Features — Page 40

Fashion Tea with Kristopher: May 2018

May 31, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

In the worlds of fashion and entertainment, there is plenty of gossip, wagging tongues, and venomous versions of what goes on in the industry’s inner circles. Fashion Reverie has decided that our viewers should be invited to fashion’s inner sanctum to get a hot cup of what’s happening. Fashion Reverie takes you from the sidelines and on the streets to the front row. And, now Fashion Reverie will be taking you behind the scenes of what’s hot, what’s not, who’s in, who’s out, and who would be great material for an episode of “The Bold and the Beautiful” or “Queen Sugar.” (How about some sugar in your tea?)

Item 1

Have you heard? A former top editor at an iconic fashion magazine has very empty pockets. Since leaving his job a few years where he got to live like a king—extensive expense account, limousine service, first-class accomodations—he’s been budgeting like he a character on “Roseanne” or “Two Broke Girls.”

Oh, how the mighty have fallen!! Like Heidi Klum says on “Project Runway,” “one day you’re in, the next day you’re out.” In his case, out of ducketts!! Ka-ching!

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

Item 2Some of fashion brands are trying to get away with being cheapskates with their social media influencers. A top fashion blogger often spotted in the front row at notable runway shows was offered to promote a product in product exchange for exposure instead of green backs. Oh, the shade of it all!!

Needless to say she was furious, and that deal was a no-go. She certainly hasn’t hesitated to wag her tongue about it, either.

Item 3

Marchesa could be making a red-carpet comeback. After Scarlett Johansson wore one of their dresses on the red carpet to the 2018 Met Gala, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour came out in support of co-designer Georgina Chapman who has been facing backlash due to her husband Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault crimes. Wintour has not so quietly been working behind the scenes to help the brand return to its glory days when Marchesa was known for dressing A-list actresses—thanks hubby. Yes, you can call it a comeback of sorts thanks to Anna. Ugh!!

Image courtesy of dreamtime.com

Item 4Reliable sources say a top Manhattan department store is currently looking to pull a Lord & Taylor style move, ridding themselves of some of the floors at their iconic Manhattan flagship. Negotiations are currently under way, and though they don’t intend to shut this gem of a store down, customers could have a lot less escalators to climb come 2019. Can someone say, “brick and mortar devastation!”

—Kristopher Fraser

Religion Seen through the Eyes of Fashion

May 29, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Images courtesy of modernarchitecturaljournal.com, models.com, vanityfair.com, and szmag.com, respectively

It often goes ignored the ways in which fashion has been shaped by religious beliefs. Throughout the course of history, religion has dictated everything from the ecclesiastical robes in church to the length of women’s skirts. Religious influence in fashion hasn’t crossed many minds until this year’s Met Gala with is theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.”While fashion is considered frivolous and superficial to some, it is often a window into society. It can give insight into a culture’s rules, customs, conventions, and rituals. Clothing can also be an important symbol of religious identification. From the hijab to the holy cross, religious apparel and accessories are heavily ingrained is society’s consciousness and have shaped the course of fashion throughout time. Designers, whether they intend to or not, respond to religion in some way.

Jean Paul Gaultier has often looked to religion to inspire his collections. His spring/summer 2007 couture collection was considered an ode to Catholicism, but the first notable occasion of his religious inspiration was his fall/winter 1993 “Chic Rabbis” collection. The collection was inspired by a group of Hasidic Jewish rabbis leaving the New York Public Library. The runway show featured models in long coats, big hats, and curls down the side of their heads. The collection was so controversial at the time that supermodel Christy Turlington later revealed that some audience members booed the collection.

Images courtesy of thecut.com and vogue.com, respectively

Often, the influence of religion on fashion is left to interpretation. For his spring/summer 2000 show, Alexander McQueen was inspired by religious conflicts between Christianity and Islam. Models walked the show in a pool of water that represented the Middle East’s oil reserves. Burkas were featured with sequined windows. A model even floated cross-legged with her hands on her knees, referencing both Buddhism and Hinduism. However, no one has influenced fashion, as much s the Catholic Church. (Perhaps, that is because most European designers came from countries where Catholicism is the main Christian faith of that country.) One of John Galliano’s most memorable couture shows was his fall 2000 Dior “Freud or Fetish” collection, which featured a menacing priest who opened the show in what could be the most ostentatious interpretation of a priest’s religious attire to date.

Images courtesy of emiunicorn.com and vogue.com, respectively

It was during the second decade of the 21^st century that the power of Catholicism began to infuse the collections of many European couture and ready-to-wear collections. Ricardo Tisci’s Madonna-print sweatshirt for Givenchy became one of the brand’s top selling pieces from the spring/summer 2013 collection. References to the Italian Renaissance also began to appear in fashion collections, as well. Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, and Moschino over the past decade have incorporated religious symbolism, often blatantly, into their collections.For its fall 2015 collection, Dolce and Gabbana created a gold corset with a bejeweled sacred heart encrusted in the center. That same season, the collection also featured a floral print dress with images of the Virgin Mary holding an infant Jesus. Their ride on the religion train didn’t end in 2015. In 2017, they created a t-shirt and floral pants suit, with the t-shirt baring the image of a crowned Virgin Mary and an infant Jesus.

Images courtesy of vogue.com and thebestfashionblog.com, respectively

Versace’s history of using religious iconography dates back to when the legendary Gianni Versace was helming the eponymous brand. In 1997, for his final couture show, just a week before his death, Versace presented a collection of cross-embellished pieces that received rave reviews from critics. It was the collection that Versace would forever be remembered for after his untimely death.In 2012, Gianni’s sister, Donatella, would create a collection that was remarkably similar to Gianni Versace’s 1997 collection. Many of the pieces in this collection, featuring crosses and crucifixes, were left unfinished by Gianni Versace before his death. As fashion journalist Tim Blanks said, “Donatella felt she finally could, as she put it, face her demons.” With her brother’s death almost fifteen years in the past, this was one of Donatella’s biggest homage to her brother.

Unexpectedly, Jeremy Scott, the acclaimed enfant terrible of fashion, also adopted religious iconography for Moschino. In January of 2016 at London Fashion Week Men’s season, Scott held his show inside a church in Mayfair, and was inspired by the work of East London English-Austrian art duo Gilbert and George. The artists are known for their trademark religious cross motifs. Scott interpreted this with bright colors and intricate patterns and incorporated them into his collection.

Images courtesy of eonline.com, celebmafia.com, and popsugar.com, respectively

Scott didn’t stop there. At the 2018 Met Gala, Scott dressed model Stella Maxwell in a column gown adorned with relief icons of the Virgin Mary. Rapper Cardi B showed up as Scott’s date wearing a beaded, bejeweled floor-length gown custom-made for her baby bump. The dress had long sleeves, a slit up to her left hip, and a scoop neckline, along with a cream-colored train attached by a matching beaded belt. According to E!’s Live coverage of the red carpet, the Moschino look took four weeks to craft. The literal crown jewel of this ensemble was a tri-point hat covered in pearls, rhinestones, and jewels that took three days to make.Don’t think Italians have a monopoly on religious-inspired fashion. Rihanna showed up to this year’s Met Gala literally dressed like the Pope in ecclesiastical-like garments designed by Maison Margiela’s John Galliano. Pop sensation Ariana Grande attended the Met Gala wearing a Vera Wang dress whose pattern was an exact replica of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece.

While the influence of religion on society may be an arguable point of view, what is not up for debate is religion’s influence on fashion. Les voies de Dieu sont impenetrables. ( Translated: God works in mysterious ways.)

—Kristopher Fraser

For Stephen Belieni Necessity Breeds Innovation

May 8, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Necessity is the Mother of Invention, or so the old adage goes. Many great innovations develop out of lack in the market or out of some great need. And while this school of thought applies aptly to many great commercial products, rarely do people associate innovations in the fashion industry the result of need. This perspective could be further from the truth.

Coco Chanel’s initial claim to fame came from her unique understanding of the changing role of women and making corset-less garments that appealed to women, providing more freedom of movement. Christian Dior realized that the post-war woman was tired of boxy, dour clothes and wanted more glamour that flattered the feminine silhouette. And the founders of FUBU understood that as hip-hop culture was gaining popularity worldwide there was a need for clothes that reflected that culture on a mass scale.

Footwear designer Stephen Belieni is meeting such a demand in the fashion industry. “What attracted me to start my own brand, Belieni, was that I have large feet and I was frustrated with the lack of a nice sneaker that was in my size. Most of the more stylish sneakers that are for men with larger feet are from Europe, and more specifically from Spain, but they stop at about a size 13. With that in mind, the consumer is stuck with one, maybe two, of the major footwear brands, and most of those are more upscale and dressy, not casual street style sneaks. If you go outside of those limited options, you are going to pay upward of $1000,” explained Belieni.

That said; style at an affordable price is a tag line that lots of brands proffer; however, for Stephen Belieni’s Calibre V1 sneakers style and affordable are dead on with the truth being in the product. “Our price points are $450 for our smaller sized high tops that are for women and $575 for high tops for men. I want to stay competitive. Our consumer is looking quality materials and detailed stitching at a price point that is under a luxury price,” details Belieni.And when it comes to style, the Calibre V1 has a unique signature stamp that sets it a part from other sneaker brands. CalibreV1 is handcrafted in Italy by master artisans and features fine, hand-tanned Napa leather, sheep’s leather, and ethically sourced natural materials. “One thing that sets us a part is that we offer larger sizes. Also, we are staying with a clean classy look, very little embellishment or jewels and rhinestones that are trending right now, but may not have a lasting appeal. Our sneakers are timeless. We are not knocking off another footwear designers aesthetics, our design aesthetic is uniquely our own. Our DNA will be unique and not what everyone else is doing,” comments Belieni.

Additionally, you cannot go wrong when you name your sneaker brand after a Cartier watch. “I got the name from a type of Cartier watch. Some of the watches have a social and cultural movement around them. I love the details on those watches and I was inspired by those details that you will find evidenced in some of details of my Calibre V1 shoes, particularly the straps.”

Still, to survive in an over-saturated footwear market, a shoe brands needs something special. “What makes us unique from other shoe brands is the quilted aesthetic that is a part of our design DNA. It is an elegant look with the quilted, stitched patterns on the shoe that embodies luxury and excellence that can be noticed at a distance. If you have ever been in a luxury European sports car, you will find that some stitched, quilted accents can be found on the seat panels and dashboard. We want that same kind of elegance for the Calibre V1 sneaker,” continues Belieni.

Images courtesy of The Anderson Group

And survive Belieni footwear will!! And the futuristic, paint-splashed, bespeckled design aesthetic on the soles of the sneaks demonstrates that Stephen Belieni is projecting market traction into the future. May the force be with you!!For more information, go to belieni.com.

—William S. Gooch

Blake Patterson Has Found a Winner in 90s Street Style, Logos and Political Satire

April 30, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Images courtesy of TRC Associates

Fashion can make a political statement. There is no debate there. However, the verdict is still out whether fashion can start a political movement or give rise to a cultural phenomenon. But, that is not what Blake Patterson is trying to do.

Since his appearance on “Project Runway: Season 14, Blake Patterson has been very busy. Patterson launched his eponymous fashion line in 2016,focusing on luxury custom-made garments for both men and women. He was also the wardrobe stylist for the upcoming Kim Bass independent film “HeadShop.” I am very excited for “HeadShop” to come out.”[Headshop]” It is a very interesting, funny, thought-provoking film that deals with gentrification, ethnicity and self- awareness … I had to design and make seven couture African-themed outfits for Arden Myrin’s character in a small amount of time. But I pulled it off, and Kim Bass was so great to work with. I also designed the wardrobe for Evan Ross’ character in “HeadShop,” explains Patterson.

Blake Patterson “Project Runway” image courtesy of heavy.com

But “HeadShop” is not the only project that has captured Blake Patterson’s attention. Understanding that fashion can enhance and promote cultural and political conversations, Patterson has put his creative genius to work, creating a capsule collection—The Putin Capsule Collection—that is both controversial, consumer-friendly with a satirical edge.“With this capsule collection, I wanted to take something that is very controversial— right now Vladimir Putin—that would spark conversation and make people think. And in addition to the controversial nature of this capsule collection, the garments are very wearable.” We are talking about a fully rounded capsule collection that includes hoodies, luxurious seasonal tees, a cotton unisex sweatshirt, and a phone case for I-Phone 6/7.

Though the satirical nature of this capsule collection might be lost on dyed-in-the-wool, stodgy conservatives, one thing speaks loud and clear, Blake Patterson is not afraid of taking risks. “I kind of like that people would have a negative and positive reaction. I think it makes the capsule collection more interesting by making people think and feel a little uncomfortable,” details Patterson. “If you are going to start a wave, I think it is my responsibility as a fashion designer to spark conversation, make people think and reconsider things.”

Images courtesy of TRC Associates

In this ‘East meets West’ capsule collection, Patterson is also incorporating the current trend of logo embellishment with a 90s street wear sensibility. Interestingly, these trends are front and center in the spring 2018 collections of Versace, Missoni, Balenciaga, Gucci, Burberry, and a host of other luxury brands. “Street wear is a lot more mainstream now as compared to 20 years ago, and the kind of controversial risk I am taking by using Vladimir Putin as a logo image and reference choice would not have happened in the 90s. The 90s trends are definitely experiencing a resurgence; however, millennial designers are taking more risk and not being so focused on what has worked in the past, coming up with new directions and business models. In a saturated market, it is so important to set your brand apart from other brands,” concedes Patterson.

Keeping a fashion line relevant in an over-saturated retail market is the challenge, and Blake Patterson appears to be equipped to survive the vicissitudes of the fashion industry, no matter how rough and unpredictable the waters are. “You have to keep hustling. I really love what I do, so I am going, going, fueled by my passion for fashion.” Now, that’s a plan that works!! Not bad from a kid from Ohio.

The Putin Capsule Collection is now available on TeeSpring.

—William S. Gooch

New York International Bridal Week Spring 2019 Pre-Coverage

April 6, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

Image courtesy of pronovias.com

As of 2015, the bridal market globally is estimated to be valued at 300 billion dollars with the US share of that market valued at $55 billion dollars. And according to strategy.com, “the global market for [bridal wear] is projected to exceed US$73 billion by 2024, sustained by the continued faith in the religious sanctity of marriage even amid the rapidly emerging divide in cultural values, changing patterns in family life and altering ideas of love, intimacy and contemporary marital practices.”That said; change is fashion’s constant bedfellow, and where that change is felt so strongly in a shrinking retail climate, adversely affecting ready-to-wear collections and fashion brands with brick and mortar stores closing at a record pace, change is fueling the bridal wear market’s growth and innovation. The bridal wear market is not only surviving the chameleon-like nature and whimsical tastes of modern consumers, but is finding ways to excel, evolve, and grow.

Images courtesy of fashionisers.com

From April 12-April 16, New York International Bridal Week will take place in New York City. Fashion Reverie is primed and ready to bring its viewers complete bridal coverage. For the spring 2019 bridal season, which will be highlighted during New York International Bridal Week, Fashion Reverie will be reviewing some bridal brands for the first time—Watters, Morilee, Claire Pettibone, and Alon Livine White. This coverage will include bridal beauty and accessories. And new this season Fashion Reverie will be co-sponsoring a bridal beauty event with Radiance Aesthetics and Wellness Spa at Panache NY Bridal Showroom on April 11 as a run-up to New York International Bridal Week.—Staff

In Memoriam: Amsale Aberra

April 3, 2018 by admin 1 Comment

Image courtesy of vogue.com

The fashion industry mourns the loss of bridal designer Amsale Aberra. Just a week before New York International Bridal Week, Amsale Aberra passed away from uterine cancer.A native of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Amsale Aberra was educated at Boston State College earning a degree in Political Science. Later Amsale received an Associate Degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, launching her signature bridal collection in 1985. As a woman of color whose bridal collections grew into a major international bridal brand, Amsale Aberra was one the first bridal designers that stripped away the over-embellished frills from bridal gowns, abandoning layers and layers of tulle, lace and beading and opting for a minimalistic ‘less is more’ aesthetic that reflected the individual mood of the bride.

Images courtesy of hitchedsalon.com and beautyandthedirt.com

Prior to Amsale’s bridal collections, most bridal collections leaned toward ball gown-like costumes, sweet ingénue silhouettes, or modern Disney royalty. Amsale offered modern brides silhouettes that were centered on restraint, fashion-forward sensibility and individual charm.Located in New York’s Garment District, Amsale’s bridal silhouettes soon garnered traction in the bridal industry and later expanded her collections to include bridesmaids’ garments and ready-to-wear evening clothes. Later in her career, Amsale became the creative director of bridal brands Christos, spinning off a more youthful line that included more embellishment and luxurious fabrications of her Amsale namesake, Kenneth Pool, while maintaining her eponymous line Amsale.

Images courtesy of fashionreverie.com

Margo Lafontaine, who served as senior studio director for Vera Wang for 12 years will take over design responsibilities at Amsale. “Working side by side, we spent 360 degrees of our time together, I know only too well both her creative genius and infinite goodness,” said Lafontaine in a washingtonpost.com article.Amsale Aberra dressed celebrities Halle Berry and Salma Hayek for their weddings and Julia Roberts in the film “Runway Bride.” She is also the recipient of the 2012 Legacy Award at Black Enterprise’s Women of Power Summit.

Image courtesy of Groupdress.com

The Amsale brand will continue to maintain her bridal store on Madison Avenue and will present its fall 2019 bridal collection during New York International Bridal Week on April 13. Amsale Aberra transitioned on April 1 and was 64 years of age.—William S. Gooch

Swarovski Lights up the 90th Academy Awards

March 6, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

Whenever Swarovski hits the red carpet, everyone stands up and takes notice. For the 90^th Academy Awards Swarovski light up the proscenium arch of the stage of the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood with 45 million crystals. This marks the 11^th time that Swarovski has illuminated the stage of the Academy Awards with this being the 6^th year production designer Derek Lane has incorporated Swarovski crystals throughout the Academy Awards’ show.

“We are proud to collaborate with Oscars production designer Derek McLane to help execute his vision for this momentous 90^th anniversary. For generations, Swarovski has demonstrated a dedication to the arts, film, costume designers, architecture and fashion. We strive for symbiotic partnerships and our 11 years illuminating the Oscars stage has been extraordinarily meaningful,” explained Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board.

Key features of this year’s Oscars set design included: a brand-new proscenium; the return of the beloved floating Oscars; and a signature back. The most intricate and bold proscenium created by Swarovski to-date, this year’s design required 45 million crystals, which is 40 times more crystals than the past 10 years combined. From concept to completion, the elaborate set design required more than 3,250 hours to fabricate over four weeks, with 32 people working across different facets of the project. The impressive design weighs 15,500 pounds. Swarovski crystals also adorned the floating Oscars, the stage curtain and box seats to create a shimmery atmosphere throughout the space.

Images courtesy of Getty Images/Frazer Harrison

In addition to decorating the proscenium arch at the Dolby Theatre, Swarovski lit up the red carpet with Laura Dern donning earrings and a ring from the Atelier Swarovski Fine Jewelry Collection. Founded in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski and financier Armand Kosman and Franz Weis, the company established a crystal-cutting factory in Wattens, Austria. The goal of Daniel Swarovski was to make “a diamond for everyone” by making crystals affordable.—Staff

Top Model Scions of Celebrities

February 3, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Images courtesy of teenvogue.com, thezoereport.com, and pinterest.com

On the eve of New York Fashion Week: The Shows there is much discussion about the glory days of Fashion Week. You know that iconic period between the late 1970s to the late 90s, the era of the Supermodels, when the almost perfect, statuesque glamazons excited pulses and helped develop consumers’ insatiable thirst for great clothes and facilitated the market proliferation of international luxury brands.This is the era when Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Kristin McMenamy, Alek Wek, Shalom Harlow and others ruled the runway and became the voice and creative vessels for such luxury brands as Thierry Mugler, Chanel, Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Sonia Rykiel, and Givenchy. Sadly, those days are no more. Fashion has moved into a new era where models are easily replaceable and where social media has replaced to some extent where expensive advertising campaigns once introduced consumers to the seasonal design aesthetic of a brand.

Yet, there is much to be said for the fashion evolution that we are now experiencing. And there are some new top models that are aspirational, continuing to inspire. Yet, their career trajectory in 2018 is very different, with some of this decade’s supermodels being the scions of well-known celebrities, not the fresh-faced, nascent models of the past.

Fashion Reverie examines some of these new supermodels with high-profile parents. And we also look at the market saturation of these new supermodels and how that relates to the fashion evolution the industry is now experiencing.

Gigi Hadid Vogue March 2018 image courtesy of vogue.com

Gigi HadidOf the new coterie of top models, no other model has had such market saturation as Gigi Hadid and her sister, Bella. The daughters of former Dutch model and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’” Yolanda Hadid, Gigi signed with IMG Models in 2013. (Gigi had previously been a child model and scored a Guess campaign in 2012.)

Initially because of her athletic body and because of appearances in Sports Illustrated Swimwear editions, Gigi was thought of primarily as a swimwear model or a commercial model at best. However, after walking in Desigual’s fall 2014 show and starring in Tom Ford’s fall 2014 eyewear campaign, as well as Tom Ford fall 2014 campaign, Tom Ford’s Velvet Orchard fragrance and Tom Ford Beauty, the fashion industry began to look at her differently. (Losing some baby fat and improving her runway also helped!!)

Since her rise to supermodel status Gigi has graced the covers of Vogue (US, Paris, Italy, Japan, Spain, Britain, Germany, China, Brazil, Australia, and the Netherlands), W Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Allure, Numero, and Teen Vogue. She has starred in campaigns for Balmain, Versace, Max Mara, Stuart Weitzman, Topshop, DSQUARED, Versus Versace, and Penshoppe. Additionally, Gigi has walked for Versace, Elie Saab, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Puma, Giambattista Valli, Isabel Marant, Missoni, Jeremy Scott, Miu Miu, Anna Sui, Tommy Hilfiger, Chanel, Moschino, Victoria’s Secret, and Max Mara.

Perhaps, Gigi is best known for brand ambassadorship with Tommy Hilfiger and her capsule collections and collaborations with Tommy Hilfiger. In 2017, Gigi was also honored by Daily Front Row at the Fashion Los Angeles Awards with the Best Design Debut for her collection with Tommy Hilfiger.

Image courtesy of celebmafia.com

Bella HadidYounger sister, Bella Hadid, signed with IMG Models in the summer of 2014 and immediately was cast in the Desgual spring 2015 runway show, which marked her NYFW debut. Soon after, Bella walked in shows for Tommy Hilfiger, Jeremy Scott, Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg for the fall 2015 season. She has also walked for Topshop, Philipp Plein, Moschino, Missoni, Bottega Veneta, Lanvin, Balmain, Chanel, Miu Miu, Givenchy, Dior, Versace, Alexandre Vauthier, DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui, Michael Kors, and Victoria’s Secret.

Bella has had campaigns for Fendi, Balmain, Moschino, Dior Makeup, TAG Heuer, DKNY, Boghossian Jewels Les Merveilles, Ochirly, Bulgari’s Goldea Roman Night fragrance, and Zaynx/Versus. Adding to that, Bella has graced the cover of Grazia Italia, Elle (US, Russia, and France), InStyle magazine, CR Fashion Book, Porter magazine, and the Sunday Times Style.

Image courtesy of JB Lacroix/GC Images

Kaia GerberThough she is still quite young—only 16—Kaia Gerber is already making heads turn in fashion. The daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford, Kaia landed her first modeling gig with Versace’s junior line at the tender age of 10.

Signed by IMG Models, Kaia made her runway debut in 2017 for Raf Simons’ Calvin Klein collection. Since then, she has walked for Marc Jacobs, Coach, Alexander Wang, Chanel, Burberry, Fendi, Moschino, Prada, Versace, and Fendi. Kaia has appeared in spring 2018 campaigns for Marc Jacobs, Omega, and Calvin Klein.

Image courtesy of thefamouspeople.com

Hailey BaldwinHailey Baldwin’s relatively short stature—she measures at 5`7—has not been a major impediment to her modeling career. Still, having actor Stephen Baldwin as a parent helps with the gene pool.

Currently signed to IMG Models, Hailey Baldwin’s first commercial campaign was with French Connection in the fall of 2014. Baldwin made her runway debut walking for Topshop and Sonia Rykiel. Since then, Hailey has walked for Tommy Hilfiger, Philipp Plein, Moschino, Prabal Gurung, Matty Bovan, Tory Burch, Jeremy Scott, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Saab, and Julien Macdonald.

Hailey has been featured on the cover of Spanish Harper’s Bazaar, Elle (US, British, Japan), Marie Claire, Jalouse magazine, L’Officiel, and Wonderland Magazine. Hailey Baldwin has scored campaigns with H&M, Ralph Lauren, Guess, UGG footwear, Prabal Gurung, Sass & bide, and Karl Lagerfeld’s limited clothing line Love From Paris.

Image courtesy of nypagesix.com

Christian CoombsRecently signed to IMG Models, Christian Coombs, son of media mogul Sean Coombs, is starting to make some traction as a male model. Having walked in several Dolce & Gabbana shows, Coombs is the face the Dolce & Gabbana 2018 campaign. Christian Combs has also walked for the brand Sera and later this year Christian expects to collaborate with his father on a new fashion brand.

Image courtesy of blackamericaweb.com

Cordell BroadusThough Cordell Broadus has only been modeling a short time, the 20-year old son of rap superstar Snoop Dogg, is skyrocketing through the fashion industry. In September 2018, Cordell walked in Philipp Plein’s spring 2018 show and later walked in the Dolce & Gabbana runway presentation. Most recently, Cordell landed his first print campaign for MCM Worldwide. Later in the year Cordell Broadus will model for US megabrand, Coach.

Image courtesy of hearstapps.com

Kendall JennerThis list would be incomplete if Fashion Reverie did not include Kendall Jenner. As of 2017, Kendall was on Forbes’ list for being the highest paid model and is one of the top 15 most followed celebrities on Instagram.

Kendall Jenner, daughter of reality TV star Chris Jenner and 1976 Olympic Decathlon champion and reality TV star Caitlin Jenner, began modeling around the age of 14, with her breakout seasons happening in 2014 and 2015. Signed currently to The Society Management and Elite Model Management in Paris, London, and Milan, Kendall has walked for Sherri Hill, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Givenchy, Donna Karan, Fendi, Ports 1961, Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbana, Pucci, Sonia Rykiel, Bottega Veneta, Diane von Furstenberg, Balmain, Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Alexander Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Elie Saab, Versace, Miu Miu, H&M, and Victoria’s Secret.

Kendall has graced the covers and has had editorials in Harper’s Bazaar, LOVE magazine, Vanity Fair, Vogue (China, Brazil, Japan, France), W Korea, Marie Claire Indonesia, GQ, Interview magazine, Teen Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, and Kurv. Kendall has had campaigns with Estee Lauder, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld, Balmain, Fendi, Penshoppe, Calvin Klein Jeans, Mango, Calvin Klein, CPS Chaps, Denimlab, White Sands Australia, Agua Bendita, Leah Madden, and Victoria’s Secret.

—William S. Gooch

Fashion Reverie’s Top 10 New Models to Watch for the Fall 2018 Season

February 2, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

Images courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

With New York Fashion Week (NYFW) quickly approaching, casting for major shows are just around the corner or currently taking place. Each season brings us a new crop of rising young model talent who that might be the top models of tomorrow. Fashion Reverie has had its eyes on a few young female models that are expected to have a break out fall 2018 season. These nascent beauties are already beginning to dominate runways, ad campaigns, and editorials. Here are Fashion Reverie’s picks for NYFW: The Shows fall 2018.

Image courtesy of models.com

Chu WongChu Wong’s career has been very impressive over the past several years. Chu Wong has has walked for Loewe and Givenchy, and has been featured in editorials for Self Service and Vogue China. Her star power is expected to only increase this year as she gains more international attention.

Image courtesy of listal.com

Samantha EllsworthSamantha Ellsworth’s runway debut at NYFW came last year when she strutted the runway for Raf Simons’ debut collection for Calvin Klein. Prior to her modeling career, Ellsworth had intended to enroll in the military. Her disciplined attitude is helping her climb the ranks of the modeling industry, and her face is sure to be seen prominently during NYFW: The Shows fall 2018 season.

Image courtesy of thefashionspot.com

Saffron VadherAt just 20 years old, Saffron Vadher’s career has become one of the most meteoric of current drop of new models, climbing the international ranks shooting with the acclaimed Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, and Josh Olins. Saffron already has an exclusive with Burberry.

Last season, the model opened for 3.1 Phillip Lim at NYFW, and also walked for Sies Marjan and DVF. Internationally, she has walked in the H&M x Erdem London show and in Paris for Chanel.

Image courtesy of wmagazine.com

Yoon Young Bae Dubbed the “Korean Model of Moment” by Vogue in 2016, Yoon Young Bae has walked for Prabal Gurung, Michael Kors, and Anna Sui. Internationally, she’s been seen on the runways of Miu Miu, Valentino, and Sonia Rykiel. This ‘It Girl’ also boasts an Instagram following of over 60K.

Image courtesy of armenyl.com

Wallette WatsonIn November 2016, Harper’s Bazaar named this fresh-faced beauty one of their new faces to watch. Since then, Wallette has appeared in editorials for Vogue, Numéro, and At Large Magazine. She’s also walked for Off-White, , and Carolina Herrera. As she continues to get the attention of more major design houses, she’s still one to watch.

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Vincent BeierVincent Beier has made a name for himself as fashion’s new gender-fluid muse. The Danish model made his debut at Copenhagen Fashion Week, and since then his ability to defy gender norms has put him on the map. He models primarily women’s wear, and has walked for Maison Margiela and Charlotte Olympia. As fashion continues to embrace more diversity, Beier is expected to get more attention from those designers who believe that fashion has no gender.

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Yana BovenistierThis leggy Belgian beauty took NYFW by storm in 2016, walking for Alexander Wang and DKNY, and opening for Public School. Yana’s look is perfect for edgy street style brands that dominate NYFW. Although Public School isn’t showing this season, Fashion Reverie doubts that runways have seen the last of her.

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Emma HarrisEmma Harris started dominating the catwalks at the tender age of 16. When she was just a teenager she was already stomping for Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler, and Victoria Beckham. The Idaho native with her girl-next-door looks, but high-fashion appeal, knows how to be versatile. That’s sure to take her a long way in the industry. This upcoming season, we’ll continue to see what she’s made of.

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Charlee FraserThough this Australian bombshell has walked for Alexander Wang and Brandon Maxwell, she first made a name for herself walking in Sydney Fashion Week. Fraser is on her way towards becoming an industry darling, as designers from down under to Europe are falling in love with her. Her ‘It Girl’ status was solidified after some stellar appearances in Vogue Italia.

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Abby WilliamsonWith her impeccable cheekbones and classic high fashion look, Abby Williamson is slowly taking the modeling world by storm. Last year, she walked the runways for Noon by Noor, Anna Sui, and Adam Selman. Not only can she strut a catwalk, but her posing skills are young Kate Moss level. She’s a bright young star who only stands to burn brighter.

—Kristopher Fraser

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2018 Pre-Coverage

February 2, 2018 by admin Leave a Comment

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The New York Fashion Week: Fall 2018 (NYFW) season starts in just a few days. And this season promises to be a season of great change and challenges.One of the changes this season is the men’s show being scheduled just three days before the women’s shows. With most of the sponsors for NYFW: Men’s exiting—especially Amazon last March—the CFDA had to do some quick adaptations. The one viable solution, though it may be temporary, was to schedule the fall 2018 season just a few days before the women’s fall 2018 shows. Perhaps, the international press—particularly the European rags—will come into town a little earlier and cover the men’s shows. We will see!!

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That said; there is still the issue of venues. With Skylight Modern: Clarkson no longer one of the venues and the rumors of having a permanent space at Hudson Yards still circulating, the CFDA and WME-IMG is still trying to figure out what to do about venues. Ask any industry professional and they will tell you that shuttling all over New York City for shows is extremely exhausting and expensive. For the fall 2018 season most of the shows will be at Cadillac House, Spring Studios, Pier 59, and Skylight Modern.The most prevailing challenge this season is the absence of major fashion designers from both the men and the women’s shows. Absent this season are Altuzarra, Vera Wang, Proenza Schouler, Tommy Hilfiger, Rodarte, John Varvatos, Nick Graham, Nautica, General Idea, Marchesa, Thom Browne, Nicholas K, Public School, Orley, Gypsy Sport, and several others. There are some interesting newcomers which include Juicy Couture, JXY n’ Cuso, Amehl, Bevza, Moon Choi, and others.

Still, the industry soldiers on. Remember, everything has a moment. And the old must move aside for the new. Unfortunately, in fashion we don’t know what the new and next is, just yet.

Image courtesy of dailydesignnews.com

New York Fashion Week: Men’s fall 2018 starts Monday, February 5–February 7 and New York Fashion Week: The Shows fall 2018 starts Thursday, February 8–February 14.—William S. Gooch