NYFW Preview: Nicholas K Fall 2011: "Into the Wild”

NICHOLAS K KICKS OF MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK 

FOR THE SECOND SEASON AT LINCOLN CENTER

For the Fall/Winter 2011 season, designer Nicholas Kunz and her brother/business partner Christopher Kunz will show theirNicholas K collection at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on Thursday, September 10th at 9 am in the Studio. This will be the second time the brand will kick-off MBFW, following last season when Nicholas K was the first show EVER at Lincoln Center.

Hailing from Arizona, Nicholas and Christopher grew up spending a lot of time in the outdoors and love to go fishing and camping. After living in New York City for several years, the brother & sister duo decided to finally look for a refuge in Upstate NY where they could bring their dog (the popular Boxer, Jake, who always makes the runway exit with them after their shows) and participate in the outdoor sports they love. This search for the perfect cabin, surrounded by protected land with reservoirs, trails for hiking, forests for hunting and streams for fishing, became an inspiration for this upcoming Fall collection.

As Nicholas explains, “For our Fall collection, I was inspired by the woods and rustic living; the survival instinct and going back to primitive ways. The fall colors of the forest are reflected in the palette and overall aesthetic and I used a lot of texture and incorporated Navajo inspired prints. Think log homes, gypsies,  stone fireplaces, owls, camping and migration.” Movies such as The Wilderness Family, A River Runs Through It, Legends of the Fall and Into the Wild also served as inspiration.

The collection features fabrics such as; rich corduroys, hunter green silk velvets and butter-soft lambskin and warm Mongolian furs. Key styles include chunky hand-knit cable sweaters with hand knotted leather buttons, tiered ruffle skirts that can be worn as dresses and many pieces are made with multifunctional details. Colors include rust orange, hunter green, evergreen, moss, birch, snow, harvest, bark and mud brown. This season, Nicholas has collaborated with Vintage Shoe Co. to create limited edition  boots, including a unique “Creeper” update, which will be shown in several colorways and used for both men’s and women’s looks.Napoleon Perdis will the doing the make-up, with Rodney Cutler as the lead artist for hair, Nails by Dashing Diva and Tom Guinness styling (a first time collaboration for the brand).

Since launching their women’s line in Fall of 2003, with men’s following in 2006, Nicholas Kunz and her brother and business partner, Christopher Kunz, have continued to deliver a downtown city edge to their customer base. Known for their trademark traditional quality and design with modern twists, the brand strives to deliver unique products, which will remain timeless wardrobe staples. In 2009, Nicholas & Christopher were inducted as members of the CFDA, marking a pivotal moment for the brand. The Nicholas K collection is now sold in over 120 stores worldwide and they also recently launched an E-Shop on their website atwww.nicholask.com.

NYFW -- The Incubator

Last night, The Incubator presented S/S 2011 with a special live performance by Foxy Brown.  To celebrate the release of his YFC by Yellow Fever Spring/Summer 2011 collection, Jamison Ernest presents The Incubator: Fashion Week SS/11 in collaboration with fellow designers Prince Peter and Keep Me on Wednesday, September 15th at Capitale. The designers will unveil their collections in three unique runway shows speckled with celebrities from virtually every facet of the creative world. 

YFC by Yellow Fevers newest collection is loosely inspired by Axl Rose in his hay day, wearing black leather and hanging with Kelly Bundy in her tight Robert Palmer back-up-girl mini-dress. The two go on a holiday to Marthas Vineyard and relax until Axl loses his prescription pills, at which point they flee to Japan and run into a neo-techno samurai. These visions are seamlessly integrated to produce a number of wearable and fresh modern metropolitan looks. The YFC show will feature a runway appearance by Tyson Ritter of the All American Rejects.

Ernest's work attracts a diverse audience of artists, entertainers, and celebrities as well as other key movers and shakers, making him the prime candidate to lead such an initiative. Ive extended the benefits of the hard work I put into my own projects to other designers like Keep Me and Prince Peter Collection who feel I have the potential to do something sincere and interesting but didnt have a platform. It’s important to always give back whenever you can with everything you do in life, he explains.

Cult t-shirt designer Prince Peter draws inspiration from Andy Warhols eponymous Factory, a creative hothouse during an era when the City was both a muse and a canvas. The collection celebrates all darlings of the underground and harkens back to his rock n roll roots. His fabrics are airy and light, and the shirts are easy to tailor, layer, and wear in all seasons.

Keep Me offers a range of can’t-live-without and never-take-them-off loungewear in new colors and variations, as well as a Spring 2011 capsule collection inspired by a surfing trip to Taha a, Tahiti. Designers drew from a muted sunset color palette and the barely-there character of the island lifestyle to create pieces that are both comfortable and chic.



Spotted VIP Guest: Diane Von Furstenberg, Andre Leon Talley, Rocker Kevin Rudolf, Actor S cott Porter (Friday Night Lights), Dylan McDermott, UK band Eddie the Gun, MTV Host Tim Cash, Actress Kelly Brook,  TV Personality Amber Ettinger, Nascar driver Brian Vickers, Foxy Brown, Knicks star Danilo Gallinari, Russell Simmons and more. 

About The Incubator: The Incubator is a free flowing concept that aids the development of new business ventures by providing low or no cost commercial and creative spaces, management assistance, info structure and shared services. Ernest created his first Art Incubator in 2003, a collection of artists from all over the world co-produced and curated by Vito Schnabel.

NYFW: Loris Doran Spring/Summer 2011

The Loris Diran S/S11 collection marked Mr. Diran's eighth New York presentation. The intimate setting allowed us an up close and personal glimpse of the detailed clothing. Models sported interesting braided hair design which gave the presentation a futuristic feel, while the dresses retained classic shapes. Dresses explored texture with sophisticated, thin fringe detailing and folded, loose ruching. Our favorite piece was a one shoulder, whimsical patterned dress in watercolor hues against white with an asymmetrical skirt made of chiffon with an overlay. Make up was sun kissed cheeks with a burnt coral lip and bold lashes. 

on our radar -- rachel comey

Yesterday, Rachel Comey showed her collection at Pier 59 Studios in New York City and once again we are seeing muted military inspired tones and tailored blazers.

Beyond Exciting!

Early this morning, StyleList.com presented the very first glimpse into the headquarters of 2010’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (September 9th through September 16th), with exclusive photos and video footage of the transformed Lincoln Center.

The Stage. Photo: Ben Widdicombe for StyleList

As NYC prepares for 7 vital days of fashion shows, presentations, runways and Spring 2011 collections, StyleList.com - AOL’s all-in-one stop for fashion and beauty – was the first website to unveil this year’s savvy setting. Previously housed in Bryant Park, Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park hosts a larger space for the festivities (which includes the addition of a fourth venue hall and an area for informal presentations), and lends itself more to the digital age, with several technological upgrades and a suite of digital services and resources. Head to www.stylelist.com for the first peek at MBFW’s new home, which is as futuristic and striking as the collections on show.

An interior courtyard where fashionistas can relax between shows.
Photo: Ben Widdicombe for StyleList

An official sponsor of the event, this is only the beginning of exclusive MBFW coverage from StyleList.com.

We will make sure we bring you every minute of every show and all the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week events! We are looking forward to Lincoln Center!

NYFW -- Rebecca Taylor

This name needs no introduction. 

The Rebecca Taylor Spring 2011 Collection girl is the modern juxtaposition between her bohemian roots and her love of what is slick and urban. Distressed, belted trench coats in bright colors are the perfect pairing with Rebecca’s signature silk printed dresses. Perforated eyelet pieces are combined with sleek scalloped-edge leather jackets to provide a worn, downtown look that still remains elegant. Kelly Green, Highlighter Yellow, and Equestrian Orange are the perfect complement to earthy neutrals, integrating her love of both the countryside and the city. Spring 2011 brings us all back to fresh, feel good, American fashion.

We will make sure we bring you up-to-date after the show!

NYFW -- Sneak a Peek at Tracy Reese!

Tracy Reese tells us a little bit of what we can expect this season.........

“Spring 2011 evokes effortlessly chic dressing, redefining favorite silhouettes and offering women simple yet sexy looks with a classic TR touch.  Sultry elements animate a minimalist approach, like this nude silk blouse and pleat pocket flare pant, creating a sleek, monochromatic moment of confidence and sensuality.” 

Stay tuned for more after the show! 

NYFW -- Yoana Baraschi

The Spring 2011 Collection is inspired by a woman fierce in spirit, yet utterly feminine, evoking the sensual confidence of a 70’s Romy Schneider or Gena Rowlands in John Cassavetes films.  A mixture of 70’s and 90’s sportswear classics are reinvented with a modern touch of graphic prints, timeless florals and animal prints.  A color palette that includes sun-kissed shades of coral, lemon, lavender and aqua, complimented by gentle urban grays and weathered natural whites contrasted by navy are found on the season’s key silhouettes.

This is one show we can't wait for! 

NYFW -- Introducing Callula Lillibelle

This is one presentation during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week that we just can't wait for -- it is definitely on our radar and we can't wait to bring you post show details! 

Real, affordable, stylish! Sounds like a fashion find. And it is, a new decade, a new dressing system: Callula Lillibelle. With the debut of its first collection in February 2010, Callula Lillibelle simplifies a woman’s wardrobe and always indulges in effortless chic. The ultimate ‘desk to dinner’ label, Callula Lillibelle speaks to the contemporary woman who equally values alluring silhouettes, sleek versatility and uncompromised quality. Complementary fabrics meet coordinating construction; all pieces in the line seamlessly integrate to form fail-proof outfits that accommodate the modern lifestyle, eliminate clutter and closet confusion.  

Tailored to real women from sizes 0-14, the line is a sartorial system featuring the essential garments found inside out in every wardrobe: tops, skirts, pants, dresses and jackets. Likewise, the line’s “mix n match” philosophy addresses women’s various body shapes, where tulip and peplum meet sweetheart and peasant, cigarette and wide-leg see both high and drop waists (and all combinations in between!). There’s no shortage of chiffons, taffetas, crepes and wools, all at the greatest quality for such an agreeable price- the line retails between only $90 - $400. Inherent to the label’s integrity is the focus on both the needs and desires of women, where price, style and comfort are paramount.  

Even the name itself contains the essence of the collection; taken from partner Melanie Fraser Hart’s violin virtuoso daughter, the meaning of the Latin Callula “delicate beauty” meets the poetic Irish Lillibelle of “pure beauty”. The fates led free-spirited, multi-talented Hart to design virtuoso William Calvert, whose own eponymous collection has long been lauded for its de rigor couture, and what has resulted is a reflection of both partners’ unique and shared philosophies of fashion, style and life. Callula Lillibelle not just embodies the many inspiring contradictions of the contemporary spirit, it outfits the wardrobe.  

Past Collection

Callula Lillibelle is a “desk to dinner” wardrobe collection for the modern woman with a focus on contemporary, feminine silhouettes at an agreeable price.  Debuted in the winter of 2010, Callula Lillibelle aims to simplify the dressing process while providing a chic complete wardrobe for the modern lifestyle.  Partnered by business-impresario Melanie Fraser Hart and couturier William Calvert the collection reflects the diverse range of women’s needs, including style, comfort and price.  For more information, please visit www.callulalillibelle.com.   

 

Highlight of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NY -- QVC LIVE!

What more could a girl want? Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, new designers, beautiful clothes and now QVC! What more could we ask for! 

On Saturday, September 11th we will gather at Rockefeller Center with Kourtney Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Kelly Rutherford, Jessica Szohr, Hilary Rhoda, Katie Cassidy, Cornelia Guest. Along with designers Dennis Basso, Julie Chaiken, Isaac Mizrahi, and Rachel Zoe for QVC Live at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York City. 

Once again they will brodcasting LIVE along with a runway show too! The two hour live broadcast starts at 10pm and will feature clothes from designers Dennis Basso, Julie Chaiken, K-DASH by Kardashian, Isaac Mizrahi, and Rachel Zoe. 

We promise to bring you all the coverage following the event and can't wait to see the new lines especially K-Dash. The Kardashian ladies - Kim, Kourtney, Khloe and their mom, Kris Jenner will be launching their line of clothing on QVC. The collection, called K-Dash, includes everything we need - belts, handbags, leggings, tunics and tops. Prices will range from $20-$240. Here is a sneak peek! 

Images courtesy of QVC

NYFW: Custo Barcelona, Always Exciting

CUSTO SUMMER FESTIVAL is the most appropriate name for the new proposals in the spring-summer collection 2011 from Custo. Positive energy, freshness and free-spiritedness pervades both the daywear collection, Custo Everyday, and the eveningwear collection, Custo Let’s Party.

CUSTO EVERYDAY includes comfortable easywear, with lots of personality and colours, to create whole looks loaded with Custo DNA. Denim is the star of this collection, to wear with slouchy, baggy boho silhouettes. Without forgetting the brightest and most typically Custo colours, the palette this season includes pale, dusty and nude shades and military colour ranges, combined with embroidery, appliqué and patchwork. Innovation in the fabric department with linen, jersey for a cool, natural country look: tricot waistcoats, sweaters and scarves with very open weave to look like holes and macro crochet; dresses and loose shirts in guipure and pieces in viscose. The graphics take two forms: arty geometry and colourful, more figurative microprints.

CUSTO LET’S PARTY features sexy looks, shoulder pads, generous necklines, knee-length pieces, and asymmetrical, slightly oversized pieces. Dark colours are the stars of the eveningwear collection, mixed with metallic shades: gold, bronze, copper, mercury and rusts, combined with electric and vibrant tones. The silks are sand washed or overdyed to give a vintage effect, less sophisticated than those in the Lowxury collection. Graphic colourful velour mixed with eco leather or paillettes along with multicoloured digital prints and pixel effects flood the garments in the eveningwear collection.

LOWXURY (LOW + LUXURY) is a collection for evening and special occasions at competitive prices in flattering, sensual shapes that skim over the body. Of particular note are the colourful mini-dresses and the tops with fringes and lots of movement, worn with skirts and shorts. Jackets and waistcoats complete an outfit that's perfect for every occasion. The brightest colours in the Custo palette are mixed with earth tones, khaki, sand and black and with bright appliqués in passementerie and guipure lace. Fuchsia, jade, aquamarine and mauve sparkles enhance these original creations. And the fabrics? These are fluid chiffons and silk satin with wild, natural-coloured prints. An ode to perforations that allow a glimpse of other prints and materials, even naked skin.

Posh Shasta gets a HAIR make-over and puts the CHIC in BOB!

By Shasta Moczulski, Contributing Writer 

Last February, my hair stylist, Monica, from Fringe Salon and Boutique (become a fan of the salon here) put So.Cap hair "Extensivies" in my very short hair.  "Extensives" are a type of hair extension that was formulated by So.cap.  This type of application is so much faster than other methods and I can honestly say DID NOT damage my hair at all. 

Why did I even get extensions?  My hair had been cut into a stacked bob style and was very short in the back, growing that crazy mess out made me insane.  I loved having the Extensives, they were a great product, easy to take care of and style, but it was time to have them removed, the crazy layers had grown out and I was ready! 

Yesterday was the big day and Monica, as always, did an amazing job.  I love my chic new cut and being able to run my fingers through my hair and you know, not get my fingers stuck in my 'stensions!  If you are trying to grow out your hair or just want to add volume or length, go to So.Cap to find a stylist in your area that does the "Extensive" application.    

I am ready to take this new look to New York Fashion Week in September!