SP 2011 Embellish

As a stylist, I have to always be ready for those random questions about fashion and style that perhaps I haven’t prepare for. Or, maybe I have? We do an amazing amount of research to be good at our gig. On day two as I made across the Lincoln Center Plaza I got stopped for an interview. Okay, sure. Check it out:

So, I am really into embellishments right now. And, I gave that answer before I really started seeing the shows. What does “Embellish” mean? It means using elements on your wardrobe to stand out. The classic definition: “Make (something) more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features”. This doesn’t mean acessories necessarily, but that would work too. What I like is the addition of these details to the actual garments. The Ports 1961 SP 2011 show, while not receiving high reviews, still had pieces that I thought were on target. Especially when it comes to this trend. While still on the simple side, the Ports 1961 Embellishments were a lovely. I also see fabric ruching and pleating as an “embellishment” trend and Ports combined the two on their cocktail dresses and gowns. Fab.



The SP 2011 Gottex swimwear collection had a whole series of embellishments that I loved. I saw a definitely Poiret (20’s & 30’s French) influence, although it wasn’t expressly said in the run of show information. I loved it.


Poiret

An aside; The Gottex Swim collections have always inspired me in street clothing and I loved the visors created for them by Noel Stewart. I would love to see a few of my clients rock those on their resort get aways this coming winter.


Visor

So how can you “embellish” this coming spring? Certainly you can keep going on the fabulous necklaces, bracelets and rings out there. But also look for pieces that have embellishments designed in. Two or three pieces should do. Pair them with more simple pieces in your wardrobe and your style will be all set for the seasonal trend. RL

Photo Credits: All photos are rights reserved by Rebecca Luke Style & les Egoistes, LLC and shot by Webb Davis

Installations – A fresh way to view collections at MBFW

Fashion Installations at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and throughout the city seem to be vogue this season. I love it. As a garmento, I love the opportunity to get up close, check out the garments on live models. You see the construction and the drape. It’s hot.

I saw two installations yesterday.  Tadashi was beautiful. Inspired by Renaissance Frescos of the Italian greats Piero Della Francesca and Botticelli, the icy cool and nude palate felt especially fresh. Romantic dresses embellished with ruching and pleats offered a texture requiring no further accessorizing. Gorge.

The Buckler Installation was hot. The clothes were fab and I what I love about Buckler is that Brit style sensibility for men. Not surprising, since designer, Andrew Buckler is from the UK, a graduate of the Royal College of Art and a member of the CFDA. I thought it would be fun to share a short video clip, shaky, out of focus and all. By the way, my standout pieces by far were the black leather drop crotch shorts and the sporty leather, what Buckler calls, “Droopy Longs”. RL

Photo Credits: Tadashi Spring 2011 Rights Reserved by Rebecca Luke Style and les Egoistes and shot by Webb Davis

Guli SP 2011 at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week

As I stepped out today on to Lincoln Center to meet my photographer,  Webb Davis, I had a glorious feeling in my heart…even though I got off a stop early…It was early and the sun was shining and it was going to be my first show ever at Lincoln Center. Exciting.

The show was Guli and there is no doubt that I am drawn to international designers when I am at MBFW. The injection of ethnicity into modern clothing is compelling and exciting to me.

With the Guli Collection designed by the gorgeous and brilliant Uzbekistani Ambassador to Spain, Gulnara Karimova, it’s clear he pride of the designer of her culture and the traditional textiles and clothing practices that come from her country.

As I imagined myself wearing several of the pieces on some island getaway, I was mesmerized by several pieces.

Love the above for the sexy powerful look. A fan, of the slouchy & the skinny pant ~ yes, I can’t decide ~ I’m glad I don’t have to. The shawl with the corset bra top is especially lovely.

This gown is stunning. The sheer panels of  mint, curry & pale yellow are gorgeous based with the nude. Love!

What can I say about the above except I would wear it in a heart beat. The sheer skirt bottom juxtaposed with the quilting above is genius.

The color story? Influenced by the Middle & Far East, there isn’t one. That was what I found especially beautiful. The IKAT’s were incredible. Each were produced by the GULI Creative team based on hand weaving techniques. Styled with nude one piece bathing suits and slouchy black flat boots with an IKAT detail, I felt the warmth on my skin.

Guli’s Menswear had an effortless air that most men I know could easily slip in to. All the accessories & jewelry were designed by Guli.

As if that wasn’t enough, the designer is a rock star and ultimate example of “Sustainable Style”. She chairs The Fund Forum, the biggest NGO in the country of Uzbekistan with offices in major fashion/art cities all over the world. Their mission is to preserve and aid in Uzbek culture presentations, aiding crafts dynasties and supporting talented children and youth from the country. Ms. Karimova is also involved with The Women’s Council, National Breast Cancer Association, Avicenna International Association of Traditional Medicine, the Mehr Nuri (Ray of Mercy) Charitable Foundation, and the Social Initiative Support Fund (SISF). As we say at SSF, a woman of  “Style & Substance” tm. RL

photos: All photos are rights reserved by Rebecca Luke Style shot by Webb Davis.

Independent Fashion Bloggers Unite!

Today at the Hudson Hotel, independent fashion bloggers from all over the world united at to hear from key trailblazers in the industry. I was impressed all around and each speaker had something amazing to contribute. Not surprising, but Gala Darling wowed the crowd with not only her style, but her fabulously succinct presentation.

Additional fashion blogs  of presenters that stood out to me and why are:

lookbook.nu | Street style right from the source, people taking their own shots and inspiring fashion word wide.

stylebubble.co.uk | Susie Lau is a woman after my own heart who get’s the independent spirit of art of fashion.

cupcakesandcashmere | Emily Schuman is a perfectionist. I love it. And, it is great to check out her west coast style sensibilities.

The event was put together by Independent Fashion Bloggers.com.

I have a lot I would love to share with you my loyal readers and ask that you continue to comment and send me facebook messages about what you want me cover and write about. After all, I started this blog for you. The most compelling thing I came away from this conference is that my blog has to be authentically me. And, I must say, whether my posts from one to another make sense or not, they certainly are a representation of what I observe in life…lifestyle & fashion. I am inspired and you shall see the results soon. RL

photo credit: Gala Darling at 2010 Fashion Week Fashion Blog Conference.

Madina Vadache Launches New Collection in NYC

Last night, Madina Vadache not only celebrated the opening of the exhibit of her collection,” Transparency” at the Vilcek Foundation Gallery, she also premiered her first fashion film directed by yours truly, Rebecca Luke, and starring what may be Madina’s new muse, Ika.

The film team was assembled by les Egoistes and is the first collaboration between noted cinematographer, Michael Ragen and myself. (Michael directed the Portugal The Man Video that I styled earlier this year with a planned released sometime this late fall)

Inspired by the compelling streets of the City, the piece is evocative of the transformation that inspires Madina’s designs.

I had the honor of working as Madina’s stylist throughout her process of designing TRANSPARENCY and hope that if you happen to be in NYC during the month of September you will check the exhibit out that will be up until October 3. Enjoy the piece. RL

NYC Fashion Week is Next Week!

It’s next week! The landmark “Tents at Bryant Park” are no longer and I, while very nostalgic for them, am looking so forward to the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center.

Since the apparent upgrade is happening to this experience for all, Rebecca Luke Style will be stepping it up too. Last season you saw a few posts with our own shots. This season, joining the team full time during Fashion Week is Webb Davis, RLS and les Egoistes photographer.

We are working out our systems so we can twitter, FB and post as quickly as possibly so we can share what we seeing, thinking and feeling about Spring 2011. So, if you haven’t done an RSS feed to Rebecca Luke Style or become a fan on the les Egoistes FB page, now is the time to do it!

I am already seeing some obvious upgrades to the events around the city with our credentials being recorded with bar codes and an amazing electron RSVP system that allows you to download your confirmation to your phone to scan. Fabulous and…here we go again, Sustainable!
Thank you to my fellow fashionistas for always being a step ahead. Here’s to an amazing New York Fashion Week! RL

Photo Credits: What the new MBFW will look like at Lincoln Center courtesy of IMG

If you would like to book a personal styling appointment with Rebecca, she is seeing clients in NY in September and SEA in October. Contact les Egoistes or Rebecca Luke Style to book an appointment.
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