Raul Penaranda S/S 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection

With Designer Raul Penaranda

Raul Penaranda debuted his premiere collection at the Metropolitan Pavilion last week during NY Fashion Week. The inspiration for his Spring/Summer 2011 show was ‘Uptown meets Williamsburg’ mixing together refined dresses with vibrant colors and metallics.

Even before the models took the stage, I was very taken aback by the man behind his namesake label. In his program to the audience he wrote a letter saying:

“I would like to thank you for attending the launch of my first collection, a day where my dreams become a reality. A journey full of challenges and lessons, with no regrets. As a token of my gratitude, I would like to share a piece of my collection with you. [he inserted a bottle with a piece of fabric from the collection in all the gift bags] This bottle will serve as a reminder that nothing is impossible and miracles take a little bit longer. Dream, Vision, Reality”.

What a lovely (and inspirational) gift! That journey and joy radiated through the runway by both the clothing and the models, and ultimately the grand applause by the audience when Penaranda took the stage.

Pretty Connected caught up with the Raul Penaranda to a get the inside scoop on the collection:

Why Uptown Meets Williamsburg?

“Uptown meets Williamsburg is about two opposite elements that collide and create an emotion, it’s about mixing unexpected materials to create an element of surprise and interest. It’s about vulnerability is about imperfect beauty.”

What’s next for you?

“Working on my Fall collection and continue working hard to improve/evolve the product and reinforce the brand identity ‘DREAMS-VISION-REALITY’. As I mentioned in the past for me there is nothing impossible and miracles take a little bit longer. When fear is out of the equation there is nothing but success”.

Get the Look! Check out the

― READ ON →

Happy 1-Year Anniversary SPiN New York!

By now some of my avid readers have probably noticed I have thing for ping pong. Unlike most table tennis players, the obsession doesn’t come from a table in my basement or game room in my college dorm, but from a few friends.

With SPiN Owners Franck Raharinosy and Jonathan Bricklin at SPiN Hollywood Opening Party

Once upon a time these friends, filmmakers Jonathan Bricklin, Franck Raharinosy and Bill Mack all lived together in fabulous loft in TriBeCa and bought a ping pong table. They started playing, didn’t stop, friends would come over, more tables we’re bought, more friends would come over and eventually they started throwing a weekly party/tournaments named Naked Ping Pong. While no one was actually naked, the parties attracted everyone and anyone from  jocks to hipsters to nerds, artists to celebrities and everything in between; creating a diverse environment that was effortlessly fun. In those days I didn’t play, but I wasn’t the only one, and it didn’t matter. The mix of great people and music in such a social atmosphere made it still one rockin’ party.

With all the press they we’re receiving and popularity of the parties they decided to take their idea to the next level. Together with investors Susan Sarandon and Andrew Gordon they opened SPiN New York; a 13,000 square foot table-tennis social club complete with a gourmet restaurant, Ducks Eatery and bar.

― READ ON →

Adrienne Zernich Spring 2011 Collection

Adrienne Zernich with one of her models

A pastel palette of fitted bodices with flirty, flowing skirts graced the runway with elements of lace and ruffles as Adriene Zernich debuted her premiere collection at the National Arts Club. “Romantic Garden Party” was the theme of Adriene Zernich Spring 2011 line inspired by

― READ ON →

You’re Invited: Sept 20th! 22 Ways to Say Black with Swarovski Elements for the American Cancer Society

Everyone who knows me well can attest that I am a definite sucker for two things: a good cause and little black dresses –so imagine my excitement to read that Swarovski Elements, is working with 22 amazing, world famous fashion designers and the American Cancer Society to help find a cure for cancer. Together, they’re introducing “22 Ways to Say Black.”

Here’s the deal, each designer has created a one-of-a-kind little black dress adorned with sparkling SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS that will be auctioned off at Philips de Pury on Monday, September 20th with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the American Cancer society and La Ligue Contre le cancer in France.

Who are the iconic designers? Donna Karan, Lanvin, Fendi, Jean Paul Gaultier, Givenchy, Armani, Catherine Malandrino, Diane von Furstenberg, Vivienne Westwood to name a few. For the complete list and to preview the dresses visit the Swarovski Element Facebook page HERE

How do you get to bid on them? The dresses will be on display all day (from 10am – 6pm) on Monday, September 20th and people interested in bidding can do so either in person at the auction, via phone or online at liveauctioneers.com. Be generous! Not only are you getting a one-of-a-kind designer dress, you’re money’s also going to a great cause. Happy bidding!

For more information about the gala auction click HERE

1...636637638...689Page 637 of 689