taking you from the front lines of fashion to front row
Image courtesy of aftermarketnews.com
Fashion Reverie wishes all our viewers a happy holiday season. Just remember, stay safe and avoid all large gatherings, if possible. Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues, 2022 promises to be a joyous and fruitful year. Don’t miss out on the good times ahead by putting you and loved ones at risk.
Stay healthy and be prepared for all the great fashion coverage on Fashion Reverie in 2022!!
The year is coming to an end, and we are ready to pour it up and celebrate! Whether we are celebrating a successful 2021, or celebrating just surviving through it, it is time to say farewell to the old year and toast the new year.
Here is Fashion Reverie’s holiday cocktail guide to toast to joie de vivre and all of the success we are claiming and manifesting for 2022!
UNWINED
Not everyone wants to indulge in alcohol this holiday. For those who want to participate in the festivities, but don’t want to indulge in the libations, there is UNWINED by Kariva. A first-of-its-kind wine replacement, this alcohol beverage is made from berries and tastes similar to wine. The blend of aronia berry, dark cherry, schisandra berry, mulberry and pear mimics the taste of Malbec, yet leaves you unimpaired. Perfect for expecting mothers and designated drivers, you can enjoy the party in a fun, flavorful, and responsible way.
Tiffany Mimosa
At Fashion Reverie, we like to infuse style into everything we do. So, there’s no way we could ring in the new year dressed to the nines while holding a drab drink. With the Tiffany Mimosa, our festive flute will be as fashionable as our outfit.
1 slice lemon
1 ounces granulated sugar
2 ounces blue Curaçao, divided
1 bottle champagne or prosecco
2 cups lemonade, divided
Thin white ribbon (optional)
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
Whether just two or a group of ten, whiskey is a great liquor to enhance get-togethers with friends. Adding a holiday touch makes it that more special. You can make this drink by the glass or as a punch for guests to help themselves.
1.5 ounces bourbon whiskey
1 ounce of sweet red vermouth
2 ounces orange juice
1 ounce 100% unsweetened cranberry juice (If all you can find is sweetened cranberry juice, cranberry juice blend, or cranberry juice cocktail, omit the simple syrup or add it to taste)
½ ounce simple syrup
Ice, for serving
For the garnish: fresh or frozen cranberries, rosemary sprigs
New Year’s Eve Frozen Margarita
Who said frozen margs are just for the summer? A good drink deserves to be enjoyed year-round. And what better way to round out the year than with tequila? Start the party with the frozen margarita, and as the night progresses, maybe change over to tequila shots. Happy New Year!
6 ounces frozen limeade
3 ounces tequila
1 ounce of Grand Marnier
Splash fresh orange juice
Splash fresh lime juice
Crushed ice
Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth and thick.
French 75
The name of the French 75 oozes old-time fun and flair. A simple concoction for those of us who want to enjoy a good drink without all the fuss.
1 ounce of gin
½ ounce lemon juice
2 dashes simple syrup
2 ounces champagne
Rum Berry Cocktail
Every good party should have rum in attendance. Rum is the unassuming party starter, but spiced rum is its little brother that steals the attention. Create this punch for your party, and your friends will certainly come back for more.
3 ounces spiced rum
18 ounces pomegranate juice – 100% juice, not the diluted kind
1 ounce Cointreau
8 ounces spiced ginger beer
10 ounces frozen mixed berries
Ice: optional
3 ounces fresh raspberries
A few sprigs of fresh thyme
French Pear Martini
Martinis are all about sophistication. Make that martini with pear vodka, elderflower, and champagne, and you elevate from sophistication to luxury. Yes, please, I’ll have another!
1.5 ounces St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1.5 ounces pear vodka
Chilled champagne
Granulated sugar for the rim
1 lemon, wedged
1 pear, sliced
Tip: To prevent pear from discoloring, squeeze a lemon over cut slices.
Spiced Apple Hot Toddy
Sometimes you want a mellow, relaxed vibe for your New Year’s Eve celebration. Get decked out in your fancy pajamas, grab your favorite blanket, and curl (or cuddle) up on the couch with a nice hot toddy as you watch the ball drop.
1.5 ounces spiced rum
4 ounces hot apple cider
1 tbsp sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon combined
lemon juice
—Carl Ayers
It’s officially the holiday season, and that means that it’s officially time for holiday shopping. When giving gifts, we want the gifts to be personal, memorable, and cherished. Sure, you can go to the big box and department stores to buy gifts. Or you can put a little more thought and effort into your purchases and show your friends and family that you really care. The perfect option is to head to your city’s hidden gem boutiques and get gifts that you won’t see everyone else posting and posing with on Instagram.
From New York to Miami, Los Angeles to Seattle, and all points in between, Fashion Reverie has combed the corners of the country to find the best boutiques for fashionable gifts that are sure to be a hit. This curated list of small stores will not only help you find the best presents, but you will also be doing your part is supporting small and local businesses. Shopping local os the gift that keeps on giving.
New York: Extra Butter
Extra Butter is the playground for the young and fashionable in New York City. The store sells over one hundred brands from apparel and footwear to books and home furnishings. But their main draw isn’t the number of brands they sell, but the highly selective assortment of products they sell. From unique Nike sneakers to rare Sergio Tacchini clothes to their own branded merch, Extra Butter will have your style as smooth as, well, butter. Extra butter, in fact.
Washington, DC: Bishop Boutique
Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Bishop Boutique is a quaint haven in the neighborhood just outside of bustling Washington, .C. With a vibrant selection of clothes, bags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories, there is a plethora of options to keep you styling and profiling year round. There’s a special section for holiday shopping on their website, so if you need help or inspiration pulling together a holiday look, head on over and look no further.
Atlanta: T. Boutique
Tucked away north of Atlanta in Alpharetta/Johns Creek, T. Boutique is the fashion road trip you didn’t know you needed. Calm, relaxing, and with an attentive staff that does custom alterations, T. Boutique sells items from some of the most trendy and popular brands like Max Mara and Rag & Bone and new favorites like Sablyn and L’Agence.
Guys, you won’t be left out. There are a number of designers, like Frame and PRPS, for you, too. And if anyone can’t make it to the store, they ship worldwide, including complimentary ground shipping.
Miami: MRKT
Cool, trendy, urban—words that seem outdated for MRKT, a menswear store in the Miami Design District. More appropriate words would be current, yet forward, or urban, yet high-end. This is where a guy comes to shop if he wants to look like he stepped off the set of the newest music video. Selling clothes from brands such as Gallery Dept., Casablanca, and Raf Simons, the shelves rival the closets of any of your favorite musicians. The price points are not for the weak (a pair of socks can cost $79), but these threads are for the sartorial strong. There’s no balling on a budget here, but can you really put a price on premium drip?
Dallas: Market Highland Park Village
Not to be confused with MRKT in Miami, MARKET in Dallas’s Highland Park Village is an experiential shopping destination, housing a curated selection of compelling and sought-after designers with a large focus on new and emerging talent. The store is so invested in newer brands that it features two pop-up spaces. In addition to featured brands like Marni, Jonathan Simkhai, and Proenza White Label, you can find items from Cult Gaia and Sig Ward Jewelry adoring the shelves, as well as their latest pop-ups with Ganni and the Last Line.
Los Angeles: What Goes Around Comes Around
What Goes Around Comes Around is a famously popular store with locations in Beverly Hills and in the Soho neighborhood of Manhattan, with an additional pop-up location in Manhattan. The stores scream opulence from the brass-trimmed doors to the plentiful chandeliers to its almost endless racks and display cases of the most desired global brands. The Beverly Hills flagship even boasts departments dedicated to sourcing and reselling the rarest pieces from Chanel and Hermès. If you are looking to style your own “Sex and the City” moment, you may find it here.
Seattle: Pipe and Row
Fashion is not all about big names and labels. Sometimes, you simply want clothes that look good, are well made, and can adapt with you as you style changes over the years. For that, head to Pipe and Row in Seattle. Pipe and Row state that they are not your average staple. Pipe and Row is a Seattle-based store front and online shop. They offer a diverse stock of effortless, inspirational. and wearable pieces that are sure to become your new favorite staple. Curated with a selection of local artist, international designers and everything in between—P&R celebrates and empowers individual style.
All images are courtesy of the respective boutiques or stores
Chicago: Ikram
Chicago’s Ikram is an exclusive women’s fashion boutique, art gallery, and farm-to-table restaurant all rolled into one. This boutique has been designed to showcase the best in women’s fashion, accessories, and gift items. The carefully curated interior is an ideal backdrop for a unique mix of designers hand-picked from across the globe. You can choose from Alexandre Vauthier and Nina Ricci to Erickson Beamon, and Duro Olowu, as well as Balenciaga and Fendi. In Ikram, there is no shortage of good taste and fashionable options.
—Carl Ayers
Image courtesy of LVMH
Acclaimed fashion designer Virgil Abloh died in Chicago this past Sunday. After a two-year battle, Abloh died of cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
Though Abloh popularity and ascent in the fashion industry was very short, he made a major impact in the industry by being one of the few black fashion designers to helm a major European fashion house. At the time of his death, Abloh was the creative director of Louis Vuitton men’s wear, as well as the creative director of his own fashion brand, Off-White. Abloh was also a frequent collaborator with Nike and Avian.
In July, Abloh was promoted to a new position with the auspices of LVMH, giving him the latitude to work across LVMH’s 75 brands. This position made Abloh the most powerful and prolific black executive in the fashion industry
Abloh helped usher in an era of fashion, a fashion that blended street style with luxury. As a proponent of this new hybrid, Abloh’s fashion collections not only spoke to what modern consumers wanted to wear but blended the worlds of art, commerce, political thought, and diversity.
“Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,” his wife quoted him as saying in an Instagram post. He believed deeply, she wrote, “in the power of art to inspire future generations.”
“Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom,” Bernard Arnault, the chairman of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, said in a statement.
Born to Ghanian parents in Rockford, Illinois, Abloh studied civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received his master’s degree in architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Image courtesy of nytimes.com
Abloh’s entrée into the fashion industry began with meeting Kanye West. West started a sneaker collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2009. Abloh was on West’s creative team for the Louis Vuitton sneaker collection. West’s sneaker collaboration with Louis Vuitton became the hit of the fashion season.
“Streetwear wasn’t on anyone’s radar, but the sort of chatter at dinners after shows was like ‘Fashion needs something new. It’s stagnant. What’s the new thing going to be?’ That was the timeline on which I was crafting my ideas,” Mr. Abloh later told GQ, as reported in thenewyorktimes.com. That was also when he and Mr. West began a six-month internship at Fendi, making $500 a month, and learning the business from the inside out.
Off-White spring 2021 Images courtesy of lofficielusa.com
In 2010 Abloh became the creative director of Wes’s Donda fashion incubator. And through a series of introductions and connections, Abloh launched his fashion brand, Off-White, which started as an art project. Off-White was a combination of what Abloh called “cheating codes” and the “three-percent rule,” which is taking existing silhouettes and fashion rules and re-interpreting those elements to create something seems new and original.
Though Off-White was originally deemed a streetwear brand by the fashion industry, Abloh vehemently fought to get Off-White categorized as a luxury brand. “I was adamant: This isn’t a streetwear brand, Abloh told GQ. This isn’t a contemporary brand. This is designer, just the same way that X, Y, Z are designer, where you say their name and it carries this whole esteem and emotion to it.”
Abloh uniquely understood that if consumers flocked to his collections, the fashion industry elites would follow. And that is exactly what happened!!
Louis Vuitton men’s spring 2021 image courtesy of hypebeast.com
In 2018 Louis Vuitton named him creative director of Louis Vuitton and in that same year Time magazine named him one of the most influential people. According to The New York Times, “earlier this year LVMH increased its stake in Off-White to 60 percent, a sign that the brand had the backing to move to the next level.”
Virgil Abloh is survived by his wife Shannon and their four children. He was 41 years old at the time of his death.
—William S. Gooch
Image courtesy of lesfleurs.com
The holidays are almost here! This year, more than ever before, we’re ready to embrace the holidays and relish those warm feelings of gathering with friends and family. The rise in at-home entertaining over the past 18 months has sparked a lot of creativity and changed how we entertain at home. Gone are the pre-pandemic days when you had guests over for the holidays, went on autopilot, pulled out your trusty white Pottery Barn place settings, just as you did last year and the one before that, and called it a wrap.
We aren’t suggesting that you toss-out your Pottery Barn place settings, not at all. Rather, indulge your inner creativity and start thinking, ‘Why Don’t You …’ as Diana Vreeland did in the popular advice column she wrote for Harper’s Bazaar in the late 1950s. Readers couldn’t get enough of Mrs. Vreeland’s wildly extravagant ideas. One of her most notable quips was, ‘Why don’t you … order Schiaparelli’s cellophane belt with your name and telephone number on it?” and another, ‘Why don’t you … rinse your blond child’s hair in dead champagne to keep it gold, as they do in France?”
Image courtesy of harpersbazaar.com
If you adopt Mrs. Vreeland’s mindset, you’re bound to create a truly memorable festive holiday table this year. Fashion Reverie spoke with interior designers and friends who love to host gatherings year-round. We gleaned some decorating tips from the Washington, DC area interior designer, Victoria Pearson and drew inspiration from the beautiful tableaus in her shop. Victoria emphasizes the importance of always being mindful of the right proportions, something that is essential to work out before getting immersed in the details of setting up a table. Her top tip? Containers. Rather than “Thanksgiving Table, Christmas Table” she uses the term “the wintery holiday table” for her set-ups because it sounds less formal and more festive. Says Victoria, “In my store I sell so many beautiful containers and switch it out season to season for my clients, it’s that simple.” She favors garden urns, both large and small, depending on the size of the table. Another less costly option is to use large bowls as centerpieces. Victoria advises, “Try to do 3 containers on a table whenever possible, for maximum symmetry and impact. If you don’t have 3 containers to work with, place 2 large containers on each end of the table, or for simplicity, one big bowl in the center.”
Victorian Pearson is on Facebook: Victoria’s Past Tyme.
Image courtesy of Victoria Pearson
And now, for Fashion Reverie’s ‘Why Don’t You …’ compilation of decorating tips for Holiday 2021.
Why don’t you … turn to Pantone as a start for your color schemes? Color sets the mood and tone, so what better place to start? – Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone
Image courtesy of norhtshorekid.com
Why Don’t You … make the children’s table something truly magical, rather than the usual drab card table in the corner set with boring paper plates? Use groupings of bejeweled teddy bears as centerpieces to delight the children and set each place with each child’s favorite cartoon character. They will be enchanted and entertained, and their table will be so irresistible that the adults will want to sit there instead of at “the big table!” – Lisa Pliner, artist, designer, and podcast host.
Why Don’t You … go up to the attic and dig out your grandmother’s wedding china, sterling silver and crystal stemware? Set-out a grand formal table with the works, 3 forks, including one for the fish course and place cards. If you don’t own fine china, that’s not a problem; there are many fine vintage dinnerware sets available for a fraction of their original price from the 1950s and 1960s thanks to the explosion of fast-food and takeout. – Marshall Rountree, antique fine jewelry, china, and crystal dealer.
Why Don’t You … mix it up and break the rules? Combine collectibles that are valued in the four figures with everyday use glassware from Target and Ikea. – Scott French, Fashion Designer and Publicist.
Image courtesy of easyday.com
Why Don’t You …g o to a vintage or thrift shop and pick up some cotton scarves or men’s pocket squares and use them as table napkins? – Carl Ayers, Fashion Reverie managing editor
Why Don’t You … pull out a big platter and dress it up with holiday napkins? Use foil and sprinkle fake snow on top to create a wintry wonderland centerpiece. – Victoria Pearson
Why Don’t You … get crafty, and make your own table runners? No one else will have the same ones on their holiday table. – Martha Stewart
Image courtesy of Instagram
Why Don’t You … have your holiday dinner outdoors and call it “a luxury picnic”? Sites such as Instagram darling @picnics_by_chrissy can work with you to create the festive scenario of your dreams. Set up dinner in your favorite outdoor spot, scrap the chairs, and lounge on colorful velvet pillows next to a white teepee or cabana for a truly Instagram-worthy moment. – Erin Rock Reid, hostess
As S.J.Perelman wrote in The New Yorker, “Why be boring when you have the opportunity every day to be fanciful and fun? Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary.” Make this the holiday season to astonish your family and friends with a unique holiday table that will make for great pictures on social media.
Fashion Reverie would love to know what your favorite ‘Why Don’t You …’ is for your holiday table.
—Vivian Kelly
Image courtesy of amazon.com
Is there a fragrance more iconic than Chanel N°5? On the 100th anniversary of this famous perfume, taste makers and fashionistas around the world look back at just how N°5, the first scent created by a woman, has stood the test of time.
Described by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel herself as, “a women’s fragrance that smells like women,” this perfectly blended bottle of perfume is anything but ordinary. Crafted by Ernest Beaux in 1921, Chanel N°5 Parfum was designed to be a reflection of Gabrielle Chanel’s personality. As described by Chanel, the fragrance exudes femininity and radiates a floral richness composed around ylang-ylang and neroli followed by may rose and jasmine rounded out with smooth sensual, Bourbon Vetiver, sandalwood and vanilla. This revolutionary scent, breaks away from the single-fragrance perfumes popular in its day and adds layers of complexity thanks to its unprecedented use of aldehydes, making it the first abstract fragrance in the world. N°5 quickly became the tipping point that ushered in the modern era of perfume, forever changing the fragrance landscape.
Image courtesy of chanel.com
Even the minimalistic bottle designed by Gabrielle Chanel herself was groundbreaking for her day. The white label, simple lines and a diamond cut stopper, inspired by the view from the balcony of her room at the Ritz Paris of the Place Vendôme, was fresh and modern. Linda Wells, founder of Allure magazine, explains in an interview on thezoereport.com, “I love the way Chanel No. 5 invented an entirely new fragrance, bottle, and expression. The handsome, restrained, almost masculine bottle was revolutionary at a time when decorative cut crystal was the norm among expensive French fragrances.” The look of the perfume has changed very slightly over the years, always honoring the classic juxtaposition of a complex fragrance encompassed in a simple bottle.
It catapulted into the mainstream spotlight again in1954, after Marilyn Monroe famously confessed that she wore a few drops of this iconic scent to bed. While you may be channeling Coco, Marilyn, or one of the dozens of celebrities who love and proudly wear N°5 over the past 100 years, you won’t be wearing the exact same fragrance. To stay relevant with evolving tastes, the fragrance has changed slightly over the years. Each Chanel house perfumer, with the exception of one, has reinterpreted the classic perfume slightly. Today there are 5 different interpretations on the market. According to NPR currently, 1 bottle of Chanel N°5 is sold every 30 seconds.
Image courtesy of chanel.com
Today to celebrate, not just the longevity, but the history of N°5 and all it encompasses, Chanel is hosting exhibits open to the public all around the world in Japan, London, and in New York City, with a kickoff party featuring a performance by singer, songwriter, and actress Mary J. Blige before officially opening last Saturday. Transforming Rockefeller Center to a perfume paradise, Chanel N°5 in the Stars, the brand created a unique historical journey and celebration of the iconic fragrance for their 100th anniversary. Attendees can stroll through architectural bottle sculptures and learn about the changes over the decades. Immersing themselves into the world of Chanel, visitors can also go on a guided scent tour to try out the 5 different Chanel N°5 variations inspired by earth, water, air, fire, and the classic or try their luck with N°5 inspired games. Additionally, the famous Rockefeller Ice Rink has officially opened for the season and is dressed in the N°5 logo allowing guests to skate across the most fashionably dressed rink in all of New York or take a break to indulge in a hot chocolate and some galactic baked treats in the Chanel rink side lounge.
Image courtesy of chanel.com
Chanel N°5 in the Stars is open to the public from 11am – 8pm now until November 12th at Rockefeller Center. To learn more visit N5inthestars.Chanel.com or #N5INTHESTARS.
Janine Silver
Images courtesy of pinterest.com
Now that the weather is cooling off and everyone is returning to the warm layers that have been hiding away in our closets, we are searching for that perfect pair of boots that will effortlessly complete any outfit. With boots being offered in an array of heights, colors, and styles, there is an endless amount to sort through. If you are looking to add a new pair to your list of favorites, Fashion Reverie is here to help you. Fashion Reverie has selected our favorite boots for the season, and we are sure at least one pair will catch your eye.
Timberland Premium 6-inch Waterproof Boots $170
Timberland is a brand synonymous with boots, as their classic silhouette is utilitarian and easily recognizable by others. The premium 6-inch boots are waterproof, ensuring that you through even the harshest elements this winter. Pair these boots with jeans and a flannel or sweater for a casual look, or, if you want to dress up, you could also style them with tights and a simple dress.
Stuart Weitzman 5050 Boot $750
These over-the-knee boots by Stuart Weitzman are a classic style that are wells worth the money. With a stretch leather front and a stretch back, the 5050 boot is an easy boot to throw on while elevating your look. Because this boot is over-the-knee, it looks warm and chic when paired with your favorite winter skirt or dress, but can also be easily worn with a pair of skinny jeans and your favorite knit.
Alohas Mount Desert Taupe $292
Boots with western flair are a big trend this season, and Alohas executes this trend without being too over the top. In a taupe suede, this tall cowboy boot is the perfect neutral that can take you from day to night. With an on-demand production business model, it’s wiser to order your pair now rather than later because you’ll want to enjoy them as much as possible this season.
Fendi Mock-Croc Tall Riding Boots $1590
With Mock-Croc being a textile that is appearing more and more in boots, Fendi uses it for their tall riding boot. This boot is available in both brown and cream, meaning that whichever color you select is sure to make a subtle statement. Because of its classic silhouette, this boot can be paired with almost anything in your closet making it a great boot to invest in now, so you can wear them for years ahead.
Stella McCartney Groove Lurex® over-the-knee boots $1395
Stella McCartney, known for her commitment to not using animal products in her designs, has created these shimmering electric-blue Lurex® boots. These show-stopping boots are begging to be paired with a simple yet chic dress, and are sure to make admirers do a double take.
Bottega Veneta Leather platform Chelsea boots $1280
Bottega Veneta puts a spin on the classic Chelsea boot by adding a large platform sole in contrasting colors. These boots are will get the attention they seek with the eye-catching contrast between the black leather boot and the chunky rubber sole in the bright green that Bottega Veneta is becoming known for.
The Attico Zebra-Print Pointed-Toe Boots $1490
You are guaranteed to stand out in these zebra-point boots by The Attico, which is the collaboration of two Milan designers who share a love for glamour and sparkle. Zebra is a fresher take on the tried-and-true leopard print, so if you are looking to spice it up, then this boot is for you. With a pointed-toe and mid-height heel this boot is sure to take you places.
All images courtesy of their respective brands
Vince Cabria Lug Water Repellent Lace Up Booties $395
Vince Cabria has created a great lace-up boot that is both fashionable and functional. In an off-white, water-repellant leather, this boot lightens up the combat trend with brighter neutral tones. This boot is sure to get you through the cold season while also looking stylish rugged.
—Phoebe Howard
While it’s hardly a secret that the COVID-19 pandemic dealt the fashion business a brutal one-two punch, it also made room for some exciting new players. Call them “sleeper brands,” but there’s nothing sleepy about the sales they’ve experienced. According to The McKinsey Report, retail has firmly repositioned to more on-line sales. Many of the brands below are online based and run a lean and mean operation. They’ve also all tapped into deciphering what consumers are wanting to buy during these uncertain times. Many have risen to the public’s consciousness thanks to social media spreading the word.
Below, Fashion Reverie highlights the lucky seven.
Image courtesy of Instagram
Gabe Gordon and his retro 70s knitwear
This RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) student created quite the buzz when Kim Kardashian wore one of his “Vortex” cut-out knit tops and posted a selfie on social media. Gabe’s design mission reads, “[I] create cut-out knits that explore the state of vulnerability that exists between comfort and discomfort.” The seventies retro tops are unisex and look great on all shapes and sizes with an updated Bee-Gees seventies kind of vibe. Visit Gabe’s Instagram, in which his friends and celebrities alike model the tops, showing that it is truly a unisex piece of clothing for all. IG: @gabesportsclub www.gabe-gordon.com
Image courtesy of glamourmagazine.co.uk
House of Sunny – the eco-friendly influencer favorite
London-based Sunny Williams founded House of Sunny in 2011 as a vegan sustainable fashion brand. “Our aim is to avoid wastage. We recycle or donate our textile scraps and samples whenever possible. Zero waste is our goal.” Sunny produces only two collections a year, which is in line with his mission to remain as sustainable as possible. Fans love his practical clothing in that it is transitional yet exciting, thanks to innovative design accents. One of the brand’s biggest hits is the Hockney Lillipads dress, which recently got a big boost when model/reality TV star Kendall Jenner wore the slinky dress and posted a selfie on her Instagram feed, garnering over 14,000 likes. Less famous fans also help promote the brand, sharing selfies of themselves wearing their favorite House of Sunny pieces. House of Sunny clothing is available at Selfridges and Urban Outfitters. IG: @houseofsunny www.houseofsunny.co.uk.
Images courtesy of shoppedbykroped.com
Kroped by Angel – the go-to guilt-free accessories splurge
Angel (like Madonna, no last name), explains, “Kroped is woman owned, and operated. It’s my full-time job and I’m the only employee!” Brand Ambassador Abby Ensslen shared that the Los Angeles-based creative makes her designs at home on a 3-D printer. The tiny brand is all about the quality of its goods: it boasts only five-star reviews on Etsy (71 at the time this article was published). Kroped began with a line of size-inclusive cropped tees, hence the name “Kroped.” Angel expanded her offerings to include cute phone grips and earrings. Best-sellers include mini-Uno earrings, “vaccinated” bead hoop earrings, and Day-Glo Barbie boot and shoe earrings. Angel takes custom requests and with everything under $20, Shop Kroped is a great option for stocking stuffers and spontaneous gifting.
IG: @kropedbyangel www.shopkroped.com
Images coiurtesy of Instagram
Lirika Matoshi and her “strawberry dress”
The $490, yes, $490 “strawberry dress” was one of the big fashion surprises that emerged from the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic when we were in quarantine, and it continues to enjoy popularity. Designer Lirika Matoshi hit on the fact that women were sick of their Birkenstocks and sweats and wanted to look pretty, in a Snow White country cottage kind of way, even if they were only at home, socializing in their tiny bubble. Social media, namely TikTok, Instagram, and countless memes it inspired, blew up the gown’s sales. The tulle gown has a deep V-neck, and features red strawberry designs stitched onto it, making it a rather labor-intensive frock. Think of it as the beloved “Strawberry Shortcake’s” ultimate party dress. It is also size inclusive and is available up to size 18.
IG: @lirika.matoshi www.lirikamatoshi.com
Images courtesy of Steffi Whitmoyer
Steffi Jeans – sexy jeans that build a community of positive self-image
Virginia-based Steffi Whitmoyer is the one-woman band behind Steffi Jeans, (Steffi Inc.) The brand spreads a message about teens and women supporting one another and fostering positive self-image. The jeans’ anti-bullying messaging happened organically and was conceived when Whitmoyer’s daughter was being bullied in middle school. Coincidentally, at that time, Steffi came across Coco Chanel’s quote, “Don’t be like the rest of them darling.”
Whitmoyer tweaked the quote to create her brand’s message, “We are not like the rest of them darling.” Five percent of each jean’s selling price of $135 is donated to Be Beautifully You and The Beautiful Foundation. In addition to positive messaging, the jeans are resilient and keep their structure. Says Steffi, “I want people to have a ‘hot damn’ moment when they wear my jeans.”
Whitmoyer took things to the next level when she applied to and showed at New York Fashion Week’s Flying Solo show space this past September. (Flying Solo champions independent brands featured in their downtown Manhattan showroom.) For the holidays, Whitmoyer is offering a BOGO deal (buy one, get one free) on her Instagram for pre-orders until December 10. Coming soon is Steffi’s $900 signature jeans featuring a platinum and Swarovski crystal bow button attachment that will be available at Flying Solo’s Copper Room. IG: @steffiiinc www.steffii.com
Images courtesy of Greg Elliott
Studio 24E – private label jewelry at an old school boutique
Greg Elliott is one half of a husband-wife team that has enjoyed success as a Baltimore-based brick and mortar gift boutique for well over a decade. Greg and Nina both worked at Nordstrom and deliver the same white glove service the luxury retailer was renowned for in the nineties.
Clients have traveled from out of state to the destination shop for years, shopping for a plethora of special occasions: graduations, weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. Lately however, the spike in online business has created a whole new category—private label brand jewelry. Says Greg, “It’s priced right, and on trend, and can be changed up quickly as to design or category.” They launched their private label jewelry two months ago and have already sold 150 pieces between online and store sales. Prices begin at $20 and top off at $100. www.studio24e.com
Images courtesy of tracyturco.com
Tracy Turco – the Design Diva of the Desert
Tracy Turco, formerly Tracy Stern, was renowned for her Tracy Stern Shoe Collection, Salon Tea, and interior design work. During the pandemic, she reinvented herself as the “Design Diva of the Deser,t” incorporating her interior design skills, fashion, and accessory designs into an all-encompassing midcentury retro glam experience—all housed under one roof at her new Tiki Hotel. Tracy updated the Carlton Hotel, built in 1961, and turned it into a Polynesian-inspired space that includes lava lamps, a luau pool, and art from New York City Street artist Damon Johnson. It has a boutique that sells Tracy’s eclectic mix of accessories, clothing, and bespoke home décor, including colorful Lucite heels and mod-inspired one-shoulder dresses with matching sunhats. Her unique garden accessories, such as a reindeer antler hose holder, will remind you of your trip to the Southwest long after you’ve unpacked. The Tiki is the first of a string of boutique hotels in the Palm Springs region Tracy is opening. Next on the list to open will be The Cheetah Hotel; ten dollars from every booking will be donated to the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
IG: @tracy.turco www.tracyturco.com
—Vivian Kelly
Images courtesy of popsugar.com
Happy, Happy Halloween! Halloween is happening this year! Last year, everything was cancelled. It really was a shame as Halloween was on a Saturday and it was a full moon—a rare occurrence. But this year the haunted houses are open and the East Village Halloween Parade will take place. Randy Rainbow is the Grand Marshall and isn’t that just awesome?!
But if you’re going to go out this Halloween, you’re going to need a good costume. Fashion Reverie has curated a list of some of 2021’s hottest costumes. Get them before they are all sold out.
Image courtesy of cnn.com
Black Widow
The smash hit of the summer is now one the hottest costumes for Halloween. You can choose between the white jumpsuit from her self-titled movie or the black jumpsuit from Avengers. Don’t forget your red wig and “don’t eff with me” glare!
Inage courtesy of Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Olympic Gymnasts
Looking for something super comfortable? Get a red track suit, slick back your hair, pin it in place with barrettes and apply eye shadow with a putty knife. Too much is never enough! Don’t forget your Olympic medal! If you can safely throw in a few cartwheels, go for it.
Image courtesy of vulture.com
Cassie from “Promising Young Woman”
Looking to take the classic “sexy nurse’ costume up a notch? Add a rainbow wig and you’re the vengeful Cassie from the Oscar-winning film “Promising Young Woman.” If you decide to include a scalpel, make sure it’s not sharp!
Image courtesy of pagesix.com
Daphne from “Bridgerton”
The Netflix hit “Bridgerton” will no doubt inspire a lot of outfits for Halloween. Daphne will probably be the most popular one and it’s not a difficult look to recreate. A pale blue dress with an empire waist and a red wig is really all it takes. You’ll be ready to start dancing with Simon in no time!
Image courtesy of refinery29.com
Harry Styles at the Grammy Awards
Pop star and style icon Harry Styles made an appearance at the 2021 Grammys singing his hit “Watermelon Sugar High,” but his Gucci designed outfit really stole the show. You can get the look by donning a leather suit minus the shirt and rocking a long feather boa!
Image courtesy of eefinery29.com
Cruella Devil
You’ll have a lot of looks to pick from if you go with Cruella this Halloween. Going all the way back to the 1961 original, the live action reboot with Glenn Close, up to the most recent version released this summer with Emma Stone. As long as you have a black and white wig to pull the look together, you can let your imagination run wild!
(Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Bernie Sanders from Joe Biden Inauguration
Worried about being cold this Halloween? Why not go as Bernie Sanders at the inauguration of Joe Biden? Heavy Brown coat, bald cap and of course those famous mittens! You can buy them from the original source Vermont Teddy Bears. If they are sold out (they are hard to keep in stock), replicas can be found on Etsy.
Couples
Image courtesy of indiaexpresstimes.com
Meghan and Harry
They are arguably one of the most controversial couples of the year. Replicate their famous look from their now infamous Oprah interview with a long black dress and a casual grey toned suit. Add a baby bump for true authenticity.
Image courtesy of hollywoodreporter.com
Wanda and Vision
“Wandavision” was the runaway hit that shot Disney Plus into the streaming stratosphere. Plenty of costume companies have several versions of this attire ready and waiting for the ultimate power couple. Looking for something to make this extra special? Find a friend to be brother Pietro Maximoff aka Quicksilver!
—Cameron Grey Rose
Image courtesy of Richard Malone/Instagram
The “Fendace” show during Milan Fashion Week garnered a huge amount of attention and praise in the world of fashion. “Fendace” is essentially Versace by Fendi and Fendi by Versace, as Kim Jones and Donatella Versace link together by golden chainmail. The pair make it very clear that “Fendace” is not a collaboration as Versace writes, “This is not a collaboration. The coming together of two iconic fashion brands in this way presents a unique moment in fashion and a first for the industry. Both a celebration of Italian fashion and a disruption of the established order of things, the swapping of roles stands for freedom, fun and friendship.” Fashion collaborations have snowballed, starting with Karl Lagerfeld’s line with H&M in 2004 as designer luxury and accessibility met. As collaborations became more popular, they also became less unique as “logomania” took over and brands simply slapped a designer logo on a lower price point clothing piece. Now, as it has been over 15 years since the H&M x Karl Lagerfeld collection, the fashion landscape is changing.
The “Fendace” show marks a shifting gold, Italian-printed landscape wherein sincerity in fashion trumps competition. Similarly, Balenciaga “hacked” Gucci earlier this year for Gucci’s 100th anniversary “Aria” show. Max Grobe for highsnobiety.com commented on the shifting competitive landscape: “the brands [Gucci and Balenciaga] would frequently edge one another for the spot of world’s hottest fashion label, but now they have realized they don’t necessarily need to compete.” Consumers are no longer looking for a simple luxury logo, they are looking for unique designs and carefully curated collections which arise from these fashion “swaps” and “hacks.” Below are Fashion Reverie’s list of fashion swaps that demonstrate this shift in the fashion world!
Image courtesy of Instagram
Adidas x Marimekko
Marimekko is a Finnish design house founded in 1951 following WWII. Marimekko writes, “Much like the rest of post-war Finland, much of women’s fashion in the 1950s was monochrome and uninspired. Clothes were physically restrictive and stylishly subdued, but underneath it all, there was a bubbling desire for change. The abstract patterns, architectonic shapes, and vibrant colors of the Marimekko dress proved a perfect recipe for free-spirited women of all ages and sizes.” The brand’s specialty is in printmaking, specifically bold-colored florals, stripes, and checks designed by artists. The brand recently hacked Adidas to create a collection that is “built for movement by Adidas, designed for joy by Marimekko.” Marimekko’s iconic 1964 Unikko (poppy) grows in a new garden on sportswear as it blooms across the collection. Adidas x Marimekko is carefully curated to represent a lifestyle of happiness, light, and fitness going into the fall season! The collection officially dropped on September 30, 2021 and is available here!
Image courtesy of Instagram
Mulberry x Richard Malone
Mulberry and Richard Malone’s pairing grew out of a shared love and care for ethical fashion and sustainability. In an interview between journalist Laura Jordan and Richard Malone at the Mulberry headquarters, Malone shares that he often turns down collaborative projects, but he wanted to work with Mulberry as they have had an ethics manifesto in place for over 50 years. The collection’s bags are constructed with Scotch-grain which has a leather-like texture made from waste from the cereal industry. Malone is an Irish fashion designer and re-interpreted iconic Mulberry pieces like the “Bayswater” and “Darley” bags to reflect his aesthetic vision to then present the Mulberry X Richard Malone pieces alongside his collection at London Fashion Week. The collection’s palette is rich and perfect for fall in hues of red, blue, green, and white, encompassing Malone’s aesthetic. The full bag collection dropped on September 19th and is available here!
Image courtesy of e!online.com
Target x Victor Glemaud, Sandy Liang, Nili Lotan, and Rachel Comey: 4 Fall Designer Takeovers
Target recently teamed up with four designers to create a “fall essentials collection” that is linked by bold prints but is also representative of four distinct aesthetics. Each designer was tasked with translating their aesthetic and style to Target’s everyday-wear clothing range. Victor Glemaud’s designs for the collection “pair his love of multicolored stripes and color blocking with thoughtful details to create vibrancy within the everyday for his wearers.” The color palette is mostly made up of lime green, pink, orange, and purple in striped and polka-dot patterns on knit silhouettes. Nili Lotan’s pieces “bring her sophisticated, minimalist approach to Target by blending European simplicity with ’70s Americana cool.” Her designs are the most tailored and classic with a neutral color palette adding a chic element to the fall capsule. Rachel Comey’s designs present “a modern take on femininity with her understated, everyday glamour. At once, both urban and elegant, her thoughtful designs are universally loved for their sculptural silhouettes and playful details.” Her pieces add a high fashion element to the collection with marble prints, dip dye, quilted fabric, faux leather, and tailored pants. Finally, Sandy Liang brings “updated ’90s hometown nostalgia to Target with a sweet-meets-sporty approach, Liang mixes fun style with wearable comfort to create iconic pieces with a sense of luxury and wit.” Her pieces are made for the chillier days of Fall with sherpa and heavy quilted cargo pants representing much of the collection. To shop the full collection, visit Target’s website here!
Image courtesy of Instagram
Adidas by Stella McCartney
Adidas has allowed Stella McCartney to hack them for quite some time now, with their long-term relationship being born in 2004! McCartney is known for being one of the first American fashion brands to champion sustainability. Her recent collection with Adidas is called “EARTH EXPLORER” which offers “a versatile range of multifunctional, sustainable pieces supporting next-generation change-makers as they reconnect with nature and the outdoors.” The collection includes a bright orange multi-purpose sleeping bag puffer jacket made from 100% recycled fabric and drying technology. To view the full collection that infuses McCartney’s activism into Adidas activewear, visit their site here!
Image courtesy of Instagram
GCDS x OnePiece
GCDS, or God Cannot Destroy Streetwear, is a luxury streetwear brand known for unexpected collaborations, intense graphics, and a ‘90s vibe. The brand focuses on youth culture and first became popular in the celebrity sphere at its launch in 2015 with designs being worn by Hailey Baldwin and Rita Ora. In 2019, GCDS debuted a collection inspired by manga and cartoons, which makes their 2021 upcoming partnership with OnePiece intriguing yet appropriate for the brand. Collection previews have been shown on several celebrities, especially Dua Lipa. Textured skull and emerald crochet pieces, sequined anime designs, printed signature sweaters, and pink sequined floral pants are just some of the pieces that have been unveiled. Fashion Reverie is looking forward to this gorgeous collection set to launch in early 2022! If you like the preview pieces, GCDS also recently created a Fall Looney Tunes collection that can be shopped here!
Image courtesy of H&M
H&M x Iris Apfel
A designer partnership article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning H&M. H&M has always sought-after high-end designers that would make their creations accessible to a large number of consumers. It was recently announced that the brand created a collection alongside Iris Apfel, fashion icon, to celebrate her 100th birthday. In a quote for H&M’s magazine, Ann-Sofie Johansson describes the collection as “playful, opulent, and rich with vibrant colors, vivid prints, and opulent fabric choices. The looks are indulgent with a more is more attitude and crowned by over-the-top jewelry, which is very signum of Iris.” While the collection is set to drop in early 2022, there will likely be collaborations coming out in the meantime, so keep an eye out!
—Tessa Swantek
