Categories — Page 13

Holiday Windows Have Never Looked this Good

December 24, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Images clockwise Pull & Bear, Barcelona, Harrods, London, and Saks, NYC

Winter Wonderlands, Nutcracker Suites, and Santa’s Workshop are all typical themes explored, improvised and revised on for department store window’s holiday displays. How many times have you seen a sexy Santa and Mrs. Klaus, a Winter Wonderland that has gone to the dark side, or how about exploring a Nutcracker nestled in a futuristic Kingdom of Sweets.

Bloomingdales, NYC

Retailers spare no costs at creating holiday window displays that cause a sense of wonder, excitement and even titillate holiday shoppers. But sadly, many of the best holiday window displays are located in major fashion capitals far away from the Heartland. And unless you plan to be in the Big Apple, London, Paris, Tokyo, Sao Paulo or Milan for the holiday season, many of these window masterpieces of art will pass you by.

Enter, Fashion Reverie to the rescue. In true keeping with the holiday spirit, and with the help of Windowswear.com, Fashion Reverie has assembled some holiday window displays from around the world that promise not only to stimulate the senses, and make you reach deep into your pockets but stretches the boundaries of the art of window dressing. The holidays have never been this imaginative or mind expanding.

Macy’s New York

Liberty, London

Galeries Lafayette, New York

Harrods, London

Printemps, Paris

Lord & Taylor, New York

Marks & Spencer, London. All images courtesy of windowswear.com

—William S. Gooch

Theia Conjures Up Kim Kardashian’s Fantasy Wedding Gown

October 25, 2013 by admin 3 Comments

On the heels of New York International Bridal Week, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced their engagement. Kanye West popped the question to Kim at the AT&T Park in San Francisco on Kardashian’s 33^rd birthday (October 21). West, a true devotee of theatrics, commissioned a 50-piece orchestra to play while “PLEEEASE MARRY MEEE!” was displayed on the Jumbotron.

Image courtesy of dailymail.co.uk

Kanye West placed a 15-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond ring on Kim’s finger, and Kardashian commented the next day to E! News, “last night was truly magical!!! I am the luckiest girl in the world!” …”I get to marry my best friend!”

While West and Kardashian celebrate their engagement, bridal designers across the globe speculate on what type of gown Kim will be wearing at her bridal ceremony. Fashion Reverie reached out Don O’Neill, creative director of Theia, and got his thoughts on Kim Kardashian’s choice in bridal gown. And we also got an inspirational bridal sketch from O’Neill, projecting what would look great on Kim.

Sketch courtesy of Don O’Neill. Image courtesy of JS Group International

“I chose this silhouette as it will flatter her [Kim Kardashian] amazing curves and fit like a second skin. It has lavish attention to detail with its intricate Swarovski crystal, silver-lined glass bead embroidery and miniature handmade silk flowers, a confection of silk organza but on a simple and dramatic silhouette. The crystal and handmade silk organza flowers and petals create rich texture on the bodice flowing down on to the dramatic mermaid skirt,” details O’Neill.

‘Having gone the traditional route with her last wedding, she can now feel free to try color. The skirt has a blush pink lining, and the ivory flowers on the skirt are delicately tipped with blush pink,” continues O’Neill.

The Theia Collection has been praised by Country Western musician Kerry Underwood and since its debut in 2009 has been picked up by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and other specialty boutiques.The Theia Collection has also appeared in such publications as People Magazine, Life & Style, US Weekly, E! News, Glamour.com, InStyle.com, and outlets. For more information, go to theiacouture.com.

—William S. Gooch

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2014 Backstage

October 5, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Though Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week spring 2014 is over, as well as fashion weeks in London, Milan, and Paris, memories still linger. We all love the way the collections look on the runway, and the way each model brings that extra something that makes us look at silhouettes, construction, fabrications and the designer’s point of view in new ways. Still, it is not all sparkle and shine.

In Fashion Reverie’s unique way of presenting texture, nuance and a broader spectrum of perspectives and with the assistance of our photo editor, Ernest Green, we demonstrate that Fashion Week is a collaborative effort. Putting a runway show together is a lot of hard work and without the collaborative efforts of makeup artists, dressers, the ground crew, PR firms, the technical crew, and the models and designers themselves, the stunning presentations that we hold near and dear to our hearts would not happen.

Raleigh Denim Spring 2014 Backstage

Though the brand has extended beyond denim, their brand of denim has never looked so good.

Nicholas K Spring 2014 Backstage

Nicholas K is the first show of MBFW spring 2014 and the models are mostly just beginning a week of hair pulled, twisted and primed into all kinds of interesting configurations.

Nicholas K is the first show of MBFW and the models are just beginning a week of hair pulled, twisted and primed into all kinds of interesting configurations. Hang on kids, its going to be a lot of hair pulling!!

Nicholas K Spring 2014 Backstage

Kenneth Cole Spring 2014 Backstage

Diversity rules with Kenneth Cole.

Steve Alan Spring 2014 Backstage

With Kenneth Cole it all about the face. And guys will make passes at this model who wears glasses!!

Malan Breton Spring 2014 Backstage

OK, I’ve got a secret. These images are not from MBFW, but taken three weeks later at the Taiwan Museum’s cultural celebration. But hey, Malan Breton’s collection is still slammin!!

—Staff

Fashion and Dance Meet at the New York City Ballet Gala

September 18, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Coco Chanel’s costumes in “Le Train Bleu,” Christian Lacroix’s costumes in “La Source,” and Norma Kamali’s costumes in “In the Upper Room”

Fashion has traditionally had a home in the dance world. During the Diaghilev era, Coco Chanel created costumes for the famed Ballets Russes’ production of “Le Train Bleu” in 1924. That collaboration launched a trend that has seen a prestigious list of designers collaborate with dancemakers including Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Halston, Isaac Mizrahi, Norma Kamali, Christian Lacroix, and Rodarte.

Last fall, New York City Ballet premiered a ballet at its fall gala that featured costumes by Valentino (it should be noted that neither the ballet by Peter Martins nor the costumes earned critical acclaim.) For this year’s fall gala, which is being held Thursday, Sept. 19, fashion and dance are a central theme.

Images courtesy of teen vogue.com

The gala, the brainchild of actress and NYCB board member Sarah Jessica Parker, has paired three choreographers with three renowned designers.

The pairings are:

Choreographer Angelin Preljocaj with designer Olivier Theyskens
Choreographer Justin Peck with designer Prabal Gurung
Choreographer Benjamin Millepied with designer Iris van Herpen

Prabal Gurung images courtesy of Paul Kolnik and Erin Baiano, respectively

Marc Happel, City Ballet’s director of costumes, has worked closely with the designers and said the collaborations have been an eye-opener for the designers as they grapple with the unique demands of creating for dance.

“They’re very used to designing for the runway or the red carpet. Suddenly you’re giving them the challenge of designing a costume which has to be worn by incredibly athletic people—dancers, doing incredible movement onstage,” Happel said. “This whole factor of movement and being able to dance in what they’re designing is new for the designers who haven’t worked with dance before.”

Olivier Theysens images courtesy of Erin Baiano

Olivier Theyskens images courtesy of Erin Baiano

“What I also have to get (the designers) to really concentrate on are the realities of being onstage.” Those realities, he said, include the effect stage lights may have on colors of the costumes, the amount of physical handling that may occur as a dancer is lifted and turned. “I also have to get the designers to understand that there’s an incredible sweat factor involved, especially the men. These costumes have to be cleaned regularly,” he added.

That still leaves a lot of potential for some interesting creations among the collaborations.

Iris van Hepern images courtesy of Erin Baiano and Fly's Eye Films

Iris van Herpen images courtesy of Erin Baiano and Fly’s Eye Films

For the Preljocaj ballet, which is inspired by the Salem witch trials, the ballerinas will dance in unitards decorated with silicone shapes. For the Millepied ballet, van Herpen’s costumes are to be decorated with hundreds of plastic pieces that are intended to resemble an armadillo. The women will also wear special boots attached to their pointe shoes.

Happel said the dancers are enjoying the process of having something created on them that isn’t the usual leotard, tights and tutus. “Many of them are quite good about the challenge of dealing with costumes that are a little different,” he said. “I think they like the challenge. They find it to be a very interesting process.”

—Karyn D. Collins

Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair

September 2, 2013 by admin 17 Comments

Zang Toi Day ensemble. Ready-to-wear, fall/winter 2008–09 ,Bill Blass (United States), Day ensemble. Ready-to-wear, fall/winter 1997–98,Bob Mackie Evening ensemble. Ready-to-wear, fall/winter 1984–85, Yves Saint Laurent (France), ‘Picasso’ evening dress (and detail). Haute couture, fall/winter 1979-80.

Images clockwise: Zang Toi Day ensemble. Ready-to-wear, fall/winter 2008–09, Yves Saint Laurent ‘Picasso’ evening dress, Haute couture, fall/winter 1979-80, Bill Blass Day ensemble. Ready-to-wear, fall/winter 1997–98, Bob Mackie Evening ensemble. Ready-to-wear, fall/winter 1984–85, . Images courtesy of the Chicago History Museum

First and foremost, it is about the clothes. As it should be—bold, colorful, often audacious, but always colorful clothes.

As the first trio of outfits at the entrance to the “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair” exhibit suggest, the Ebony Fashion Fair, was about clothes. And not just any clothes—the flashiest haute couture and high-end designer fashions money could buy from Cardin, Dior and Lacroix to Saint Laurent, Pucci, Galliano for Dior and McQueen for Givenchy.

But the exhibit, like the Ebony Fashion Fair, is about more than just the clothes. The exhibit, which opened in March, is currently at the Chicago History Museum now through January 5, 2014 before it goes on tour across the country.

The Ebony Fashion Fair (EFF) began in 1958 and toured the United States, Caribbean and even London, England from 1961 until 2009. Created by Eunice W. Johnson, wife of Johnson Publications founder John H. Johnson, the EFF helped local groups raise money for charity while spreading the Johnsons’ gospel about aspirational culture to the black community. Over its history, the EFF raised more than $50 million for local charities.

Jean Patou day ensemble. Haute couture, fall/winter 1986–87.Chloé (France) by Karl Lagerfeld, Evening dress, ready-to-wear, fall/winter 1983-84, Krizia jumpsuit. Haute couture, fall/winter 1981–82.

Jean Patou day ensemble. Haute couture, fall/winter 1986–87, Chloé by Karl Lagerfeld, evening dress, ready-to-wear, fall/winter 1983-84, Valentino cocktail ensemble. Alta moda, fall/winter 1978–79, photograph by John Alderson. Images courtesy of Chicago History Museum.

“I really think my mother’s legacy was she brought beauty, style and sophistication to an African American audience,” said the couple’s only daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, in one of the exhibit’s many multimedia displays.

Model Pat Cleveland, who got her start with EFF when she was 15 said in the exhibit, “We let people see there’s something more to life than struggling.”

The EFF stopped touring after the 2009 season as many of its sponsoring groups found themselves needing to cut back on programming. Johnson died in 2010 at the age of 93.

While visitors may be dazzled by the outfits—Eunice Johnson, we are repeatedly reminded, loved boldly colorful and dramatic outfits for her shows—Joy Bivins, the exhibit’s curator, said the multimedia displays showcasing the EFF’s and Johnson Publications’ history were also a crucial part of the exhibit.

Eunice Johnson with designer Yves Saint Laurent, 1972. Photo courtesy of Johnson Publishing Company, LLC and Chicago History Museum.

“It’s important that people get an understanding for all that the Ebony Fashion Fair represented,” Bivins said. “Showing the significance of the Ebony Fashion Fair in terms of the fashions is great. “But the Ebony Fashion Fair was a true cultural happening that affected everything from the Johnson’s philosophy on how black people’s accomplishments and beauty should be celebrated to the use of black models, and the impact the show had on people in the communities where the Fashion Fair appeared.”

To that end the exhibit not only features 67 outfits, but includes multimedia displays covering the behind-the-scenes stories of the Ebony Fashion Fair with comments from industry luminaries like longtime commentator Audrey Smaltz and Cleveland about life on the tour, including navigating the Jim Crow South during the ‘60s. Other multimedia displays chronicle how EFF fit into the overall Johnson Publishing Company empire which was anchored by Ebony and Jet magazines and how audiences embraced the EFF.

Among other things visitors will learn that Johnson purchased all of the outfits herself—up to $1 million worth each year—and that some designers were nervous about having their creations photographed on black models. The displays also remind visitors that unlike most fashion shows today, the EFF shows featured models who dramatically posed, twirled and strutted on the runway.

Silver raffia gown, Givenchy by Alexander McQueen, Evening dress. Haute couture, fall/winter 1997-98, Emanuel Ungaro, Bridal gown. Haute couture, fall/winter 1996–97, Tilmann Grawe tubular plummage cocktail dress Haute couture, fall/winter 2003–04

Silver raffia gown, Givenchy by Alexander McQueen, Haute couture, fall/winter 1997-98, Emanuel Ungaro bridal gown. Haute couture, fall/winter 1996–97, Tilmann Grawe tubular plummage cocktail dress Haute couture, fall/winter 2003–04. Images courtesy of Chicago History Museum

Bivins said selecting outfits for the exhibit was a daunting task. “[The exhibit] is a very miniscule fraction of what was available. I would say there were between 3,500 and 5,000 pieces,” Bivins said. “Even once we narrowed things down, we could have easily had an exhibit that was three times the size of this one. “In selecting outfits, we went with designers there were obviously important to Mrs. Johnson and pieces that represented ideas and themes which were big for her.”

While the exhibit covers a lot of fashion ground, it doesn’t include any pieces from the EFF’s earliest days. Instead, the early years are represented mostly through photographs and a couple of film clips.

Nina Ricci cocktail ensemble. Coat, haute couture, fall/winter 1987–88. Azzedine Alaïa evening dress. Ready-to-wear, spring/summer 1986

Christian Dior evening ensemble. Haute couture, fall/winter 1968–69, Azzedine Alaïa evening dress, ready-to-wear, spring/summer 1986, Nina Ricci cocktail ensemble. Coat, haute couture, fall/winter 1987–88. Images courtesy of Chicago History Museum

“There were a couple of pieces from the late ‘60s that we really considered including but they had feathers on them and were more than 40 years old and weren’t in good condition. And there weren’t any pieces from the ‘50s at all,” she said.

Bivins pointed out that pieces from the early years may have also been in short supply because until the mid-‘70s the EFF used to sell off pieces for charity at the end of each season. “We still had some really spectacular pieces to choose from. Honestly, there were several exhibitions within that storage space. You could have done this in a few different ways,” Bivins said. “I think we met our biggest challenge—to really flesh out the breadth and fullness of the story of the Ebony Fashion Fair.

The Chicago History Museum is located at: 1601 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL. For more information call (312) 642-4600 or go online at www.chicagohistory.org.

—Karyn D. Collins

TOUR SCHEDULE for “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair”

Museum of Design Atlanta, GA
October 11, 2014 – January 4, 2015

Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, MN
May 22, 2015 – August 16, 2015

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, MI
September 18, 2015 – January 3, 2016

Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, NY
January 30, 2016 – April 24, 2016

*Other dates and locations to be announced.

Nina Ricci cocktail ensemble. Coat, haute couture, fall/winter 1987–88,

Styled to Rock: There Are Some New Designers in Town

August 26, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of NBC Universal

Is Styled to Rock another Project Runway? Not. Though the new reality-based designer competition may have similarities to its design competition predecessor, Styled to Rock contestants compete weekly to dress noted entertainers and be America’s next trendsetting designer. Music and fashion mogul Pharrell Williams, model/designer Erin Wasson and Rihanna’s stylist Mel Ottenberg serve as weekly style mentors.

Erin Wasson

Based on the UK version of the same name which aired on August 12, 2012, like Project Runway, Styled to Rock has some twists and obstacles throughout the competition. Each week contestants will have a small amount of time to create an innovative garment and style the appointed entertainer from head to toe based on the celebrities’ detailed profile. Throughout each weekly challenge, the mentors will whittle down the created looks and those designers whose garments are unsatisfactory will be up for elimination. Prizes for the winner include $100,000, a fashion spread in Glamour magazine, and chance to be a member of Rihanna’s design team— oops, no trip to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Rihanna’s design or Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week show, which is the better prize? You decide.

Pharrell Williams

Styled to Rock premieres on the Style Network on November 5, 8pm, EST. Mega pop star and style icon Rihanna is the executive producer.

"Styled to Rock" contestants. Images courtesy of NBC Universal

“Styled to Rock” contestants. Image courtesy of NBC Universal

The competing designers are:

Cecilia Aragon (Age: 30) ‒ San Francisco, Calif.‒ Art and design instructor Cecilia Aragon is finally taking her own advice and following her dreams of solely working on her own clothing line. A consummate perfectionist, Aragon even has a different pair of scissors for each kind of material she uses. She credits Madonna and designer Jean Paul Gaultier as inspirations for her design aesthetic.

Adam Christoffel (Age: 30) ‒ Brooklyn, N.Y.‒ Minneapolis native Adam Christoffel discovered his love for styling at a young age. Since then, Christoffel has immersed himself in all things fashion. He graduated from the International Academy of Design & Technology and currently works as a freelance pattern maker. Christoffel is looking forward to the day when he can quit his day job and focus on his own line.

Jordan Crowson (Age: 32) ‒ Conway, Ark.‒ Women’s wear designer Jordan Crowson undoubtedly has an intense love for both music and fashion. He believes his couture designs could stand up to any of the designs at Fashion Week in New York, but he hasn’t had the financial means to break into the industry. Crowson credits his traditional Christian family for keeping him grounded and counts his father as his biggest supporter and best friend.

Adriana Diaz (Age: 22) ‒ Riverside, Calif. ‒ High-fashion street wear designer Adriana Diaz always has had a penchant for style, teaching herself how to sew at age eight. Diaz credits her daughter Adalie, whom she had when she was 17 years old, as her biggest inspiration and the driving force behind her determination to accomplish her dreams. Her design influences come from the Jamaican culture and street graffiti, and she longs to create universal high-fashion street wear.

Autumn Kietponglert (Age: 33) ‒ Philadelphia, Pa. ‒ Unapologetic designer Autumn Kietponglert has never concerned herself with what others think of her and cares more about following her artistic vision with her avant-garde designs than getting along with her fellow designers. Kietponglert says that her best design inspirations come from her dreams, which are detailed visions of the unseen world. Adept to more complex designs, her talents were recognized when she received the RAW Artist of the Year for Fashion Design in 2012.

Laura Petrielli-Pulice (Age: 35) ‒ Chicago, Ill. ‒ When she’s not spending time with her family, baking and making crafts, seemingly typical housewife and mother Laura Petrielli-Pulice designs latex fetish wear for her brand, Vex Clothing, Inc. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Lingerie from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she went on to create looks that have been featured in W Magazine and Italian Vogue. Despite her success in the world of latex, Petrielli-Pulice is ready to break out into mainstream fashion markets to prove that she can do more than custom fetish wear.

Kristie Metcalf (Age: 33) ‒ Seattle, Wash ‒ Kristie Metcalf, a women’s wear designer, has the unique challenge of sewing and designing with only one arm, but she doesn’t allow her disability to limit her potential. A graduate of Western Washington University, Metcalf is currently finishing a certificate program in Fashion Design at the New York Fashion Academy. Her fashion philosophy is“Form and function. Clothes should be beautiful, wearable and well-made.”

Ahni Radvanyi (Age: 27) ‒ Venice, Calif. ‒ Ahni Radvanyi is a free spirit. Outside of her design work, she enjoys centering herself through yoga and can often be found meditating or stretching in her workspace. In an effort to rebel against her strict conservative upbringing, Radvanyi joined counter-culture movements and became a performer doing circus acrobatics, hoop dancing and fire dancing. She believes that celebrities will embrace her adaptable designs because the clothes will allow them to transform throughout the day.

Dexter Simmons (Age: 29) ‒ Oakland, Calif. ‒ A designer, stylist and make-up artist, Bay area native Dexter Simmons hopes to be fashion’s next triple threat. A self-professed “oddball,” Simmons loves fashion because it’s the only place where he feels his quirky personality really translates. With this experience, he is looking to break out of the San Francisco art scene and find mainstream success with his over-the-top designs.

Andre Soriano (Age: 42) ‒ San Diego, Calif‒ Born in the Philippines, Andre Soriano gravitated toward fashion as a way of expressing himself after moving to America as a child. Although he had difficulty adjusting to a new culture at such a young age, he has embraced the idea that “fashion is freedom.” A couturier, his designs have been featured in multiple publications, including Italian Vogue. Andre’s fashion mantra is “Peace, love, glamour and fashion!”

Ebony White (Age: 36) ‒ New York, N.Y. ‒ Women’s wear designer Ebony White is eager to bring her fashion prowess to the forefront. White has been a ghost designer for several household labels. While she appreciates the opportunities given to her by working for those labels, her ultimate goal is to create a name for herself – “I’ve been designing with no voice for so long. For me, it’s just important to be able to have that opportunity to have a voice.”

Keenan Zeno (Age: 27) ‒ Atlanta, Ga‒ After losing everything to Hurricane Katrina, Keenan Zeno moved to Atlanta with only one suitcase. Through perseverance and a drive to succeed, Zeno graduated with two bachelor’s degrees in Apparel Textiles and Business Management from Southern Polytechnic State University, and he recently received his MBA in finance. While continuing to design in his personal time, Zeno makes a living as an accountant, where most of his co-workers are unaware of his designer ambitions.

—William S. Gooch

Christo NYC Men: Men’s Grooming at its Best

July 23, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

OK, getting older is a natural part of life. And as much marketing campaigns promote 50 as the new 30 or 60 as the new 45, in real time none of us are going to escape the aging process. However, getting older does not mean that life has to pass you by or that muffin tops and receding hairlines should be the expected look for a mature man in the second half of his life.

For most men the true indication of their exact age is their thinning hair and receding hairline. And though the market is chocked full of hair products from Rogaine to hair follicle transplantation treatments that have some positive effect on treating hair loss, few live up to their branding claims.

Christo’s Fifth Avenue salon

Well-known celebrities from Marcia Gay Harden, Debra Messing and Kelly Rutherford to Eve, Matthew Modine, Larenz Tate, Nia Long, and Miss New York can all testify to leading New York hairstylist Christo’s incredible hair products. This transplanted Cypriot for over two decades has serviced an A-list clientele from his Fifth Avenue salon. Christo has also been featured in publications from Glamour, Teen Vogue and Marie Claire to The New York Times, the Boston Globe, and the Chicago Tribune.

Christo has added another laurel to his many accomplishments by recently launching a men’s scalp stimulating hair care line. “For years, I’ve been searching for the perfect solution since my hair started thinning in my late 20’s. I began researching for the latest and most advanced ingredient formulations that effectively stimulate scalp and hair follicles, not only for myself but also for my male clients alike. Now, I am thrilled to introduce an impeccable formula like CHRISTO NYC MEN,” explains Christo.

Image courtesy of Christo NYC

Christo NYC Men contains a five-part, easy to follow system that includes a scalp stimulant, a hydrating paste, a hair and scalp stimulant shampoo, a hair and scalp stimulant conditioner, and a styling gel. The scalp stimulant increases microcirculation within the scalp to allow essential nutrients to invigorate hair from the roots. Prevents premature graying and thinning hair and is also safe for color-treated hair. The hair and scalp stimulant shampoo uses natural extracts work to remove buildup and normalize pH to promote thick and healthy hair and is good for all hair types. And the hair and scalp conditioner uses specialized ingredients expand the hair bulb to prevent hair loss and thicken the entire hair shaft.

Some of the natural and essential ingredients in the hair care line include vitamins A, C, and E which help prevent premature graying while promoting growth of new blood vessels to stimulate circulation and hydrate the scalp; aspalathus linearis (red tea) and pomegranate extract which provide powerful anti-aging antioxidants and promotes healthier new growth by increasing micro-circulation to the hair follicles and scalp, and eucalyptus, peppermint, spearmint, clove and sage extracts which soothe and hydrate hair follicles and scalp.

What is also unique about this men’s grooming line is that most of the products only have to be used a few times a week, and results can be seen in just a few months. And at price points ranging from $26 to $46, Christo NYC Men is not only a frugal purchase, but a purchase that renders positive results.

Christo image courtesy of zimbio.com

Christo NYC Men launches in October 2013 and can be purchased at curlisto.com.

—William S. Gooch

The Shock and Awe of Project Runway Season 12

July 16, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of Lifetime Entertainment Television by Barbara Nitke

The new season of Project Runway has been making headlines already and the season hasn’t even debuted yet. Racy billboard ads showing a phalanx of nude people clambering to get towards hosts Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum were banned by the city of Los Angeles for indecency.

No, the nudes aren’t the actual 16 designers competing in season 12. But Sara Rea, the show’s executive producer and show runner, said the image is a fitting tribute to all the drama in store once the season debuts at 9 p.m. this Thursday on Lifetime.

“The billboards weren’t supposed to be a tease on the season. But they fit the unpredictability and the real shockingness of what happens this season,” Rea said. “There’s lots of drama. [Viewers’] eyebrows will be raised. It’s a very fresh, new exciting season with lots and lots of drama.”

So, what’s all the drama about this season?

Rea said huge fights between contestants, emotional breakdowns and lots of twists and turns are all on the runway this season. “It’s not anything [the producers did]. This is just a very intense group, to say the least,” explained Rea. “We had some real characters, some eccentric people, and it’s a hot bed of emotion in that workroom every single day for some reason. “We never knew what would happen. The day can start cool and calm and you never know where things are going to go. They’re just very talented and passionate. This is very intense. I mean we have an emotional breakdown in episode 2 and you usually don’t get that until (episode) six or seven.”

That’s not to say that the producers aren’t introducing some changes for Season 12. Gone is the weekly team challenge format added last season that was almost universally panned by fans (via social media) and critics. Instead, designers will once again compete as individuals (although almost every season has included at least one team challenge).

Image courtesy of Lifetime Entertainment Television by Barbara Litke

Gunn, the longtime mentor for the designers, will have an increased role this season—sitting with the judges, providing them with background information about what went on in the workroom and advocating for the designers. In another major change, Gunn will also now have the power to bring back one contestant he feels was eliminated too soon.

“He’s very honest with the judges,” Rea said of Gunn. “He is the advocate for the designers and this is a way for him to share how he feels directly with the judges.”

The most important change may be that for the first time, as a regular part of the judging process, the judges will inspect garments close up in addition to the regular runway presentation. This was something previously only done when a judge specifically requested a closer look. “This is something that naturally evolved. The judges wanted to start getting closer looks at the clothes so we would do it when they asked,” Rea said.

Other changes being introduced this season include:

New interactive onscreen chats during the show via playrunway.com each Thursday beginning at 9 p.m. EST
A Superfan contest in which seven Superfans will be selected via video submissions to appear in an episode of the show
Runway Redemption in which a designer from a past season will be selected through fan votes to get a second chance on Project Runway. That designer will be announced on Thursday’s premiere.

photo - projectrunway12#3judgesandkatebosworthsmaller

“Project Runway” judges Kate Bosworth, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen, and Heidi Klum.
Image courtesy of Lifetime Entertainment Television by Barbara Litke

Despite all of those changes, some constants remain. Klum will be joined by regular judges Nina Garcia and designer Zac Posen, who replaced designer Michael Kors on the regular judging panel last season. Kors, who according to Rea, was prevented from appearing again as a regular judge because of his busy schedule, will appear again as a guest judge. Other guest judges announced include actors Kate Bosworth, Sigourney Weaver, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

But as Project Runway fans know, the real stars are the designers who are tasked with producing garments, often within 24 hours. Taping began June 8; the last episode before the remaining designers were sent home to create their final collections was taped last week.

The high stakes involved with Project Runway are reflected in the prize package for the winner, estimated to be worth over a half million dollars. Prizes include $150,000 cash, $50,000 worth of technology from HP and Intel, a chance to design and sell an exclusive collection at Belk, a complete sewing and crafting studio from Brother Sewing and Embroidery; a fashion spread in Marie Claire; a $100,000 fabric allowance; a $50,000 styling contract with L’Oreal Paris, and a 2014 Lexus IS 350.

“Project Runway” season 12 designers, Helen Castillo, Jeremy Brandick, and Ken Laurence
Images courtesy of Lifetime Entertainment Television by Barbara Litke

Given the stakes to say nothing of the attention Rea was asked if perhaps some of the Project Runway drama was more manufactured made-for-television moments than actual reality. She insisted that everything on Project Runway is unscripted. The designers, she said, aren’t playing to the cameras either.

“I think the audience is sophisticated enough to know if someone is trying to play something up. The b.s. meter goes off when someone is trying to play it up. I don’t think this group is trying to be dramatic. I think they can’t help themselves,” she said. “Everything here is 100 percent real. We don’t need to tell them what to do or how to act. We put them in the situations and let them do and act as they will. We never ask them to say or do anything. It’s a hard and fast rule that I have: the moment we get involved in what they say or do we lose the integrity we have. We don’t want these designers to say anything but their own thoughts. That’s why we chose them. Our job behind the cameras is we just follow what happens. I don’t think you can make this stuff up.”

So who’s competing this season:

photo - projectrunway12#8contestantsgroupshotof15smaller

Image courtesy of Lifetime Entertainment Television by Barbara Litke

Besides the still-to-be-named designer from a past season, the season 12 designers include a hearing impaired architect/artist, an art gallery curator, a makeup artist turned Broadway costumer, and a former professional dancer turned fashion designer. Here’s the list of all of the designers for season 12:

Alexander Pope, 38 – Hometown: Los Angeles, CA; resides in New York, NY

Alexandria von Bromssen, 38 – Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden; resides in San Mateo, CA

Angela Bacskocky, 33 – Hometown: Richmond, VA; resides in Richmond, VA

Bradon McDonald, 38 – Hometown: Lowville, NY; resides in Los Angeles, CA

Dom Streater, 24 – Hometown: Philadelphia, PA; resides in Philadelphia, PA

Helen Castillo, 25 – Hometown: Weehawken, NJ; resides in Union City, NJ

Jeremy Brandrick, 41 – Hometown: Birmingham, England; resides in New York, NY

Justin LeBlanc, 27 – Hometown: Tampa, FL; resides in Raleigh, NC

Kahindo Mateene, 34 – Hometown: Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo; resides in Chicago, IL

Karen Batts, 29 – Hometown: Boca Raton, FL; resides in Queens, NY

Ken Laurence, 24 – Hometown: Birmingham, AL; resides in Birmingham, AL

Miranda Kay Levy, 29 – Hometown: Wilton, WI; resides in Milwaukee, WI

Sandro Masmanidi, 28 – Hometown: Krasnodar, Russia; resides in New York, NY

Sue Waller, 45 – Hometown: Boston, MA; resides in Brooklyn, NY

Timothy Westbrook, 24– Hometown: Wanakena, NY; resides in Milwaukee, WI

— Karyn D. Collins

Jovani Fashions, More than Pretty Prom Dresses

June 28, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Jovani Fashions is on a mission. Deemed as one of the go-to brands for the perfect prom dress for that young consumer who wants to turn heads and make a statement at one of the most important social events of the year, Jovani has now positioned itself as a brand that is extending itself into markets that go beyond just pretty prom dresses. “Right now we are trying to expand consumer’s perspective of the brand beyond just prom dresses. We really want consumers to realize that the brand goes beyond prom, and that we are multifaceted and have merchandise that extends to affordable couture to great cocktail pieces to a variety of great garments for special occasions,” details Social Media/Marketing Coordinator Felicia Garay-Stanton.

In the constantly evolving, fast-paced fashion market, branding is everything. From American sportswear lifestyle brands like Tommy Hilfiger to luxury brands such as Ralph Rucci and Oscar de la Renta, solidifying your consumer base is essential to surviving in an economically challenged market. Still, fashion brands are always looking to capture a wider demographic. And with Jovani’s expansion into couture and holiday, the brand is redirecting its course, giving its widening consumer base more options.

“In our new collections we have incorporated more sophisticated looks that go beyond prom looks. This includes our couture-inspired or holiday garments which are still at Jovani’s affordable price points,” explains Design Director Julie Durocher.

Taylor Swift, Natalie Cole, Paris Hilton images courtesy of Jovani Fashions

This new focus is evident in Jovani Fashions’ lookbook and ad campaigns that now feature top models and well-known celebrities, ranging from Taylor Swift, Paris Hilton, Ashanti, Megan Hilty, and Katherine McPhee to Natalie Cole, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Keri Hilson, who don the brand on music stages, award ceremonies, and red carpets. Jovani also played a key role in providing matching cocktail dresses for the finale of Smash.

Celebrities and top models aside, Jovani understands that staying on trend with new fabrications and exciting color palettes is crucial for any expanding brand. “If there is a popular trend in the market, we will find a way to incorporate it into the collection. Interestingly, we have been including diaphanous illusions and cutouts, which is now a popular trend, in Jovani dresses and gowns for several seasons,” contends Durocher.

All images courtesy of Jovani Fashions

“We also continue to stay on trend by using a lot of lace in our collections. For our current collections, I am concentrating now on longer length dresses with drop waist in reference to Downton Abbey and the Great Gatsby. We don’t want our collections to look too literal, so we have to be cognizant of the fact that some of the 1920s silhouettes don’t look good on all shapes and sizes, so we have to modify the silhouette to keep the looks current and fresh,” Durocher continues.

On-trend looks each season, affordable garments for a variety of customers, and a surefire marketing strategy, sounds like a winning combination. And it is!!

For more information, go to jovani.com.

—William S. Gooch

Shop-Hers.com: An Online Shopping Experience that Beats All Others

April 8, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

With the proliferation of fashion e-commerce sites, many consumers have difficulty discerning what differentiates one site from the next, let alone offers great product and service. And though the digital age offers more accessibility and sometimes a wider range of product, quality of product and customer satisfaction sometimes gets lots in the shuffle.

Shop-Hers.com seeks to reshape the fashion e-commerce landscape by forming community with likeminded shoppers and giving them incredible opportunities to replenish their wardrobes with merchandise from similarly minded shoppers. This unique concept was borne of Shop-Hers.com co-founder and CEO Jaclyn Shanfeld’s need to clean her overstuffed closet of merchandise.

“Shop-hers.com evolved from me wanting to purge and replenish my wardrobe and there was nothing out there that was a viable solution. There was no online site that met my needs of wanting to buy great clothes that had only been worn once or a few times. I tried Ebay, but the trust factor was not there. I also tried consignment stores but I continued getting ripped off. I remember taking in several thousand dollars of clothes to a consignment store and getting a check a few months later for only a couple hundred dollars,” explained Shanfeld.

After realizing that many women were just as frustrated without viable options, Shanfeld with some key industry advisors came up with the concept on an e-commerce shopping site where women could purchase authenticated pre-owned luxury items, as well as shop from the closets of other women with similar tastes and body proportions. “When I decided to bring this concept to fruition online, I wanted to surround myself with industry professionals who supported my vision and were experts in their perspective areas of fashion … With this team of industry professionals, one of the issues that kept popping up was the multitude of returns that goes part and parcel with online shopping. There is such a huge differential in sizes that vary from designer to designer. There is no rhyme or reason for how brands cut and construct their clothing, even within the same brand, which can vary from season to season and silhouette to silhouette. We decided that in order to create a community where online shoppers could trust the sizing, we had to find commonality from some real data, “details Shanfeld.

This quest for commonality resulted in Shanfield creating the shopping soul mate component of Shop Hers. “On Shop Hers women can shop in each other’s closet, and we match up women who have similar tastes, style and body proportions. We are seeing interesting data of women shopping in each other’s closet and forming relationships and community,” confides Shanfeld.

When reselling and buying luxury items online, consumers are always leery of sites that purport to have authentic merchandise for top design houses. Shop Hers has found a great way to ensure that shoppers are buying accurate product. “Shop Hers created partnerships with luxury brands and they are our trusted source. So, when merchandise comes in, we go to our brand partners or they come to us and authenticate the merchandise. If an order comes in that is not authentic or is damaged, we cancel the order and send the merchandise back to the seller. Buyers are very excited to know that an order has been canceled and we are sincere about customer service,” explains Shanfeld.

And like all good sites, Shanfeld understands the importance of educating her shopper about great brands, new trends, and merchandise that might be off the radar of many consumers. “It was so important to me include luxury brands that have not had market saturation. When I think of luxury, immediately Balenciaga, Valentino, Lanvin, Balmain, and a host of others come to mind, but I also think of Jenny Kanye, Myne, Adam Lippes, Citizens of Humanity, and Kimberly Orvitz. All these brands have similar luxury price points. I am also thinking of educating the consumer who is not knowledge about Jenny Kanye or Zero + Maria Cornejo. … I didn’t want to be obsessed with just the heavy hitters because I see the value in a variety of luxury brands. And so do my shoppers. Many other sites that purport to sell luxury brands only take consumers down the same paths with the tried-and-true names. We have created a platform that takes our readers down multiple paths and fashion points of view,” extrapolates Shanfeld.

Images courtesy of
Autumn Communications

Great merchandise; providing a platform for like-minded women to shop from each other’s closets; good customer service, and educating the consumer; all done in six months since Shop-Hers.com launched. Who would ask for anything better?

I know Fashion Reverie wouldn’t.

—William S. Gooch

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Jovani Fashions, More than Pretty Prom Dresses

Shop-Hers.com: An Online Shopping Experience that Beats All Others

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