Fashion Funhouse Emporium

Charlotte Ronson

Jamar, Fashion Funhouse Emporium's fashion week correspondent is often snagged and photographed by street photographers for his unique and edgy style. He headed to the Charlotte Ronson show for me. He gives us his rundown after the Introduction below.

Charlotte Ronson has a loyal following. As mentioned every season, her price points never teeter from where she started combining quality with her signature bohemian style.  Recently its not just America that's been showing her love. In the Fall of 2010, Ronson signed a deal to open stores throughout China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Macau. She even staged her first runway show in China.

Colors: blue, black, taupe, grey, red, ivory, silver, orange rust, fuchsia, mint.

Materials: denim, cotton, linen, jersey, lace, chiffon

Loved Looks:

View Full Collection on Style.com

Ronson paired soft cotton linens and knits cotton jersey, lace and soft silk chiffon along side denim to ultimately tie the collection together.  There was a distinct prairie feel to it. Like other designers who just don't want to be too sweet, she had to add "edge" with the belts used as choker collars. The crochet details also seemed to raise a few eyebrows, in a good way though. Midi length skirts were ramped as well as cute little lace dresses with cropped knit sweaters over them.

Unloved Looks:

Some of the elements of the collection can come off as done before (cough*overalls*cough) especially in Ronson's past seasons. Though, that doesn't mean they wont sell come spring. Stick with what works.

People, Music and Scene:

Lincoln Center shows are always a frenzy of press, random celebrities, and fashion laggards, and that's no exception for the Charlotte Ronson show. Every season its a madhouse with as many celebs they can manage to pack in. Kelly Osborn and Angela Simmons looking all BFF (Dad Russell was there too.) Joy Bryant, Audrina Partridge, Elie Goulding and Nickly Hilton sat front row. Some chicks from SNL were there: Nasid  Pedrad and Abby Elliot (daughter of  Woogie from Something about Mary- Chris Elliot). Socialite Peaches Geldof sitting next to a bored looking man friend. Also, whats A Charlotte Ronson show without a family aspect? Mom Ann Dexter Jones was there looking lovely as was half-sister Annabelle. Samantha also took part, although safely tucked behind the decks.

Rating:

Two out of four Karl Lagerfelds

SIKI IM the new comer on the menswear landscape comes with several acclaims. He was awarded an Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation grant, the Samsung 2011 Fashion & Design Fund and was recently a shortlisted designer for the 2011 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. You can find him at Parsons School of Design as a senior concept teacher in addition to designing his namesake line.

Colors: Black, gray, blue

Materials: Cotton, denim, wool, linen, jersey

Loved Looks:

On the seats, the introduction included a quote from Noam Chomsky and a description of the theme Topography of Globalization. Even if you were too lazy to read the run of show, it was clear the collection was inspired by worldly costumes. A mix of American sportswear and elements taken from Middle Eastern men's garments were seamlessly sent down the runway in a seamless continuity. Given the inspiration, this was likely intended. Globalization aside, Siki IM shows sophisticated street style that is appropriate for the urban modern guy.

Unloved Looks:

Perhaps restricted by theme, some of the pieces tended to look repetitive.

People, Music and Scene:

This way downtown Varick Street venue provided much room. An open bar served some kind of drinks. Jamar and I were not only too lazy to read then, but also too tired to venture back to the bartenders. Though others stayed there throughout the whole show. It seems the best way to keep people from complaining about the standing is to give them booze, especially since some of these guests probably had seats.  Music was hypnotic drum beats.

Rating:

Three out of four Karl Lagerfelds.

Sally Lapointe

An article for Rolling Stone's blog was titled: How Lady Gaga launched Sally Lapointe's Career. First thought, crediting Lady Gaga for the launch of a talented designer's career is giving the pop star a bit too much credit. Maybe it's just the headline's wording. Perhaps "Boosted Lapointe's Career" is more appropriate. While it certainly doesn't hurt to have a fashion-loving mega-star adore the clothes, Sally Lapointe certainly was on the radar of many stylists and editors previous to Lady's love. What made the industry keep one eye on Lapointe was--and still is-- her unique approach to deisgn in an American market where others tend to tone down ready-to-wear for buyers.

Colors: Black, gray, pink, green, yellow silver

Materials: Crepe, calfskin, jersey, silk, chiffon, neoprene

Loved Looks:

View Full Collection on NYmag.com

While signature black structured pieces were still there, a lighter vibe swept over the collection. The run of show mentions Renwick Ruin, an abandoned smallpox hospital on Roosevelt Island, NYC. The influence was seen as the models wore sheer caps, as if wrapped in bandages. Though the pieces evoked the beauty of the ruins, not the sorrow that dwelled within many years ago.  Beautiful pastel prints combined with Lapointe's signature architectural jackets stole the show. Piece by piece, the majority of the collection is very wearable for a woman who wants to add her own style. A shimmering blazer can be worn with a button down shirt and trousers. A sleeveless black ultrasuede vest can easily be worn with a white tank and denim. Perhaps most interesting, Lapointe manages to make her pieces sellable without selling out who she is as a designer.

Unloved Looks:

The silver microvelvet vest and green shantung jacket will probably work best for an editorial spread or Lady Gaga's next stage appearance.

People, Music and Scene:

MrWilsonDJ provided the tunes as always. After a scary hull in the frieght elevator leading to the venue, the guests had plenty of room with very few left standing.  Though, it should be mentioned that Sally Lapointed showed in the same venue seasons past, but the stairs were the only way up. Frieght or five flights of stairs? Spooky elevator please. It was a packed house with Adam Lambert look-a-likes, cool fashion people, but no Lady Gaga.

Rating:

Three out of four Karl Lagerfelds.

As you are breaking out long pants, sweaters and coats, Jamar Graham, my trusty correspondent and are checking out the collections at New York Fashion Week Spring 2012.

Our fashion week schedule is full of sophomore and even unheard of designers. These are the best shows for us, as its always exciting to see the next up and coming batch of fashion designers. Not to sugar coat, but sometimes we witness a few that need to go back to the drawing board. But, that doesn't mean we don't catch a few shows that knock our socks off --and then we later gloat "I saw her/his first show!"

These are the designers on our radar this season:

Sally LaPointe

Sally Lapointe Spring 2011 Debut, Photo: Dan Lecca

In Spring 2011, Sally Lapointe debuted, did her own thing and stood out among what seems to be an ever growing fashion week (seriously, when did the definition of "week" turn into ten days). Her signature designs are emotional, structural and flawlessly constructed. Oh, and you may have heard, Lady Gaga is a fan. Why wouldn't she be? Lapointe is what is lacking on the American design scene when it comes to runway shows and new lines, and that is a fearless experimental drive to create garments according to her standards without toning it down for the mass market.

Parkchoonmoo

There are many "o's" in Demoo Parkchoonmoo's name. As is there was in her audience with her first show in US for Concept Korea, a collective of Korean designers who showed during the Fall 2011 season of New York Fashion Week. With an industrial design and fashion education, her designs reflect her knowledge with fluid, geometric shapes. She's new to us, but she's been on the forefront of Korean fashion since 1988 with numerous awards to show for it.

Jen Kao

This Kansas native is not brand new. She showed her first collection back in 2008. She moved to New York in 1999 to study studio art and from there developed an interest in textile design. Her collections often include feminine, flowing pieces, constructed leathers and some of the most unique knits I've seen. Her mix of cool and lady-like is something to see more of. She keeps getting better.

Norman Ambrose

Many times new designers lean towards the edgy or downtown side. Not Norman Ambrose. His first presentation for New York Fashion week last Fall was all uptown with tailored coats, long gowns and sophisticated separates. His show landed him on many ones to watch lists for this season. And, yes, he should stay there. His clothes are already on par with the veterans like Salvatore Ferragamo, Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren. It only has to get better from here.

Honorable Mentions:

We're not going to lie. We don't know much about these designers. But we are not going to miss these shows because we are tossing the dice and hoping for something breathtaking, new and exciting.

Katya Leonovich

Bridal? Hmm. Does this mean there is no more Bridal Market Week?

Rolando Santana

The press release says we will fall in love as if we were in Florence on cobble stone streets. Plus he collaborated with Manolo Blahnik for this show. Sounds good.

Angelina Mata Atelier

She's from Texas and that in itself is a reason to go. It couldn't be as bad as the designer who blasted Giant by Dimitri Tominkin on repeat. Please, don't do that to us again.

Christine Alcalay

The invite looked colorful and performance art-ish. Okay. Why not.