Prabal Gurung - Fall/Winter 2011

Prabal Gurung - Fall/Winter 2011 RTW- I attended over 20 shows this past fashion week, but unfortunately didn't get to attend the Prabal Gurung show.  Yet, it was still one of my favorites of the season!

It has only been a year since Prabal Gurung launched his eponymous line, and his collection already has an impressive fan base including the likes of Anna Wintour.  The Singapore-born, Nepal-raised young designer's inspiration was a younger version of Miss Havisham from Charles Dicken's Great Expectations, the wealthy spinster who goes mad after her lover jilts her at the altar.   Asymmetric one shoulder looks, criss cross wrap leggings, and dramatic red chiffon paired with tough black leather, all painted a romantic portrait of a soul on the verge of madness.  I liked the mischievous sheer sectioning of a sweater and the lone leather strap strategically and sensually placed over one shoulder of an asymmetric red dress. I can see why Prabal Gurung's slightly off kilter yet elegant designs are an editorial favorite. (Photos from PrabalGurung.com)

Autumn Lin Design - Fall/Winter 2011

Couture Fashion Week - Autumn Lin Design Fall/ Winter 2011 - As the models walked down the runway of the Autumn Lin show, I felt as if I was watching warriors march toward an epic battle between darkness and lightness.  Autmn's "merging of the art of surface design with structured fashion architecture" was apparent in the stiff, armor like metallic silver material that curved around necks, shoulders, and backs. Plumage was plentiful and added romance to soft updos.  One of my favorite looks was a dramatic all white ensemble with the model wearing a sheer white dress and white fur coat with feather collar.  Although these outfits are definitely not for everyday wear, I loved the show and look forward to seeing more of Autumn Lin sculptural pieces.

Fur coat, feather collar, and monchromatic white look creates drama.

 

 

All photos by Alice Chin

Couture Fashion Week - Focus Nigeria

 Couture Fashion Week - The Focus Nigeria Fashion show featured 4 Nigerian designers - Reedas, Berrys Couture, House of Farrah and House of Jola.  Reedas showed fanciful gowns in deep hues with metallic sheens and interesting ruching.  While Berrys Couture dresses reminded me of sparkly, delicately spun sugary confections.  House of Farrah showed sophisticated looks in long silhouettes and the wild patchwork of patterns of House of Jola's was refreshing.

Reedas

Berrys Couture

Berrys Couture

Berrys Couture - Shoes!

Farrah

Farrah

House of Jola

House of Jola

 

House of Jola

House of Jola

Photos by Alice Chin

4th Annual New York Wine Expo

I'm not very knowledgeable about wine, so this event sounds like fun and a great way to learn about wines from around the world!  Whether you're an oenophile or someone who doesn't know anything about wine, the  4th Annual New York Wine Expo happening today and tomorrow (February 25th & 26th) at the Jacob Javits Convention Center should be a treat!

The Wine Expo (www.NewYorkWineExpo.com) featuring wine tastings from around the world and educational seminars that can turn even the most inexperienced wine lover into a seasoned connoisseur.

The Grand Tasting offers attendees a chance to sample more than 600 wines from over 150 winemakers from around the globe. Attendees can casually sip and stroll through old world Italian, French, German Austrian, Spanish and Portuguese wines then let their taste buds lead them through the new world wines of South America, Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United States.

Attend the Expo not just for the sampling, but for the learning experience as well. To date, seminar presenters will include Gloria Maroti Frazee, who oversees Wine Spectator School and Leslie Sbrocco, award winning author, and Founder of “Thirsty Girl” a multi-media company focused on wine, food and travel.

New York Wine Expo: Hours & Ticketing:

∙             Friday, February 25, 2010, 6:00 – 10:00 PM;  One-day ticket - $90

∙             Saturday, February 26, 2010, 2:00 – 6:00 PM; One-day ticket - $100

For tickets, an updated seminar schedule and event information, visit www.NewYorkWineExpo.com  or call 800-544-1660.

The Greater Miami "Express Yourself" Lounge

The Greater Miami Express Yourself Lounge at the Empire Hotel Rofftop showcased Miami fashion and culture.  Founder and namesake of Xiomara Lisette Shoes, Xiomara, a petite 5'1 woman married to an extremely tall basketball player, discovered the market lacking in comfortable heels and launched her line - resulting in surprisingly comfortable 5 inch platform heels. I also met designer Aria of Aria Nero Jewelry who makes a line of unique jewelry made from colorful and fun vintage findings.  One of my favorite pieces by Aria included the Save the Earth Necklace and "The Wrap" (see below for more info).  Designer Karelle Levy of KRELwear, inspired by 24 hour party people, described some of her items as night to day wear.  Levy creates one of a kind pieces in small batches as well as made to order pieces.  It was a relaxing event that certainly made me wish I could be in bright, tropical Miami instead of snowy New York!

Xiomara Lisette generously let me try on and keep the Sophie Platform, shimmer linen slingback with cork heel - a versatile look for the spring!

Love the Save the Earth Neclace - only 65 of these unique pieces!

The Wrap -a super wearable and customizable piece that can be worn as a choker, necklace or bracelet.

Aria Nero-Seder modeling the Wrap.

Thanks to Aria Nero Jewelry for the gorgeous necklace!

More fun pieces by Aria Nero

Designer Karelle Levy of Krelwear

Fun pieces that glow in black light!

Super talented Designer Karelle Levy finished sewing an infinity scarf in the darkness! 

 

Thanks for the fun infinity scarf by KRELwear!

Naeem Khan - Fall/Winter 2011

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2011 - Exotic flute and drum music transported me to a far away land and made my heart race in expectation of Naeem Khan's show, which more than met my expectations.   Naeem knows how to show off women's sensual bodies with dangerous plunges of the décolletage.  Swirling gowns were in contrasting colors of scarlet, black, white, and metallics.  Floral motifs abounded from the patterns on the fabrics to the gold floral applique on a dress. His Indian background was apparent in the unbelievably intricate crystal beading and embroidery in lush jewel tones.