Fashion Funhouse Emporium

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

For fear of my last report being too long for the face-paced world of the web, I decided to finish fashion week coverage in two parts, alphabetically.  Here is the last of the shows I was graciously invited to attend.

If I forgot a designer and I was on your list, feel free to email me and complain. Yell at me IN ALL CAPS!

Nanette Lepore

Colors: Valentines day all the way....vibrant reds, pinks.  Add blues, orange and black

Collection Vibe: Nanette Lepore has a knack for the bo-ho, living color sophisticate style. I was a bit thrown this season in a good way as she does structure with a bit more edge.  Think Stevie Nicks meets Audrey Hepburn.

Trend Spotting: Velvet, Military

Stand Out Look:

Click to view full collection

Rebecca Taylor

Colors: Neutrals

Collection Vibe: Following a Spring line of color and floral, her fall line goes a darker. Just add animal prints. It's 1940's screen sirens who love the pants suits like Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn.

Trend Spotting: Suiting

Stand Out Look (This is a biased pick as I love the wide leg pants)

Click here to view the full collection

Ruffian

Colors: Black, blue, gray

Collection Vibe:  Militant mixed with 1980's "Working Girl" with Melanie Griffith with a few looks for after work...and the designers were inspired by the Hubble  telescope photos for the prints.   Still, I drool over the classic Ruffian, like the look below.

Trend Spotting: Plaids, suiting, leather

Stand Out Look

Click to view the full collection

Spurr

Colors: Neutrals, brighter blues, pastel colors

Collection Vibe: Classic and tailored basic menswear with pattern and color twists.

Trend Spotting: Suiting

Stand Out Look:

Click to view full collection

Staerk

Colors: Black

Collection Vibe: Camilla Staerk has a thing for  black leather.  The collection is toned down dominatrix with an office job.

Trend Spotting: leather, fur

Stand Out Look

Click to view full collection

Timo Weiland

Colors: Green, blue, red, neutrals, black

Collection Vibe: Mod Squad infused into current London street style with some looks reserved for a cool cocktail party.

Trend Spotting:

Stand Out Look:

Click to view full collection

Toni Maticevski

Colors:  White, black, gold, off-white

Collection Vibe: He's working the way onto the red carpet with gowns and embellished evening wear, cutting out the more casual pieces show for the Spring 2010 season.

Trend Spotting: Embellished

Stand Out Look:

Click to view full collection

Tracy Reese

Colors: Black, grey, neutrals, blues

Collection Vibe:  A woman dressing women in comfort with style. It's practical as in where there are short sleeves, Tracy added arm warmers, jackets and scarves.

Trend Spotting: Fur, embellishments

Stand Out Look

Click to view full collection

United Bamboo

Colors: Black, grey, white and one dash of bronze

Collection Vibe: Again, 1940's old Hollywood styles but with a darker twist

Trend Spotting: velvet, suiting

Stand Out Look

Click to view full collection

Victor Glemaud

Colors: Yellow, red, brown blue

Collection Vibe: Sporty  prep casual with prints. LL Bean and Opening Ceremony had a love child and named it Victor.

Trend Spotting:

Stand Out Look

Click to view full collection

Walter

Colors: Black, brown neutrals

Collection Vibe: Your average easy going contemporary line.

Trend Spotting: Leather

Stand Out Look:

Click to view full collection

Yigal Azrouel

Colors: Black, gray, red

Collection Vibe: How to look put together and chic with minimal effort.

Trend Spotting: Leather, minimalism

Stand Out Look

Click to view full collection

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer: Haute Hippie

Haute Hippie held its cocktail reception and private preview in midtown.  Designer Trish Wescoat-Pound founded the small line in 2008 after spending some time at Micheal Kors and Theory. As the name suggests, collection is a modern translation of bohemian elements. It's sold in finer department stores like Bergdorfs, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.

Colors

White, black, brown, jewel tone green...all over the spectrum.

Loved Looks

Collections of the past were more appealing to me. The feather skirts connected to simple white tanks originally peaked my interest in the line.  I was more into the individual pieces of the fall presentation than the entire looks worn by the models. The pearl and rhinestone "vest" was a unique piece as was the beaded bolero. Two leather jackets stood out, and an "Arizona" print dress caught my eye as well as the coral long dress.

Unloved Looks

For a line of its price point I think I was expecting to see a bit more expertise.  Some of the styling didn't work for me.  It was as if there should of been a few pieces removed from each model and just added to another girl to make a whole new look.  With such detailed pieces, adding a necklace, belt, jacket, scarf and booties was just too much. It cluttered the details of  the actual pieces.

This ball gown of a taupe/ nude underlining and black over lay was ill-fitted or perhaps it was the cut or long bodice. In theory, I understand what the dress was supposed to be, but didn't come off as such.

Music

It was hard to hear the music over the rumble of chatter in the room but I did hear  Bill Clinton's campaign song: Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop."

People and Scene

The presentation was held in a small room which the invitation called "The Haute Hippie Penthouse", though, it didn't seem like that was the case. It was rather a space suited for a small business. The votives of candles lining the halls and windows in the dimly lit room made it hard to see (and as you can tell from my pics) hard to photograph.  Every couple of minutes, I heard "Clink Clink"  which meant another guest had walked over the votives on the floor.  The small room was crowded with people that didn't seem to be there to view the collection but  take advantage of the cocktails, which was fine with me. I zipped in, took my pictures and left.

To Gift or Not To Gift

I guess if you really wanted something you could grab one of the many candles.  I think the girls who had to keep straightening and re-lighting would've appreciated it.

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer: Irina Shabayeva

Irina Shabayeva has been in the fashion game long before her appearance on Project Runway.  She studied at Parsons before returning there with a batch of fashion designer hopefuls. While there, she won the Saga Design award and went on to study fur design in Denmark. She worked with Adrienne Landau as head designer after her graduation.

This seasons Fall 2010 show was inspired by "freedom and un-tethered journey of flight." Birds and angel-like wings were constant through out her collection.

Colors

Camel, Taupe, Black, White, Charcoal

Looks Loved

There is a certain stigma sometimes with reality television that makes critics not want to take the talent seriously. Perhaps it's the drama played out in public that distracts from the artist and their actual skill.  I admit, I was ready to blow this show off in fear that haute hounds would crowd the place looking for Hiedi Klum, Micheal Kors and Nina Garcia. Some young ladies might've wanted to get a glimpse of Logan. I missed the show I planned to attend and decided last minute to trek uptown to check her out.  I will tell you right now, Irina Shabayeva wasn't f*cking around.

The first look she sent down the runway was fur. While Im personally not a fan of fur, her pieces and looks showed that she isn't some reality show joke.  She's the real deal and she will be around for the duration.

She ended her show with intricate, full dresses.  They are the kind of dresses you want to see at a runway show. One short strapless dress was full-on feathers, another snow-queen dress, handmade with duck feathers and with what looked to be leather lattice wings (it was actually Tupperware material) topped off with a fox fur wrap.

Her leather pants, slinky tees and hand-beaded wing design wool cigarette leggings could fit right in with any rock-chic label at Barney's.

There's no doubt, when viewing this cohesive collection that it was well-planned and labor intensive.

Photos: See the entire collection on Coutorture via Getty.

Unloved Looks

As I mentioned, it's a personal taste of my own regarding fur.  However, I know people wear it and love it. In fact, the "stylish" people that seemed to be appearing on street style blogs have been draped in animals.  Alas, fur is Irina's thing.  I also have some reservations about the hand painted cloaks and jackets. While I think they are extremely cool and somewhat abstract, off the runway, the wrong styling on the wrong person might make it tacky.

We know Irina loves her over sized sweaters as well. I repeat the same sentiment as I said for the aforementioned.

Music

The show opened with a little bit of dramatic music a mix called "Feelin Good by Ines Project" a dance version of the classic Feeling Good by Nina Simone. Also boom and thump-a-tized: Amy  Winehouse "In My Bed."

People and Scene

Im not sure if Irina's people took a page from Rachel Roy in terms of how a presentation and runway should be, but the space was open and comfortable. Though there was a mess outside in the windy cold and no distinctive line, once inside, waiters served cocktails, the runway was low and visible even from my standing spot.  Irina's repeating theme of wings hung from the ceiling.  The crowed was a mix of buyers,  editors, friends, family and eccentrically dressed fashion people (like the guy in a long leopard fur and fedora--very pimp).

At the end of the show, there was an informal modeling session where everyone could take a closer look, snap pics and socailize.

To Gift or Not to Gift

When I first saw that the show was being sponsored by Tupperware, I didn't see the connection. Instantly, a vision of suburban house wives selling bowls and eating chips and dip in their living rooms came to mind.  Once I saw the gift bag with a large square container full of BeautiControl spa products, a Toshiba USB, and a plastic spray bottle, it made sense.  Look in any designer or stylist's closet and you'll see closets organized with various clear containers.

Tupperware not only provided the swag, but helped Irina out with some of the materials for her designs, including the jewelry.

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer: Charlotte Ronson

If you didn't recognize her famous last name, you would still know why she is a fashion designer. She's been at it since 2000.  Charlotte Ronson knows her target crowd and has a signature style that is both recognizable and affordable.  Staying in the contemporary market when her fame and talent could launch her into a luxury only line is only what makes her more admirable.

This past year she launched I heart Ronson for JC Penney and the cool kids rejoiced.

Colors

Bright blues, bunt orange, black, white and one pop of hot pink.

Loved Looks

It is Fall fashion week so of course there will be coats.  The camel coat's stand up collar had a heart shape in the back.  Her floral, flowing mini dress is 70's hippie chick with a dash of tough.  The silks, lace and velvet fabrics gave an extra flavor to everyday, wearable pieces. Last, who can resist suede over-the -knee boots: comfortable and sexy.

Photos:Imaxtree via New York Magazine.com. Click to see entire collection

Unloved Looks

There's an epidemic out there. Please, we need your help. Celebrities and young girls everywhere do not have bottoms to wear. They have see -through skirts, tights, underwear and even high boots to cover up as much as they can, but still, they are left with out pants.  Just one skirt or one pair of shorts can help. If you call now to sponsor a young lady and we will send you a picture of them wearing bottoms thanks to your generous donation. Stop this tragic, unfortunate affliction from continuing.

Music

There is no doubt that Charlotte Ronson is a music lover. As the tents filled, old funk and disco, including the Bee Gees played.  When the show started, the soundtrack seemed to include her entire collection of classic rock (which I rather enjoyed as an alternative to dance mixes).  Paul Simon, The Doobie Brothers, Carly Simon mixed into Life in the Fast Lane, Led Zeppelin, and Heart.

People and Scene

The usual fashion celebs were there: Ally Hilfiger, reality show star Whitney Port, Solange Knowles. But, the strangest appearance so far occurred here. Matt Dillon was sitting front row. Its especially odd to me since I met him once a few years back though mutual friends. He seemed mild-mannered and not at all the type of guy who would want to attend a fashion show.  Maybe he was friends with the designer?  Perhaps shopping for a new girl friend? Who knows.

Speaking of mild-mannered, which I usually am, waiting in line for this show had me ready to throw down. The tents were madhouse of people shoving, pushing and calling out their supposed affiliations in attempts to get through security.  One guy kept badgering security saying he was from The Today Show. He sneaked past, got thrown out, then appeared at the beginning of the line again.  The security guy was once again staring at his desperate, "Today Show" correspondent face. Finally. the bouncer said "Dude, look, you gotta get out of here! Don't make me call other people over here!"

As the 15 minute wait went on, a drunk guy and his girlfriend shoved up behind me. They kept saying out loud "Gawd, I cant believe how hard it is to get in a fashion show!" Apparently not hard enough. The guy slapped me in the back. I turned, gave him a look.  A few minutes later he shoved me and grabbed the back of my coat.  I asked him to stop politely. When security finally started letting people in, he launched into me, knocking over the girl beside me. Then he proceeded to grab my coat again as he tried to plow through the bungee rope.  That's when I told him I was going to elbow him in the throat if he touched me again.  I should add that I just broke my digital camera screen by catching it with the corner of my razor sharp elbow, or "elbow of doom" as my boyfriend calls it.

Once inside it was funk-a-delic and smooth, I sat patiently and waited for the show.

To Gift or Not To Gift

There were some Zone Perfect Indulgence bars. I ate all four of them when I got home, which I don't think is the actual intention of meal replacement bars. I was hungry.  Hard Candy dropped some eyeliner, mascara and-what-Silver Glitter in the bag. It got all over my black coat when I took it out.  Please don't tell me glitter is back.  I gave a hot pink OPI nail polish to the girl in the seat next to me since someone stole her bag.  Tresemme provided mousse and "dry shampoo" (which I would surely need after the ten cigarettes I would be smoking after I got the hell out of there)  And a coupon for a free "lady parts" wax.

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer: Rachel Comey

Launched almost ten years ago, Rachel Comey started out designing menswear only.  I'm glad she decided to venture into women's wear. Comey is not a household name as of yet, but has a loyal indie following due to her off-beat original designs and trendsetting well-made shoes.

This collection was a vibe of Annie Hall meets Faye Dunnaway in Network with a dash of Hells Angels, but if they were seen through the eyes of a tripping hippie. I don't mean that in a bad way. It was imaginative, fun and original.

Colors

Oranges, blues, forest greens, browns and blacks

Looks Loved

I don't know if the shoes were a combination of a leather "sock" or if the leather was fitted to look as such and connected to the shoes, but retail buyers take note, I want them so place an order now!  I also loved the printed jeans, but would leave them to an editorial shoot or a much more adventurous dresser.  I have a thing for mixed mis-matched patterns together and Comey does this well.

Photos: The Envy- To see the entire collection, click here

Unloved Looks

The swirled, multi-colored velvet pattern skirt read 50 something year old bohemian art professor to me.  Even the extraordinarily tall, young models had a hard time pulling off these looks.

Music

Hex Message, a live band played in the center of what looked like an unfinished loft space.  In the beginning their experimental instrumental chiming and drumming was charming. By the end of the show, the gradual crescendo of piercing keyboards and guitar shrieks were distracting. It was like when someone trips a car alarm outside your bedroom window. At first you think, meh. Then as it goes on and on you contemplate chucking the closest thing in your reach at it.

People and Scene

The show was held in an art building, on a floor that was not built out completely, which was great in terms of spaciousness. I set my bag down, only to notice it was covered in white dust. The Hex Message rocked out in the center of the room.

While there was enough footage for the models to walk the entire room, there was an odd three bench only seating. If you got there late, you stood. If you got there early, like I did, you planted your butt on a bench. Jealous? Oh you know you are! Really though, the venue was so large anyone who was anywhere in the room should've been able to see all the looks with ease.

There were some complainers.  One editor complained "This is sooo stupid?  Why did they do this? Im going to make them give me a seat." I didn't mind at all though. I was so close to the clothes that I could see all the fabrics and details.

To Gift or Not to Gift

There were no swag bags here, though I was hoping for a lint roller to clean off my bag.

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer: Geren Ford

Geren Ford showed at the Crosby Hotel in Soho. The line is founded by Geren Lockhart, a former advertising executive turned contemporary designer.  Her signature is easy, day to evening bohemian inspired garments.

Like last season, the Geren Ford show started late.  Unlike last season, this was a presentation rather than a catwalk style runway.  While lingering in the lobby, I spotted a couple who looked familiar. I couldn't place them.  Was this guy a model?  This girl--did I work with her somewhere?

When the eager show-goers were let in 30 minutes later, a hoard of photographers jumped in front of the models on pedastools and started snapping.  Since there was no run of show, I was unsure of her inspiration. A boisterous fashion guy said it was (inaudible) meets Lauren Becall.

Colors:

Greens, Greys and Browns

Loved Looks:

The make up was flawless, done by Bumble and Bumble (again over heard in the crowd).  As for this season's collection, I was much more impressed than what I saw from Ford in the spring.  Tailored cadet jackets paired with silk splattered skirts and vintage inspired shoes.  There was also an element of sporty as with the track and field stripe cropped pant  and silk long sleeve shirt.  I loved the army green as an alternative to the fail-safe black.

Unloved Looks

While I appreciated Geren Ford's slight stray from breezy dresses, some of the looks just weren't flattering.  When 6ft tall 115lb models look bulky, its hard to imagine what these pieces will look like on us non-model bodies. I wanted to love this ruffle military jacket, but the shape adds too much to areas where most of us don't need the addition. As for the long coat and dress look, its not structured enough to pull off an avant garde cut, and ends up looking frumpy. The green halter reminded me of old school Proenza Schouler styles that ended up on every girl working in the fashion industry thanks to the designer's collaboration with Target.  We need to shelf that style for a while.

Music

Elevator music? I could be wrong though.  It was loud in there with the hum of the crowd and over-anxious photographers shouting, "Turn a bit! That's it! Okay gooooood."  I liked the Be Good Tanyas rendition of "When Doves Cry" from last season's show.

People and Scene

By the end of the presentation I figured out where I "knew" that guy and girl I was gawking at in the lobby. They were Project Runway Season 6 designers Logan and Carol Hannah.

The Crosby Hotel was gorgeous.  I wanted to take pictures of every piece of furniture and all of the wall paper in the place.  Hey, who knows when a girl like me will ever be in there again.

To Gift or Not to Gift.

There was no gifting go on. That's the norm as of the last couple of seasons. However, I would've liked a run of show with the designer inspiration instead of eavesdropping on the haute hounds.*

*haute hounds: a group of people who attend fashion shows with no particular professional purpose except to look fabulous, dress in awesome clothes and talk loudly in hopes that others hear thier conversations.

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer : Eryn Brinie

The 2010 Autumn Winter Presentation was held at the New York flagship store on Broadway in Soho. The designer's looks were inspired by "the different facets of Eryn's journey from Paris to New York"

Loved Looks

What's great about Eryn Brinie is that she brings taste and style to a price point of clothing that can skew too young  or even look, dare I say it ...cheap.  It's sophisticated, scaled back, yet the subtle details on classic pieces take it step further.

The fabrics of these looks were not top notch, but definitely not skimpy in quality. The details like the sleeve of the black jacket and the pleats and cut of  the violet dress give it a little extra chic.  Great for low paid fashion assistants who don't want to pile on rayon-nylon concoctions from fast-fashion retailers! Eryn Brinie is a breath of  fresh air in the affordable clothing category.

Unloved Looks

When I first walked in, I saw the model wearing a hunting jacket, white tunic blouse, and skinny twill pants. My first thought was is Eryn Brinie doing maternity too?  That's not sarcastic. I really had to take a second look.  Maybe it was the way the shirt was styled with the vest and jacket which made the shirt pucker, but it didn't work for me.

Music

There was a DJ playing thump and bump house music that I, nor my Shazam iPhone app couldn't identify.

People and Scene

I don't know if it was the mush outside on the sidewalks of New York, or that I just made the tail end of the presentation after getting stuck on the L train, but the long, slim store wasn't  filled to the brim.  People were leaning against the walls, chatting. There were a couple of photographers. A waiter was holding a tray of cider or wine with three tiny crab apples on it. When I tried to take his picture, he moved.

To Gift or Not to Gift

Since I started attending New York Fashion Week in 2006, the gift bags have been scaled back or even become non-existent. I don't mind. Getting free stuff is not why I go to shows. I show my reclusive face at fashion week so I can do my job well as a stylist assistant, further my career and now, bring all of you funhouse readers reports!

But, Eryn Brinie did have a little something for us.  It was a strange three piece gift of  Smashbox blue eyeliner and make- up brush. Enter a box of  Vita Coco Water.

And, you know Fashion Funhouse Emporium is not a site that glosses right over things like Vita Coco Water donating their product so I would mention it here twice.  So lemme taste this and give you the verdict....hold on....bottle says "prevents cramping" ....uh, tastes like juice from cans of fruit cocktail if there were no high fructose corn syrup added. So there you go.

Crosby Street from Starbucks Window after the Eryn Brinie Show

Though New York Fashion Week Fall 2010 doesn't officially begin until tomorrow, Thursday, February 11th, some smaller designers held presentations in various locations.

As a credentialed member of the media--no really, I made my way to the Bryant Park tents to pick up my press pass.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Tents decided to switch up the location of the press office this year.  Since I went to the back of the tents and found it wasn't there, a burly worker who was still constructing the stages inside told me where to go.  He groaned something about having 20 more hours of work to go.

The ground outside was soup...total slush, probably dog and human pee and who knows what mixed in melted snow.  That's the part of fashion you don't see. Me and my heels, wading through unidentified liquid to get my cred.

I  went into the office, I gave the staff member my ID. She cheerfully said "Fashion Funhouse Emporium?" I laughed. I never thought that my little side project that spawned during a lull in employment (and a name which I came up with to amuse myself ) would turn into an legit site.

Streets of Soho after the Geren Ford Presentation

I hope you have as much fun reading my coverage as I am sure I will have writing it.

Today kicks off fashion week and there is about 5 inches of snow on the ground. I admit it, I have no sensible shoes. I hope I wont be giving you my reports from the emergency room.

I will not be attending as many shows as I would like since I am actually working this week as well, but I will do my best to give my followers entertaing write-ups of all that goes on!  Stay tuned!

This is my niece looking pretty and fashionable in pink!!