Lauren Kovin Fall 2010 Lookbook

all images and video courtesy of Lauren Kovin

Really sad I missed the Fall/Winter 2010 preview for Lauren Kovin, especially since her lookbook images and video are so intriguing... Key colors for the softly draped separates and dresses include beige, charcoal, muted gold metallic and swirling psychedelic prints, which are slowly growing on me... More designers really need to do editorial style lookbooks and creative video, don't you think? P.S. I really really want the charcoal vest-capelet in the last image. Amazing.

NYFW Diaries: Popomomo Fall/Winter 2010

I sent my friend, Audrey, a lover of casual-chic clothing to cover Popomomo's Fall/Winter 2010 collection at The GreenShows. It's no secret that we are big fans of the eco-friendly Los Angeles label, and covered their collection last season at LA Fashion Week. In our opinion, this is Popomomo's strongest collection to date. Expect to see more great, wearable pieces from this emerging label...

all images courtesy of the designer

Popomomo Fall/Winter 2010

by Audrey

According to the program notes, Popomomo's F/W/ '10 collection, entitled "City of Quartz" was "inspired by the literal idea of a cold, beautiful city and the book of the same name about Los Angeles by Mike Davis."

I wasn't sure what to expect at the runway show for emerging label Popomomo (which stands for "post-post modern movement"), during The GreenShows at New York Fashion Week. What I really loved about the pieces was that they were all made out of soft, breathable fabrics which also happen to be eco-friendly. Standouts for me include a black hemp/organic cotton fleece intersection dress with a steel satellite scarf and grey oxford dress with ladder detail in the back with purple jewel accent. Throughout the collection, muted colors were paired with bright teal, emerald, purple and blue colors.

Although this is Popomomo's Fall/Winter collection, it is definitely clothing suitable for warmer climates, which makes sense since designer Lizz Wasserman is based in Los Angeles. Being a LA girl myself, I've decided that I want every piece of the collection in my closet.

What do you think of this collection? What is your favorite look?

Weekend Links: Gold Medal Edition

Normally, I don't make a fuss about the Olympics or ice skating, but tonight was history in the making. Yu-Na Kim, at the age of 19, came into the free skate competition in Vancouver, with the weight of great expectations from her home country, which also happens to be my parents' home country... and she skated a flawless, beautiful, elegant and powerful program tonight, to win the gold medal. Congratulations, Yuna. I definitely cried a little tonight.

source

In the aftermath of New York Fashion Week, and work being crazy busy, I haven't had time to catch up on my blog reading, but I plan to do just that this weekend. In the meantime, please do take time to visit the following bloggers, who have been among the top commenters this week. You are all winners in my book; thank you for your continuing support.

• Looking Fab in Your Forties
• La Vie... J'aime
• Taffetadarlings
• Janetteria
• Bailey, Meister & Co
• Style Revolution
• Ciao Chessa!
• Being High Maintenance Not Bitchy
• A Daisy Chain Dream

This weekend, I'm planning to attend a fundraiser, baby shower, romantical dinner with the Mr. (to make up for Valentine's Day happening during Fashion Week) and brunch with Denise of The OCD... All while trying to stay dry! What are your plans for the weekend?

Accessorize This: London Fashion Week Accessories Trends

London Fashion Week: Accessories Trends Tread Lightly

by Denise Grayson

While in London for three out of the five fashion week days I saw an exciting mix of on and off schedule shows and presentations, independent showrooms representing brand new talent, as well as the latest collections of dozens of independent designers featuring in the exhibition - the newest addition to London’s fashion week attractions. Add to the already varied schedule special little treats that popped up here and there such as ‘guest stars’ flown in from New York - these Nicholas Kirkwood shoes for Rodarte with candle drip-effect heels which you have to touch to be convinced they’re actually plastic and not melted wax:

all images courtesy of Denise Grayson unless otherwise indicated

Now that the women’s collections are all wrapped up I can say with certainty that compared with the onslaught of gloves and socks both long and short on the New York runways, London was far more singular when it came to styling autumn’s new looks. And that’s to be expected of a host city that keeps its new blood fresh by transplanting its biggest and hottest in Paris, New York and Milan (though some seem to have a homing device as Matthew Williamson, Jonathan Saunders and Christopher Bailey have proved). In other words, the independents will do their own thing.

However, if there is one show in London to look to for new trends (or at least the preservation of current ones), it’s Burberry Prorsum. Christopher Bailey sent the message that he’s not about to let super thigh-high leather boots fall by the wayside just yet by pairing them with everything from parkas and oversize shearling coats to tailored military-style blazers with nothing else but slinky leggings. Burberry always shows great footwear and it didn’t end at the sexy boots. Statement making buckles were all over short and tall, bulky styles like some kind of chic ski boot:

images courtesy WWD.com

Cute little socks did have a presence at Orla Kiely - but then again, that was already her thing. The Irish print master and accessories queen took a more subtle approach to her signature stem print by embossing the design on patent messenger bags in cream, navy and black:

I believe the shoes are Topshop though I couldn’t confirm it at the presentation

The most stunning collection I saw was from Clements Ribeiro. It was beautifully ornate yet refined, feminine, day and evening wear. It was so much gorgeousness in one room, and then there were those boots! I had the opportunity to speak to the lovely Inacio Ribeiro for a moment and he confirmed that the beautiful sequin embellished boots were of their own design:

And then there were so many eye-catching, diverse accessories in the exhibition that I drained my batteries twice. Here are some of the highlights of what was on show:

Kirsty Ward’s neckpieces and earrings combine beads, chain and ribbon with plumbing parts

J.W. Anderson’s Saint + Assassin collection is about war-time romance

Felder Felder, who also showed their collection on the runway

Wooden handbags from Rocio

LeJu’s vegetable ivory bead accessories

Gwendolyn Carrie’s shoes made of fish skin!

Denise Grayson is our talented Accessories Editor and you can read more about her London Fashion Week adventures over at her blog, The Swelle Life.

NYFW Diaries: Graeme Armour F/W 2010

Since I couldn't be at London Fashion Week, I thought I would share some pictures from one of London's brightest new talents, Glaswegian womenswear designer, Graeme Armour, who recently showed his F/W 2010 collection in New York at Milk Studios. I loved the New York debut of this designer, who showed a mix of pieces in mostly black, with touches of white and silver with leather, mesh and metal aplenty. I wish I had a good photograph of these amazing silver fringe leather pants from the collection. Just look at the silver color of the leather bomber below and try to picture it with crazy fringe in pant form... Hot, right? Also noteworthy from this collection: cropped legging lengths and delicate crochet treatments to leather (a feminine alternative to the bold shouldered leather tops from the designer).

People are calling Armour the "next Christopher Kane," which makes no sense to me, since their aesthetic is completely different. They may both hail from Scotland, but I don't see the connection. What do you think?

Beauty Beat: Takeaways from Naeem Khan, deux fm and Thieves by Sonja den Elzen

For this week's Beauty Beat, our Beauty Editor, Tamara, shares some of her key takeaways from New York Fashion Week for Naeem Khan and two shows from The GreenShows, deux fm and Thieves by Sonja den Elzen.

Takeaways from Naeem Khan, deux fm and Thieves by Sonja den Elzen

by Tamara

backstage at Naeem Khan F/W 2010

Naeem Khan

Deanne and I went backstage at Naeem Khan and had the chance to check out up close and personal everything that unfolds pre-show. There is no better experience than seeing it all happen right then and there - hair, nails, makeup. Everything is done so fast, yet with so much attention to detail resulting in just pure perfection.

Hair was teased like a pompadour, sleek on the sides and pulled up. There was gel shlacked on the sides making the hair look goopy and shiny, sort of resembling the look brillantine gives to the hair. The makeup consisted of a simple smoky eye where the liner was applied to the top lash, smudged, and then finished off with a matte black eyeshadow drawn as an outer V and blended into the crease. Yes: the smoky eye LIVES. The face was clean and the lips were nude. The nails were kept short, and done courtesy of Dashing Diva in the color Dark PR, a deep crimson/burgundy.










Deanne and Tamara seated at Naeem Khan! You can read more about the show on Tamara's blog

deux fm

The mood at deux fm, a Nova Scotia-based, eco friendly brand was inspired by old Hollywood, retro-pinup, and I must say, I am in love. The classic cat eye and deep, red lips made their appearance, with the hair meticulously coiffed in hairdos reminiscent of Rita Hayworth.







Thieves by Sonja den Elzen

At Sonja den Elzen, the mood was quite different. The pieces for this show evoked ruggedness and tough-chic, and the makeup reflected this as well. A smoky eye in blues and grays set the tone, with a nude face and nude - as in cancelled out lips. This is certainly more of a classic Fall makeup look in my opinion, and again, we see the twist of blues this time around.







Which one is your favorite? Did you spot any more beauty trends at New York Fashion Week?

Tamara is our Beauty Editor who has a great eye for runway beauty trends and she blogs about beauty and fashion at Brunette and Pink.

NYFW Diaries: In a Nutshell

photo courtesy of Ethan from Mode Remix

The fashion world may have moved on to London Fashion Week, but I'm still processing New York. This season was particularly fun because my friend Audrey (pictured with me in front of the tents at Bryant Park) came to visit and we got to attend a few events together. I'm still working on a few more writeups from New York this week and then it's on to fresh content. In the meantime, you can read some of the writeups I did for magazines below. I particularly urge you to check out the coverage on Dossier Journal, because they not only capture the best photos from Fashion Week, but also encourage their writers to get creative with show coverage... a departure from the usual fare!

Academy of Art

Erin Fetherston

Frank Tell

Jen Kao

Jeremy Laing

Mandy Coon

Michael Angel

Nomia

Ohne Titel

PARKCHOONMOO

Peter Jensen

Preen

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Staerk and Glemaud

VPL

P.S. I'm very jealous of Denise from The Swelle Life and other bloggers who will be covering London shows, but I was grateful to catch up on my sleep this weekend. How did you spend your weekend?

NYFW Diaries: The Flickr Slideshow

Been catching up on sleep this weekend, and busy uploading pictures from New York Fashion Week on Flickr. Check out some of my recent uploads here for Creatures of the Wind, VPL, Tom Scott, Slow and Steady Wins the Race, Academy of Art, Erin Fetherston, Staerk, PARKCHOONMOO, Jeremy Laing, J'Approve!, Lorick and Graeme Amour. Which designers are your favorites?

NYFW Diaries: Backstage at Naeem Khan F/W 2010

Thanks to Natasha at Naeem Khan, our Beauty Editor, Tamara and I had the opportunity to go backstage at Bryant Park for the label's Fall/Winter 2010 collection. It was really an amazing experience to check out the bustle of backstage prep in person (and we'll be sharing some of Tamara's insightful beauty breakdowns for her column on Monday) and of course I had to capture some of those moments for you on video... The show itself was an exercise in opulence-- with plenty of evening gowns dripping in gems, heavy hardware and of course... sequins. More details on this show to come. Hope you are having a wonderful Friday so far!!

Accessorize This: Accessories Go Out on a Limb at New York Fashion Week

Our Accessories Editor, Denise, scoured images from New York to give us this wonderful roundup of trends fresh from the catwalk. She'll be heading to London Fashion Week this weekend, so watch for her report from across the pond...

Accessories Go Out on a Limb at New York Fashion Week

by Denise Grayson

There’s no doubt about it, socks and gloves are over. Over knees and over elbows, that is. Nearly every mainstage designer sent high socks or long gloves – sometimes both - down the catwalk, with leather being the fabric of choice for gloves and black dominating the palette for both arms and legs. So start practicing pushing your mobile phone buttons with covered fingers – you’ve only eight months before your upper extremities will be bound in second-skin leather!

Marc Jacobs sealed the deal on the trend for bicep-length leather gloves come fall, which he used in a range of natural shades to complement his more textural looks, such as those with fur.

Shorter versions were also popular. School girl knee socks both slinky and thick knit added a youthful kick that will either win fans or alienate those who’d rather not be that girl. So those cute ankle socks with demure shoes seen at Marc Jacobs may serve as an attractive compromise for those looking for sweetness that doesn’t border on fetish fantasies. Short wrist gloves were tough in black leather fingerless racing styles or ultra feminine and ladylike with lace trims. And let’s not ignore the forearm, there was something for them, too, from knitted arm warmers to oversize work gloves. Let’s just say the arms and legs were well and truly covered!

TSE's knitted arm warmers and textural scarf give a simple sleeveless dress a unique "cosy glam"

Necks, ears and wrists were generally bare of jewelry; it would seem the statement pieces from last fall’s looks were all but forgotten in favour of a more streamlined look, barring some large string art-type neckpieces from VPL by Victoria Bartlett and some beautiful messes of twisted chains from Vera Wang.

Vera Wang and VPL were among the few who used statement jewelry to accent their looks

Heads went mostly uncovered but hats did make a smattering of appearances, mostly in the form of the smart and classic beret at Cynthia Steffe and St. John and that comfy, ageless winter favourite, the toque, which topped Tory Burch’s cosy knits in a fun pom-pom version while a more fitted skullcap softened up Nicole Miller’s edgy layered looks.

Cynthia Steffe made the schoolgirl pinafore smart and sexy with beret and over-the-knee socks combination

It was ‘anything goes’ with boots: ankle, knee high and over-knee were all represented and even the Wellington made a brief appearance at Ports 1961 and Wendi Reed. Escada went against the black and showed saturated blues, purples and reds.

Patterned tights were back at Cynthia Rowley who’s getting to be known for a beautifully embellished pair of legs, and Vivienne Tam, Rachel Comey and Rodarte took the opportunity to take the texture of their outfits all the way down to the foot.

Rodarte showed knee socks on bare legs and layered over tights, embroidered tights (that were actually loose) and short gloves with soft wool trims to match the textures in the clothes

What is fall without the requisite scarf? Oversized knits and muff-like furs will ensure necks won’t go cold and outfits won’t go unnoticed.

Karen Walker won't let necks catch a chill but she's not so concerned about knees and fingertips; Tory Burch's luxe winter looks are made playful with pom-pom toques and fingerless knitted gloves

Belts cinched in the waists of coats, dresses and sweaters, carrying on the neat and proper look of the 1930s.

The waist was the focal point at BCBG, Peter Som and Michael Angel

As for bags, there was nothing out of the ordinary from the usual shoulder and clutch styles in sizes that are mostly back to regular proportions, with the exception of mini pouches from Rag and Bone that hung from a belt in multiples, should you find yourself unwilling to choose phone over makeup over money. I suppose a single big pouch would have looked silly?

Rag & Bone's trio of mini pouches offer a hands-free alternative to the handbag

Denise is our Accessories Editor and also blogs about fashion at The Swelle Life.