Derek Lam constantly refines and reinvents the idea of sportswear, however, this collection appeared to ditch all previous notions and embrace the urban socialite chicness of glam and class.Of course the speciality of the brand, trench coats and peacoats , made an appearance; rich camels, soft browns and fuzzy greens embraced the collection as he did not shy away from color.Bright, bold and beautiful colors came down the runway, encapsulating the beauty of the season while also showing his audiences that a little pop of color for Fall is not such a bad thing. The cohesiveness came with the spontanuity of the collection, presenting a sequined royal blue gown in the same presentation as varied tweed ensembles reminiscent of the 70s.Offsetting his colorful collection, he offered alternative dresses in black and in white, flowing down to the ankles in soft fabrics of cream with plunging necklines. He featured dresses that consisted of tulle fabric, perfect for a fairytale or a dream.
What do you think of Derek Lam’s latest collection?
My time in New York has been such an eye-opener. I mean Fashion Week has been a complete whirlwind of shows, celebrities, editors/stylists and (of course) temperatures falling below zero. But, despite the treacherous walks down the street, there is so much beauty within this city. I’ve been inspired on so many levels!
Now, my second day in the city was kind of light. Initially, I was scheduled to attend the Suno Fall 2016 presentation at Pier 59 Studios but, due to writing obligations and a shortage of time, I decided to forgo the show. Instead, I attended Herve Leger.
The Herve show was very interesting. And, not the “good” interesting. First off, our seats were practically given away upon arrival. Sam, Jame and I ended up in the back with behind a camera happy adolescent, an up-and-coming blogger and a young woman who kept stepping on my big toe, lol.
The show itself was commendable. You can see more of our thoughts on the show review here.
After the show, I wandered off and ran into a few old colleagues who were being snapped by the street style geniuses. And, among all the bombshells and bombers, I spotted my girl Ashley Dunn. Ashley is a Houston-based stylist whose done an impressive amount of work for local television talk shows, news segments and women all over the city. I met her a little over a year ago and it’s brought me back to the realization of the importance of networking.
As a first time attendee, I’ve realized that networking is a huge responsibility to those who come out and support these designers. New York Fashion Week gives those looking to break into the business an excellent opportunity to touch bases with the top dogs (i.e. – editors, stylists, writers, etc.) while also discovering other like-minded individuals. There’s truly nothing like it.
In just two days, I’ve met bloggers, Fashion Bomb readers, designers and even business owners. Networking is a powerful tool! I’m telling you. If you ever get the opportunity, get out there and make your presence known. You never know who you may run across! (Business cards are a MUST.)
But, let me get off my soapbox! Lol, day 2 was legit. I also had an enlightening lunch with Jame and we discussed so many aspects of writing/blogging as well as our personal lives. She’s an absolute pleasure.
So, that about rounds up my day! I survived the disrespectful winds as well as the excruciating cold but, hey, I’m still kicking!
I’ll keep ya’ll posted as my adventure continues to unfold.
Simkhai’s unadulterated sartorial talent manifests within each and every one of these dynamic looks. With a strong love for monochromatic palettes and a touch of romanticism, this New York designer has taken modern femininity to new levels.
Although the platform for this collection rests upon neutral colors and sleek silhouettes, Simkhai effortlessly manages to keep his looks fresh and unpredictable. His attention to detail is also apparent through his use of sultry features which include off-the-shoulder effects, plunging necklines and even sheer ensembles.
In addition, more “unconventional” touches were also injected into this fashionable jambalaya. Simkhai’s love affair with timeless fringe, fluted hems and plays on texture also add a bit of depth to his versatile pieces.
White/navy lace midi dresses, sleeveless turtleneck tops, tailored peplum jackets and ruffled wonders all made their way down the catwalk. And, the chic vibes continued as retro-inspired suits also made a quick cameo.
With a growing fanbase, this designer has captured the attention of fashion favorites including street style maven Shiona Turini, creative director/fashion content editor Rajni Jacques and the legendary Anna Wintour. But, despite his fashionable following, the Simkhai brand continues to evolve as an innovative power house.
The designs from this fall collection are perfect for fashionistas who crave a bit of a sculptural influence within their wardrobe. All in all, each look tells a different story yet the theme remains consistent – Simkhai proves that a simple touch of glamour can help to alter an entire look. Whether it’s a fox fur or a gold silk slip dress, the elegance that oozes from these creations is unparalleled.
So, what do you think of Jonathan Simkhai’s Fall 2016 Ready-to Wear collection?
If socially conscious is the modus operandi for our generation, then Pyer Moss fits right up our alley. Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond did not take this mantle upon himself, but enlisted none other than music legend Erykah Badu to collaborate and make her styling debut in his Fall 2016 RTW collection.
The atmosphere was expectant — it’s not everyday you hear of a music legend collaborating with a fashion designer and the collection is not plastered with their name (see Fenty x Puma). If you’re not familiar with Erykah Badu’s forays into fashion, she recently graced Riccardo Tisci’s spring 2014 Givenchy campaigns and has been known to rock ‘top hat’-‘torn overalls’ gypsy style for a number of years. Badu contributed a large assortment of her own personal accessories to style the Pyer Moss collection, including her signature chauffeur hat with pins — a style many of the models rocked on the runway.
The mood was heavy given the collection’s focus on human emotion and depression. Entitled Double Bind, the collection found its footing in a theme of two contrasting things in conflict. Exhibit A: a group of choral singers draped in white with ‘Pyer Moss’ in simple text across their chests singing opera interpretations of traditional trap songs. Luxurious alpaca fur, sheepskin and floor-length teddy-bear coats were accessorized with graphic tees featuring ‘Why So Blue’ and ‘Suffer No More.’
The front row had its fair share of supporters, including Robin Givhan of The Washington Post, Julee Wilson of The Huffington Post, Nikki Ogunnaike of ELLE.com, and model-adovocate extraordinaire Bethann Hardison. The show closed with the poster “My demons won today, I’m sorry,” but from the audience’s perspective – no apologies were necessary. Jean-Raymond did his thing and we’re looking forward to seeing more from the brand on the horizon.
What do you think of Pyer Moss’ Fall 2016 RTW Collection?
Ahead of the GRAMMYs, Essence threw their 2016 Black Women in Music event. Our favorite teen actresses were in attendance, along with stylish songstresses, and more.
Here are the evening’s getups!
Zendaya Coleman mixed textures in a black leather button-front shirt layered over a lace-trim maxi dress with a thigh-high slit, anchored with suede over-the-knee boots. She never disappoints.
It was all about prints for Yara Shahidi in a bold Moschino dress and pigtail buns. So cute!
Corinne Bailey Rae paired a ladylike bow-accented jacket with gold metallic skinnies and black leather booties.
V. Bozeman upped the glamour quotient in a black feather top and embellished pencil skirt.
DJ Rashida served up a boho chic moment in a printed silky caftan and orange lips. Hot!
Tweet was a ray of sunshine in a yellow flare dress. Such a natural beauty.
Jasmine Sullivan toughened up florals and statement-making chandelier earrings with a black leather jacket.
Andra Day couldn’t be missed in a colorful gown with leopard print panels. This wasn’t my cup of tea…one too many focal points.
Johnetta Elzie kept it cute and casual in dark berry lips, a graphic t-shirt, and black leather platform booties.
Estelle slipped on a black and white graphic Burberry shirt dress and Gucci Quilted Leather Mules for the event.
While NYFW is rolling on, stars flew across the pond for the EE British Academy Film Awards. Strapless gowns, bold hues, expert tailoring, and embellishment were all in the lineup.
Let’s get into the looks for the evening…
Sarah-Jane Crawford repped for the Brits in a strapless black and white Stella McCartney gown. Hot!
Angela Bassett was pretty in pink in a Galia Lahav stunner. She’s always so lovely.
John Boyega was dapper in an Armani tux with a velvet jacket. I liked this!
All-black was on the agenda for Antonia Thomas in an embellished halter top and black full skirt.
Gemma Chan shimmered and sparkled in a silver embellished metallic lace gown from Jenny Packham’s Fall 2015 collection. Fabulous!
It’s always nice to see legendary designer Valentino Garavani out and about. As you might have guessed, he was impeccably dressed in a black three-piece tux.
Tom Ford thigh highs and an Elizabeth & James multicolored fur were her main accents.
The block panel shirt has pique, slub-jersey and gabardine panels.
Her fur is a celeb fave.
Her coat is sold out, but you can get her shirt at Diesel.com.
What do you think?