Russell Simmons Argyleculture Grand Opening at Macy's

Robert and Quendry

Jason (Marketing for Simmons Design Group).

The Herald Square Macy's 2nd Floor Men's Section was transformed last week with the Grand Opening of the Argyleculture Men's Shop. A DJ spinned behind a booth, while guest sipped on martinis and nibbled on h'ordeuvres. We got a look at the bright, mix and match argyle vests, sweaters, and shirts by Russell Simmons. I could see the versatile pieces being worn by young men looking to inject some color, style, and panache to their wardrobe. The outfits would be great for those looking to update their looks. Russell Simmons stopped by for photo opportunities and interviews to a mob of press. Check out these well-dressed guys at the event (looks like the bow-tie might be a popular new look!).

Backstage at Cheng-Huai Cheng's Spring/Summer 2011 Show

Everyone knows that models have the sexiest jobs, and I hear that medical doctors come in a distant 2nd. I'm not going to med school anytime soon, so when I found out that my friend Cheng was looking for a model for his launch party, I jumped at the chance. I love his designs and I was excited. I went in to get my fitting and thought the dress was beautiful. But I admit I was nervous. Cheng advised me to practice! I wanted to do a good job for him. I even sought the advice of my friend (former Miss Panama) who used to teach models how to walk. Her tips: Be confident, walk like you usually do, don't look at anyone, and practice!

5 pm: Call time @ Vig27 - As a 1st time model, I'm a bit nervous, (I practiced beforehand too!). I get tips from 2 hot full time models. Acacia: Keep your legs straight while walking! Autumn: Keep your shoulders back.

5:30: We watch Cheng's video by Aurora Crowley. Amazing! Cheng asks us to do poses for 20 seconds. Emotional, but not too posey! And no smiling! Petite model Anna, also a UN delegate, is great at posing and suggests moving to the music. Another model, 6 foot tall, Irish Rose moves like a dancer while posing. I also meet the sweet and beautiful Tinnyse, Miss Bahamas 2008 & junior ambassador to The Bahamas for the United Nations.

6ish: Make Up Artist is here! We rehearse 2 times.

7pm - Food arrives! Guac, hummus, salad, dumplings. Who say models don't eat? 2 plates of dumplings polished off - 60 seconds flat.

8pm - I'm the 2nd to last model to get make up. Yuhua Hamasaki does an amazing job on my eyes and gives me feathery lashes. They feel a little heavy! Next comes hair by Isaac Davidson and Matthew Doers. Hair pins, hair net, & Auburn wig teased to the max! And finally gorgeous black lace dress with 6 inch heels.

9pm - Show starts! Host Marti Equality Cummings sings and then introduces Cheng. We're on. Everyone looks gorgeous in the beautiful dresses & outfits. We all strut and vogue. Lots of flashing photographer lights. The talented designer Cheng-Huai Chuang comes out to applause!

So overall, I learned that modeling is not easy. It's important to look confident and practice, get feedback, and more practice! But above all, have fun while doing it!

To see more of Cheng-Huai Chuang's new collection and video, click here.

Photos provided by Pedro Vasquez and Alice Chin.

FIT Japan Fashion Now

Last Thursday, September 23rd, my friend Ayano invited me to a reception at the Museum at FIT and I had a chance to see the Japan Fashion Now exhibit. It was a fun event with an open bar and lots of people dressed in amazing outfits. I wish I had snapped more pictures of the people who were in attendance. 

Undercover (Jun Takahashi) Ensemble: Pale blue polyester and cotton, lace, tulle, fur, brass, glass, nylon, rayon, rubber (wow, that's a mouthful to say!)

White Mountaineering Man's Ensemble: Green wool, cotton, nylon, neoprene, suede - Fall/Winter 2010-11, Japan - Lent by White Mountaineering

I also took a lot pictures of the out of this world clothing on display, which were just...well you just have to see it. Some of my favorites included a Jellyfish ensemble by Somarta, a creamy sheer concoction of a dress that I would love to wear. The menswear also really impressed me, especially an ensemble by Phenomenon - ankle length pleat shirt underneath a green armadillo-like nylon jacket paired with pants, and these cosmic over the knee silver leather boots. The exhibition also included some ensembles from the 1980's by Kenzo, Gothic and Lolita dresses as well as avante garde pieces by Issey Miyake and many more designers. If you haven't had a chance, you definitely need to stop by and check out the extensive exhibit!

Menswear by Phenomenon (Takeshi Osumi): Man's Ensemble: Green Nylon, cotton, metallic leather, nylon - Fall/Winter 2010 Japan, Lent by Phenomenon

One of my favorites: Jellyfish Ensemble by Somarta - Lent by Soma Design, Ivory Polyester, nylon, Satin Ribbon, Plastic, Brass, leather, Spring/Summer 2009, Japan

Comme des Garçons (Rei Kawakubo) Biker/Ballerina Ensemble
Black Leather, pink and white gingham, tulle
Spring/Summer 2005, Japan - The Museum at FIT Purchase
Tanya Melendez,

Curator of Education & Public programs The Museum at FIT, in Comme des Garçons

Favorite Looks

Sept 15 - Eva Minge People's Revolution
Sept 17 - Ivana Helsinki - love love love the rope boot

Laos in NYC Subway

Since last week was fashion week, there were plenty of stylish looking people on the street. It was fun to just walk up to people and ask for a snapshot (something that I typically wouldn't do). Surprisingly, everyone was really obliging and nice! I was sitting on the subway and noticed a well-dressed man and thought - this guy must work in fashion! I really liked his accessories (check out his cuff!) and style, so I approached him and we chatted. My fashion radar was correct, Bounkhong Kignavong, originally from Laos, is a textile and shawl designer (www.laodesignonline.com). He's wearing one of his designs!

Loris Diran + Jinny Kim Shoes @Audi 9/15

Photo 1: The setup at Audi - models standing on rotating floor
Photo 2: The hair - romantic braids
Photo 3 & 4: The colors- nudes, beiges, and pinks
Photo 5 & 6: The shoes: Jinny Kim - Caramel Suede Wedges
Photo 7: Interesting skirt
Photo 8: Patricia Ann Parenti - Designer tenderglovingcare.com
Photo 9: Cognac Wellerlane - TV Host Actress - www.cognacscorner.tv

At the Armory: Phillip Lim

Thursday, September 16th, the last day of Fashion Week, I met Elle Muliarchyk, a photographer hired by Phillip Lim, and also a photojournalist for T Magazine - Check out her amazing work here. She looked great in purple! The set was so interesting and the space was immense. Sorry for the fuzzy pictures, but you get a nice sense of the set up. Phillip Lim's collection was gorgeous, of course.