Fashion Funhouse Emporium

I was rushing out to the Carlos Milele show this morning.  I think my heel got caught on the bottom step's edging and I was launched face first into the wall.

I looked up and there was a lipstick mark, in the shape of my lips where hit the wall. LOL.

I sat there, determined to still make it out, but I just wanted to make sure my nose wasn't gushing blood. Sure enough, within a few seconds, there it was.  I was also wearing glasses, which cut the bridge of my nose. Defeated, I took my clumsy self back up stairs to my apartment. When I looked in the mirror, I saw a black and blue bump.

Even if my schnoz is not broken, I'm probably not going to attend fashion shows with a swollen honker.  The boyfriend is coming home now to take me to Beth Israel Hospital. I will keep my readers posted.

One thing I learned from this experience, I can really take a hit to the face.  I didn't cry, but rather laughed, especially when I saw my face print on the wall.

In honor of "Fall" fashion week, here are some links to other mishaps so far this season.

Agyness Deyn Tumbles at Fashion Week

Nina Garcia Wipes Out

UPDATE: My nose is not broken.  I just look as if I got into a bar fight. I didn't make it to any shows today since it's still swollen. I don't have the guts to wrap my face in lace like Lady Gaga, though with the Blonds show tomorrow, I would fit right in.

Look closely...that's a lip print of Lancome Woodland Berry.

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer: Alexander Berardi

At the Altman Building off of 6th Avenue, Alexander Berardi showed his second show at New York Fashion Week.  Raised in New York, he worked with Kenneth Cole and studied at Parsons.

Colors:

Black, white, red, purple, navy

Looks Loved

After his first Spring show, I have to be honest and say that I wasn't expecting to be dazzled. However there were a few hits on his runway this season.  A floor length white sequin  dress with a draped neck is red carpet ready.  His velvet tuxedo was swank, though it wasn't quite fit to the model properly. The rosette suspenders were especially cute, but again were ill-fitted. I would've liked to see them just a bit tighter. The looseness made them loose a bit of their luster.  The polka dotted cummerbund that accompanied them was overkill and looked like a hula hoop on the model. I was temped to run out onto the middle of the runway with pins, tape and my sewing kit.  "Hold on a sec....[pin tuck tuck pin] okay. good. go" But I would rock that tux after a trip to the tailors.

Unloved Looks

Some of Alexander Berardi's designs teeter on the brink of looking as if they are sold in Forever 21. The parade of looks and the level of skill shown were so incoherent, from gowns, to baby doll dresses to tuxedos. He does show some promise with a few pieces here and there, over all, this is an example of someone who needs to work with more top designers before launching into his own line. With such and over saturation of fashion designers, it doesn't make sense to put on a show until Berardi finds his way. I swear I saw the same white and navy piped trim shirt dress in his Spring show.  I  had many of dejavu moments, going "wait, that is the same polka dot 20's style skirt and jacket as last season?"

I heard the voices of Micheal Kors, Nina Garcia and Hiedi Klum saying things like " you need to know other designers" and "we question your taste level." This red dress reminds me of the Rosette Valentino bag, only made into an entire dress.

Music

Dance beats typical of the runways including Frances by Pheonix and Siman Moble Disco.

People and Scene

There was way more of a turn out than last seasons show. Ally Hilfiger showed up front row.  A crowd of over-booked standers (including myself) waited to fill in empty seats. A young guy dressed in a black blazer patrolled the seating. He was instructed to let standers in ten at a time. I was near the front of the line. He strategically picked out people from the crowd, and by passed me his first three counts.  He said " I need you to wait here."

Now, I know a site called Fashion Funhouse Emporium is not on the top of anyones priority list and I will take standing. I know my place in the world of fashion. The seating boy kept looking over my head as if he was granting entrance to some meat-packing district club, looking for only the "hot" people. He had a point if that was the case. But still, AKWARD?!  Though, I have a purpose for being there. Its my job to see what is out there for my boss and to write for my blog. My intention was to find a place where I could see, even if it was on the other side of the room, where no one seemed to be standing. If  I wasn't trapped in a circle of pushing fashionistas, I would've left the scene.

In the words of Chuck D of Public Enemy - "Don't Don't Da Dont belive the hype...."

To Gift or Not To Gift

Nothing but a hard time.

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer: Mik Cire by Eric Kim

I haven't been to any of the men's shows at New York fashion week, but that doesn't mean I didn't want to. I stumbled upon this one in my inbox and I'm glad I did.

Eric Kim is the former designer of the brand Monarchy, a contemporary men's and women's clothing line with a cult following. In his new men's label, he takes his eye for the rock casual style men a step further.

Colors

Black, slate gray, olive, taupe

Looks Loved

Remember when I did this post about Clint Eastwood's clothing line?  Scarves that cover the face, leather belts to whip your ass with?  Well, Mik Cire comes pretty close to my vision of what Clint's design aesthetic would be.  I loved the leather holsters on the guys legs (I think they are called spats?) There's something always sexy about suspenders, that is if they are leather and/or thin.  The super high lace up boots and long wool jackets paired with scarves had a wild west vibe mixed with a slight rock star twist. Even the coats had minor details which made them interesting, like off center buttons.

Photos courtesy of Mao PR and via coutortue. Click to see the full collection

Unloved Looks

There were two ginormous man bags that went down the runway. I thought to myself, that bag needs wheels.  If you're going to carry a bag that large it's gonna be heavy. Also, the way Eric Kim mixed the letters in his name to form "MIK CIRE" bothered me.  I like simply "Eric Kim." It has a nice ring.

Music:

A mash up of Nu Disco and other dance beats including Pheonix, Kid Cuddi, Empire of the Sun, Madcon and even Common.

People and Scene

If you like to see the an old fashioned eccentric fashion flock, then this was the place to be. Phillipe Blond was dressed in a body suit and wore a black leather croc majorette style hat.  A girl across the tents rolled in with a massive feather sticking off the top of her head. These are the people you wish you had the guts to dress like.

Eric Kim ended the show by walking down the runway with his baby.  The crowd roared, partly because of the excellent show and mostly because who can resist this kind of cuteness?

Photo courtesy of Mao PR/Eric Kim

To Gift or Not to Gift

There was a copy of the Daily on the seat which doesn't count as swag. Especially since I already had three of the same in my bag because I feel bad for the girls handing the copies out.

A Note from the Designer

On his card that listed the credits and sponsors, Eric Kim printed this note: "Every season, I will be connecting a charity to my brand.  This season, I would like all of you to please visit: www.takepart.com/thecove Please help me raise awareness about the savage and brutal slaying of dolphins in Taiji, Japan!!! - Eric Kim"

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer: BCBG

The BCBG label and designer, Max Azria, are fashion industry veterans when it comes to designing for the contemporary market.  Its accessible and its quality.  They know who they design for.

Check out their blog to learn more of  what it took to put on the show.

BCBG was the only designer to send me an invitation that was actually addressed to my blog's ridiculous name: Fashion Funhouse Emporium.  I laughed when I saw it.  Though, I was disappointed that when I got to the show, I was not on the list even though I sent in my RSVP of "Yes"

Just as well, I viewed the show from "the cheap seats" and even got to scope out the crowd.

Colors

Khakis, greys, dark blues with a block of yellow or two.

Loved Looks

Like Spring, BCBG continued with the clean, simple looks.  While I wasn't blown away by any one particular piece, I appreciate the aesthetic.  BCBG is not about creating crazy new trends, but rather, creating simple staple pieces that can be styled to suit the wearer.

Images via coutorture-click to see entire collection

Unloved Looks

There were no looks I particularly didn't like.  I personally don't like yellow, but that's not valid criticism.  It is what it is with BCBG. When you head to a show, you expect billowing silk and day to night dress up.  That's what they gave us. Yes, BCBG is a stable, comfortable, old married couple.

Music

Oh Shazammmmmm, why are you doing this to me?  Again, my app couldn't identify the song that was playing.. My blog's music section stinks! I will tell you though, it was a male singer...sort of folksy but with dance beat.

People and Scene

The Vogue team and Anna Wintour sat front row. Michele Williams was there apparently.  If you look way up in the crowd you might see me. It was a huge production in the Bryant Park Tents with the typical runway for this type of set up- a rectangle around the crowd.

To Gift or Not to Gift

I don't know.  There's no gifting for the standing crowd or anyone past the first three rows. It is what it is, indeed.