Let’s Pay Attention to the Man Behind the Lens

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The activity behind the scenes at any show is compelling and yes, during fashion shows…we all want to see how it goes. Increasingly with the digital age, immediate “coverage” of the shows behind, on and who’s sitting at the runway is in high demand. Being a photographer at the shows has become a key position.

 

 

 

I got a chance to follow Getty Photographer Mark Von Holden at a show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center. The show, coincidentally, was one I had researched and wanted to check out. While the collection didn’t meet with my expectations, chatting with and shadowing Mark ended up being fab.

While I reviewed the few question prepped for my interviewee and as I waited backstage, I couldn’t help but notice that the # of photographers matched the number of models.

Mark arrived a little on the breathless side, getting up and downtown between shows is a challenge for us all during fashion week. He was awesomely low key and totally relaxed despite it all. I first asked him if this is all that he does? Shoot shows and events for Getty? Actually, he loves shooting beauty and sees that as his main medium in photography. His wife (Amy Sussman) has the same gig. In fact, they were both at Lincoln Center the night we connected. How cool.

With a landmark 20th season of shooting Fashion Week, the seasoned New York State born photographer (family is originally from Bronx/Queens), mentioned that what he looks for backstage, where his assignment started, were the “weird and funky moments”. I took this to mean the creative process back stage when moments before the show a designer decides to rip off one sleeve and a trend is born…at least, if I was a photographer, I would want that on camera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark’s additional assignment for the evening was not being on the risers fighting for a good spot to place his camera with the Italians (according to our guy Mark, the Italians can be brutal in the photographer’s pit) but to shoot celebrities or anyone of note at the show. This was a show highlighting brand new designers, I didn’t anticipate any celebrities…in fact, and I wondered if the seats would be filled? When asked what he would do then? Mark replied that he would just shoot interesting people. We all know at shows that there are the attention folks that dress crazy so that they will get their photo taken. Mark and his colleagues don’t shoot them necessarily, but they will shoot editors, bloggers, and obvious stylish people with “good taste”.

The show as predicted, didn’t have very many interesting guests that I saw, but Mark managed to find some cool stylish types.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am so happy I got to meet a fellow veteran of NY Fashion Week and while we have a slightly different artistic outcome of our inspiration at the shows, we do have the same job; To share what we see at, behind, and on the runway. It will be nice to have a new friend to wave at next season.

By the way, I think Mark is an even cooler guy since he used to break dance…his favorite dance move is the “Helicopter”. Nice. RL

Photography Credits |

Mark Von Holden “Screen Shot” | Mark Von Holden

Photographers and the end of Runway | APF Getty Images

Runway Show Attendees | Mark Von Holden

Ghassan Yazbeck Fall/Winter 2012

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My coverage of NY Fashion Week continues. I had to take a bit of a break. My last post impacted me more than I imagined, and I felt I had to sit with it for a bit…Fashion Week in NY not only takes place at Lincoln Center as you know, it happens all over town.

 

 

 

 

For the last several seasons, I have been trying to catch what the organizers at IFashion/IConcept have been putting together. Production quality aside, IFashion usually presents super unique and talented new designers. Ghassan Yazbeck was on my list to check out (See my NYFW Fall 2012 Preview Post) and I am so glad I did.  When you hear “recent grad”, you often think “young” designer. What pleasantly surprised me about this designer is that this is a second career after working as a clinical pharmacist for years. With a fascinating back story as a immigrant to Canada fleeing Lebanon in 1976 due to the severe conditions of the civil war in that country, the designer obviously has a great history to draw his design inspiration upon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The combination of wool crepe and leather were lovely and perfect for Fall/Winter. I was drawn to the architecture of the tailored pieces with the pairing of the draped pieces. Alone or combined, each piece was a stand out.  The printed chiffon for the Fall collection was gorgeous and a perfect complement to the bold red, black and white of the rest of the pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initially, I was drawn to checking this new designer out for his sustainability angle of designing and manufacturing his collection in New York ~ An added sustainable bonus. I anticipate we will be seeing more of Ghassan Yazbeck…I was so glad I made the show with just minutes to spare. RL

 

Photo Credits | IConcept for Ghassan Yazbeck

Joanna Mastroianni Fall 2012

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I noticed her before the show, the older fashionita with the fab red tribal fabric around her hat that matched her dress. I thought, “she knows ‘tribal’ is in. Good for her.” As I waited for the show to start, I couldn’t help but think that this was my 12th NYFW season and I look forward to being that woman in the future. The tears started as we all watched this lovely woman slump as soon as the show started. She was carried away and I knew, something was terribly wrong. The woman was fashion icon and philanthropist, Zelda Kaplan, who passed away shortly after. (Read more about her on this link. She was amazing). It was heartbreaking and sobering, but didn’t take away from the collection. In fact, somehow, it made the Joanna Mastroianni’s inspiration statement even more salient.

Her theme? Women inspiring women. Specifically, iconic fashionistas. Couturier, Joaanna Mastronianni’s Fall 2012 shown at Mercedes Benz Fashion week was incredible. Each piece was intricately designed around “the ultimate fashionista” and what she might wear in the designers favorite haunts in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting with Central Park in New York, the pieces were stunning and showed a pragmatic line that we women in NYC must have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next was Paris…loved, loved, loved. The mohair hats…the perfect accessory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, Asia with kimono like lines that were exquisite and perfect for a woman.

The detail and intricate work were fabulous in this collection. All executed by hand and one of kind on each garment. The fabrics that look tufted, were actually created by shredding, shirring and cutting the silk organza into tiny strips, then embroidered with “caviar” beads onto sheer organza backing. Chunks of faceted metal were covered with black leather and then surrounded with more shirred organza and caviar beads. A stunning detail that added modern texture.

Each and every piece was lovely. A touching tribute to an elegant elegant woman who Johanna brought on the runway with her at the end. This woman was Joanna’s muse for the collection, 90 year old “it girl” and famed interior designer for nine presidents, Iris Apfel. My tears to continued.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was so touched on many levels by this show that I decided that this should be my last show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center for the season. A good one on many levels to end on not only for the beauty, but also for the inspiration of iconic women and the reminder that being one hundred percent authentic is what it is all about. “If you look well, then you heighten the atmosphere of a place, but remember to always be yourself. You can’t turn marble into silk” Zelda Kaplan on ‘style’. RL

P.S. Iris Apfel has her own FB page…like her. She’s cool

Photo Credits |

Joanna Mastroianni Fall Collection by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

Bio Pic of Iris Apfel

Photo of Iris and designer Joanna Mastroianni by Rebecca Luke

Ankar Sweden Fall 2012

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I love the up close and personal time I get with clothing designers. It’s definitely a “high” when I get in on conversations about the angle of the pocket or finish on a hem.

 

 

 

At a breakfast showing yesterday at the Empire Hotel Rooftop, I got just that with designer, Niklas Ankar, who is clearly a creative that understands who he is designing for. This statement provide by the PR folks for the line is a perfect description of the line.

“A ‘love letter’ to men’s fashion, featuring expertly tailored shirts and sleek trousers, colorful separates in the form of cashmere sweaters and tartan Morning coats, and a signature limited-°©edition smoking.”

With simply two styles of jackets in the collection. Both the classic style and Nehru style jackets have been designed with the modern man in mind. Available in several fabrics, including a heavier wool, the jackets can double as coats.

The Fall 2012 collection fabrics were all milled in Italy and I loved that Mr. Ankar has followed the bespoke tradition of matching fabrics (remember how I feel about that with plaid) and creating unique finishes on cuffs and hems. Even the belts shown were Ankar of Sweden and they were made out of upholstery fabric. I love it.

 

 

 

 

Trend wise, the mixing of color is still prevalent with pop color on the bottoms. For men, socks are still important as they will be seen. Ankar styled the collection with a fun mix of color socks against the color cords and pants. The collection for Fall 2012 is lovely.

I love the sleek and elegant look of the Ankar top coat that is the same silhouette of the Ankar Nehru jacket. Niklas endearingly mentioned the detail of the coat  that has slant pockets instead. Much easier for a gentleman as he walks through the city on a brisk day.

 

 

 

 

 

Well, I found another Nordic brand to love and follow. Now boys, lets get some of these pieces on you. RL

Photo Credits | Leigh Vogel/Getty Images North America

How a girl cures the post VDay blues…

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…Shoes! A new site launched yesterday where you can earn dollars toward your shoe purchases. A new online site called www.lovebeloved.com offers guilt-free retail therapy because the site actually rewards its members for shopping.

 

 

 

 

Much more than an online retailer or membership site, Love Be Loved rewards subscribers that ”Share” items they like on Facebook. They receive free shipping and Love Bucks credit that they can use toward their purchases.

What could be really great about this concept is, while giving members incentives that promote Love Be Loved on Facebook, the company also helps designers maintain the exclusivity of their brand. All merchandise on the Love Be Loved site is listed at full retail price, unlike discount sites. To receive free shipping and Love Bucks, consumers must promote Love Be Loved on Facebook. Because of this unique requirement, Love Be Loved offers an ecommerce solution to designers who want to reach today’s key influencers in the social media scene.

Potentially, this will allow designers on Love Be Loved to offer new items all the time.  Since the availability can often be limited in quantity, the social media aspect allows the word to be spread quickly.

Pretty cool I’d say. There are only a few styles on the site right now, but I am assured that more and more will be added in the future. Happy Shopping. RL

Carlos Miele

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Southern Brazil Baby! At Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, Carlos Meile presented a fabulous Fall collection that was truly lovely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using the traditional gauchas (cowboys) as his inspiration, the designer created accessible pieces in a gorgeous neutral palate that made me want to find some one  put someone in every piece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I loved the jumpsuits ~ anyone that knows me knows I live for jumpsuits.  The pairing with  the waist cinching  wide black belt with fur stole was the right way to style for the show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The geometric prints were inspired by patterns of traditional gaucho sashes and ponchos and the gold, green and neutral tones by the natural landscape. To me, it felt like the “tribal futuristic” pattern feel seen thought NYFW.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texture was created by handicraft techniques that included woven tiras, metal embroidery and fabric overlays. Gorgeous.

Authentic gaucha hats and sashes were worn through out the collection. (Hey, I did that last season for The Finerie Show! )

 

 

 

 

 

 

The collection was presented by twin DJs cutely spinning Brazilian grooves. I so wanted to check them out at the after party, but someone let 600 people RSVP for a venue that held 150…so, I opted to have a lovely drink and conversation with my fab “plus one” next door. RL

 

Photo Credits |

Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

DJ Photo by Rebecca Luke

 

 

Falguni and Shane Peacock FW 2012

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I was prepared for something special, but as soon as the lights went up at the Falguni and Shane Peacock show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week today, my breath was taken away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a garmento, I can’t help but “geek” out on the amazing fabrics with prints that were sumptuous. The combination of sheer fabric, feathers, sequins and leather never seemed over the top. The finale dress shown above was fabulous.

The duo created an elegant collection that was seamless. With prints that continue in the “tribal” trend, they went one step further with prints I call “tribal futuristic”.  Dark and sexy, each piece inspired me to a gothic groove.

The make up designed by Mehron followed suit with tight high and long ponytails (Matthew Curtis for TRESemme) that kept everything sleek, sleek, and sleek.

With many of the garments being sheer, the wearer will have to be comfortable and confident. Man, if I could wear a piece of FSP, I would feel like I owned the world. The collection even included a body suit. I know many of us wouldn’t wear the piece, but paired with a sheer wide skirt, it could look incredible.

I was surprised by the yellow gold that was used in many accessories and the hardware on the pieces. The jewelry was designed by Ben-Amun. I liked it. It seemed like an appropriate pick.

 

 

I am currently trying to find out more details on the designers themselves and have found that information on them specifically, it tough to find. Now that I have seen their collection in person, I am on a mission to find out about who they are.

The Falguni and Shane Peakcock F/W 2012 Collection was oh so perfectly appealing to my personal aesthetic. Dark, Sexy, Sumptuous and Exquisite…an all around thumbs up. RL

P.S. Please forgive the photos…none up to access yet and these are mine.

 

Nautica FW 2012

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Prep style with bold hits of color are definitely on the horizon for spring. For Fall the trend continues but with winter hues like a pop of burgundy at Nautica. No doubt that the classic American’s line color base will always be that traditional Navy. What’s great is that there is so much that can be done with it.

 

 

 

 

Since my taste is a bit more rock n roll, I would like to see  guys take just one piece of Nautica and mixed with the likes of Rag and Bone and Varvatos;That would be brilliant. I love to see a guy mix it up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My stand out piece has no great shots either from the Nautica photos or mine, but here it is. I love the idea of this coat popped with a color skinny denim bottom, combat boots and awesome plaid.

The event was right up my alley as far as how to entertain goes.  We were all greeted at the door with a lovely beverage and smiling faces. The first shot gives you a sense of the room. Nice. RL

Brandon Sun

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Yes! I’m fabulously inspired right off the bat with Brandon Sun who presented today at The Box at Lincoln Center, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Using “sword wielding heroines” as his muse for this collection, the pieces drew me in instantly with muted grey based colors. The texture play is lovely with knits of all weaves, fur, leather and wool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am so excited for this look personally and know that it could be translated on women of several sizes.

There is no doubt that beyond his signature collection of luxury fur accessories, the designer will be sought out for his Ready To Wear. I heart him. The crowd at the show rockin’ some great style. Even more fun.

It’s just the beginning of the week. Can’t wait to continue to share more with you. RL

New York Fashion Week FW2012 Preview

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With my home base now in Manhattan, prepping for fashion week, while hectic, has proven to be very efficient. I am prepped with my story ideas and I have had time to research my shows. Here are the high lights of what I am looking forward to for NYFW Fall 2012:

Sustainability | I will be checking out

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Parsons Grad Ghassan Yazbeck (yikes. no site found)

Design | I’m always inspired

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rad Hourani

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reem Acra

Social | I can’t wait to hang

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F (ashion) A (rt) B (eauty) Philanthropic Fashion Week Party benefiting Toshi  Now Foundation

Intrigue | I look forward to exploring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Norisol Ferrari

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prete & Bruno (yeah, site under construction, but the link is here anyway)

I was reminded by one of my kitty kats, Christy McCabe, in a lovely conversation that the truth is, “Fashion” is our business…it the economic result of the art that we love. What really matters is not “fashion”, but “style”.  So, let’s all refresh; I started this blog four years ago so I could talk about designers, events, people, places and trends that exude that true sense of real personal self-expression, true Style.

Stay tuned for FW Fall 2012 reports this week! RL