The Quest for "it"

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2013: Zang Toi

 

Beginning with Sting's mid-eighties hit Russians and ending brilliantly with Somewhere my Love, the theme to 1960's war-torn love story Dr. Zhivago Zang Toi's Fall 2013  runway show did not disappoint.  Toi's recent trip to Saint Petersberg Russia has yielded a modern take on Imperial Russia. Flawless execution of  the glamour of the Peterhof Grand Ballroom is recognized through both color and texture.  Looks began with luxurious day wear--mohair turtlenecks, glenplaid blazers and figire flattering trousers. Outerwear, by way of  stormcoat or a mini peacoat, are not to be missed.

While evening wear revealed equally sumptuous options in fabrics of silk, velvet, satin paired with mink or fox accessorized  by some of the better jewelry we've seen on the runway this season.  As in season's past Aimee Philipps jewelry reigned supreme.  Striking gold jewelry is inspired by opulent Faberge egg made from 18k gold, amethyst and emerald.  

The collection is ideal for Dignitaries wives, Royals, the classic American Socialite. Zang Toi Fall 2013 collection is a true embodiment of a woman with good taste and spectacular style.

Standouts include: an amethyst couture silk velvet Czarina trench gown; a  jet saga royal fox stole lined with guilded imperial garland and solk velvet and a jet silk velvet Peterhof Ballroom gown with guilded imperial garland.

 *photo courtesy of Frazer Harrison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Douglas Hannant Fall 2013

A consistent collection from beginning to end Douglas Hannant Fall 2013 can be described simply as sheer elegance.  At the recent runway show bold day wear sets the tone as the show is opened by the intense sounds of concert pianist David Aladashvill.  Aladashvill "the sensitive virtuoso born for the stage" continues with dulcet sounds paired to Hannant's classic evening wear, pieces that easily transition from opera to supper club.

Form fitting wovens and supple silks provide figure flattering silhouettes. Lurex adds pop, lace adds mystery, and sequins add  shimmer.  A sultry color palette of Midnight Blue, Grape, Turquoise, Emerald, Crimson are  off set by Black, Charcoal or Silver.

Hannant succeeds in giving an exquisite Fall collection. A swank grouping of looks ranging from demure to powerful.

Standouts include: a rose tunic over cigarette pant;  a cobalt crepe black satin with polka dot lace sleeves;  and  a silver/black Lurex and silk draped gown.

*photo by Derrick Salters for The Quest for "it"

Boy Meets GIrl Fall 2013

 

The very mention of Stacy Igel being inspired by 90's Brit rock bands Blur, Suede, et brought a smile to our face. The designer, pre-show explained it all so well.  What was brought to runway was a true embodiement of Igel's vision.   Entitled The Invasion Collections this  Fall 2013 season means three lines.

The Boy Meets  Girl Collection incorporates loud pops of color, and fun, edgy and unapologetic phraseology and imagery, including prominently showcasing the Boy Meets Girl name and logo. This invasion is all about attitude, and attitude is age-defying. That's why they're introducing three collections this season: Boy Meets GIRL, Boy Meets Girl University, and  Boy Meets Girl.

This season's musical performance came by way of Leah Labelle the voice of the song Lolita by mega-producer Pharrell. Lastly, no Stacy Igel show would be complete without the parallel to a cause. This season Boy Meets Girl is a proud ally of the Live Out Loud Campaign on conjunction with the BullyBust Campaign and the National School Climate Center.

*photo courtesy of Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images North America

HOT TOPIC: Michael Kors FRONT ROW-Jada Pinkett + More

 

Who sat FRONT ROW at Michael Kors for Fall 2013? Click here for the bevy of stars!

Catherine Malandrino Fall 2013

Entitled Le Normandie, Catherine Malandrino's Fall 2013 collection is inspired by French art Deco elegant line of Ruhlmannm Catherine Malandrino presents clean and graphic shapes for Fall 2013. Luxurious fabrics such as cashmere, velvet and silk satin crepe and knits paired alongside more utilitarian fibers of rubberized wool and leather create a vast array of choice for the "inspired" woman.  Geometric shapes play a large part in the collection providing an edgy and well crafted look. Embroidery provides the sexy glam factor while funnel neck collars display clear cut shape.

A rich color palette of blue ice, burgundy, aubergine,and  absinthe to offset basic black are ideal colors of strength.

Standouts come by way of lush day/night wear as well as perfect outerwear they include: a black wool guipure bustier and black wool guipure fitted pant (see photo above);  a black rubberized funnel neck collar trench coat with black wool stretch trousers; a burgundy and midnight long silk crepe back satin dress.

*photo by Derrick Salters for The Quest for "it"

HOT TOPIC: Oscar de la Renta RTW Fall 2013

Always one of the most sought after shows of the season--Oscar de la Renta. Click here to view the Fall 2013 collection.

Tommy Hilfiger Men's Fall 2013

From Savile Row to Ivy League, sartorial tradition meets all-American prep in Tommy Hilfiger's Fall 2013 men's collection. Traditional tailoring is approached with a rock n' roll irreverence in the spirit of Tommy Nutter, sixties London's go-to tailor who counted The Beatles and Mick Jagger among his clients. The result is a hybrid of heritage and modernity: Tailoring without the stuffy formality. Innovation is key in this collection, full of reworked classics, which loosens up sartorial traditions and makes them right for today. Executed in a palette of navy-blue, rich claret, khaki, and ivory, it refashions the classic menswear references. Heritage is updated in new proportions and fabrications as a signature Prince of Wales check and graphic hound's-tooth are magnified across outerwear silhouettes. A sporty pea coat is cut out of Steiff fabric; a fish-tail parka is made with Melton-bonded Mackintosh cotton. College scarves add a youthful twist to trad toppers and inspire intricate insets that run down the back of outerwear to create a graphic impact. Similarly, hybrid penny loafer boots and color-blocked brogues add a Mod touch to the neat silhouette. The collection, rooted in British sartorial tradition, delivers authentic, true-blue American style in spades. After working with CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner George Esquivel during the Tommy Hilfiger sponsored "Americans in Paris" initiative in 2011, Tommy Hilfiger is collaborating with George for the Fall 2013 Men's collection on a special footwear style that is featured in the Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2013 Men's runway show.

*photo courtesy of Giovanni Gianonni

FASHION WEEK PARTY: DSquared2 and Interview Magazine Premiere Screening of "Behind the Mirror": Spring Summer 2013 Campaign

Hello!

On Sunday, February 10th luxe clothing brand DSquared² hosted a private screening of their Spring/Summer 2013 advertising campaign video “Behind the Mirror” starring Dean and Dan Caten. “Behind the Mirror” was shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott and takes us back to the 90s, with a controlled retro-feel of film noir. “Through the Mirror” is a film that exudes a progressive and dramatic performance that unites the worlds of fashion and art. It consists of a parallel space where reflection becomes an illusion. Cocktails came courtesy of Belvedere Vodka.

DSquared² designers Dean and Dan Caten, Eve, Fabien Baron, Karl Templer, Brad Goreski, Mia Moretti, Camilla Skovgaard, Ben Hill, Alex Michaels, Jordan Miller, Jasmine Tookes,  Anh Doung, Ben Pundole, Honey Dijon, Bryan Boy, Rumi Neely, Russell Simmons, Angela Simmons, Chad White, Ryan Kennedy, Katy Grand, Carson Kressley, , Miss J, Julie Henderson, Zani Gugleman, Lucas Pilcher, Amanda Lepore, Andrej Pejic, Susanne Bartsch, Greg Krelenstein,Catlin Moe, Carolyn Murphy, Riccardo Tisci, Giampaolo, Diego Miguel, et al

Top to Bottom: Russell Simmons, Julie Henderson, Brad Goreski, Vryan Boy, J. Alexander, Andtrj Pejic

*photos by Paul Morigi/Getty Images North America

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2013: Marissa Webb

Launched last season, Fall/Winter 2013 marks the second season of the Marissa Webb label, an endeavor that embraces a playful feminine elegance while integrating a cool masculine edge.  Inspired by "iconic haberdashery details melded with modern chic", resulting in a well-tailored collection balanced with a certain softness. Rich fabrics including camel shearling and melange tweed were shown in new silhouettes in a complementary color palette of neutral black and white mixed with flame red, navy, soft grey, and green. Footwear created by Marissa Webb in various sleek pointed toe styles completed the narrative.

Standouts include: a Navy-bow sash blouse, coral/black plaid popover blouse w/ a matching coral/black plaid color block pencil skirt, black pointy toe heel w/ ankle strap;a white puff sleeve blouse, white vest, white hight waist trouser, black pointy toe heel w/ ankle strap; and a navy mock neck sash blouse, grren multi-tweed t-shirt, ddep merlot assymetrical skirt w/black pointy toe cut out bootie.

*Photo courtesy of Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2013: Son Jung Wan

Son Jung Wan's Dynamic Romance was inspired by two Russian greats, Kandinsky and Catherine Palace presenting a lush range of day to evening wear that is seemless with definitive accents on each.  Early looks are cool soft neutrals comprised of beige, camel, pale pinks, and greys.  Jewel tones include, oxblood, teal sapphire blue and violet et al

Backstage Designer Son Jung Wan expressed her choice of  texture for the collection coming by her use of tweed and cashmere among others for a luxurious winter.

Standouts include: a natural colored top with sequins and fur patchwork and nude double pleated pants; a dark violet long sleeved dress; and a fox fur coat with sequin details.

*photo courtesy Frazier Harrison