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NYFW Spring 2014

NYFW Spring 2014: Naeem Khan, Badgley Mischka, Jenny Packham, Alon Livne, Zang Toi

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NYFW Spring 2014 – Day 6 we were all back in the tent except for Melissa’s offsite jaunt to shoot ICB in the afternoon.  We covered lots of shows today for the trend report and  for media footage.  Maryna and Shalanda headed backstage at Badgley Mischka for behind-the-scenes footage and ran into John Legend and his girlfriend Chrissy Teigen.  Backstage at Alon Livne, Arielle interviewed the namesake, Israeli designer, who started designing when he was 17.  We covered backstage for Zang Toi, and wrapped up the evening attending the last show at 9pm by Fashion Shenzhen.

FIT/STYLE: A trend is a fad, a craze, the latest hotness, and a style that has been trending all week has been longer length in skirts in different fits: A-Line, Pencil, Drop-Waist, Assymetricals, and more!!  There was very little deviation from this trend on Day 6. Jenny Packham, Badgely Mischka, & Naeem Khan sent feminine silhouettes down the runway displaying the variety in skirt styles.  Alon Livne sent down warrior/Amazon princess inspired garments, that looked like each model was wearing an embellished breast plate and ready to go to battle! I loved it!

NYFW Spring 2014

Naeem Khan / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

NYFW Spring 2014

Alon Livne / Photographer Arielle Breedyk – www.ariellebreedyk.com

NYFW Spring 2014

Badgley Mischka / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

COLOR: As mentioned yesterday, more and more color is appearing, but the overall theme of whites, pastels, & other neutrals has still been the focus. Naeem Khan sent garments down the runway with a beige base, but colorful appliques:

NYFW Spring 2014

Naeem Khan / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

NYFW Spring 2014

Jenny Packham / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

PRINT/PATTERN: Mirror image prints were very popular on the Naeem Khan runway.  Popular plaid returns on the Jenny Packham Runway.

NYFW Spring 2014

Naeem Khan / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

NYFW Spring 2014

Jenny Packham / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

EVENING WEAR/OCCASION:  There was a prevalence of evening wear gowns showcased on Day 6 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Almost every designer sent down a jaw-dropping stunner.  A lot of fluidity in the gowns, with lots of movement.  Long cape trains, and lots of fabric that billowed in the wind.

NYFW Spring 2014

Badgley Mischka / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

NYFW Spring 2014

Zang Toi / Photographer Arielle Breedyk – www.ariellebreedyk.com

 

Credit: Written by Shalanda Turner, FashionMingle.net Style Editor and Blogger at Live Life in Style

NYFW – Day 5 report

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Ladies and gentlemen here is our NYFW Day 5 recap! We have made it past the halfway point! On Day 5 our team was once  again all over the city of Manhattan. We started together at Lincoln Center in the morning, but by the afternoon, Craig and Arielle were offsite at BlacMera for an interview and Shalanda headed to the Alice & Olivia presentation in the meat-packing district. Finishing up the evening, Arielle attended the 9pm show by Libertine, back at Lincoln Center.  Throughout the day we ran into multiple celebrities from world-renowned photographer Nigel Barker to Paris Hilton!  Here’s our trend report from Day 5 of New York Fashion Week.

FIT – Just when we thought everyone was going with a looser fit, outside of  Lubov and Max Azria’s Herve Leger collections, we have discovered another runway collection by Falguni & Shane Peacock that also love to show off the curves of the female form.  Despite Falguni and Shane, the majority of collections show yesterday still featured A-line skirts, fit and flare silhouettes and asymmetrical hems.  Pamella Roland favored the high-low, asymmetrical hem for a lot of her garments from dresses to tops. Short in the front, long in the back.

NYFW trend

Falguni & Shane Peacock / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

NYFW trend

Pamella Roland / Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

FABRIC: Sheers, Sheen, & Vinyl.  Falguni had fun placements of sheers in their collections, and Cesar Galindo played with shimmer in his dresses for his CZAR collection. Pamella Roland showcased a cape jacket that looked like it would be perfect for a rainy day!  Shiny fabrics like taffeta and lame seem to be a popular choice over the last few days, especially in the Libertine Collection.

NYFW trend

Pamella Roland / Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

COLOR:  The BlacMera collection showed off a beautiful array of garments in yellow and blue.  Yellow and purple are the complimentary color pairings, but Yuliana’s pairings were perfect for each other! The right shades of yellow to pair with blue.  Black and white were still popular color choices in collections that weren’t print heavy like Pamella Roland and Alice & Olivia. Collection with tons of print were more colorful, like Libertine & Falguni & Shane Peacock.

PATTERN & PRINT: As always lots of print and mixing print on the runways, especially at Falguni & Shane  and Libertine.  Stripes and big patterned prints were used on the Pamella Roland runway.  Alice & Oliva focused on prints similar to houndstooth, etc.

Credit: Written by Shalanda Turner, FashionMingle.net Style Editor and Blogger at Live Life in Style

Little Men™ by Alastair & Euan, children apparel

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Little Men™ is exactly what it sounds like – garments designed for young boys with a sense of style. No longer are kids confined to graphic t-shirts and khaki shorts, there are now more options than ever. Young boys aged 2-12 can be appropriately dressed for summer weddings, garden parties and for a dinner out.

Sofia Trokey is a mother of three and the designer behind the Little Men™ brand. The fabrics she uses are cool and lightweight, typically made from cotton. They are perfect for active boys, as the cotton used is comfortable, fashionable and not restricting for a young lifestyle. The designer is inspired by Liberty London, enhancing a confident attitude by creating clothes with classic styles that are funky, fun and playful.

Little Men is at the forefront of children apparel, offering garments that are like no other.  To see more from this Los Angeles based designer, sign-up on Luevo.

Boys children apparel

Boys children apparel

Boys children apparel

NYFW – Spring 2014 Day 4 Trend Report

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Day 4 was crazy as ever, just like the other 3 days.  Our team went offsite to Chelsea to see Ricardo Seco’s Spring 2014 collection at Eyebeam studios. Mara and Arielle captured interviews with Joanna Mastroianni, Ricardo Seco and Melissa interviewed Jackie Fraser-Swan, the designer behind the Emerson label. Emerson was the last show of the night at 9pm and for celebration of our work, we went out on the town! Well not really, we went to the rooftop bar at INC48Hotel called The Press Lounge (How fitting for our media group), and then went for late night eats at Market Diner in Hell’s Kitchen. Needless to say it was a late night for us, but we love to give you the trends for the day…even if they are a little late :-p.

COLOR: Color seems to be popping up more and more as the days of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week pass us by.  By default Custo Barcelona’s runway had a bunch of color due to his use of very busy, colorful, graphic prints.  Joanna Mastroianni, being the master of evening gowns that she is, sent gorgeous gowns of color down the runway.

NYFW Spring 2014

Joanna Mastroianni / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

FIT:  The continuing movement away from tighter than tight garments is evident in the long A-line skirts and drop-waist dresses presented by DVF.  Both DVF and Custo Barcelona showed their love for the popular trend of the week: Crop Tops. Custo presented a lot of Box-shaped jacket, moving away from the typical fitted trench-coats seen in the Spring.

NYFW Spring 2014

DVF / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

NYFW Spring 2014

Custo Barcelona / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

PRINTS: Black and white prints, were the main focus of DVF’s runway, along with some graphic prints.  Joanna Mastroianni opened her show with a bunch of fun black and white patterns too! Custo’s collection was almost all prints in all kinds of designs and colors with a heavy focus on mixing prints.

NYFW Spring 2014

DVF / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

NYFW Spring 2014

Joanna Mastroianni / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

FABRICS: Custo Barcelona sent a lot of metallics down the runway bringing the shine and shimmer that we’ve been missing from Days 1-3.  Woven fabrics made an appearance on his runway like mesh.

ACCESSORIES: Visors are no longer just for tennis players! Custo Barcelona sent fun visors down the runway in the same materials as the garments. His collection of colorful, Mix-print shoes will be favored by any girl, looking to express her artistic side this Spring!  Vivienne Tam would love to see the socks and sandals trend return, as a few of her models rocked that trend from a few seasons back on the runway.

NYFW Spring 2014

Custo Barcelona / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

NYFW Spring 2014

Custo Barcelona / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

 

Credit: Shalanda Turner – FashionMingle.Net Style Editor, Blogger at Live Life in Style .

 

 

Style Guide: Summer to Fall Transition

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With the days getting shorter, it’s almost time to say goodbye to summer and embrace the best of fall fashion. While crop tops and beachy maxis can be packed away for next year, transitioning into autumn doesn’t have to involve a complete wardrobe overhaul. Pairing a few on-trend pieces with your existing staples can easily bring you up to speed and prepare you for fall’s most anticipated trends. This season, we’re introduced to a new colour palette filled with shades of grey, rich jewel tones and high-contrast black and white pairings. Take a look at some of the key trends and must-have pieces for the summer to fall transition season.

Oversized

One of the most notable trends for fall/winter 2013 is oversized outerwear. Thanks to designers like Céline, Carven and Alexander Wang, roomy coats and thick, chunky knits are a go-to choice for cooler days.

While transitioning from summer to fall, bundle up with Toronto-based DylaniumKnits’ fall line of statement accessories in burgundy, cream and black. “My absolute favourite piece is a super heavy long scarf with fringe on either end,” says designer Dylan Uscher. “It’s huge, creates such a statement and help keeps the wearer very warm. This particular wool works on everyone.”

For a casual yet luxe look, opt for Seattle-based designer Paychi Guh’s Two Way Cozy Cardigan in a versatile geometric print, which can easily be paired with Fluevog ankle booties and a Franco Vernica Milano Leather Tote.

Fall 2013 Style guide

1. Paychi Guh Two Way Cozy Cardigan 2. DylaniumKnits Rowen Mobius Scarf 3. Franco Vernica Milano Leather Tote 4. Fluevog Garden of Enjoyment Ankle Booties

Punk Accents

Coinciding with the Met’s Costume Institute punk exhibit, designers like Givenchy, Rodarte and Moschino have shown the fashion world the chic side of plaid, leather and punk-inspired embellishments. If you’re not ready to go all out with grommets and studs, try to subtly incorporate punk elements into your wardrobe with leather accents and mixed metal accessories. Seattle-based Joanna Morgan’s Talisman collection serves up bold Krystallino rings in brass and sterling silver that can complement a plaid statement skirt.

Style Guide Fall 2013

1. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Tartan Leopard Arena Skirt 2. Joanna Morgan Designs Krystallino ring 3. Givenchy Obsedia Leather Shoulder Bag 4. Alice and Olivia Weston Straight Skirt With Buckle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Layering

Practical and chic, layering is a no-brainer for autumn. This season, multi-length pieces layered the right way can create an effortlessly cool ensemble. ”When you transition from snowy streets to hot bar or restaurants I would love you to be wearing one of my silk separates under that coat,” says New York City-based designer Alex Koutny. In unpredictable weather, start with a base that’s versatile, such as a washed silk black tank. Complete the look by layering a pair of Skinny Sweats’ leggings with a tunic and a Mackage leather motto jacket.

Style guide fall 2013

1. Skinny Sweats Arrowhead leggings
2. Mackage for Aritzia Paula Jacket 3. Alex Koutny Lo Tank

Black & White

Black and white combinations have been trending all year and are still going strong for fall/winter 2013. Update the look this fall by opting for a black and white dress in a geometric print, such as a Pink Tartan Hexagon Dress. For a menswear-inspired look, embrace a tuxedo style ensemble by pairing Joeleen Torvick’s black and white shirt with an on-trend pair of tuxedo pants by Skinny Sweats.

Style Guide Fall 2013

1. Skinny Sweats Tuxedo sweats 2. Pink Tartan Hexagon Dress 3. Philip Lim 3.1 x Target black and white dress 4. Joeleen Torvick Black and White shirt

Article written by Julia Eskins.

Julia Eskins is a Toronto-based writer and features editor at FAJO Magazine. You can follow her on Twitter at @juliaeskins

NYFW – SPRING 2014 Day 3 Trend Report

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Day 3 was full of lots of shows for me to attend.  I ended my evening at 10pm after the 9pm Venexiana show. What a day of exciting Fashion! Team M&MS (Mara, Maryna, and myself Shalanda) started early in the morning backstage at Ruffian for designer interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and a chat with the lead hair stylist Nick.  In between shows Maryna and I hung out at the press lounge presented by Samsung galaxy to edit photos and generate this trend report for you from the Day 3 Spring 2014 Collections of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! Enjoy!

COLOR – Day 3 introduced the first collection that focused on bright, neon colors and that was Mara Hoffman’s vibrant Spring 2014 collection. Son Jung Wan presented pop of neon using a vibrant yellow hue for some of their garments, but mostly they stay with the color white.  Still the overall theme for Day 3 remains steady at pastels, white, & beige and surprisingly darker hues of blue, green, red, & purple that would typically be seen in Fall collections. Designers overall are really moving away from the bright, neon trend.

FABRIC – Sheers, Sheen, & Leather. It’s no secret that sheer fabrics are in, and they have been for awhile. The Lacoste brand added chiffon elements to their sporty looks, elevating them from gym chic, to street chic.  Ruffian favored fabrics with sheen, and created jackets, dresses and suits in sateen materials.   Leather was a popular choice in Jill Stuart’s collection.

NYFW Spring 2013

Ruffian / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

NYFW Spring 2013

Lacoste / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

GARMENT TRENDS – Crop tops, and peek-a-boo cut-outs were popular choices in the Charlotte Ronson & Jill Stuart collections. Charlotte also played around with menswear inspired embellishments in her garments using Peter Pan collars, and illusions of ties and suspenders.

PRINT – Florals, Stripes, and more emergence of plaid.  Plaid was seen at Ruffian, & Charlotte Ronson.

NYFW Spring 2013

Ruffian / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

FIT – Lots of ankle pants, A-line skirts, and longer shorts & dresses.

HAIR & MAKEUP – Big hair was featured on the Son Jung Wan runway, while Ruffian inspired by vintage French aristocrats presented the side wave on their models.  However, braids returned in a big way via Mara Hoffman with her models donning the longest braids I’ve ever seen to compliment her collection

NYFW Spring 2013

Ruffian / Photographer Maryna Marston – www.squareearthstudio.com

Credit: Shalanda Turner – FashionMingle.Net Style Editor, Blogger at Live Life in Style . Feature image: Mara Hoffman / Photographer Shalanda Turner –  Live Life in Style. 

Featuring B.E. Shields

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B.E. Shields is an exciting new label that features the creative mind of Toronto based fashion designer, Theresa Ibbetson. Theresa has spent most of her formative years in Europe and drew inspiration from years of travelling to launch B.E. Shields upon her return home in Canada. The designer is formally trained at the prestigious College LaSalle, fashion design program in Montreal.

B.E. Shields is about simplicity, life, family and friends.

B.E.SHIELDS is a line which focuses on understated elegance and originality. With a strong attention to details, fabrics and cuts, Theresa built a brand which is both classic and elegant, which still remains edgy and modern. B.E. Shields’ most recent show was during Fashion Art Toronto week, for which she received raving reviews. We look forward seeing many more from Theresa, and if you want to get a peek into her new collection, make sure you register at www.luevo.com.

B.E. Shields B.E. Shields B.E. Shields

Introducing Franco Vernica

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Franco Vernica is a notable fashion designer, with a passion for exotic animal leather accessories including handbags and shoes. His brand was launched in 2013 and the designer soon became best known for his handmade luxury handbags. The designer remains committed to carefully upholding the principles of quality and integrity that define his brand, carefully and ethically sourcing his materials.

Franco is launching his private collection of luxury bags exclusively on Luevo. All of his items are manufactured under the highest quality standards in Italy and they all come with a certificate of authenticity. Details and exquisite craftsmanship can be found in all of the Franco Vernica products.

We are excited to have Franco on our platform, as he brings a legacy of luxury through all his products exclusively to our customers. If you want to be first in line for his exclusive limited-edition luxury bags collection sign-up on www.luevo.com for  your personal invitation.

 Franco Vernica Franco Vernica

Going Green: Three Eco-fashion Designers To Know

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Over the past year, “fast fashion” has joined the arsenal of buzz-phrases used by eco-fashion followers and style bloggers alike. With every season bringing forth new trends, the demand for throwaway fashion is quickly answered by large retailers— and often at a cost to the environment.

While many shoppers realize that a $10 shirt likely has ethical and environmental ramifications, knowing how to find eco-friendly clothing and accessories is not always clear. Add the fact that many brands have hopped on the bandwagon by using terms like “organic,” “sustainable” and “natural” for marketing purposes, and the quest becomes even more difficult.

There is no single definition for eco-fashion. Sustainability can range from using organic fabrics and creating garments from recycled materials to disposing of production waste responsibly. On the quest for eco apparel, investigating every aspect of production is essential. Many of the top sustainable fashion brands, including People Tree, Edun and Carrie Parry are also fiercely committed to ethical business practices.

Environmentally friendly fashion isn’t new. In fact, it first garnered popularity in the ‘80s and ‘90s with designers like Martin Margiela and Stella McCartney. What’s changed is that it’s no longer just considered a fad. With Eco Fashion Week in Vancouver inspiring other cities to follow suit, it’s safe to say green isn’t just the new black; it’s here to stay.

For those ready to venture into the world of environmentally friendly style, we’ve rounded up the three eco-fashion designers to know:

Elroy Apparel

Vancouver-based Leanne McElroy is leading the pack of eco-friendly designers in Canada. The company uses an ethical business model by supporting fair trade markets in Indonesia’s developing communities. Elroy’s line features chic and feminine pieces made from organic cotton, bamboo, linen, hemp, tencel, wild silk, in addition to other organic, sustainable and upcycled materials.

Stella McCartney

Earning the Designer of the Year accolade at the 2012 British Fashion Awards, Stella McCartney continues to prove that leather and fur aren’t always necessary on the runway. In addition to her commitment to being cruelty free and vegan, McCartney uses sustainable fabric technology to produce her high-end collections.

Loomstate

Loomstate may be mass-produced, but the New York City-based company uses environmentally friendly fabrics and practices. The brand was founded in 2004 by design duo Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn. Loomstate strives to eliminate manufacturing waste and uses 100 per cent organic cotton while also promoting a closed-loop product life cycle. Plus, the effortlessly chic garments from their 321 collection can be worn up to five different ways.

Stella McCartney Stella McCartney Stella McCartney

 

Images from Stella McCartney’s autumn 2013 campaign; Featured image: Elroy Apparel (Fall 2013 look book)

Article written by Julia Eskins.

Julia Eskins is a Toronto-based writer and features editor at FAJO Magazine. You can follow her on Twitter at @juliaeskins

Featuring Alex Koutny

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Based in New York City, Alexander Koutny designs stunning garments with clean cut lines, drapey designs and raw cut hems. The clothing he creates are both sophisticated and edgy, smart and definitely make great topics for bloggers and fashion editors around the world.  The Alex Koutny pieces are great for a layered look in the fall or wearing solo in the spring, making these garments not only fashionable but versatile and seasonless. The designer uses high quality fabrics such silk crepe de chine, silk organza, and poly with stretch mesh for an airy summer look or textured fall feel. His pieces are developed out of a study of the interaction between urban function and an alternative style of the present .

There is no doubt that Alex Koutny is paving the way for a new era of chic and timeless look  and we are excited to be part of his journey. Sign-up today to get a peek into the latest Alex Koutny collection and be the first in line to pre-order their products.

Alex Koutny Alex Koutny Alex Koutny