By: Morgan Smith (@muvamorgs) for Fashion Bomb Daily
Chanel? Versace? And Wang?! Oh my. New York’s fashion scene was alive and well this weekend as three of the biggest design houses held shows over the course of the week, giving consumers a little taste of what is to come for FW19 with their Pre-Fall 2019 collections!
To get the party started, the “arty animal” himself, Alexander Wang, opened the week with his star-studded show with celebrities like Teyana Taylor, 21 Savage, and our very own editor, Claire Sulmers. The “Collection 2” show called “American Hustle” is mixture of social class stereotypes to put the idea of status symbols in a different light. Feelin like an outsider as a young boy, he was always questioning whether he fit in with his upper class peers. From snakeskin mixed with rugby sweaters to women in deconstructed suits, he is dismissing the question of “where do I fit in” and breaking the rules of status and stereotypes to promote individuality. And, if you would like the finer things in life, you have to work hard and hustle.
In the city of bright lights, Versace surely achieved the mood of New York through a replica of the Statue of Liberty’s torch in gold. Versace’s Pre-Fall collection was more of a celebration as it was held on Giani’s 72nd birthday if the great was still with us and the partygoers included Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, Young Thug, Lupita Nyong’o, and Tracee Ellis Ross amongst others. With this collection, Donatella showed her love for NY by depicted the modern on-the-go NY woman through luggage and the printed head scarf with sunglasses combination completed with the signature Versace elements of vibrant prints and signature gold. She even brought back the famous safety pin dress from the 1994 Spring collection.
The Chanel Métiers d’Art 2019 collection was very much Egyptian-inspired as models were seen strutting with black eyeliner and all gold everything. Even some of the models have their legs painted in gold! Karl Lagerfeld truly knows how to get into a theme as the show was held at the Temple of Dendur at The Met which showcases the architecture of an ancient Egyptian temple. Of course, a Chanel collection would not be a true Chanel collection without the use of the famous tweed material. Lagerfeld references a trip through the times with ancient, classic Chanel, and futuristic references through the Métiers d’Art 2019 collection. Also, you can’t wrong with using Pharrell as a model.
Having a date night at home can be a fantastic idea no matter if you are in the early stages of your relationship or if you have been living together for years. It is a lot more intimate and more comfortable than going out, plus you can make huge savings by staying at home too! Much like any date, it is vital that you put some thought into it so that it will be a valuable, memorable and fun night for both of you. If you have a date night lined up but you have decided to stay in, read on for some helpful advice.
– What To Wear
It can be tricky to know what to wear as you will want to look nice for your date but there is no need to dress up as if you are visiting a fancy restaurant. Ultimately, you should choose something that you feel confident in so that you can enjoy yourself and feel comfortable and happy. The great thing about date nights at home is that you can quickly change into something else if you end up curling up in front of the TV.
– Food
Having a date night at home is a great way to show off your culinary skills, but you do not have to be a master chef to impress as there are many easy to follow recipes for tantalizing dishes. One particularly useful option is sweet and sticky tofu which is bursting with flavor and a dish which both looks and tastes good but is easy to cook. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a nice bottle of wine or drink of your choice.
– Entertainment
You can simply enjoy each other’s company over a good meal, candlelight and bottle of wine, but you may want to pick an appropriate album or playlist to play during the meal and think of a few topics of conversation in case you run out of things to say. Aside from this, there are many excellent entertainment and activities that you could do together. A few good options include:
There are a few essential points to remember with this type of date as it is quite different from any kind of date night where you are out.
Remember that you are on a date so do not ignore your partner and act as you would on an average night in
If they do not live with you, then remember that they do not have to stay over if you do not want them to
Make sure that there will be no distractions or visitors that come over during your date
Having a date night in can be a great way to spend quality time with your partner, but this is also a unique type of date and one which will require a fair amount of planning with the above being the main areas to consider.
Which came first, the runway or the street? This is the riddle of fashion in the 2000s. Streetstyle has influenced the zeitgeist of runways worldwide, with Athleisure taking over even the most luxurious European houses. The quirky blogger who would combine unlikely prints, or the unique immigrant artist who would maybe blend cultural influences, are the types of people that are setting the trends. Labels are exercising those thumb muscles, scrolling Instagram for inspiration. Meanwhile, fashionistas are looking at the runways shows, pulling out the mood, colours and silhouettes designed for us to consume.
Among the huge trends like Neon green and lazerbeam yellows, animal prints and bulldozer sneakers, are smaller sub-trends that pop up. Versace stomped down the Fall/Winter 2018 runways with a punk attitude, mixing punchy plaids and bright tartans in a single look. They juxtaposed colours and prints, blocking plaids on jackets and skirts. This two-face style contrast of prints are now gaining momentum. I’m seeing them in fast and higher end fashion online stores, fashion blogs and social media.
Versace FW 2018
Mixing prints and colour blocking find their way into the trendosphere regularly. It is a cool take on more traditional patterns to mix stark tartan patterns like this. Junya Watanabe combines the tartan with other classic prints like animal, damask and smaller plaids, to create a similar effect.
Here are a few other looks, to give you some ideas on how you can jump on this ride:
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Ellery Contrast check coat from Brownsfashion.comStreetstyle capture via @thestyleograph
2 iconic British fashion powerhouses have joined forces to create an oh-so quirky and utterly British limited-edition collection.
Originally announced back in July via a portrait of Riccardo Tisci, Vivienne Westwood and Andreas Kronthaler on Instagram. Now, the time has arrived to shop the surprisingly accessible collaboration (select pieces start as low as UK£55/US$70)
Image by David Sims/BurberryImage by David Sims/BurberryImage by David Sims/Burberry
As expected from the ‘Queen of Punk’ the overall feel of the capsule collection is a cool, grunge-era, unapologetic vibe. Pieces include reimagined kilts, berets, jackets and a handwritten message by Westwood herself emblazoned on an oversized t-shirt. This piece will help raise money for non-profit charity Cool Earth who help put a stop to deforestation and climate change. A cause very close to the designer’s hearts. Westwood will also customize 4 items from the collection to be auctioned, proceeds of which will go to Cool Earth.
Image by David Sims/BurberryImage by David Sims/BurberryImage by David Sims/Burberry
The campaign (which also dropped today) feature the likes of Kate Moss and Sistren and shot by David Sims, who’s portfolio includes works for Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Calvin Klein.
Image by David Sims/BurberryImage by David Sims/BurberryImage by David Sims/Burberry
This sure to sell out collection will be the brand’s first collaboration since Riccardo Tisci was appointed Chief Creative Officer in March 2018.
All these pieces are available to purchase online now through the Burberrywebsite.
Image by David Sims/Burberry
What do you think of this punk-rock collection? Will you be copping a few pieces? Let #FashionBombDaily know your thoughts below.
It’s nearing the end of 2018 which means many different things for many different people. The holidays are here, your favorite cosy sweater has made a reappearance, it’s time for reflection, new beginnings and so on. For me, it means that it’s time for Pantone to announce the next color of the year.
From interior design to hairstyles to the catwalk, be sure to keep your eye out for this ‘animating and life-affirming’ tone. You will certainly start seeing it everywhere.
Pantone says ‘Symbolizing our innate need for optimisim and joyful pursuits, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression‘ so no matter how you incorporate Living Coral into your life, be sure to have fun with it.
Especially perfect for spring/summer, match your coral pieces with turquoise blue hues to really make them pop. You could also try matching with reds or pinks for an understated (yet impactful) color combo.
Time to clear out your wardrobes Bombshells and Bombers, there is a new ‘it’ color in town!!
Happy Thursday, folks!
Fashion Bomb Daily is having one more event this year: A Special VIP screening of Jennifer Lopez’s Movie, Second Act!
The movie follows 40-year-old Maya (played by Jennifer Lopez) who gets a chance to prove to Madison Avenue that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts and that it’s never too late for a second act.
Check out the preview below:
This movie is so apropos for me! I feel like I’m experiencing my 2nd act right now, stepping out more as a public figure in the wake of FBD’s slight hiccup this summer!
If you’d like to attend, leave a comment below with a time in your life when you had to switch and pivot, and take on a new direction! The best response will get to join us next Thursday at 8pm! Bonus: Get pushed to the top of the pile if you snag any holiday swag from FashionBombDailyShop.com.
See you there!
Happy Tuesday, Bombers and Bombshells!
This weekend was pretty busy! Of course on Saturday we had Convos with Claire, and after CWC, I saw Michelle Obama discuss her book Becoming at Barclay’s in Brooklyn! On Sunday, I was juiced to attend the Versace Pre-Fall 2019 show at the Stock Exchange in Downtown Manhattan.
As soon as I entered the room, I was transfixed by a large black reflective runway, flanked by handsome Versace Tee clad bodyguards. A golden replica of Lady Liberty’s torch bearing hand jutted out from the middle of the floor–a reference no doubt to New Yorker Michael Kors’s recent acquisition of the Italian brand.
The piece of art signaled a shift, that trickled over into the 57 piece showing for the night: a mixture of traditional Versace baroque prints with more American sportswear pieces. Kors like animal prints, slick patent leather jackets, and trench coats shared the stage with the swirly patterns for which the house is known, cleverly updated to include American flag-like stars and stripes.
Donatella Versace has been dipping into the house’s archives for quite a few seasons, and this season was no exception. Safety pin embellishments and shiny ‘Medusa’ buttons were on the menu, and showed up in various iterations whether an LBD, blazer, or skirt.
But Kors certainly had his say in the new direction for the house. Cue the animal prints cast in blacks, whites, turquoise, and browns.
Models rolled the new must have accessory, Versace suitcases, around the runway.
And towards the end of the show, model Mica Arganaraz drove the point home with a T-Shirt mixing the Versace Medusa Insignia and the phrase, “I love New York.”
The love is real, and this marriage of two strong brands certainly created a stunning collection.
Afterwards, sparkling glasses of champagne were served, as celebrity guests, which included Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Lupita Nyong’o, Teyana Taylor, 2 Chainz, 21 Savage, Young Thug, Ciara, Lala, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Mary J Blige mixed and mingled with models.
I grabbed a few selfies and pix with select stars, including Lupita Nyong’o, Tracee Ellis Ross, Ciara!
And called it a night! For the day, I kept it simple in jeans and a Versace logo tee, finished with a pink Duckie Confetti stole!
The rest of the year (!) is pretty calm for me, save a VIP movie screening next week! Those who purchased VIP tickets to Convos with Claire New York will be getting an email. Stay tuned!
Until then, what did you think of the show?
On December 1st, the Convos with Claire (@convoswithclaire) panel series held its last event of the year. For every event, Convos with Claire offers rising fashionistas the opportunity to hear advice and knowledge from industry professionals on their rise to success through conversations, brunch, cocktails, and overall…through style. This year’s dress code took a trip on the wild side with 2018’s biggest fall trend: animal print!
Let’s take a look at our guest looking fierce and fabulous in their best animal print looks:
Friends that slay together, stay together! This trio shows that red presents the perfect pop accent to any leopard look.
Dripping in Fur: Both our panelist, @bevysmith , and this beautiful guest came through fully slaying in the ultimate fur coat! Make the bold animal print even bolder with a touch of fur!
This pretty young Bombshell paired a purple hued leopard printed dress with a complementary coat. Unexpected, but cute!
It’s an all black affair! @thelearobinson was spotted in an all black fit with an crocodile-skinned dress by @manfredonia.us. Keep the animal print minimalistic with solid color prints to achieve a classic, yet standout look!
Prints on Prints! The mixing of ANY prints is also a popular trend for FW18. Take a different approach like @carriepennie and mix animal print with plaid to achieve a bold and vibrant look!
Pride on the Prowl: Take notes from these lovely ladies who mixed this African headwraps with animal prints with @nrodaeyewear. Cute!
King Status: Stylist, @mickeyboooom, made sure that all eyes were on him and his fierce fit which consisted cheetah print and snakeskin topped by a fur stole and @dolcegabbana sunglasses. He is everything! Also, one of our panelist, @duckie_confetti was also sporting a cheetah fur stole! Look to them for inspiration on how to pull off several animal elements at once from prints to fur stoles!
Bold hair colors and prints: one of our very panelists, the legendary stylist @misahylton, was spotted rocking cheetah print @mcmworldwide blazer and @mcmworldwide bag all topped off by her Pretty in Pink bob hair styles! Achieve a fearless look by pairing animal print with vibrant hair color! Take notes from a legend.
Red is Power: Red has always been a symbol of strength and power amongst all women, so stylist @kimdillinger decided to make a power statement by pairing animal print with red flare pants. And let’s not forget designer, @creamxnyc, came through in the red fur coat with her animal print. Absolutely fabulous, ladies!
Fashion Bombers and Bombshells showed up and out!
See more pictures here:
What do you think, Bombers and Bombshells? What’s your favorite look? Comment on this post and the Convos with Claire Recap post with the best look. Best look gets the opportunity to go to a Fashion Show with Claire!
A pair of shades can upgrade any look, and can even let you hide tired eyes when you don’t have time to conceal them with makeup. They also do more than just make you look confident as the right pair of shades will help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and help keep the skin around the eyes healthy.
Here are some reasons why sunglasses are important, along with some things to consider the next time you’re looking to refresh your look and buy new sunglasses.
UV Protection
Not wearing sunglasses or donning a pair that does not provide adequate UV protection can put you at risk of several eye diseases like cataract, Macular Degeneration, and Photokeratitis. UV radiation can pass through cloud cover and cause damage to the lens and cornea on the eyes, which is why it is important to wear a pair of shades that absorb most HEV rays and provide maximum eye protection by blocking 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. Even short-term exposure to UV rays can cause eye irritation, light sensitivity, and eye pain. Sunglasses, as ubiquitous as they seem, are the one of the best options to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from UV rays, so you reduce your risk of developing age spots and wrinkles later in life.
UV protection is even more important for kids, as they spend more time outdoors and are more susceptible to retinal damage. Children’s ocular lens is less capable of filtering out UV rays, enabling more radiation to reach deep into the eye. These factors make it crucial for kids to wear shades that block UV rays and absorb HEV rays.
Protection from glare
To see clearly even in the presence of bright light, wear polarized sunglasses that block reflected light for superior glare protection. Glare is the reduction in visibility that is caused by a negative sensation in the visual field such as reflected or direct sunlight, and even artificial light like households lamps and car headlamps at night.
Glare protection becomes even more important when you are driving on a sunny day, as there are bright reflections on the road that can interfere with your sight and impair your visibility. Sun glare can be dangerous as you are unable to see oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic control devices. So the next time you are on the road, make sure to wear a pair of shades that will let you see images clearly without distorting color. You can choose between yellow glasses which sharpens images, or brown lenses which effectively reduce glare and blue light.
Protection from strong winds and dust
If you like driving with your windows down, then you probably get distracted by dust and dry winds as you speed up along the highway. Your eyes can also get buffeted by debris and wind blasts when you are cycling outdoors. To keep the wind out while cycling, you want to wear wraparound sunglasses with protective gaskets that block pollution and dust from entering your eyes. With several choices for protective goggles, you will definitely find a pair that is secure and comfortable, and will enhance your vision in various light conditions.
So how do you pick the right pair of sunglasses?
By now, you already know that shades are your best protection against glare, harmful UV rays, and even dirt and pollution. The next step is choosing the right pair that will provide maximum protection for your eyes and for the skin surrounding this area. Here, we outline a few pointers to help you choose among several sunglass styles:
Consider your lifestyle and the type of activities you enjoy doing on a regular basis. If you love spending time outdoors, you will benefit from shades that block 99 to 100 percent of harmful UV rays, and a frame with a larger surface area that will shield your eyes from UV rays coming from all sides. On the other hand, a basic pair of sunglasses with high UV protection may be sufficient when you are embarking on simple errands such as taking your mail to the post office or paying bills.
Consider different lens options
Again, your choice of sunglass will depend on your unique lifestyle. Polarized lens may be the best option for you if you have a long commute every day as this type of lens effectively reduces glare, allowing you to see clearly on a bright day. Wearing polarized lenses when driving in the rain is also advisable as it helps enhance your visual acuity through the scattering effect of the rain.
Choose from a wide selection of frames
Sunglasses are stylish accessories that can complete a look, so in addition to the pointers above, you may also want to look for a pair that will complement your personal style. If you are unsure of which frame style to choose for your face shape, ask a glasses specialist to assist you in narrowing down your options and picking the perfect pair that will enhance your facial features.
Happy Monday, Bombers and Bombshells!
Our Convos with Claire series ended in New York City with a bang! The annual celebration of fashion and style over brunch and empowering conversations had it’s final bow for 2018 in a brick exposed enclave in Manhattan’s Flatiron district.
Convos with Claire is an opportunity for those looking to break into fashion to hear wisdom and advice from those who have sustained long, successful careers in the industry. The event always welcomes an illustrious panel of guests, and our New York panel was nothing short of exceptional, as it featured former ad executive turned TV host and radio personality Bevy Smith, legendary stylist and fashion designer turned life coach, teacher, and Global Creative Partner of MCM Misa Hylton, and designer and furrier to the stars Duckie Confetti. The conversation focused not just on breaking in through interning and assisting, but also knowing your worth, how to get placement on celebs, and how to build a strong brand. Everyone on the panel has been able to reinvent themselves, shift, and pivot in an industry that is constantly evolving. Never resting on their laurels, they continue to dream bigger and climb higher, setting new goals for themselves once one ‘plateau’ is reached.
Attendees were eager to learn and to also find mentorship! One young fashion buyer was able to find a potential mentor from Nordstrom right in the room. Another aspiring designer was interested in getting her brand more exposure. Misa offered tips on getting in front of the right people (don’t be afraid to tag or DM your favorite stylist! Also, when the opportunity comes, be ready!), Claire added some sparkle with social media insight (take consistent photo shoots and update at least once a day). The young designer was able to showcase her paint splattered trenches to the room. Reporters from ABC, Essence, and Page Six TV were all in attendance, providing additional potential platforms for publicity.
Guests came to slay (if you need an occasion to dress up, CWC never disappoints!). We have a theme for every event, and for New York we decided to go with a classic that has come around anew: Animal Print! Take a look:
Bombshells @BFFSport and @LaClosetDesign tag teamed in a leopard catsuit and mini dress.
Larissa Muehleder of Muehleder the Label repped for her brand, but added a twist with leopard pumps.
Stylist Mickey Freeman has the best shades ever! He stuck to the theme in a leopard print shirt and jacket, and reptilian gloves.
His muse @LeaRobinson looked edgy in a croc embossed black ensemble.
And friends @SherlyB and @Jenn_Moorer looked sassy with crop tops, skirts, and leopard accessories.
Bombshell @CarriePennie designed a Tony the Tiger inspired sweatshirt that she paired with a plaid skirt. Creative!
Fashion Bomb Volunteer @J.Scurlock always comes to slay and serve! He gave a bit of 70’s inspiration with a snake print top and fanny pack with pants equipped with a stripe down the side.
Blogger @Ashley_V_ uplifted a simple look with a statement leopard hat.
@RareBeauty_ was bomb in a leopard dress equipped with side and back cut outs.
And @AsToldbyAdri_ used the space’s telephone booth to kick up her over the knee boots rocking a leopard printed cardigan.
The best dressed attendee always wins a prize, and this year, the best dressed guest will get to attend a show with Claire during New York Fashion Week in February! Who do you think was best dressed? Leave a comment below!
Editor in Chief Claire Sulmers always uses the opportunity to wear a design by an up and coming brand! This year, she wore a custom leopard ensemble by Parsons alum and Harlem Fashion Week designer Yvonne Jewnell. Makeup by vendor La Monique Cosmetics and hair @ByBellaEvans completed her look.
After listening to the panel and shopping it up with vendors, guests were able to network over cocktails by Billionaires Row and light hors d’oeuvres by Chef Sam. Attendees come to learn, but stay to make meaningful connections with people in their industry who could one day become friends, colleagues, or business partners!
If you are interested in being a vendor or sponsor for 2019 (or if you want to bring CWC to your town) email bookclairesulmers@gmail.com for details! Book now for special rates!
