Nautica F/W '11

This was the first time I attended the presentation of an all menswear collection at Fashion Week, and having done so, I would happily attend more. *blink* *blink*...what? The Nautica Fall 2011 presentation was, well, nautically themed (admit it, you come to fasshonaburu for keen insights like this). Specifically the collection was inspired by the Maritime Heritage of the Sleeping Dunes region of Lake Michigan. The pops of bright orange contrasted with deep navy blues are a hat tip to the safety orange of the Coast Guard.

While Nautica is by no means breaking new ground here, that can be refreshing in and of itself. Often times the menswear at fashion week tends towards ensembles that would be difficult to talk the average guy into wearing (see green velvet pants at Nicholas K). Undoubtedly (and unsurprisingly) preppy, this collection is modern, tailored, manly, and of the utmost importance to many men, looks comfortably wearable as well. Me? I'd happily take a boat trip with any one of these guys.

At Nautica I learned that male models tend to be easily distracted...

...and very concerned (note furrowed brow...a popular facial expression)

This outfit is so Nate in Gossip Girl that whenever I look at this picture the model's face morphs into Chase Crawford's.

See all the looks from the Nautica Fall 2011 presentation below, or click on the widget to view the slideshow full size:

G-Star Raw S/S '11

This was the third season in row that I closed out my New York Fashion Week with the G-Star Raw runway show. Previously held at the Hammerstein Ballroom, this season the show was moved to the cavernous interior of Pier 94 right on the edge of the Hudson River. Exciting and celeb-packed as always, I did miss the amazing light show spectacle, numerous criss-crossing runways, and incredible photographic vantage point of the previous venue. But times is hard, and no one is safe from the economy, not even (especially not?) fashion designers. The spring collection however, suffered not in the least and showcased another season of innovative garments anchored by G-Star's signature raw denim.


The theme of the collection was Desert Denim, and many of the pieces brought to mind wandering nomads. The look was rugged, yet architectural with lots panels and exposed zippers (to store your desert gear, perhaps?). Voluminous hoods and Foreign Legionesque hats were in abundance. The color palette was more subdued that the previous season's vibrant colors, focusing on whites, sandy beiges, weathered blacks and grays, and a deep dusky blue in the denim.


There was a focus on sculptural 3-dimensional construction to the garments. Roomy pants that creased and folded in angular patterns as the models walked. Oversized pockets and stiff upturned collars added further depth to jackets and coats. A particular standout was the Kalahari dress, made with dark blue raw denim that billowed out behind the model in a large sculptural arc.

Kelly Osbourne poses with a transvestite that seemed to be very popular with celebrities in attendance.

This season, much to my delight, G-star invited me to bring a guest, and I was thrilled that Jordanna of Touch of Pink PR took me up on my invitation. We had a great time and it was a great way to catch up during the constant craziness that is New York Fashion Week. You can read her take on the G-Star Raw show over at her blog, The Fashionisette. As previously mentioned the show was a celeb magnet as always, with the long list of attendees in including: Liv Tyler, Alan Cumming, Beth Shak, Byrdie Bell, Chad Hugo, Cheyenne Jackson, Eric Balfour, Jay Manuel, Joe Manganiello, Kelly Osbourne, Kelly Rowland, Liv Tyler, Magnus Carlsen, Matthew Settle, Miss Jay Alexander, Natasha Bedingfield, Omarion, Ryan Leslie, Sean Garrett, Shantel VanSanten, Shontelle, Tinsley Mortimer and Tyson Beckford.

See all our pics from the show below:

Pamella Roland S/S '11

Pamella Roland's New York Fashion Week presentation took place at the Whitney Museum of American Art. It was a perfect choice of venue. I was thrilled that a free pass to visit the museum in the future was one of the parting gifts because I would love to return and explore! There were no live models, the clothes were presented on white, featureless mannequins, posed in various positions. Some appeared to be working their outfits with stylish flair, while others leaned back languidly observing the observers, still others appeared to supervise the hanging of a large photo. The mannequins fit it perfectly with the sparse white interior of the room. In the context of the art museum, the mannequins became frames for the clothing further underscoring the notion of fashion as fine art.

For spring 2011, Roland was inspired by her Grecian travels, in particular, the Mediterranean beauty of the Greek Isles. Neutral, sandy beige suiting and dresses to keep you cool and stylish in a hot summer boardroom. Airy, chiffon gowns and dresses in flowing, see-like blues and sunset tones of red, orange, and yellow, would be perfect for a beach-side meal enjoyed in the cool evening breeze. Shimmering black and silver metallic dresses should have you partying late into the night. Elegant and modern with references to flattering classic styling; the collection is tied together with Grecian detailing and drapery, as well as a feeling of summer lightness.

Celebrities such as Hilary Swank and Denise Richards came out to support, and Pamella Roland made the rounds discussing the pieces with interviewers and attendees.

See more from the collection in the slideshow below:

NY Fashion Week: The Afterparties

Not since my first time at fashion week have I gone to so many afterparties! First up was the Richie Rich afterparty with Alyssa. It was crazy, people in wacky outfits, men dancing on banquets, totally epic!
There were lots of drag queens there! At least, I'm assuming they're drag queens :O
Then was Charlotte Ronson. I went the whole day eating just one cookie and walked all over, so I started off really exhausted and cranky. but then a waiter came out with pizza!!!! PIZZAAAAAA
Nom nom nom nom.
Look, Sam Ronson was DJing! Charlotte Ronson was also there.
This was apparently some socialite, boy she was loving the attention. Russel Simmons was also wandering around, I saw him a few times but never with my camera at the ready. OK, I'm lying, I was totally "Uhh, who is this small guy everyone is taking pictures of??"Then was the Betsey Johnson afterparty at Good Units. I thought it was be crazy, similar to the Richie Rich one. Instead it felt a little like a high school prom, with people sitting around on the bleachers and nothing very interesting happening at all. We left pretty early though, maybe it got rowdy later in the night.
Last up was the Malan Breton afterparty with Alyssa and Kathy! It was the last night in NYC, such a bittersweet occasion! This was apparently his second afterparty, I guess he's doing well!
It was great having one last night with all the Fasshonaburu girls in NYC, but I must say I was pretty beat at this point. Just the running from show to show, constantly standing and forgetting to eat can be pretty exhausting. When you top it all off with late night partying, you end up coming home sick like me! Worth it? Well... maybe, but I think next time I'll try to take it a bit easier!

Top Spring 2011 Trends

Another fashion week has come and gone! I like to compile a list of some of the trends I noticed every season, but I swear it's getting harder and harder! But I suppose a few things stood out, like...
Neutrals & Tonal Pastels
If you know me, you know I hate it when people list colors as a trend. But even I cannot deny the saturation of neutrals and pale sherbets this fashion week! Everywhere I looked were "nude," "sand" or "greige" (that's grey beige and I love it). In fact, almost all of Alexander Wang's collection was white, probably the most popular neutral color for spring. Or "ice blue," "blush" or "mint." So store your bright neons this spring!Minimalism
It was like every designer was inspired by Calvin Klein for spring! It worked great with the aforementioned color palette - while blush and white look great all ethereal and feminine, when paired with minimalist sensibilities it has a cool, futuristic edge that contrasts nicely.Mixed Prints
Mixed prints has been about for at least a year or two now, but I was impressed with how artfully the looks were put together this season! Since it's spring, there was lots of tribal/safari prints, some animal and florals as well.

I also noticed maxi skirts, structured felt berets, wide leg and flared pants and killer platform wedge sandals. Don't forget to see my Fave Trends for Fall 2010 to know what's hot now!

Pictures from Fasshonaburu & Style.com

Rosa Cha S/S '11

Oh my, I totally forgot to write up Rosa Cha! Desgined by the fantabulous Alexandre Herchcovitch, there were lots of lingerie inspired pieces; I was particularly enomoured with the corsetry and mesh bits on the swimwear. There were some great, nudish blush items, but the tropical floral prints really stood out in a good way. The collection felt perfect for lounging on a yacht off the coast of Turks & Caicos, with perhaps a few nights out at a sultry nightclub.

Schumacher S/S '11

There's a reason I love Schumacher, and this season confirms it again. The collection is undeniably feminine with a bit of graphic edginess. I always love the attention to detail, especially since the backs of germents are usually ignored. Check out the sweater that splits open down the back from the collar - great for layering or wearing alone on a night out. And the taupe dress with rhinestone embellishing is really sublime...imagine how the bottom swishes when you walk! The dresses in lavender-grey with a metallic/foil finish are probably my favorite...there's a gown as seen in the runway photos and a shorter version with pale pink and mustard trim. Looove the colors. And for accessories, one model told me that the sandals she was wearing have 4" heels but were still comfortable after being on her feet for hours. My favorite accessory though (you must check out the photos! they are in a box between sandals) are these little leather wrap bracelets with a leather bow...I saw them in grey, taupe, and burgundy...adorable if worn alone or layered with multiple. Must haves! Many thanks to Anne-Kathrin for being the most fantastic host!

Monique Pean S/S '11

Moorea tourmaline necklace and Tahitian pearl earrings

Monique Pean is a jewelry designer who had her first NY Fashion Week presentation this season. She has an interesting back story that was covered by The Cut. Basically, she was working as a financial analyst for Goldman Sachs when a tragic event occurred, and to help her cope, she turned to a creative outlet. What Pean did next is where the story turns atypical; she spent $30,000 on a woolly mammoth tusk which she fashioned into a necklace for herself. She got herself noticed when she wandered into a NYC boutique wearing the tusk necklace and a jewelry line was born!

For Fashion Week, Pean unveiled her Ahe collection, inspired by a trip to Polynesia, as well as Paul Gauguin's paintings of the region and Polynesian crafts. Influenced by the ocean and the thriving life it contains, including coral reefs and marine life, she created an elegant, modern interpretation of tropical island jewelry. Her materials included sustainably-farmed, pearls, shells, devastation-free diamonds, 18 carat gold, and of course, fossilized woolly mammoth and walrus ivory. Pean's line is eco-friendly, and she donates a percentage her profits to charitable organizations.

Atoll shell necklace

View the entire collection in the slideshow below:

Ashton Michael Black Label S/S '11

Designer Ashton Hirota showed his Ashton Michael Black Label line at New York Green Fashion Week, and I was totally wowed by the collection. Ashton Michael described it as "An eco-friendly capsule collection inspired by post punk and androgyny," to which I respond with a big HELL YES! Featuring fabrics made from recycled materials such as plastic water bottles, coconut and bamboo, Ashton showed that fashion designers can be both Green and fashion forward.

The collection was all about grungy rock-style badassery, in fact, I think I may have have picked up a little unwashed rocker cred just by being in the same room. The models stomped down the runway in custom designed Doc Martens and bearing a multitude of (mostly?) temporary tattoos pausing only to gaze over the heads of the audience with a disinterested cool. With black and white being the sole fabric colors, there was no lack of texture or visual interest. A heavily deconstructed look reduced many of the garment to mere shreds with large hanging loops of fabric and low slung bondage like straps.

Get all your androgynous grunge punk fashion looks in the slideshow below:

Gerlan Jeans S/S '11

Gerlan Jeans is a line created by designer Gerlan Marcel, who designed prints for Jeremy Scott for five seasons; an influence reflected in her sidestepping of fashion convention, and urban streetwear vibe. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to attend, because both the runway show and the garments themselves where the most fun-spirited and tongue-in-cheek I saw this season. Gerlan funded her show through Kickstarter* and I don't doubt that achieving her funding goal contributed to the celebratory atmosphere of the audience.

I love everything about this situation.

The collection was a throw back to the early 90's, with pastel logo prints, and a pink and aqua print referred to as "lip leopard." Another repeating print featured black silhouetted flamingos against a field of black polka dots. Bustiers, short skirts and dresses, exposed midriffs, t-shirt dresses, and ruffles paraded by on the female models, while the men bore letter jackets, tight jeans, or oversize basketball shorts. Accessories included giant exclamation mark earrings, oversize hair baubles, big pearl necklaces and occasionally terry-cloth towels wrapped around the head. The women strutted down the runway with swagger, giving the impression that they were about to take any crap from anyone. While the designs were for both men and women, it was clear that, in this case, the women held all the power.

Former Deee-Lite member, Lady Miss Kier, was in attendance, as was Baltimore rapper and M.I.A. protogé, Rye Rye.

This was the final, and most dramatic piece to come down the runway. I love how the movement of the ruffles on the on the back is reflected back in her hair style.

See all the Gerlan Jeans S/S '11 looks in the slideshow below:

*To learn more about Kickstarter read WendyB's excellent post on the subject.

Vassilios Kostetsos S/S '11

Vassilios Kostetsos is a Greek designer and his line bears the inspiration of his home country like a badge of honor. For his second appearance at New York Fashion week he turned again to the Greeks of antiquity to inform his collection. This season it was the Amazon (naming his collection "Aella" after the first Amazon) as well as ancient Greek pottery and sculpture.

These influences came across in more literal interpretations, such as enlarged close-up prints featuring artwork from Greek vases. Amazonian warriors were interpreted in a more abstract fashion with a scale like use of leather detailing, reminiscent of armor and feathers, as well as exaggerated shoulders and overlays that resembled mesh metal shielding. Metallics featured heavily, as did teracotta, deep sea-like blues, and white and black. This aesthetic was imprinted on everything from business suits, to casual jersey dresses and more formal gowns, to swimsuit attire.

The show was late in the evening, and like last season my camera seems to have become exhausted before I did, but view the rest of the runway pictures in the slideshow below:

bebe S/S '11

The bebe show was not exactly a fun time. After apparently inviting every single big haired, over-tanned girl who did NOT make the cast of "Jersey Shore," the line was impossibly long, I was one of the last people to get in and the show was a full hour late, making me miss Tibi! And by the time I did manage to get in, all the seats were filled and I had to stand behind some teenagers taking shots with their camera phones. Needless to say, most of my shots aren't so great, but a surprising amount actually turned out decent. I can't really remember what the clothes looked like, I couldn't really see anything myself so I had to hold my camera up above my head and hope for the best. But I hear they were cute, very boho with white crochet and fringe, floral prints, and lots of rompers and jumpsuits. Ooo, there are cable knit shorts in the collection, similar to ones I coveted by Stolen Girlfriend's Club?? I May have to get those...

Temperley London S/S '11

I love Temperley London, and was extra happy to see they were also showing their more affordable Alice by Temperley collection at the same time = bonus win! But first, let's talk about the high-end line.I totally DIE! Like usual, the collection walked a perfect balance of elegant and edgy; it was very medieval. Romantically inspired by Guinevere and Arthur, there were impossibly feminine dresses in pale pink and white and some badass chain mail-like mesh tunics with hoods that I seriously covet. And you know how I love harnesses as accessories!
Alice by Temperley was more youthful, airy and inspired by Marie Antionette. Great toile du Jouy and zig zag prints, what appear to be convertible belt bags (WANT PLEASE), and girly soft pieces with tough leather thrown in resulted in a strong, very wearable collection.

Dennis Basso S/S '11

Fur-haters, avert your eyes! While by no means the only designer with fur in his or her collection, Dennis Basso is definitely known for loving his pelts. In fact, a lot of people had their bags checked when they entered the show, and there was at least one protester outside! I'm not fur advocate, but I do love some of the inherited vintage fur pieces I own. I don't think I would ever buy something new though, does that make a difference?

Well, feel free to debate in the comments, but about the show. Focusing solely on cocktail and evening gowns, there was a ballerina feel to me - loving those full, circle skirts! Interesting cut outs and open backs, and the asymmetrical straps were great, but also some shapeless frocks that weren't so pretty and weirdly futuristic items that felt very out of place. What do you think?

Bibhu Mohapatra S/S '11

Bibhu Monhapatra was one of the shows I had no idea I was invited to until the morning of when I got to the tents and scanned in! Luckily I was able to attend, as the presentation was quite lovely! The collection was an homage "to Sixties Americana and the real American woman," specifically to Faye Dunaway in "The Thomas Crown Affair." The round sunglasses and amazing berets, by Victor Osborne, definitely lent to that!

With a heavy focus on eveningwear (apparently his customers actually told his stores they wanted more cocktail and gowns than sportswear this season! I guess some people are still glamming it up in this economy), there was artful pleating and draping, beaded embellishment and frothy tulle.
I was particularly enamored with his woven silk linen items, check out this close-up of a skirt I would kill to have! It's all about the amazing details with Bibhu, and I fully expect to see more great things in the future!

Hervé Léger S/S '11

I was shocked and thrilled to see I was invited to Hervé Léger this season! The brand is most famous for their bandage dresses, and I saw quite a few at the show. On a side note, I still can't decide if this was tacky or not. Overall I'm pretty over the bandage dress, but is there anything wrong with showing your support for the designer? Or is this a case of wearing a band's tee to their concert?

Either way, the collection itself was just breathtaking. He wanted to create a modern-day Marie Antionette, which you can see in the corsetry, bustle skirts and sleek boning. There were amazing rubber prints, lingerie details, sheer mesh and, of course, neutral blushes and peaches. Overall, while still producing woven bandage dresses, I feel like that Hervé Léger is really doing an amazing job evolving into more.

Walter S/S '11

Lots of minor celeb sitings at Walter, including Becka Diamond, Margaret Colin (Blair's mom on "Gossip Girl") and Denise Richards! I was in the front row and saw some girls excitedly pointing at me, so I can confirm right now that Vanessa Hudgens was not there :P

In keeping with spring trends, the collection had a mostly neutral palette, with cloudy greys and inky indigos giving a great, moody edge. The pieces were youthful and easy to incorporate into your current wardrobe and I wanted them all! I loved the sheer layering items and flowy, draped dresses!

Update - here's a video of the show! I started off just filming as they came in, decided it was boring and then tried to keep the camera on at least one model at all times!

Stacy Lomman S/S '11

Stacy Lommon is a great up-and-coming designer you should all know about! Check out her blog taffetadarlings while you're at it, k? What's super cool is that she got the funds for her first fashion show via a crowdfunding site, Kickstarter! Opening up donations on July 31, she met her goal of $6,000 by August 4 and then went on to exceed her goal (every penny was needed and used though!)!So I was thrilled when Wendy B told me about the innovative designer! There with The Coveted, Midtown Girl, Shoe Daydreams, and more fabulush bloggers, Alyssa and I got an exclusive look at her debut collection! Does this mean when she's showing at Lincoln Center (I estimate maybe 2-3 seasons) I'll be sat front row next to Kate Lanphear???My favorite piece had to be the one Wendy B sponsored herself - I'm so jealous she gets to keep it! If I had the $650 donation for my own custom dress (a dress of this level made just for you is usually about $1,500 so it was a killer deal) I would have done it in a heart beat. Maybe next time she'll offer up separates too, I bet I could afford those! Ooo, and she should have all us fabulous fashion bloggers be her models.

Isabella Tonchi S/S '11

I wandered into the Isabella Tonchi presentation at some point during fashion week and had no idea she was the sister of Stefano Tonchi (that's the editor of W)! Taste must run in the family, because the collection was sophisticated, clean and had a quiet power that lets you know this will be a force in the fashion world.

Inspired by the Viennese school of Expressionism, there were graphic black and white prints, a great geometric jacquard pattern and muted pastel colors. I was really interested in the clothing, but man the models kept wandering around and around their little area instead of sending out new looks - drove me bonkers after a bit!

Betsey Johnson S/S '11

I was super excited to be invited to the Betsey Johnson show this season! She was the very first designer I knew about, I actually wore her to my freshman year homecoming dance! And my senior year prom! The show itself was as exciting and entertaining as I had expected, I even got sat in the front row last minute when someone didn't show up. The clothing following a bicycle tour of Manhattan, with a first-person video of the actual trip Betsey took of the city playing on a big screen. Models were adorned with bicycle chains and necklaces saying "Ride Me" - I cannot confirm nor deny that I would totally buy one of those blinged out necklaces if they make it to stores! Fleet Week had cute sailor outfits, the Upper East Side had floral black and white prints and her trademark poufy gowns were all Times Square, baby!

Check out all my pictures, the lighting was crazy so it was impossible for me to get consistently good shots, but at least they're close up!