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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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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My first of four weeks in NYC was everything I wanted it to be. Not all party, but just enough. I was able to connect with almost all of my favorite people in the city, got a chance to create a creative and cozy vibe in my rented room and was able to even check out the Cloisters…something I have wanted to do my entire life. We biked there which was my brilliant gal pal CV’s idea. Something I recommend to do at least once. As we rode along the waterfront under the Westside Highway, we got to see a little slice of every neighborhood. From the lovely café’s on the Upper West’s water front, past Columbia University, to the hipster underground DJ scene on the beach in Harlem, and into the Bronx where the steaks were grilling and Latin music was blaring. Fab.

As far as work goes, this is something you gals are going to love and you guys have to pay attention to (for gift buying of course). I am super excited to coop with uber creative April Torress designer of the Isabella Grace Originals (IGO) accessories that are my new abfab fav.

April takes found objects and creates the most incredible and intriguing pieces I have seen in while. She says she’s “obsessed”. Each and every piece is one of her children and she will work them until they are just right. Yes, I know a lot of people do this, but April’s pieces stand apart. I used her work in a magazine editorial due to come out this winter and honestly, used only her accessories…they are right on for what is happening in fashion right now. I love that each one is made lovingly on her kitchen counter. Hi…can we all say “sustainable” together?

Here it is, the exciting part. Starting next week, you will be able to purchase a one of kind piece from IGO on the les Egoistes Ego Shop. We will be able to help you get the right pieces and work directly with April the designer. Yea!

Okay that is it for now. Stand by for increased reports this week as Fashion Week Starts on Thursday. Ready to check out Spring 10. RL

Want help picking out that perfect accessory and/or help with your wardrobe? Contact les Egoistes for your personal styling needs.

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I am finally reporting in on my London finds…
Sadly as we go global, the shopping does too. It’s hard to find unique looks. Yes, I know I needed to go to Harrods and Top Shop, the Portobello market, etc. I just wanted to find something different. It was really tough for me to find the spirit of London style but I found it. In East London, an area called Spitalfields. Just one street over from Brick Lane, this area felt like Brooklyn to me. Spitalfields has a Sunday market as well. We just got the tail end, but it looked quite promising. We stumbled by a store and I slid in just before they were closing; Hurwundeki ~ they had an incredible second hand vibe along with new items and their own label. Their accessories & shoes were fab. Apparently they are a hair salon as well…didn’t get that when we walked in.

There is one chain store in London that I liked…we found their flagship store in Spitalfields. It had a Diesel groove going which the rock & roll side of me loves…All Saints. Right on in my book.

Speaking of Sundays, in the middle of busy Brick Lane, there is a little alcove of Indy designers and artists that we were so excited to find. Here are a few of the talented little luvvies I liked. Definitely worth braving through the crowd for this gem: Mr. Wingate - Great Graphic Tees, Karing Monie - Bags & Belts, Gutavo Ortiz - Artist

For an alternative to Bond Street and to shop more lcoal, check out area between the Kightsbridge & Sloane Square stations. With a mix of high-end stores such as Chanel and Prada, along side galleries and cute restaurants, this area is not crowed with tourists and very relaxing to shop in. The famed Joseph stores has two storefronts in this hood with one that carries every high-end designer that you have ever drooled over with the affordable pieces across the street. I found a ‘to die for’ Parisian jeweler named Laurence Coste, a London based shoes store called Gwendolyn Carrie…proper and cute, and an independent designer, Betty Jackson, who had a bit of a progressive edge. Needless to say, you could have a lovely day shopping in this neighborhood.

For me, vintage is the way to go when you are in Europe…it is hard for us West Coast Americans to find good antique and vintage clothing. I found a vintage market that is a great alternative to Portobello Market ~ The Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair. The bonus was that this market was in another hip area of London (east) called Clerkenwell (pronounced “Clarkenwell” apparently)…I didn’t buy much (one suitcase and everything) but I found a cool Gucci scarf from the 90’s that is a perfect memory of the experience. This market in the Clerkenwell Town Hall had lovely snacks or “tea” and swing dancers…fun. Plus, the hipster pub is right across the street.

There one UK designer that I am totally a fan of and that is Vivienne Westwood…while we didn’t make it to the flagship (44 Conduit Street), we did find a British Designer Sale that happens a few times a year. You can become a member and get in before the public, but when we showed up, the last half an hour of course, there was still a lot to choose from. The sale included men’s and women’s garments from Vivian Westwood, 120% Linen, Girbaud, and more. If you travel to London often or live there…may be worth becoming a member. The inquiry email is: bds@london83.freeeserve.co.uk

For inexpensive yet trendy options, these London chains are good check out:
Jigsaw, a British version of Anthropologie, (however, they do have a store in San Francisco) and Whistles with cute dresses this season.

Just a few new shopping ideas the next time you are in London Town. RL

Photo credits top to bottom:

All Saints Spring 09, Laurence Coste Jewelry display, RL shopping for vintage, Vivienne Westwood Spring 09

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Everyday, I feel lucky. Lucky that I constantly meet fabulous and creative people. From my clients to my fellow creative’s, including designer Abi Ferrin who I finally got to meet last week.

The Finerie in Seattle (1215 First Avenue), has been carrying Abi exclusively now in Seattle for over a year and her talent is paramount. She is a go to name in the fashion world and will be showing for her second season at New York Fashion Week. I can’t wait to be there and check out what she has planned for Spring 10.

I am obsessed with her use of fabric and how she pairs the natural movement of fabric with a cut that flatters women of all sizes. I personally want a pair of her leggings, the “Casey” pant, in all colors. I’m especially looking forward to checking out the rock & roll sheer black.

To top it off, Abi Ferrin is totally dedicated to sustainability. Her tagline “Fashion with Freedom & Purpose” works for so many reasons. Here is what Abi Ferrin & Co says about their purpose. It’s all great, so I included most of it:
From the visually rich setting of a Nepal village to the bolstering street of an American city, the team of women behind Abi Ferrin seeks not only to dress women but also to empower them. The idea was born through the vision of Abi’s sister, Kelly who has dedicated her life to humanitarian efforts worldwide focusing primarily on persecuted women and children. The sisters thought that it would be effective to create a model for capitalistic ventures to support various organizations by commissioning them to create an aspect of the Abi Ferrin product, with the hopes to eventually introduce this concept to other manufacturers.

In 2006 the Abi Ferrin team began a design collaboration with Erika Everett, former designer of Everett Parker, along with a non-profit organization in an impoverished region of Nepal called Guardian Village Handcrafts. This organization in a healthy environment, focuses on providing oppressed women with; training, fair pay, food and shelter for their work. The micro-businesses that are created due to this training also fund foster care and quality education for children rescued from slavery, women and children rescued from prostitution, and other abusive environments. Ferrin and Everett sought to incorporate elements into their garments with culturally specific design lines and adornments.

The women of Abi Ferrin, seeks to provide their customer with a chance to feel and look their best, and see this as an opportunity to take their passion for freedom and clothing to another level. Not only do the custom made adornments add an authentic value to the collection, but they also provide both an intrinsic satisfaction and a conversational element to the wearer, knowing that each button and toggle were purchased to support a cause greater than mere aesthetics. This is an avenue that opens the door for the consumer to invest in more than great fashion. “We hope that the cultural details woven into the collection, coupled with the information we provide about the program, will ignite an awareness of global issues. To the Abi Ferrin customer, this should provide an added satisfaction for contributing to a greater cause. To our friends in Nepal, this will provide much needed help and support.”

I wore an AF kimono sleeve wrap top, “Erika Wrap”, over her leggings to the SIFF Gala this week.  I felt glamorous all night and of course, happy with my sustainably stylish garb…even as I downed a soft taco outside. RL

photo credit: Abi Ferrin Erika Wrap Top

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Hi Friends. Some exciting news that three of my projects have made it into SIFF. For those of you familiar with SIFF, you know that tickets can typically sell out quickly. I have listed my projects, as well as a couple of others that have been getting a lot of attention. I hope you will enjoy them while supporting our local film community.

Here is the link to buy tickets:
www.siff.net/festival/film/reserve.aspx?fid=123&id=6760

The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle(Director | David Russo Producer | Peggy Case Starring | Marshall Allman, Natasha Lyonne, Vince Vieluf, Tania Raymonds, Matt Smith, Tygh Runyan .

This film was the jury’s pick at Sundance and has been getting great response from other film festivals across the country including South by Southwest. David Russo is known for his artistic animation effects and this film does not disappoint. Don’t be too put off by the description, this film is one I am proud of.

May 23 @ 4 pm at McCaw Hall & May 24 at 9:30 pm at the Egyptian.

www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=28921&fid=123

www.littledizzlefilm.com

The Whole Truth (Director | Colleen Patrick Producers | Larry Estes , Jennifer Roth Starring | Elisabeth Rohm, Eric Roberts, Sean Patrick Flanery, Jim Holmes, Rick Overton, John Fugelsang, Kristina Lilley, Pisay Pao)

This film was written to pay homage to the slapstick comedies of the 50’s and 60’s. Elisabeth Rohm and Sean Patrick Flannery star in this film about “image”…which I really related too. There are some great performances from Eric Roberts and Jim Holmes…quite fun. The costumes were fun on this one and I loved the over the top opportunities I got to design. ( I haven’t seen the final cut on this one)
(World Premiere)

June 2, @ 9:30 pm at Pacific Place Cinemas & June 3 @ 4:30

www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=29098&FID=123

CC 2010 (Director | Travis Senger Producer | Michael Mouncer Starring | Sabrina Coulston & Shawn Telford)

This is a gorgeous black and white film short where Seattle itself may be the star. I did wardrobe, hair and makeup on this one.

(World Premiere) May 31st @ 9pm at the SIFF Cinema (McCaw Hall)

www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=29016&FID=123

Safe Passage (Director | Shawn Telford)

Speaking of Shawn, my new buddy was one of the selected directors to highlight in SIFF’s Fly Film Challenge (which I helped out on costumes for Megan Griffiths last year). It is a really cool concept where the Directors are given criteria (fly in the ointment) that they must follow…pretty cool. Congrats Shawn.

May 25 @ 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Egyptian & June 10 @ 4 p.m.

www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=29155&FID=123

Hump Day (Director | Lynn Shelton)

I haven’t gotten a chance to see this, but this has been a favorite among festivals as well as Sundance, etc. This film has also been picked by the Cannes Film Festival to be featured in the Directors Fortnight. Lynn has been credited with geniusly creating a new genre of film making the actors are given the opportunity to create their own lines (NPR). I got to work with Lynn last year on Megan Griffiths “Moving” Film Short shown at SIFF’s Fly Film Festival. She is not only super talented, she is a lovely person inside and out.

June 5 @ 7:00 p.m. at The Egyptian

www.siff.net/festival/film/detail.aspx?id=28905&FID=123
http://www.humpdayishere.com/

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The world is a different place when it is sunny in Seattle. I got to check out Lizzie Parker’s new boutique and design space this week on a glorious sunny day. It is so great to hear of a garmento opening shop, instead of closing shop so I was happy to head out to Issaquah and see what one of our fav local and sustainable designers was up to.
I grew up in the Northwest, but I never joined my khatchky loving sisters when they headed to Gilman Village to spend the afternoon…well, it’s all changing now babe and there are fab organic coffee shops, killer home design stores, and a wine shop.

Lizzie Parker is located in an old farmhouse in Gilman Village with an interior that is modern and fun. Lizzie designs and manufactures right out of the store and is planning on doing custom designing on the spot. There is nothing that warms the heart more than seeing sewing machines right where you shop. LP is carrying vegan shoes that are actually cool and she is cooping with Clutch and has some great handbags.

Her line is a fun and functional as ever and, as I tell my clients, Lizzie Parker pieces are perfect basics to mix in to your wardrobe. If anything, you have to own her tees in every color.

The store opens this weekend starting at 10 a.m. Friday, April 27. Here is how to find her:
Lizzie Parker Eco Atelier 317 NW Gilman Blvd, 41 Issaquah, WA |4254270708| lizzie@lizzieparker.com

Stand by for SSF and LE events at Lizzie Parker Eco Atelier in the future. RL

photo credit: Lizzie Parker at her new digs

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Shopping in your hood is so cool. Nothing is better than running by the little store a block away from home to pick up a little something to lift your spirits….when I am in NYC, my neighborhood is Greenpoint, Brooklyn.  I have been visiting this neighborhood for almost four years and it has really become to feel like a second home.

When I am here, I have my usually stops, they are listed on the shopping page. One of my favorite shops is ALTER. The men’s and women’s stores are across Franklin Avenue from each other. I love Roy and Tommy. They are truly gifted, smart and so cute.
Last fall, Roy got me into some of my favorite pieces that I have worn a ton…they were items from Pre-Loved out of Toronto.  I had heard about them through the sustainable design circuit, but leave it to ALTER to recognize excellent design and to Roy to get me to try it on.
Pre-Loved, a Canadian based design company, creates garments from reclaimed items such as button down shirts, trench coats, vintage curtains, sweaters and wool trouser which are cut and sewn into fabulous one of a kind pieces.  I love the brand because of the obvious good design.
Tonight ALTER hosted an in-store launch event for Pre-Loved’s Spring 09 collection. I got a chance to chat with founder Julia Grieve, who is an incredible woman with loads of energy and a true vision. The story behind Pre-Loved is amazing and inspirational.  It was great to hear about the intentional design direction to make sure each garment has multiple ways to wear it.  Julia mentioned that people just started doing it, so now, Pre-Loved does it for every single one of their pieces. My favorite piece for spring from Pre-Loved at ALTER is the Zuri tee.  Loose and fun, this piece is right on style target. Thanks Roy and Tommy….fun night.

Just a note, I have my other favorite places I have to stop in every time I am in Greenpoint ~ Dalaga| Always fun for boys and girls, Haden Harnett | Must have accessories, WORD | Cute and hip bookstore, Junk | Cool vintage and antique chatchkes and furniture.
I am sure you have fab finds in your hood. Check them out, keep them around and be cool. RL

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Busy day today. It started off in the tents at the Brian Reyes Fall 09 show. There were definite pieces I thought were fab in the collection…I would have liked it if the models could have walked in their shoes, but with the six inch heels ~ a good inch taller than than last season, there has been a definite issue across the board at all the shows.  My stand out picks included the dress above described on the line up as the “optic stripe front pleat blouse” over the same treatment of dress. It seemed lovely and fresh. The metallic grey mixed with copper and taupe colors present in many of the garments were lovely.

I especially loved this white dress with gold sequins…what you don’t see, is the back of the piece that is tres chaud (hot)…(photo above | WWD Brian Reyes Fall 09)

A few of the Brian Reyes jackets are right on target and will be easily worn by women at all sizes…I like that. Accessory note ~ big chunky necklaces. Celebrity sitings…I don’t usually care, but I know a few of you like to hear about it, sitting right in front of me, across the runway, at this show was Ivanka Trump and Rachel Bilson. (photo above | loose swing jacket Brian Reyes Fall 09)

My afternoon show was a definite highlight. The Ports 1961 show…I happened to sit next to the Meredith & Scott of The Fashion List ~ an online comprehensive service that helps you keep track of and manage your fashion events. They are awesome…I was already sold on the service to help me out, but now that I have met them…I’m in. The Ports show was lovely and felt like home to me. The inspiration of designer Tia Cibani was India’s Mughal Dynasty ~ specifically the beauty of Nur Jahan. Now that part of the world and specifically that part of India is where my family comes from and with my mother’s master in Clothing & Textiles, her designs were always influenced by the Mughal Dynasty…that was passed on to me and it has always been fun to mix the cultures. This collection was gorgeous…that is all I can say. You can view the whole collection to get a good sense. It will be hard for me to pick a favorite piece, but it may be the Moonstone boucle’ coat…my heart also stopped when I caught a glimpse of the details in the long leather gloves that had a peek of color inside the arm and fingers.(photo above | WWD Brian Reyes Fall 09)

The long hair in a loose braid was beautiful and fresh. (Sigh)…the show was gorgeous. Oh, and I must mention the band, Red Baraat Festival, that played that was reminiscent to the bands that play in the streets of India on most festive occasions. It was awesome to have that live. (photo above | hair at the Ports1961 show)

Coincidentally, if you are based in SEA, Polite Society will be carrying both these lines for Spring…hopefully they will have some of these yummy fall pieces.

In between shows, I was running to showrooms to look at leg-wear and accessories that les Egoistes will soon have available for sale…stand by for more on that.

Final food note…I’ve been forgetting: Met the gals tonight for a drink at the Bowery Hotel Lounge then next door to Gemma for dinner…ate too much. Last night, found a fab gem near Gramercy/Union Square called Bar Jamon…introduced to me by Forbes marketing manager and fellow foodie, Jourdan. Previous night, dinner with the fab gals at Max Mara at Bistro Chat Noir ~ amazing. RL

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