Category Archives: Style Note

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

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

 

 

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

I Heart Plaid

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I love plaid…I always have. I had one of those lovely Scottish red tartan skirts with the big pin and pleats when I was a little girl. It was my favorite. In college, I chose a plaid fabric in Tailoring One to create a jacket with matching shorts;I wore it out with the girls one night…geeky you say?…I met one of my serious boyfriends that night. I’m just saying, plaid can make you feel…sexy?

 

“A plaid is a pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors in woven cloth. “[Dictionary.com] As far as fabrics go, there is a load of history behind plaid. The first evidence of its existence? 100 BC. Its iconic popularity began in the 17th century with what we all know as the Scottish plaid/tartan. Standing for rebellion, it was banned by the English only to become a popular pattern for school uniforms by that same country. The mods made it cool and the teenage girls screaming for the Beatles made it sexy.   Grunge made it stand for rebellion again, only to have fashion take it over and put it on the runways for triple the price. This past summer, over a million visitors  at the Alexander McQueen exhibit viewed the designer’s homage to fabric of his home country.

Wearing plaid is problematic, but I have found be keeping it clean and simple can make the obvious fear adding of pattern to your body. If you don’t want commit to the whole plaid on your body thing, use it in small doses. As an accessory; belt, bag, socks…this work for both guys and gals.

Last month in Seattle, Lushy, a band created by one of my dear old friends from the scooter/mod years, had their monthly Friday night fab gig at Vitos and asked their fan following to wear plaid…this crew always, always dresses and any theme is not daunting. Seattle Art scenesters Jo David and Marlow Harris were my favorite pictured here. My point, its just fun to wear plaid…

What’s even better about plaid is that it is a pattern that can be worn year round. But wait, before you go for it, a reminder that there are summer plaids and colors and winter plaids/colors. Be mindful…wearing a red wool tartan skirt in the heat light of summer is strange…so, don’t do it.

The thing to remember is that plaid is never going away, it is a fabric pattern that has stood the test of time. Embrace it. Here are some current plaid looks that I am loving this season both for guys and gals. Photo Credits From Top: Me with Patrick Napper and Greg Lundgren at Vitos, Alexander McQueen Plaid at The Met, JoDavid at Lushy/Vitos, Carven Twill Tartan Dress, Thakoon, Band of Outsiders, Couture Plaid Gown, Men’s Fall 2011 70′s inspired plaid, Stay Classic Blog, Isaia Fall 2011

Key Winter Fashion Picks from Joseph

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It’s hard to believe on this gorgeous Monday in NYC, that it’s November and winter will soon be taking over our Fashion choices. With the bright colors and light fabrics of the summer fading from our consciousness in favor of the more monotone, thicker fall garments, winter clothing will soon be taking over on a large scale.  Now is the time to pick up your key pieces so you will be ready for the next blast of winter.  There may be no better place to look for winter fashion pick-ups than the Joseph Collection, which features a number of different items that are all at once classy, casual, versatile and wintery ~ what more could you want?

If you, like so many others, are most interested in producing darker, solid colors during the colder months of the years, then the Joseph collection ought to suit your needs quite well. Whether you are looking for a warm new sweater, a full coat, a nice new dress, or even a scarf, you should be able to find something that adds a look of winter without investing in a whole new wardrobe. Indeed, the black and grey assortments in this collection perfectly exude the general fashion sensibility that you will find in the coming months in any city known for its style.

This is not, however, to say that shopping from this collection will simply allow you to blend into an established crowd; in fact, far from it. The Joseph women’s wear collection does indeed offer classic styles and appropriate colors for the coming season, but it also has distinguishing aspects that can help you to define your own style as well. For example, the collection is recognizable for including tiger imagery in a number of different items (check out the Tiger roll neck sweater, or the tiger chunky knit scarf!). A subtle but distinguishing feature like this can provide you with the perfect mix of trendy styles and unique fashion. Add a bright red lip, shoe or bootie, and you are good to go.

Of course, in the end Joseph brand, a classic brand that has been around since the 70′s, is just one of many high-end fashion designers that can offer you fantastic options in the coming months. Buying a piece or two of high-end quality that lasts is key to fashion success. This collection can be a great place to look if you are focused primarily on finding  fab current seasonal options.

Photo Credits |

Joseph Fall 2011 Collection Campaign with Daria Werbowy by Peter Lindbergh

Tiger Sweater ~ Joseph Fall 2011 at my-wardrobe.com

Tammy Leather Skirt – Joseph Fall 2011 at my-wardrobe.com

Nordic Fashion Biennale in Seattle

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On a gorgeous sunny Fall day in Seattle, it’s not hard to be proud to be from here. From a stellar independent film industry to a large pool of chefs who are James Beard winners and hosting the start and finish to worldwide amazing bands on tour, my little home town with its stellar views and incredible grocery stores, is a great place to be from. (Don’t worry NYC, I’ll be back to you soon enough and the accolades for you will resume)

We start many things here and I am not surprised to know that we were chosen as the only American city to host the Nordic Fashion Biennial at the Nordic Heritage Museum. Seattle has a huge Nordic community for those of you who don’t know, so cool. It works out. Beyond that, the opportunity to showcase fashion as art in our city with such a unique approach is incredible.

For those of you who follow my blog, you know I am a fan of “Nordic” designers and I was thrilled to know they were being highlighted at this terrific exhibit. Ivana Helsinki (Finland) and Moods of Norway (umm, yeah, Norway) are both designers I wear often as do my clients. At this exhibit, Ivana had a lovely textile design that I will obsess about until I own.

Stand out new designers to me at this exhibit were, Barbara i Gogini and Swedish Designer, Sandra Backlund.

Barabara i Gogini was dark ~ I got the feel of the cold northern weather and darkness…in a good way. No doubt, I tend to be drawn by the dark side, but the intricate wool and leatherwork really made it work for me.

Speaking of the dark side, my current obsession with skulls and bones, Hamlet style, was piqued by jewelry designer, Kria. I wish I could have gotten a great shot of the snake skeleton gold belt/necklace that was fab! Over a black knit dress finished off with your favorite faux fur vest, this piece was mouth watering.

Add to that were the films. Shot with a Super 8 camera as an extension of the exhibit, the clothing pieces used in the film weren’t necessarily designers that were exhibiting but pieces created by one of the filmmakers. Based in London, these female filmmakers, Rammatik, are amazingingly artistic and compelling. I am a fan.

Knits! I’m in love with knits and texture (why I snapped up Ivana Helsinki when I first discovered her) Sandra Backlund (Sweden) designer adds a couture feel to the craft. I had seen the image of Tilda Swinton before that I have at the beginning of this post and feel thrilled to have seen a couple of her pieces in person. Fab.

Listening to the curator and founder of NFB, Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir, during her comments, I was touched at the theme of this exhibit that highlighted the heritage of the designers while blending their history and current fashion. The beauty of all clothing and textiles is the story it tells past and present. This exhibit truly does that. To be fair, I went to the members preview and several of the designers weren’t quite ready to exhibit, I hope to get back there. Go…t is worth checking out in awesome Ballard. Opening night is today, September 30 and the exhibit runs through November 13. RL

Photo Credits |

Tilda Swinton in Sandra Backlund courtesy of NFB

RL next to an Ivana Helsinki dress

Barbara i Gogini courtesy of NFB

Kria courtesey of NFB

Sandra Backlund at the NFB by RL