safety orange, but something a little more sophisticated, a little softer and slightly more yellow than red. Pumpkin... but a little more intense/saturated. On one hand, it's a bit retro and on the other, it looks fresh. Damn, I wish I had kept that leather skirt from high school... it would have been the perfect time to recycle it!
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On Trend
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the Fall/Winter 2010/2011 ready-to-wear presentation by the Fashion Group Foundation. I’m going to keep today’s post brief, because I’m actually covering the event for the Fashion Group Members Bulletin, so I’ve got to get crackin’ on my article!
As always, FGI’s Creative Director, Marylou Luther, put together a fantastic overview of the collections from New York, London, Milan and Paris. The presentation is so popular in the industry; FGI has four shows in one day in order to accommodate everybody who wants to attend. After the trend overview, panelists Ken Downing (Sr. VP, Fashion Director, Neiman Marcus), Sarah Brown (Beauty Director, Vogue) and Julie Gilhart (Sr. VP, Fashion Director, Barneys) answered questions posed by moderator, Diane von Furstenberg, President of the CFDA. Unfortunately, Robin Givhan (Style, Washington Post) was unable to attend as she was with Mrs. Obama! OK, I guess we can excuse her :-)
The trend overview was full of great information that is essential to editors, designers and buyers. In terms of color, Camel made the biggest statement on the runways -- I called it immediately after the New York Collections (click here for my post “Camel’s Back”). It’s always gratifying to know that I am on the same wavelength as one of the top trend forecasters in the country!
All photo credits: Firstview
As always, FGI’s Creative Director, Marylou Luther, put together a fantastic overview of the collections from New York, London, Milan and Paris. The presentation is so popular in the industry; FGI has four shows in one day in order to accommodate everybody who wants to attend. After the trend overview, panelists Ken Downing (Sr. VP, Fashion Director, Neiman Marcus), Sarah Brown (Beauty Director, Vogue) and Julie Gilhart (Sr. VP, Fashion Director, Barneys) answered questions posed by moderator, Diane von Furstenberg, President of the CFDA. Unfortunately, Robin Givhan (Style, Washington Post) was unable to attend as she was with Mrs. Obama! OK, I guess we can excuse her :-)
New York: Altuzarra (left), London: Burberry (right)
Milan: Fendi (left), Paris: Akris (right)
The trend overview was full of great information that is essential to editors, designers and buyers. In terms of color, Camel made the biggest statement on the runways -- I called it immediately after the New York Collections (click here for my post “Camel’s Back”). It’s always gratifying to know that I am on the same wavelength as one of the top trend forecasters in the country!
Aquascutum (left), Tahari (right)
"Mash-ups” are a trend to look for next season (although, it’s always present). This term refers to the combination of fabrics and prints that normally wouldn’t work together, but when mixed and matched with an artist’s eye, the result is brilliant. Dries Van Noten is the reigning King! Fellow blogger, Elena (fabulous finds) just mentioned this trend on her Facebook page. Again, I love it when great minds think alike!
Dries Van Noten, Fall 2010
The panel discussion was both interesting and encouraging. The message that stuck out for me is that authenticity is more important than ever in this economy. Well, that and Diane von Furstenberg should have been on the panel rather than asking the questions! She has a lot to say and a lot of experience-- I would have preferred to hear more of her point of view. Ms. von Furstenberg did manage to get her two cents in whenever possible. I love a strong woman!
DVF, Fall 2010
The Fashion Group is based in New York, but has regional chapters in cities throughout the country (as well as some international cities). To become a member and to find out about the perks, visit www.fgi.org
All photo credits: Firstview
White Lies
Yves Saint Laurent, Resort 2010
Spring is officially underway and people are anxious to shed their winter layers and break out the shorts and flip flops. But, what about the "rules of fashion" and do they really apply? Are we actually supposed to wait until Memorial Day until it's safe to wear white or open-toe shoes?
Akris (left) & Celine (right), both Spring 2010
I've never been one to play by the rules and I am not a follower. In fashion, it is okay to be an individual and "wear what you want," as my friend WendyB would say. As long as an outfit is fabric appropriate and stylistically tasteful, I say it's perfectly fine to wear white. I wouldn't recommend sporting a little white sundress and sandals just yet, but the looks in today's post would certainly be acceptable. And jeans and a plain, white tee... seasonless. You can never go wrong.
Jil Sander (left) & Michael Kors (right), both Spring 2010
Photo Credits: Firstview
Pastels Please
I know that I have mentioned many times in my posts that I do not wear a lot of color. After all, I'm a New Yorker, for God's sake! Well, the other day I spent my afternoon (and into the wee hours of the night) as an extra on the set of "The Good Wife." I was instructed to bring three changes of wardrobe -- no white, no red and no busy patterns. So, I brought black, black and more black. They actually asked me to put on a cheesy olive colored knit top for one of the scenes and I reluctantly agreed. But, back to the point...
Alberta Ferretti, Spring '08
Spring time is all about color and April calls for pastels in particular. I can't remember the last time I actually went to Church... oh yes, my friend's wedding at St. Patrick's Cathedral. I had to speak in front of everyone -- talk about pressure... and guilt! But, I digress... Anyway, if I were forced to wear pastels, say... to Church, I would only do so if I could choose one of the lovely outfits in this post.
Bottega Veneta, Spring '07
Bottega Veneta, Spring '07
Jonathan Saunders, Spring '09
OK, maybe this is not technically pastel, but I adore Mr. Saunders and had to include him in this post!
Giambatisa Valli, Resort '08
Giambatista Valli, Resort '08
Somehow, masterful Marc Jacobs manages to make pastel colors work for the Fall seasons too! In my humble opinion, he does so much better with Louis Vuitton than he does for his own line! I'm in love with this suit...
Vuitton, Fall '08
Vuitton, Fall '08
Photo Credits: Firstview
Dress Me
help save Sadie, she is cold!
me (left) and WendyB (right) in our matching "gangsta" vests
side view and back view of wendy's vest (on "Sadie")
two-tone kid mohair scarf I knitted
Sylvia Williams models my cotton/nylon/metal jacket and mini
Vintage Advantage
As I mentioned in Thursday’s post, I went to an amazing vintage boutique called FROCK, down in Nolita. I promised to share a little bit more about this fabulous treasure chest of couture and high-end vintage apparel.
First of all, the space is great and I really appreciate how everything is sectioned off by color! According to owner Evan Ross, that is how most people prefer to shop and it forces them to see all of the beautiful pieces that they may have passed over if they were just looking in one particular section, like cocktail attire or sweaters, for example. This makes perfect sense to me. I color code my closet. Well, I actually section off categories first (i.e. jackets, dresses, skirts, pants, etc.) and then I arrange by color. Anal much?
Anyway, Evan is extremely knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I highly recommend paying him a visit and allowing him to pull out some wonderful pieces and style you. As I perused the racks, I happened upon a fantastic Louis Feraud dress. The fabric and the volume spoke to me and even though I knew it would be “too much dress” for me, I simply HAD to try it on! Evan was excited to see it and quickly accessorized me with the perfect red belt and Lucite necklace (an absolutely magnificent piece that I already had my eye on!). Below is the final result…
I’m so in love with this shop and I am interested more than ever in vintage merchandise. I am very disappointed in what’s happening with fashion as of late (with the exception of couture and some other great ready-to-wear designers). I think vintage is newer (in concept) and more interesting than anything you will see in SAKS. In fact, many high-end designers actually purchase vintage pieces and copy them (exactly) for their collections. Then, of course, the moderately priced labels copy the high-end designers and the budget chains eventually copy the moderate labels and suddenly, we see a version of this beautiful Feraud dress in Target! OK, I’m feeling ill. Let’s get back to FROCK…
I had such a lovely visit and became very intrigued by this wonderful little shop, so I asked Evan Ross to answer some questions I could share with all of you…
STACY: How long have you been in business?
EVAN: I’ve been in business now for 7 years -- one and a half as a showroom and the rest as retail.
STACY: Can you give a brief little background as to how you got involved with vintage merchandise?
EVAN: I got into vintage a long time ago starting in high school and then even more in college when I was a "club kid". The collection at the showroom/store started to grow when I was collecting pieces and using pieces during my 11 years as a stylist. I used the pieces for advertising, music videos, celebrity purposes, etc.
STACY: Where do you get most of your product?
EVAN: Pieces come from all resources: private collections, auctions, scouring out of the way places around the globe and from vintage dealers.
STACY: Who are some of your best customers and some famous ones too?
EVAN: The best customers are those with an individual sense of style and an appreciation for quality. At FROCK our vintage wears are for those looking for what we call modern vintage. It is timeless vintage -- clothing that doesn't look like costume. It’s indicative of an era, but not pigeonholed to that era. Some famous clients are Patricia Field, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and the Olsen twins.
STACY: Do you think vintage has gained popularity in the last several years?
EVAN: Vintage has been popular since the "Sex and the City Era", but has seen a resurgence once again as of late. People are interested in individual style. With everything so mass market and produced, vintage clothing affords the wearer to exhibit singular style. You'll never end up on the “who wore it best list” because you'll be the only one. Vintage at FROCK's level also affords the wearer the chance to wear clothing of a certain quality that would be at an unattainable price point in the present day.
FROCK
170 Elizabeth Street
NY, NY 10012
212.594.5380
Frocknyc.com
shop owner, Evan Ross with jewelry designer, WendyB
(both in vintage shades available at FROCK)
View looking toward the back of the shop
Anyway, Evan is extremely knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I highly recommend paying him a visit and allowing him to pull out some wonderful pieces and style you. As I perused the racks, I happened upon a fantastic Louis Feraud dress. The fabric and the volume spoke to me and even though I knew it would be “too much dress” for me, I simply HAD to try it on! Evan was excited to see it and quickly accessorized me with the perfect red belt and Lucite necklace (an absolutely magnificent piece that I already had my eye on!). Below is the final result…
Dress: Louis Feraud Couture, 1982: $1,550
Belt: red snakeskin, circa 1980: $150
Lucite Necklace from the 50's: $1,100
Shoes: in dressing room at Frock
I’m so in love with this shop and I am interested more than ever in vintage merchandise. I am very disappointed in what’s happening with fashion as of late (with the exception of couture and some other great ready-to-wear designers). I think vintage is newer (in concept) and more interesting than anything you will see in SAKS. In fact, many high-end designers actually purchase vintage pieces and copy them (exactly) for their collections. Then, of course, the moderately priced labels copy the high-end designers and the budget chains eventually copy the moderate labels and suddenly, we see a version of this beautiful Feraud dress in Target! OK, I’m feeling ill. Let’s get back to FROCK…
I had such a lovely visit and became very intrigued by this wonderful little shop, so I asked Evan Ross to answer some questions I could share with all of you…
STACY: How long have you been in business?
EVAN: I’ve been in business now for 7 years -- one and a half as a showroom and the rest as retail.
STACY: Can you give a brief little background as to how you got involved with vintage merchandise?
EVAN: I got into vintage a long time ago starting in high school and then even more in college when I was a "club kid". The collection at the showroom/store started to grow when I was collecting pieces and using pieces during my 11 years as a stylist. I used the pieces for advertising, music videos, celebrity purposes, etc.
STACY: Where do you get most of your product?
EVAN: Pieces come from all resources: private collections, auctions, scouring out of the way places around the globe and from vintage dealers.
STACY: Who are some of your best customers and some famous ones too?
EVAN: The best customers are those with an individual sense of style and an appreciation for quality. At FROCK our vintage wears are for those looking for what we call modern vintage. It is timeless vintage -- clothing that doesn't look like costume. It’s indicative of an era, but not pigeonholed to that era. Some famous clients are Patricia Field, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and the Olsen twins.
STACY: Do you think vintage has gained popularity in the last several years?
EVAN: Vintage has been popular since the "Sex and the City Era", but has seen a resurgence once again as of late. People are interested in individual style. With everything so mass market and produced, vintage clothing affords the wearer to exhibit singular style. You'll never end up on the “who wore it best list” because you'll be the only one. Vintage at FROCK's level also affords the wearer the chance to wear clothing of a certain quality that would be at an unattainable price point in the present day.
Wendy Brandes in vintage Bottega Veneta shades she purchased at FROCK
FROCK is located at in New York City at 170 Elizabeth Street between Spring and Kenmare. They offer a range of apparel, handbags, jewelry and accessories from the 50's through 80's. Also, FROCK carries Linda Derector’s collection of vintage sunglasses (as pictured on WendyB above and on Evan & Wendy in the first photo).
FROCK
170 Elizabeth Street
NY, NY 10012
212.594.5380
Frocknyc.com
Love for Lanvin
I know that I promised in yesterday’s post to write more about the amazing vintage shop in Nolita called Frock, but I wanted to get a little more information from owner Evan Ross, so that will have to wait for now. Look for that in a couple of days. But, don’t fret my taffetadarlings, I’ve got some good stuff today!
The Fall 2010 collection that Alber Elbaz created for Lanvin is magnificent. To actually see the dresses in person, feel the fabrics, look at the detail, admire the workmanship… ah… it’s indescribable. The color choices are dark and saturated; aubergine, slate and green so dark it looks black. Even though there is stretch built into most of the fabrics, the qualities are so heavy and so tightly knit that the elastane offers little help in terms of getting the garment onto the body, but it does allow for movement once you’re in it! I happen to love the heavy fabrics. I feel securely “tucked in” – kind of like a little sausage! Also, the fabrics lend themselves to the raw cut edges that Elbaz is fond of using.
Rachel Mabel (left), Stacy Lomman (right) in Lanvin Fall 2010
here are the same pieces on the runway, Lanvin Fall 2010
(remember, these models are 6" taller than us!)
I met up with my friend, accessory designer Rachel Mabel, this afternoon to view and try on the new Lanvin collection at a trunk show at Barney’s. Rachel is a total Barney’s girl and a very loyal Lanvin customer. I, on the other hand, am a very loyal Lanvin FAN. Customer? Not at the moment. Let’s see what happens with the economy this year… Anyway, it’s still a total blast trying on the pieces from the runway (or squishing into them in my case).
lace dress on me
same dress on model in Lanvin's Fall 2010 show (why can't I have her legs?)
Lanvin feather trim dress on Sasha Pivovarova and on me (right-- obviously)
Rachel tried on a couple of spring pieces as well and fell in love with one of Lanvin’s bags. I had my eye on a giant Celine bag on the main floor, so I stopped to show Rachel on our way out. We scanned some of the jewelry displays and made our way toward the exit. Then we spotted her… Donatella… in the flesh! Ms. Versace is so tiny, it’s a wonder we even noticed her at all! She is like a little doll and I contemplated putting her in my pocket and taking her home. I pulled out my camera and her P.A. (or Barney’s personal shopper… who knows) caught my eye and shook his head when I asked if I could snap a photo. No problem. I put my camera away. He then felt compelled to add, “She’s shopping, just let her enjoy her day.” Oh snap!
Rachel looking sweet in Lanvin
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