Show Review: Tibi

More from Adriana!
*****************************************************************
Walking into Tibi’s show on Saturday felt a bit like stepping into a tented backyard on a summer evening in the Hamptons: cool white chairs, muted pastel lighting, and a runway of the palest ice blue set the mood for a collection that was as elegant as its atmosphere

tibi-white-dress

Tibi’s designer and founder Amy Smilovic began in fashion after moving to Hong Kong over ten years ago, and Asia’s influence continues to weave its way into her designs. Viewing their Spring offerings, I was reminded strongly of nineteenth-century colonial Hong Kong: butterfly prints, Chinese reds, and Mandarin dresses dotted the runway, along with jodhpur-like Officer trousers and wide, tasseled, waist-cinching belts.
There was also an element of Katharine Hepburn and the 1980s, as well, in the shoulder-padded blouses and boxy blazers (which were reminiscent of early Giorgio Armani). Aside from a few pieces that ran toward the kitschy, I was pleasantly dazzled. The piece de resistance was a floor-length, jade gown with an applique design that was stunning in both its color and fluidity.
The clothes seemed perfect for a worldly, bohemian jetsetter, as at home at a Turkish bazaar as she is on the Vineyard (or her Hamptons backyard). Models Han Jin, Chanel Iman, Tokumbo, and Lakshmi Menon, among others, carried the clothes off beautifully and also added diversity to the runway, continuing a (heartening) trend I’ve been seeing all through Fashion Week.
Here are more stand-out looks:

Artful and Fashion Forward!
Adriana

Black Fashion Rocks!!! The Fashion Bomb’s 2nd Anniversary Party

Hey!
So I know you guys want the scoop on my party….

25

…well it was a hit!
Style Mavens of color came out in droves to celebrate Black Fashion and The Fashion Bomb’s 2nd Anniversary!
Peep the Red Carpet:
Yours truly wearing an Adeleke dress (available at Pieces) and Jenny Dayco earrings and necklace. Artist Cris hooked up my makeup and did an *amazing* job!!
From Left: Enyinne of Uptown Emerging Designer’s Market and Seasoned to Perfection, Designer Adeleke , and Busie of Fashion Indie (also in an Adeleke dress)…
…Maya Kalman of the line Boxing Kitten stunted on the red carpet..
As did many readers and friends:
It was fun!
Stay tuned for more pictures in The Fashion Bomb Group on Facebook!
Contact Adeleke by e-mailing him here, find more Jenny Dayco Jewels at www.jennydayco.com and book Makeup artist Cris for all your events by visiting her site www.gdluxe.com!!!
Many many thanks to everyone who came out, rain and all!
And lots of love to Fashion Indie and the JI Group!
Smootches!

Fashion Rocks Red Carpet

So Black Fashion Rocks wasn’t the only red carpet poppin this past Friday!
Fashion Bomb worthy celebs also stepped out for the annual Fashion Rocks concert at Radio City Music Hall.
My favorites of the night would have to be Ashanti and Ciara…
…who literally sparkled in flattering sequined gowns.
Mary J. Blige and Keyshia Cole looked great…
…though I’m scratching my head at Ms. Cole’s inventive pose.
And Leona Lewis and Beyonce kept it cute and simple…
…if not also a tad underdressed (relatively speaking).
While most looked red carpet appropriate, there were some ‘misses’:
Vivica Fox didn’t channel any Glam Gods in her demure, matronly frock, and Lil Mama stepped out in her usual off the wall steeze…
…and it seems Solange is trying to win the ‘Fashion Police’ Award! Rihanna looks fine, but we’ve all seen her look much, much better.
What do you think?

Day 2 at the Tents + Tracy Reese Spring 2009 RTW

Hey Fashion Bombers!
So I took a day off on Saturday to avoid the monsoon like weather! Thankfully intern Adriana stepped in (aren’t you just loving her show write ups??), and the sun came out on Sunday…

fashionbombfashionweek

…so I made my way to the tents. I kept it simple yet edgy in a Forever 21 black blouse, J.Crew Skirt, Jenny Dayco earrings, a Miu Miu Matelasse Bag from Bag, Borrow, or Steal, and shoes by Melody Ehsani. What can I say, black and white is always chic, and I like to throw in eye catching accessories to make it all unique.
I dipped into the Tracy Reese show…
..which is always a must see for me during Fashion Week.
Her collection, simply titled “Spring!” was an explosion of floral and nature inspired prints in watercolor pastels of vibrant colors like peach, blue, green, and purple.
Her attention to detail was flawless and unabashedly pretty. I appreciated the little details: buttons of shimmering crystal, delicate frothy organza flowers, gold brocade on classic trenches, leaf appliques, and lots of lots of girly lace.
My favorite looks:
Gorgeous!
I dipped backstage afterwards (as usual) and caught a picture with former Style File subject Brandy:
She looked amazing in a Tracy Reese dress and long lashes. She’s super sweet!
Adriana’s going to Tibi and Miss Sixty tonight while I work on the first Fashion Week Real Style video. It’s gonna be dope!
Stay tuned for more show reviews, video, and pictures from my 2nd Anniversary Party!!!

Intern Post: Rock & Republic Spring 2009 RTW

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?!

rr-chanel-iman

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

Intern Post: Nicole Miller Spring 2009 RTW

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.

nicole-miller-intro

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!

Claire’s Life: Day 1 at the Tents + Arlenis Pena for Lancome

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

claireattents

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!

Mail Bombs: Celebrity Looks for Less!!

Hey!
So today is day one of Fashion Week! As we speak, I’m probably taking in my first show of the season: BCBG Max Azria. Stay tuned for deets!
Still, it’s Friday, and the show must go on…
…let get started!
First, Jesse says, “I was wondering if you could help me get Rihanna’s look in the attached picture…
“...I usually don’t strive to copy celebrity looks, but I couldn’t resist this one. Her shirt is the perfect fit and very Jerry McGuire-esque. I like the balance of the outfit- posh but with an “I’m not trying too hard” feel….”
Get Rihanna’s steeze for less with the following:
1. Rio Sunglasses, $139. 2. O Oscar Belted Poplin Tunic Shirt, $20. 3. Juicy Couture Leather Chain Hoop Earrings, $58. 4.Steve Madden Madalynn Sandals, $109. 5. Linea Pelle Double Link Chain Belt, $52. 6. AG Jeans Dark Wash Stilt Cigarette Jeans, $87. 7. Kenneth Jay Lane Acetate Animal Print Cuff, $75.
Next, Wright asks, “Where can I find Solange’s dress...”
“... or something similar?
Plaid is the rule for fall, and you can get a Solange like transitional look with the following:
1. Bebe Plaid Belted Western Halter Dress, $119. 2. Adriana Papell Plaid Cap Sleeve Dress, $118. 3. Bebe V Neck Plaid Wrap Dress, $84.
Next, RC says, “I fell in love with this outfit Sanaa Lathan had on...”
“...Can you please help me find it or something similar?
It seems Sanaa is balling in this $450 Black Halo Strapless Wool Stretch Jumpsuit:
If that’s too much, you can go with this Riller & Fount Kioka Jumpsuit
…which is a relative steal at $200.
Now I have time for just a couple wardrobe queries!
Kathleen from Blowing Rock, North Carolina says, “I love these Pedro Garcia shoes but at $475 I can not afford them…
…do you know of anything very similar??
Hey! If you like the heeled sneaker look, you can go with these options:
1. JUMP Women’s Sarah Sneaker, $70. 2. Hale Bob Women’s Queen Pump, $52.
Lastly Andrea says, “I am going to a play at the end of Sep and I bought this cute dress...”
“...It’s my style classy clean lines but a little sexy! I was wondering if you could show me some cute accesories and shoes that wouldn’t be the usual choice of black, grey or silver that could go with it.
Sure. If you want this outfit to pop, take a hint from Glam Girl Hayden Panettiere…
…who accessorizes her all black outfit with hints of red and even an eye catching lip:
1. Aldo Fredda Shoes, $60 2. Crimson Croc Clutch, $68 3.Cole Haan Patent Leather Aurora Pumps, $165. 4. Nars Semi Matte Lipstick, $24.
That does it for today!
Adriana and I will be in the tents all weekend; and you’ll be there for every minute!
Smootches!

Fashion Week 101: All you Need to Know about New York Fashion Week

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

proenzaschouler

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:

How do I get into Fashion Week???

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!

The Fashion Bomb is in New York Metro!!!+ Don’t Forget to RSVP!

*Yo, what an Anniversary Present!!!
The Fashion Bomb is in today’s New York Metro Newspaper!!!!
It’s named amongst websites like Jezebel, Fashionista, FashionWeekDaily, and Style.com as the place to go for hardcore indie fashion followers.
Woooooot!
Hurry up and get your copy (and snag one for me too!)
*Don’t forget to RSVP for the Fashion Bomb’s 2nd Anniversary on Friday!!!
It’s gonna be fun! RSVP here.
Free before 11:30! Get there early!
*New York Magazine’s Blog reports that designer Carlos Campos will use all black models in his first womenswear show on Monday…
Apparently the press release says the show is inspired by supermodel Iman, and the collection is described as, “Jet set rockstar ” David Bowie and Iman on holiday in the South of France.” Hmh, might have to check this publicity stunt out.
*If you’re a plus sized Fashionista, check out the new blog Luvin my Curves. In this post, Johara visits the Soho shop Abby Z.
*Check sketches for Isaac Mizrahi for Liz Claiborne’s collection:
Seems his partnership with Target will end at the end of the year, so he’ll be in a Macy’s near you very soon.