Check out Adriana’s take on the Rock & Republic show.
Fierce!
************************************************************************
It was celebrity pandemonium at Rock & Republic’s Saturday night show: Mary-Kate Olsen, Project Runway‘s Nina Garcia, Bethann Hardison and Damon Dash (both of whom I sat a few rows behind) were just some of the boldface names in attendance. What else can we expect from a label that’s made it’s name on the culture of music and celebrity?!

Surprisingly, R&R showed some maturity in this collection, which deviated a bit from their usual focus on jeans and edgy casualwear. LOTS of dresses, tuxedo-style tailoring, and (especially) diverse textiles. The contrasts in this collection were not in the colors (the entire collection was done in harsh blacks and whites) but in the fabrics: leather that was so thin it appeared to be tissue paper, petal-like silk ruffles, and an unbelievable Lycra/spandex like acid wash print that was fashioned into denim-like leggings. Also, skinny jeans: still in.
Apart from the label’s refreshing new look, the best part of the show was, of course, the music: edgy, pulsing rock blared from the speakers as models, including Chanel Iman, stomped fiercely down the runway in an atmosphere that felt more like a concert than a fashion show. Looking at the pieces, I could easily see several of them on rock style arbiters like Rihanna, Cassie, and Amerie. And kudos to R&R for having one of the most diverse shows in terms of models so far this Fashion Week.
Some of the best looks below:
Rock on, R&R!
Adriana

Hey!
So while I was out getting ready for my party, intern Adriana took the helm, dipping into a few shows. Here’s her take on Nicole Miller!
*************************************************************************
Hey Fashion Bombers!
Friday night in the tents, Nicole Miller showcased her Spring 2009 collection for the fashion masses.

Her designs are best known for their sound tailoring, modern silhouettes, and, most of all, prints. She wasn’t lacking for any of these in the collection, which has an edgier, sexier feel. If I had to sum up the collection in one all-encompassing phrase, it would be boyish-meets modern-meets New Age-meets tribal. As multi-layered and interesting as this may make the collection sound, it was also its downfall as it seemed unfocused and sort of all over the place at times.
It was an ambitious collection, though, which is always great to see from an American designer. And when she was on, she was on: there was a to-die-for LBD; a buttery, terracotta colored leather jacket; and an evening gown of a gorgeous, vibrant ethnic pattern (the inspiration for her prints came from a trip she took to Haiti, which us Caribbean girls certainly appreciate). Here are some of my favorite looks:
What do you all think?
More soon!
Adriana

******************************************************************
Stay tuned for more Fashion Week fun!

*Hey!
So it’s day one at the tents, and you know the Fashion Bomb is in the building:

Keeping it simple yet saucy, I threw on a Diane von Furstenberg Bolero, Zachary’s Smile High Waisted Black Skirt, and Jenny Dayco Jewels. I also decided to dye my hair dark for fall…it’s gonna take some getting used to!
Anyway, the BCBG Max Azria show was amazing! It featured Grecian style ruched dresses in flowing fabrics, forgiving enough for any girl from the rail thin to round.
Image Source
The collection was dominated by gray and beige jumpers and dresses, but pops of blue, hot pink, and green lightened up the mood. Another mood elevator: Spying newcomer Arlenis Pena stomping the catwalk!
I can’t wait to see her in more shows!
The rest of the day is pretty chill, though I do plan on stopping into Rubin Singer and Nicole Miller. Then off to my party tonight! If you’re in NYC, I hope to see you there!
*Speaking of Ms. Pena, WWD reports today that the Dominican Beauty was recently signed to Lancome…
….Odile Roujoul, president of Lancome says, “Arlenis possesses beauty, intelligence, charm and compassion…we knew she would be a wonderful addition.” [WWD]
*Sadness…
…looks like The Fashion Bomb didn’t win Best Style and Fashion Blog. The honors went to Afrobella and Scandalous Beauty. Welp. It was great to be nominated?? Hey, and at least they had a Fashion Category this year! Thanks to all who voted!!! Peep the rest of the winners here.
*Pssst, I’m already capturing lots of Real Style:
Stay tuned next week for a full rundown including the next installment of Fashion Bomb TV!
*Check out a preview of Tracy Reese’s Spring 2009 RTW collection:
Can’t wait for her show on Sunday!

Hey!
So Fashion Week starts tomorrow, and I am super busy preparing for a week full of parties, shows, and people watching!

With every Fashion Week, I get a slew of e-mails from readers who are wondering how it all goes down. I’ve answered these questions before, but today I’m going to give you a Definitive Guide to New York Fashion Week, based on your questions.
The First Question I always get:

Last February, I gave you guys the scoop! I said, “Shows are invitation only and open to celebrities, editors, buyers, socialites, and other forms of new media (now bloggers). A month before the shows, you can apply for fashion week credentials; once approved, you’re given contacts for each show. Invites are at the discretion of the PR firm, and basically only Anna Wintour has access to everything. Unfortunately those not in the industry (unless you’re friends with the designer) don’t get a chance to make it in. A bit of a bummer, but I’m sure as with anything, if you really want to make it happen, you can!” The same holds true now. Usually shows are reserved for members of the press, or those directly involved in fashion: People who work for the brand in any capacity (designers, publicists), and of course celebrities who buy the clothes right off the catwalk!
Next, many people want to know

“What do I wear????”

Reader Joi said, “I’m so excited to have just learned that I will be getting a press pass for Fashion Week, the very first thought I had was oh my god what am I going to wear!?!? Any insight would be great, please keep in mind that it’s a whole week and I don’t have too much money to spend on the event.“

Well, if you’re a celebrity, chances are you were specifically invited by the designer, so you’ll be sitting front row in the designer’s frocks:

Socialites stick to black or white with a saucy shoe and clutch…

…but if you take cues from any of my Real Style subjects, you’ll see the oufits range from the classic…

…to the over the top!

Basically, Do you! Look sophisticated yet saucy…don’t spend a lot on new snazzy outfits. Stick to neutrals like black, white, and beige, but make it all pop with fabulous accessories!
The next question I get:

I don’t work in Fashion: Can I work the tents???

Cynthia says, “I’m a young NYC public school teacher. Since I work full time, I can’t really go into the fashion industry, but I’m always looking for Fashion Week gigs. Do you by any chance know of any usher or assistant positions currently available?“
If you want to get the feeling of Fashion Week, but don’t have an ‘in’, I suggest you check out the Ground Crew. Started by Audrey Smaltz…
…the Ground Crew has provided backstage dressers, tailors, stylists, and pressers for Fashion Week for the past thirty years to names like Gucci, Prada, Michael Kors, Donna Karen and Diesel. Fierce! From laying out outfits, to working directly with the models, the Ground Crew is the definitive go-to if you want to get a ‘behind the scenes’ look. Find out more and apply for next season here.
I hope I answered all your questions!
I’m off to prepare for Fashion Week…and my 2nd Anniversary Party tomorrow!
Remember to RSVP.
Smootches!

Hey!
So before Fashion Week begins and we get lost in the chaos of established designers, I wanted to put you on to up-and-comer Leon Curry…

… 22 year old designer and creator of the Ellie Owen line:
A political science major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Leon taught himself to sew at the age of 15, and quickly began making his collection of sophisticated yet sexy dresses and separates for the saucy set….
…inspired by his mother, who he says is, “…Always well put together and doesn’t follow the trends,” Leon describes the Ellie Owen women as someone dynamic, multifaceted, and fresh…
Leon’s just getting started, but he says, “Upon graduation this year I intend to move to New York to expand my line. My goal is to show in Mercedes Benz fashion week in New York and sell my clothes in retailers’ world wide.” His dream also includes diffusion lines, fragrances, and bags. We’ll keep an eye out!
Seems Aubrey is a fan!
Contact Leon and see more of his fabulous creations at www.myspace.com/ldc86 .
Smootches!

Hey Fashion Bombers!
So I told you that my 2nd Anniversary would be full of surprises….

I just wanted to add a bit of color, streamline, and give the Fashion Bomb a fresh new face for its 2nd birthday.
Cute, huh?
Anyway, while I was in Paris, I knew I had to capture some Real Style.
I went to Chatelet les Halles…

…a shopping destination where Paris’ finest come out to strut their fashionable stuff.
I caught sight of this group of young men, who looked street chic in hats, graphic t’s, and sunglasses….
…they protested a bit, but after a while, they complied. And think not looking at the camera is another trend…
But what do you think?
Do Parisians have Real Style?
Smootches!