Guli SP 2011 at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week

Posted on September 10, 2010 by yougogirl

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!

Posted on September 9, 2010 by yougogirl

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.

Target Kaleidoscope Fashion Spectacular Spectacular

Posted on August 23, 2010 by yougogirl

Target Kaleidoscope Fashion Show. It was BEYOND.

The Standard Hotel is known for it’s floor to ceiling windows that face south
towards the lower part of Manhattan with a full view from the Highline Park
where the “I like to watch” cheating, clubbing, working kinds like to drink, puke and wake up to find themselves after late night hours. Or, for those who like to start with an early lunch to allow plenty of time to catch the New Jersey train home to the wife and kids. You think I’m kidding. I’m not. What goes on in the meatpacking district, stays in the meatpacking district. So what is Target doing here? I like. I’m interested.

Lined along the streets are DVF, Alexander McQueen, Scoop and high-end boutiques that I’ve never even heard of. Tonight Target rivals for attention on a cobble stone street that is known for a Christian Louboutin and a Gucci wearing crowd, who are amongst the VIP guests all jockeying for a seat on the aluminum bleachers with carefully placed hot pink and turquoise pillows that are taped down for our precious derrieres.

We sit in prime exhibitionist view of the windows and off to the right is the not so in full view runway. Lights dim and the show begins, the main characters are not models but dancers who appear one per window. Fourteen across and 13 floors of windows in perfect red colored equalizer light bar, color, width, and height.

The performers move as burlesque dancers, naughty peep show actors and hip hop divas that is reminiscent of Ginger Rodgers and Fred
Astaire’s timing and grace. The sound mix is flawless and loud enough to make me want to dance and drink. The timing and sequence too beyond words…one of those you had to be there moments. Thong wearing dancers push their tender tooshies outward in a sexy fashion as other windows provoke threesome thoughts. I was highly impressed at how Target embraced the passionate lifestyle of the city and strike a pose. They must have employed what it look like to be half the dancers in NYC, for that reason I won’t mention the anti-gay protest much for that very reason. On this night Target was an equal opportunity employer.

The fashion was pushed off to the side like a few slices of bacon left over in a frying pan. The stage was a three-story scaffolding unit (similar to what les Egoistes used to use in the old days). Models looped around each level like cut out paper dolls wearing the obvious fashion that you want to see for fall. Printed Plaid tops, a woman’s empire waist black woolish peacoat with four over-sized buttons, short flirty skirts and dresses paired with black tights and heavy Doc Marten inspired boots. Off stage, vertical black and white stripes tops/dresses stood out, a look I see carrying itself over to fall. It took me back to grunge and I missed home.

It wasn’t until I opened up the New York Post on that following Sunday to find their tab sandwiched in with JCPenny’s that I got to view those looks close up. I took the time to shop the studio shot circular. Typical, hitting the nail on the head when it comes to having it’s pulse on commercial fashion. A major difference, brands. Target has the brands that I would want to be wearing if I was in this market. I’m not going to shop for back to school but I will be skimming the racks…”when in Rome”…

What did I learn in Summer School this year? In an easy 30 second read Target is hip, cool and carries Mossimo, and aligns themselves with The Standard and the beautiful people who buy fashion, dance fashion, and live New York City. A brilliant marketing strategy.

And in the end what is the subway train I would take out to the nearest Target? Target.com. Easy Peasy. Shop Target, and yes I’m drinking the kool-aid from my juice box. Elle S.

side note: Up Nod to Mother New York – “dirrty” goes mainstream.

story notes: Rebecca Luke Style was invited to view the TKFS…even with flight mess ups and crazy last minute coordination, we were there. Stay tuned for more this month from NYC.

photo credits: rebecca luke style correspondent elle s’s Iphone.

Hipster Ford Fiesta – Who Knew?

Posted on July 16, 2010 by yougogirl

I often get calls to help put a “style stamp” for random awesome projects. The call I got last week from The Finerie ended up being for a really cool concept and where I think most marketing is headed for now.

Over the past couple of years, designers and retailers have been doing pop up shops all over the country and allowing for a “market” experience while saving and making precious dollars for all involved. The concept isn’t really new, a pop up shop, but what is new is who is doing it.

Who you ask is taking this concept and getting my attention? The Ford Company. To roll out their newly designed Fiesta, the old school American company that was founded in 1903, is working with local retailers to showcase their newest product.

Rolled out in Portland yesterday, the car company will share the space with a clothing retailer Local35 by day. At night, the so-called “pop-up” shop will host parties and a concert series put on by Spin Magazine. And, a lime green Fiesta will be front and center, parked in the store for visitors to take photos and explore. Two more cars will be cruising Portland, shuttling people between others stores partnering with Ford. (Oregonlive.com)

I had no idea, but The Fiesta was first introduced in 1976 and has been a go-to car in Europe. It has not been available in the States since 1980. Focusing on a young consumer demographic with the reintroduced car, it’s a subcompact that’s built for fuel efficiency and economy. In my opinion, it seems to be a sustainable choice as well. And, as a girl, it’s super cute and has a push button start…love that.

“The pop-up shop — and more will follow in other western cities — aims to introduce the car to those young consumers in a more authentic way,” said Jeff Guettler, president of Taow, the Portland-based marketing firm that developed the pop-up strategy — which they call a “cultural hub” — for Ford. “It’s all about the brand experience,” Guettler said. “(Ford) knew they had to create some kind of way to experience the car on their own terms.” (Oregonlive.com)

The Ford Fiesta pop up in Seattle should be seen in late August in the U-District. There are plans to have an accompanying coffee table book highlighting cool Seattle retailers such as The Finerie. The Ford Fiesta shuttle plans to be in full swing in the Emerald City as well. The concept is planned for San Francisco, Sacramento & San Jose.

The commerical for the Ford Fiesta caught my attention a couple months ago.

Fun and innovative, this is how we will see roll outs of new products for now. RL

For information on les Egoistes Creative Services contact us.

Sustainable & Stylish Hotspots in Seattle

Posted on June 22, 2010 by yougogirl

This weekend on a dreary Sunday morning. My super stylish friends and I participated in the SSF Sustainable Running Tour of Downtown Seattle. When I say “running”, I use the word lightly. We jogged…at a slow pace. I wore my drop crotch Y3 Sweatpants and, my gal pals look stylish in their hip sunglasses, despite the clouds, and running gear. But, that wasn’t the important part. The key to the event was the education we all had as we went from point to point and learned about what was sustainable about it. As co-founder of SSF, I am still learning and had loads of fun sharing what I learned about some of these spots. I am going to be posting blogs all week on the SSF site, sustainablestyle.org, that will highlight each of the stops. Please go there and check them out. RL

For more information about how we can help you make sustainable choices with your personal wardrobe, click here, or contact me at rebecca@lesegoistes.com

Edwing D’Angelo

Posted on March 10, 2010 by yougogirl

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.

Rebecca Luke at Eryn Brinie February 21, 2010

Posted on February 19, 2010 by yougogirl

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

Ports 1961 Fall 2010

Posted on February 18, 2010 by yougogirl

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.

Posted on September 8, 2009 by yougogirl

twistedsister

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?

igo1

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.

RLS shopping finds in London

Posted on June 12, 2009 by yougogirl

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

Rebecca Luke Style

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Category Archives: Style Adventures