On The Rise With FGI!

I have great news taffetadarlings  -- I've been nominated for The Fashion Group International's 2012 Rising Star Awards!  The Fashion Group (a.k.a. FGI) is an International non-profit organization made up of industry professionals in apparel, interior, accessories, advertising, marketing, publishing, PR and beauty.  Let's just say they cover anything fashion related. 

Lightweight Neoprene Zip Front Jacket & Asymmetric Skirt (Spring 2012)

Photo: Shane LaVancher

I am honored to be up for the award in the women's RTW category and I feel flattered, excited and nervous all at the same time.  While I know that I'm up against some steep competition, I'm remaining optimistic -- I hope that when my peers head over to FGI headquarters to cast their votes, they will be impressed with the pieces I've selected to showcase.  I'm quite happy with them!

Slate Grey Cropped Jacket & Pencil Skirt in Cashmere (Fall 2011)

Photo: Shane LaVancher

Whatever the outcome, I want to thank all of my supporters, sponsors and friends who have helped me and followed me from the beginning when I launched "Precious Metal" for Spring 2011. Most of you know that one of my greatest advocates is Wendy Brandes (who is also a dear friend). In fact, quite a few of you who found me on this little blog were referred by WendyB.  So, what makes this awards competition that much sweeter for me is the fact that Wendy is a nominee in the fine jewelry category. How great is that? She was a finalist last year (missed it by a hair) and I have a really good feeling this time -- have you seen her new Empress Wu dragon earrings? Need I say more?

Grey Wool Motorcycle Jacket With Silver Foil Print (Fall 2011)

Wool/Mohair Mini Skirt (Fall 2011)

Photo: Randy Brooke

Judging will take place between December 6th - December 13th and after the votes are counted, candidates will be informed as to whether or not they are a finalist in their category.  Of course, I truly hope to make it to the last round so please keep your fingers crossed for me. 

Shine Brightly!

Snow is not my friend.  We do not like each other.  I am a warm weather girl, but I cannot imagine actually living anywhere other than New York City, so I suck it up and take the bad with the good.  I have, on occasion, contemplated Los Angeles, but every time I visit I feel a bit alien and am anxious to return home to my city.  I have been accused of being an elitist New Yorker (granted, it was by my parent's neighbor in FL who had to ask what a fig was when I described how I had stuffed them with blue cheese and wrapped them in prosciutto for an appetizer).  But, I digress...

So, I just took the long way around or the scenic route to simply say that I hate snow, but love New York!  Suffice it to say that it takes a very special occasion to get me out of my sweatpants and warm, dry apartment and into sub-freezing temperatures, wicked winds and slushy puddles.  Well, yesterday was one of those very special occasions.  I risked the tundra and nearly got 'taxi splashed' all over my charmeuse to attend the Fashion Group International's Rising Star Awards.  My very dear friend and talented jewelry designer, Wendy Brandes, was among the five finalists in the fine jewelry category.  BRAVO!

Center: Rising Star finalist in the fine jewelry category, Wendy Brandes

Left to Right: me, BarbaraB, Christine, WendyB, Alyssa, Tina

Tensions were high in Cipriani's grand ballroom, but Team Wendy was confident.  FGI President, Margaret Hayes, introduced host, Jamie Pallot of Conde Nast who cleverly joked, "Snow is the new black."  Keynote speaker, Norma Kamali gave an inspiring speech and commended all of the finalists for achieving what only the most elite in the industry have.  And that is not an understatement.  Although WendyB may not have won (this time!), it was an extremely close race and she could just as easily have taken home the award yesterday.  Congratulations Wendy!!! 

A Rising Star

Peter Hidalgo - Fall 2010

This year’s winner of the Fashion Group International’s coveted Rising Star Award for womenswear, Peter Hidalgo, showed his Fall 2010 collection at FGI’s venue yesterday. The presentation was a chic and concise display of body conscious silhouettes and clever draping that portrayed a distinct point of view. Hidalgo’s dimensional creations are intricate, but not overdesigned.

The Dominican born designer apprenticed under the famous fashion illustrator, Antonio Lopez. “I was more of an illustrator before, but now I drape everything. I need to see how the fabric is going to fall, how it reacts,” Hidalgo said. When I asked him about the technique behind his black strapless “heart” dress Hidalgo explained, “I started with a v-neck and the pieces just fell down that way and created the shape.” The heart concept was manipulated in different ways throughout the collection showing up in neckline shape, draped folds and as a beaded appliqué.

The underappreciated designer has endured for nearly two decades in this difficult industry -- perhaps the heart shape was a symbol of the dedicated Hildalgo’s passion for design.