Milly by Michelle Smith went Guy Bourdin this season with a jewel-tone infused palette and rich blend of fabrics layered on top of each other –and fabulously accessorized. Literally this is the most complete show I’ve seen when it comes to the use of hats, gloves, scarves, bags and sunglasses and very much translated the happy hues of summer into fall. The burst of colors complimented each other so well, and was perfectly matched with a bold orange-red lip (by MAC Cosmetics) and straight hair (which I’m glad was kept simple as to
Backstage at Alexandre Herchcovitch Fall 2011 Show with Rolando Beauchamp for Bumble and Bumble
Of all the hairstyles I saw this season at Fashion Week, I’m giving the most creative award to Bumble and bumble for the Alexandre Herchcovitch Fall 2011 fashion show. Covering half the face, lead stylist, Rolando Beauchamp (for Bumble and Bumble) created a 6-way, side braid. Prompted by Alexandre Herchcovitch collection, which was inspired by violent forces of nature and circled around texture and layering. I mean seriously, is it just me or is this a masterpiece?
To show you what went into creating this look, I was able to capture a model having it done (alongside makeup and nails) in 15minutes! While that may be incredibly long for a YouTube video, it’s remarkable this model was able to undergo all three so quickly. And no, having hair, makeup and nails done all at the same time is generally not practiced– this particular model ran late in between shows, so you get to witness the abridged version of what generally happens backstage.
As you can see it takes about 6 hands to create that braid (I would not try it at home without assistance), although the look is easily translatable to the everyday woman—with some modifications. Create a side part, then make
Whenever I’m asked my ethnicity and respond with ‘Armenian’, the usual reaction I get is ‘oh, like Kim Kardashian? Do you get that a lot?’
Yes, I get that a lot—and by the way she’s only half Armenian. Although clearly some type of poster child for all that is Armenia in the eyes of many Americans– so it should come as no surprise that when Cosmopolitan Magazine launches their Armenian edition in March, Kim Kardashian will grace the cover. The shocking part of course is that Cosmo is going into Armenia at all! Hrachuchi Utmazyan has been named editor of the publication, which will launch with an initial circulation of 5,000.
While it’s commonly known Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity, and the suspected landing spot of Noah’s Arc, it’s only in the past few years we discovered they we’re also the first to decent leather shoes and house the oldest known winery. Although those are rarely the claim to fame we account for and probably to Kourtney’s and Khloe’s dismay, neither are they.
“The Cosmopolitan brand has been very successful around the world and we’re pleased to be rolling out our 63rd edition this spring in Armenia,” says president and CEO of Hearst Magazines
Jason Wu Fall 2011 Collection. Photo Credit: Imaxtree
I have a sweet spot for Jason Wu, not only because he’s brilliant, but also because I had the honor of attending his first runway show back in 2006; when Fashion Week was held at Bryant Park and he was the new kid on the blog. I don’t remember every detail from the show, only that I walked in not knowing who he was, and walked out with an ever-lasting impression of his work. So in 2009, when Michelle Obama choose to wear Wu for her inaugural gown, it felt like such a warranted success. I haven’t been to his show since, so I felt very fortunate enough to be able to cover his Fall/Winter 2011 fashion collection and share it will all of you!
Jason Wu Fall 2011 Collection. Photo Credit: ImaxtreeJason Wu Runway at 2011 Fall/Winter Fashion Show
For this collection, Jason Wu was inspired by the photographs taken by Robert Polidori in his book “Parcours Museologique Revister,” which documented the restoration of Versailles. As you will notice from the video (posted below), his show began with more traditional sportswear; tailored pants, and jackets then segues into evening wear, before the grand finale of this long, bright pink, silk chiffon strapless gown. While the strong change in silhouette, palette and fabrication would generally make this collection not feel so cohesive, it was the progression of his clothing and the accents of embroidery and lace he embedded within the pieces that really converged it all together. I also really like this little, black, feminine bow-tie he’s introduced.
Makeup by MAC, Nails by CND
What always stands out about Jason Wu is his attention to detail. His ability to carry over this baroque theme went beyond the clothing. We saw it in the hair, makeup, nails—all the way to the stage. He had this incredible custom runway, which looked like antique mirrors.
Roxanne Valinoti for CND created the nails for the runway show. She fashioned a gold gilded burgundy manicure using two coats of CND Dark Ruby layered with one coat of Bloodline, and gilded with Gold Chrome on the tips. To create this look at home, simply put the Gold Chrome shade on first, then apply those French Manicure stickers on the tips and paint over it with the remaining colors. Then peel the sticker off to reveal the gold tips and voila!
Makeup face chart by MAC
These manicures matched the burgundy shoes we saw on the runway and complimented the slicked back twisted low ponytails (with a flash of gold leaf accent) hair look created by Odile for Aveda.
As for the makeup, the look was created by Diane Kendal for M.A.C. Cosmetics, I mean look at this gorgeous intense gold highlighted, deeply shadowed
Join Harboring Hearts Housing for their premiere fundraiser event: A Winter Cocktail, Thursday February 24th, 2011 from 8:30-11:00pm at the Rubin Museum of Art (150 West 17th Street, NYC).
Special performances by The NY Pops, followed by DJ Harley Viera Newton of Jay Z’s Roc Label, and electric violinist Sarah Charness of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Open bar courtesy of Barcardi, Barefoot Wines, and Nespresso, and treats from Honi Cookies, Stogo Ice Cream, and Tu’Lu’s bakery. VIP Ticket Holders will receive gift bags with goodies from Warren Tricomi, David Barton, Korres, Argo Tea, and many more.
Happy Birthday? Happy Anniversary? In this case it’s one and the same since today, February 20th is the day that the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened it’s doors in Manhattan in 1872. Originally, it resided in a rented space at 681 Fifth Avenue and moved several times before migrating to the east side of Central Park to the home we know today (at 1000 Fifth Avenue). The Metropolitan Museum of Art is now more than 2 million square feet and contains more than 2 million works of art divided into nineteen curatorial departments.
Wow, what a week! Fashion Week had me in a complete daze. I can’t believe it’s over and I have hardly had any time to post about it. I’ve seen so many incredible shows from Carolina Herrera, Jason Wu, Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, Herve Leger, Milly, Mandy Coon, Daniel Vosovic…and so many more! And what have I done since it ended on the 17th? Sleep. Seriously, all I did last night was put on over-sized sweatpants, devoured a big bowl of pasta (I felt like a ran a marathon this weekend), and watched movies until I passed out –all from the comfort of my bed. It was an amazing week, but unbelievable exhausting.
I'm so excited! Lara (me) with Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler at IFB
I learned a lot about scheduling considering I was overly zealous with my calendar and how much I could handle. I actually believed that I would come home everyday, post about the shows I saw and be disciplined and in a functional routine. Instead, I was running from one location to the next, hosting backstage interviews, taking footage and of course the best part, getting to watch them live. It gave me a reason to wake up in the morning, pirate my
In all the printed materials, you’ll see Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week listed as February 10-17. However, it really opens the night before with The Heart Truth’s Red Dress collection. It’s the show that has celebrities and high profile women walk the runway in red dresses by various designers on behalf of The Heats Truth, a national awareness campaign that warns women about heart disease.
Backstage with Eve (in David Meister)
Lucky me, I started the evening backstage with sponsors Bumble and Bumble and Bobbi Brown who were doing the hair and makeup for the show and got a sneak preview of Suzanne Somers, Dita Von Teese, Giuliana Rancic, Eve, Camila Alves, Ann Curry, and Gayle King in their gowns!
Backstage with Suzanne Somers (in Ina Soltani)
I was cheering on the inside when I saw Suzanne Somers–I’ve been watching her since Three’s Company through her thighmaster infomercials, I think my excitement was warranted. Especially in her adorable Ina Soltani mini dress that
Event: BULLETT + Jessica White Co-Host Fashion Week Kick-Off Event When: February 9th Venue: BULLETT Loft, NYC
BULLETT Magazine kicked off Fashion Week with an exclusive event, hosted by Jessica White to celebrate the launch of their inaugural edition, Volume 1: The Premiere Issue. Jessica is featured in the issue baring it all (except for a black rose Colin Yeo hat and Louboutin’s); I like her tattoos.
BULLETT is a quarterly unisex fashion and lifestyle magazine that features fashion, art, film, music and travel by way of fashion spreads, designer and celebrity interviews and travel and artist features.
Cindy Crawford graced the cover of the premiere issue, and looks absolutely stunning in her 10-page spread. The fashion photography alone is worth owning a copy, and the styling is phenomenal (I’m still stuck on the Cindy Crawford lay outs). I was also happy to see an interview with Simon Spurr included. He’s one of the male designers I’m covering for fashion
It’s Fashion Week in NYC. From February 10-17th, I’ll be covering the shows both backstage and from the runway. For live updates, follow me on twitter @PCBeauty. Otherwise, stay tuned for full coverage of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
And yes, this is what you get to do in the mysterious tents at Fashion Week –have a photograph taken on a Mercedes-Benz and the Daily Front Row turn you into a cover girl.
