Perry Ellis FW 11 @ Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

11 a.m., haven’t had coffee yet and the Perry Ellis Finale made me smile and forget how much I needed my fix. Normally men in long underwear and a sweatshirt, not so cute, but the Perry Ellis models in this look?…well…

The FW 11 collection for Perry Ellis was gorgeous. The tones were bold in their softness and right on target for next season.

I loved the patchwork shearling jacket that had a Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid appeal aka Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

The Perry Ellis trousers, flat front with the perfect leg, will be a staple I will try for all my male clients. The cut of this slack could be used dressed up or down. It was awesome to see another colorblocked sweater in this collection as I had in Number:Lab. Clearly a trend for men and one I may want to personally try “boyfriend” style over my denim leggings.

The silent show stopper for me was the Dove Grey, PE called it “Iron”, shearling topper. I loved the weight and the ease with how it could be worn.

More menswear this week. Love it. RL

Photo Credits: All Rights Reserved Richard Brown Photography and Rebecca Luke Style

Ruffian FW 11 @ Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

A 9 a.m. show can be tuff during NYFW. I somehow managed to get myself up, out, and over to Lincoln Center. Once I saw Ruffian, I thought, “This was worth it”.

History typically plays a big part in design inspiration and the Ruffian collection, “Tuxedo Park”, was a markedly inspired by the Tuxedo or, as it was originally known, “Semi-formal” wear when Edward VII, The Prince of Whales, wanted to have more comfortable dinner attire . It as great to be reminded of the history of this now classic menswear staple. Ruffian took this inspiration and applied it to new, beautiful and sexy heights.

I loved the feel of the pieces. The ease of the clothing paired with a dandy like essence created a mix of modern femininity and 19th century menswear.

The color palate ~ which happens to mirror mine personal wardrobe ~ tuxedo black, ivory mixed with subtle metallics and wine worked splendidly. The subtle lace details softened the looks appropriately. I liked it.

The hair and make up styling was perfect for the looks. I am certain there was a great amount of hair teasing back stage.

The show stopper was clearly the hand embroidered sequin gown that was gorgeous in it simplicity. Overall, I think the collection worked by perfectly to the inspiration. RL

Photo Credits: Richard Brown Photography & Rebecca Luke Style

Transition

Yeah, no post from Thursday’s NYFW right? Sometimes, I’m not inspired by what I see. I want to be true to my vision and only share what I like, not what I don’t. The runway in my mind was empty. Sorry about that. Good News, yesterday was amazing and Richard took a lot of great shots. Off to Lincoln Center. Stand by for posts later today. RL

Photo Credits: “Empty Runway” Richard Brown Photography All Rights Reserved

Number:LAB FW 11

My first show of the FW 2011 Season in New York took place at the glorious Standard Hotel. Super creative, the Number:LAB folks had the models “scrimmage” on the ice before the show, then held the runway show. I was too cold to check out the hockey game and Richard had to get his camera set, so we missed it.

The collection was amazing and I have to say, has set my expectations high enough that if I don’t see guys wearing Number:LAB at Sundance and in the city next year, I will be disappointed. The chartreuse, purple and teal paired with all shades of grey and navy was a fresh approach. I may have a “design crush” on this brand.

Designer and co-founder of the NYC/Soho based brand,  Luis Fernandez, mentioned that “The collection is inspired by flying and skiing. And, where those two worlds come together, Colorado where the US Air Force Academy is.”

The pieces were created from gorgeous fabrics. Color block knit sweaters and wool blended separates will take comfort and function to a whole new level for men. A Number:LAB Cadet inspired blazer will not be uncomfortable to wear. Plus you will look fabulous boys.

The abbreviated jackets and sweaters paired with trousers or drawstring pants added a fresh “bespoke” feel to active wear that I feel is truly unique. The trims were elegant while adding a sporty feel. I love that the designer get that there is no reason to be sloppy when being active. Bravo Luis & Greg!

I repeat, I have a “design crush” on Number:LAB. RL

To see the full run of show, check out Richard Brown’s Blog. My partner here at Fashion Week.

Photo Credits: Number:Lab FW 11 | Rights Reserved Richard Brown and Rebecca Luke Style

Bottom Photo Credit: Rebecca with designer and co-founder of Number:LAB,  Luis Fernandez | Rights Reserved Richard Brown and Rebecca Luke Style

Sweet on Dolce&Gabbana

As I headed Uptown for my next calendar item, a party at Dolce&Gabbana, after a long, but fabulous afternoon shopping with my client in Nolita, I couldn’t wait despite my fatigue. I was excited to see my gal pal RV, who now works for the company, and be a girly girl for the night.

The party was themed “Girls Girls Girls” an event “planned by girls for girls”; A three floor fete at the Madison Avenue store to celebrate you and your bestie. Tarot Card Readers, Make up and Hair Styling, Photo booth and fabulous, fabulous clothes. My “love of all things stylish” partner, CV, met me there. Too much fun. As we decompressed from the day and checked out the pieces…I was inspired.

For Valentines Day dates, this Dolce&Gabbana Dress would be perfect. This season I love the period inspired cuts that brings out the siren in all of us. Normally not a fan of polka dots or red…I love this piece and despite the cliché of wearing it on Valentines Day, would in a heart beat.

Lace, signature for Dolce&Gabanna, is lovely this season. Fab and oh so pretty.

I also eyed this specific piece in another iconic look for the brand, Leopard print. Lovely if done correctly and they usually do. I really like the body suit idea that can be worked with a pencil skirt, to a full skirt, under wide leg pants , or rocked with denim boyfriend shorts.Hot.

These crochet sandals are lovely. I think they will be perfect with most anything this summer.

Their denim shirt was my other favorite piece. Paired with a full skirt over a dress, this piece will work all the way through to next fall. I didn’t get a shot of it, but here is the inspiration behind my love of this piece.

One thing we can always appreciate from the Italian luxury line is that they do understand women and their complex layers. Their clothing has a way at understanding all my moods.

The event at Dolce&Gabbana was the perfect way to get me in that NY Fashion Week state of mind. Stand by. RL

Ready for some NY Shopping? Contact us and we will make your shopping efficient yet fun in the city.

Photo Credits Top: Dolce&Gabbana Spring 2011 Campaign

Photo Credits Middle: Rebecca Luke. DJ @ Dolce&Gabbana Party

Photo Credits, the rest: Dolce&Gabbana Spring 2011 Look Book