Fashion Funhouse Emporium

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2010

Designer: Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy's Fall presentation was held at Cedar Lake Studios in New York this past Sunday. Ms. Roy started off as an intern at Rocawear and rose through the ranks to be come creative director. He starting point in the industry far cry from the designs of her own namesake label.  Her creations usually have a touch of vintage and are beautifully tailored.

In August 2008, she teamed with Macy's to bring her designs to a contemporary market with Rachel Rachel Roy.

Colors

Light grey, black, metallic golds, eggplant, browns, taupe, popping turquoise and berry.

Loved Looks

Two eras in time melded to create the Fall collection: Ancient Egypt and the turn of the 20th century. Rachel Roy definitely has a trademark, that being her tailored cuts mixed with modern trend-setting slouchy loose pieces  You can normally count on her for those Katharine Hepburn/Lauren Becall 40's wide leg trousers, which I personally love. However, I didn't see them this season. Frown. Though there is an air of 40's glamor in her dresses.

All photos via style.com. Click to see the full collection

Unloved Looks

Ooooh Rachel.  This is taking the underwear as outwear too far.  Call me a prude, but I don't like the way the pattern draws my eyes right to her naughty parts. I don't think this piece would've lost its allure if there was a silk contrasting slip underneath.

Music

Is it bad that I was drawn into the crowd and really didn't pay attention?  Bad Blogger! Dance-ish though.

People and Scene

I mentioned it before, but I think Rachel Roy's way of presenting her collection should be the ideal for Fashion Week.  There are four "mini" shows with a few minutes in between on a low, visible runway in a comfortable setting where everyone, not just lowly bloggers, are standing.  If you miss the first parade of models on the catwalk, you have three more chances to catch them.  Not only do they walk, but all of the models stand on the runway together at the end. Its a perfect opportunity to get up close, see the fabrics,shapes, snap pictures and take a second look.

I want to commend Rachel on her model casting as well, like last season, she includes all ethnicities. All women are beautiful, not just doppelganger Barbie doll blonds and Rachel Roy showcases this.

To Gift or Not to Gift

What I love about Rachel is her interactions on social media. Once I sent her a Twitter telling her I want to see wide leg pants for Rachel Rachel Roy. To my suprise, she responded.  She also "tweets" quite frequently with pictures and descriptions of her work. It's like she's taking everyone who's interested on her journey with her. I think that's the gift!

Rachel on Twitter

Rachel on Facebook

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"