Rebecca Luke Style

New York Fashion Week is hectic. Especially right after a blizzard. We do our best to look cute in our layers, and figure out the best boots to wear so we look cute and don’t have to carry a change of shoes, because there is just no time…At any moment an email or text could come in on my blackberry directing us uptown when we are still downtown and we move, we move quickly…

This season, the wonderful surprise last minute email came in for a benefit show at the Waldorf - Astoria. Fashion for Autism intrigued me from the Sustainable Style point of view. I am always so proud to be from an industry, that always puts forth their design focus and combines it with highlighting a cause.

Admittedly, I wasn’t aware of this soon to be one of my fav designers, EdwingD’Angelo . I didn’t know what to expect? The room was fab and the runway was a square, allowing the guests to soak up the essence of the room. There were other design vendors in the lobby, we didn’t stop. Truthfully, I didn’t enjoy that aspect in the lobby, I would suggest, no tables and only garment racks with beautiful chairs.

As we sat and saw the first of the designs, I was disappointed. The whole thing. Thank god, it wasn’t Edwing. Not sure who it was, don’t care.
As the music amped up, I watched a gorgeous model with a great dane take the stage…oh, this is going to be good. And it was more than good. It was fab.

Edwing D’Angelo’s vision is obvious couture, making each person his palate. His attention to detail is equisite and his flare for drama is evident. I only hope we can get some of his ready to wear interpretations soon. Here is what his press says about him and his line: “The Edwing D’Angelo line is dedicated to creating garments for men and woman which make them be visible and want to be seen. With a keen eye on construction and superbfabrics, D’Angelo weaves glamour into chic spirit and dazzle with the reintroduction of his artistic vision and sculpted visuals form for avant-garde fashion. Pattie Labelle, Chyna Layne, Mo’Nique, Sean Paul, Laurie Metcalf, Nelly and Vivica A. Fox among others have worn Edwing D’Angelo for prestigious Hollywood events.”

The theme for this collection? “New York State of Mind”…yes. A retro nod to the 40’s and 50’s. I saw that but I saw more decades represented.

I can say after meeting him personally, that is all well and good, but Edwing is garmento who really really cares about making you look good. Fastidious about fit and color, he really gets it. It is so amazing to meet a designer who really understands construction. Plus, he is quite sweet. A bonus in this industry.

While I adore his gowns, I really am intrigued by his menswear and interpreting that for women. Surprise, surprise…

As far as standouts in the show, the menswear for sure. The gowns were fun with the big eighties bow. My friend Jackie designed a big bow dress or two like this back in the day. Shout out. I personally would wear the one strap, two tone gown. Love it.

The hair for the Fall showing of Edwing D’Angelo was done by first lady Michelle Obama’s stylist, Johnny Wright ~ Again, a true artist.

Top it off that this show raised awareness ~ Fashion for Autism, Inc.’s mission is to heighten public awareness of Autism and to provide donations to charitable organizations that foster Fashion for Autism, Inc.’s commitment to education, support and resources for individuals and families living with, and affected by, illnesses across the Autism spectrum. Fashion for Autism, Inc. uses its fashion platform to solicit support from media, celebrities, and those in the fashion and entertainment industries to help raise awareness for Autism. Fashion for Autism, Inc. challenges everyone to “Be Significant!”

I heart you Edwing and Fashion for Autism. Can’t wait to see more. RL

P.S. The photos here don’t do the pieces justice. Really stunning in person.

Contact us for more information on personal styling.

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It is so rare that I get to see an entire men’s collection when I come to New York Fashion Week. This round not only did I get to see an incredible collection, I had a fab photographer , Webb Davis, and it just elevated the whole experience for me. The only bummer, the production forgot to lift the plastic off the runway…whoops? Someone was fired…

The entire collection was moderific, with the still important abbreviated jacket in a neutral palate, punctuated by deep earth inspired hues in berry and forest. With an obvious bespoke influences and the men’s standard of Savile Row, Simon Spurr inspires with fresh new cuts. The hat is still an important men’s accessory with Spurr’s modern take on a 19th century tie, where you just see a peek of color at the collar.

Simon Spurr’s formal looks were amazing. I really do love the irreverence of a perfectly fitted V neck knit under a tuxedo inspired suit.

It was very hard for me to pick my absolute favorites, but here are the stand out pieces for me. By the way guys. This Fall, pick up a funnel neck scarf. So easy and fabulous over any look.

Watch for Simon Spurr in the future. He’s got it. RL

Photo Credits: Rebecca Luke Style by Webb Davis

Hey guys, RLS does work with men for personal styling. Contact us for more information.

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We had a great night. The store looked amazing and Spring 2010 is fab. April from Isabella Grace Originals brought her fabulous accessories. Here is the link to my top 25 items to create an entire, all you need, Spring wardrobe from Eryn Brinie.

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In celebration of Spring, eryn brinie has asked our good friend and top stylist, Rebecca Luke to come share her style tips.

Bring your favorite item from you closet and let Rebecca instantly update your look mixing old with the new.

When it comes to wardrobing, less can be more. Rebecca Luke, CEO of les Egoistes, LLC (les Egoistes) and founder of Rebecca Luke Style (RLS) is an advocate of the old world approach to dressing where bespoke, custom and couture where a mainstay. For the 21st century, she interprets the classic concepts for the modern woman. Her focus on dressing highlights selecting distinct pieces and combining them with basics to expand a seemingly abbreviated wardrobe into a closet full of choices. Rebecca believes that getting dressed everyday can be easy and fun and has developed a guide to doing so.

Sunday, February 21 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Eryn Brinie Flagship Store | 501 Broadway, New York NY 10012
This is an RSVP only event | flagship@erynbrinie.com

Refreshments will be served.

For more information on Rebecca Luke Image Consulting Services go to: lesegoistes.com

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It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Ports 1961. I am always impressed with every aspect from the design, to fabric choices and color ways.
This season is no exception. My first of the last shows in Bryant Park, I felt nostalgic and was happy that the Ports show was kicking off my season.

With the theme word of Craeft (Craft) meaning a work or product of art, science, machine, the Fall 2010 collection accomplished what designer Tia Cibani wanted; a representation of a world where technological co-exists with the natural.
Through the use of vintage Victorian techniques of sewing and pattern making, Tia was able to showcase the classic expertise of this genre with gorgeous current silhouettes.

I fell in love with the whole collection that appealed to my personal aesthetic with neutrals upon neutral (Freesia, Chicory, Clover & Pepper) with hints of rich pop colors (Mulberry, Tobacco, Iris and Rosemary). Yummy.

The silhouettes for Fall, including Ports, are still loose with structure in strategic places such as shoulders and hips. I personally am loving this. Highlight pieces for me in the collection included the jumpsuits. I have and will always love the jumpsuit.

The shoulder necklace and leather skullcaps also intrigued me as a fresh new perspective on accessories.

I loved the hair for this show. Big, curly, 70’s and a perfect juxtapose to the function of the pieces. More coming from two weeks of New York Fashion Events. RL

For more on how RLS can help you with your style, go to lesegoistes.com.

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Why is it halfway through Christmas dinner I start to freak out about my resort holiday to Mexico. I skipped it last year and went to Sundance instead…but oh my goodness do I have a lot of work to do before heading down south.
I am planning on spending a good part of my day in a bathing suit, but we all know that just isn’t healthy, or that is what I am going to say as my plan “B” incase the next 30 days doesn’t give me the results I want…
That being said, I know I’m not alone out there. Ladies, it is all about the sexy cover up and I did a deep search before my Mexico vacation.

I mentioned Abi Ferrin earlier this winter and I really do love her cover-ups. Her Spring 2010 prints are perfect for tropical weather and the five way dress is perfect in a print and for travel, well, because it is a five way dress. The sheer fringe cover - up is a perfect blend of sexy while covering up.
Calypso St Barth’s will always have great options. Short and Sheer is what I like and here are a few other that I think are wonderful.

I also found some incredible cover-ups on-line at Victoria’s Secret and can’t wait to also wear these pieces in the city. Affordable and fab.

Designer Sarah Axelrod and her line, Saxie Beach, is something we can watch for in the future. Vintage silks and pieces that will be perfect poolside inspire her.

I am still into mixing metallic with my resort wear. Bangles, a pair of fab dangle earrings, a metallic cork heel sandal and a fun pair of Havaianas will be all the accessories you will need. If you are going to Hawaii, you may need some dressier options…but for Mexico and any other island getaway, simple and chic.

Another style direction is taking neutrals and accessorizing with bright and bold. I love Rosa Cha and her swim/resor 2010t look is fresh. the cuts and shapes of her pieces are inspiring and modern.

Since we can’t take much on planes these days, stick to the above and you should be just fine.

Other must-haves ~ Neutrogena spray sunscreen, Vivian Lee Vitamin C with sph 15 and a bit of pigment, sheer mineral powder with sph.

You can’t forget a fabulous oversized hat or straw fedora paired with your favorite oversized sunglasses and you are ready to go…
Boys we can’t and won’t forget you. Stand by for your resort notes next week.
Asta! RL

P.S. If you find yourself in the tail end of a hurricane, as this blogger did on her warm holiday getaway, soaking all her carefully chosen pieces, remember that in the end, nothing matters more than friends and lots of laughter.

Photo Credits Top to Bottom:

RL in Victoria’s Secret, Trina Turk, Fedora and Tom Ford Glasses

Abi Ferrin Fringe Cover Up

Victoria’s Secret Cotton Slub Cover Dress

Pedro Garcia Flat Cork Heel Sandal from Nordstrom

Rosa Cha Spring 2010

Wide Fedora Hat from Nordstrom

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As I reflect on the past year, this eve of New Year’s eve, I can’t help but go back to my post exactly a year ago…with a few edits. I’m not really this lame. But I am really wanting to send this message home. Come on people! Let’s make this work for everyone. Happy New Year. RL

P.S. Don’t worry, good and fun posts planned for 2010.

Post from 12/30/09, titled: “My Outlook on Shopping in this Economy”

It took me ten trips this year, but I finally finished re-reading “CHANEL, A Woman of Her Own“. This book always inspires me, but in unique and different ways each time. This year as I read through, I couldn’t escape the pure fact that Chanel’s main focus was always good design. Her understanding of women’s bodies and good design has held up over the last century through wars, The Depression, great historical decades and difficult ones through today where The “Chanel Look” still works.

The fashion and garment industry are upon even harder times. Trust me, things haven’t been great this whole decade, but now as I see my friends close their storefronts and witness mark downs up to 70 percent, before Christmas ~ it makes an impact. On the other side, I know my clients and my friends are feeling the need to cut back on the shopping; concerned about the economy, this seems the logical thing to do. However, I know after styling for over 20 years and observing through my moms eyes as she studied clothing design, that people will always want and need to get dressed.

For those of you who are my clients, you know that I’ve always taught that less is more ~ mix and match your wardrobe. Buy less but spend more to get something that is higher quality on key pieces and in the long run, you are making more economical sense. I have also encouraged you to spend less when you can and never believe anyone has to be in “designer” duds from head to toe. Mixing is the key to this approach in wardrobing and what is paramount to making this a success? Good Design.

In Seattle you are going to have less options for shopping as we go into the new year and yes, we all want to spend less; but at whose expense? Certainly the tragedy at Wal-Mart the day after Thanksgiving showed us that perhaps our priorities are a bit off? A life was lost in order to get a good deal? My advice is to yes, buy local if you are going to buy, but also consider buying smart. Take the time to look at your local designers that can create a custom fit piece for the same price as 70% off a designer department store piece. Buy higher quality investment pieces such as jackets, coats and shoes. Stick to classic silhouettes for yourself. Refurbish, alter and repair good items from your closet. Purchase from smaller local boutiques who carry high quality and high design ~ Mario’s, Butch Blum, The Finerie (added in 09 to my list), Veritas (added in 09 to my list), Lola Pop and Polite Society (09 now out of biz) are my favorites right now ~ Does this all sound familiar? If you work with me, you know this is how I have approached wardrobing for over ten years and what I teach through Sustainable Style about how to dress sustainably as well as stylishly.

“I’m against fashion that doesn’t last” quoted Chanel. She was known to think that her staying power was due to her “integrity in fashion”, that “taste had to do with honesty, that the aesthetic of clothes should be nothing more than the outer reflection of an inner morality of sincere feelings. The real purpose of fashion was perhaps not to redefine the way we look so much as to tell us who we are.” These concepts not only work for you and your personal wardrobe, but for gift giving as well. Don’t just buy something “cheap” because you have to give something. Consider “designing” an experience, or buying something useful and higher in quality so it wont break within the first few minutes or take up room in the back of someone’s closet.

Heavy as this blog is, I felt it was important. I have been working on crafting this all month so I could articulate effectively how I feel about retail, clothing and the economy right now. I will have a more frivolous post tomorrow to help get you ready for New Years Eve…

R

Reference: Chanel, A Woman of Her Own by Axel Madsen, copyright 1990, Henry Holt Company, LLC

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It is mid holiday party season and it’s Tuesday…you have five parties this week, have to work and only will have half an hour to get all “sequined and shiny”…what about your party hair?!?

Over the last year, I have become a big fan of the “blow out”. Most of my NYC gals have been doing this for years. It is worth the 50 - 60 bucks and saves a lot of time. This fall when my Hair Diva Viv came to visit me during my tenure in NYC, we spent some time searching for the perfect blowout. We found a gem in Tribeca, Nicole Parkinson at Lance Lappin Salon.  I got a wonderful blowout in my favorite hood, Greenpoint, at The Parlour by Kristin Jones ~ fab stylist (Thanks again to my Hair Diva for that hookup). Not only did a get a great blowout, the salon itself is gorgeous and they have the coolest smocks made of vintage kimono fabrics. The espresso was key at 4 p.m. before a big evening. Near South Seaport, Pepper Pastor Salon has been recommended very highly by a very trusted resource…I will be heading there in February and will give you a personal report.

In Seattle, not only can you get a blow out, you can get a cool style at Killer Looks Salon located in Belltown. For an event last month, I got a fabulous wave style that had a nouveau vintage groove a la the 40s that I would never been able to accomplish on my own. If you want to hit somewhere other than downtown, check out the stylists at Baba Louise by Phinney Ridge/Ballard.

Another option? Hair Extensions. Yes, you too can have glamorous locks for the season and wow your co-workers and friends with a longer hair look. The best is to have extensions that are tied and with no glue or silicon involved. There is a great new gal in town at Killer Looks, Kandra, who really knows her stuff.

Please, do me a favor and stay away from a salon up do …not appropriate for the season or style these days. Fun, healthy, flowing and sexy hair is what we are going to be on the lookout for. RL

For more ideas on your holiday style contact les Egoistes.

Photo Credit | Killer Looks Salon

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Okay, I do have a cheesy title, but it sounded good while I was in Seoul, so I just went with it. Seoul is a super city. The second largest city in the world, it has all that us urban lovers dig and more. I never thought I would ever have the opportunity to get there, but surprise to me; I was able to get there this month.
Asked to speak on behalf of Sustainable Style Foundation by the Korean Fashion Association at the 2nd Annual Global Fashion Forum focusing on “Green Fashion”, I was thrilled to share SSF’s perspective on sustainable lifestyle choices and why “Sustainable Fashion” is such an important conversation in our industry right now. It was an incredible experience.

To start, we stayed at the W - Walkerhill that we found to be out of the way, but worth it. It sits on top of a hill with stellar views and is the only W in Asia. The pool and amenities are fabulous and the lobby, well, is supposedly a club destination for the hip in Seoul. It felt a bit weird, because it was our lobby, but after a couple of days, we got used to relaxing and checking out the scene before heading home.

But as you know, I have to talk about the shopping in Seoul. Over the past couple of years, certain Korean brands have been getting my attention; Eryn Brinie, Sol and a few others. Korean style is right on target and a bit ahead of the western curve.

My Favorite Trends |

Sequins | Sequin everything is still hot and I found it everywhere and on all types of garments in Korea. I especially love sequin leggings & jackets. You can find these items locally in the Sates in most stores. In Seattle, The Finerie has a great sequin jacket option. I love this simple line of the Naeem Kahn Sequin Dress.

Square shoulders or Shoulder details | I am seeing a lot of this in current mags, but not quite on the streets or in the stores. Stand by…It is Sean Young in Blade Runner…but updated and fun.

Rivets & Studs| while it may seem exclusively rock and roll, I noticed it in a lot of Korean styles. On bags, on shoulders, on hats. I like it. I took a close up of a traditional royal guard costume and found it there. Cool to see how history always plays in clothing. I also just saw this kind of detail in the Holiday looks from Barney’s on a Givenchy Bag. nice.

Parkas| I love Parkas with the fleece details. My traveling companion and fellow quirky fashionista, Brenda, found a terrific one in Korea. This is a must have. You can do it super casual or find a dressier one. This one is a great find by Antik Batik.

My Favorite Stores/Brands |

Eryn Brinie | Lucky that the States host the Eryn Brinie flagship store in Manhattan on W Broadway. I have been shopping there for the past year and a half since they opened. CUTE. I stopped off at the Eryn Brinie store located in one of Seoul’s major departments stores, Shinsegae.

Tankus| Oh my. I heart Tankus. Fresh, edgy and made well, this Korean brand is available a few places here and there. Oak in NYC carries some pieces and online. Don’t worry. I am working on sourcing more places in the states. Their store in Seoul is also located in Shinsegae.

Codes Combine | This store is located in the Myeong-dong area and fab. I loved it more for men, but the gals have good picks as well.

A-LAND | No real site for this store, but hi, was our absolute favorite. The store carries mostly Korean brands for men and women except perhaps Cheap Monday and APC, which I did see. On the top floor, the surprise was all the vintage…with Value Village price tags! Located in the hip young Myeong-dong area, as well as, the high end Apgujeong neighborhood. This is a must stop for lovers of trend and fashion. I didn’t read about it…I just saw cool people walking out of it and decided we had to stop.

Stori| Beautiful hand crafted accessories. Can’t seem to find a site, but will follow up as I keep looking.

Obzee | by Kang Jin Young of Y & Kei. He and his wife, Hanni, also have Hanni and Hanni. And she, has her own brand Hanni Y. All incredible. Talent obviously runs in this family.

Neighborhood breakdown according to RLS |
Thank god for traveling companions and for local hosts. I was a bit nervy for my speech and the trip was so last minute, I had little time to research. With my companion’s notes, our lovely local connection, Boram ~ who by the way, works for the parent company of two of my favorite brands ~  and the handy “Wallpaper Guide to Seoul”, we hit and found all the right hoods.

Myeong-dong | Hipster shopping above the ground and underground shops with price performing cute fashion.
Apgujeong | The high-end area that also boasts a Rodeo St that parallels Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive.
Hong-dae | University Area and a place to go out clubbing. By the way, stores are open till 2 a.m. and the clubs till 5…so you can get an outfit to go out in!
Seongbuk-dong | Gilsangsa Temple is here as well as some exclusive interiors stores and. We were able to visit a traditional costume place, Hyojae.
Samchoeng-dong | Cute shopping area. A lot of stores have been featured in Vogue.
Namdaemoon | Traditional Market, it has so much from clothing to food. We found a great accessories market with wholesale prices!
Garosugil | Pretty people also flock to this neighborhood. Stores have the feel of Nolita in New York. Great traditional Korean Food and a famous “Chicken & Beer” stop.
Dondaemun | All night market! Really? Really? Three buildings, multiple floors…all clothes and shoes. We didn’t know, we thought it was food and chatkes…good thing we had limited cash and cards that night…

I don’t feel I have to say it, it may be quite obvious, but this won’t be my last trip to Seoul. I love the people, I love the food, I love the style both in the street and in the stores and finally, I love that my hope for global sustainability in my industry took me there. RL

Photo Credits | From the Top

DJ at the Woo Bar - W Seoul | RLS

Naeem Khan | Naeem Khan

Givenchy | Givenchy

Traditional Korean Royal Guard  | RLS

Antik Batik | Revolve Clothing

RL at Eryn Brinie | RLS

Tankus | Tankus

Codes Combine Store | RLS

A-Land Store | RLS

Obzee Fall 09 | tFS

Namdaemoon | RLS

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It is no secret that I have favorite designers. It’s that special combo of great design, amazing fabrics, incredible cuts and cool personalities that allow certain designers and brands to top my list. Abi Ferrin is one of them. I have blogged about her before, so check that out here.

I am excited for Seattle this week because Abi will be here on Friday, November 6 for a special event and all weekend working with clients at The Finerie. I had a chance to check out her show in September and was super excited for her Spring 10 Collection.

First of all, if you have special event or formal event, one of Abi’s hand painted long dresses is a must have. I loved the grace of the fabric and the cut that will look lovely on most all silhouettes.

I also love this long simple elegant dress and could easily find myself going to this look again and again for special events throughout the warmer season.

The rompers are cute and another must have…order now so you’ll have it for your beach get away early this year and oh my goodness, I love Abi’s bathing suits. Completely inspired with the fringe. Fun. I would style it on the simple side.

A standard in any gals wardrobe should be Abi’s five way dress that can be worn, well multiple ways. I love it off the shoulder with a legging and over the knee boots for now and with a open toe platform bootie as the weather warms…eventually.

Check out how cool Abi is with this video and head on down to The Finerie in Seattle this weekend to meet her. A reminder for help with any of your wardrobe needs contact us at les Egoistes. See you on Friday. RL

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