Yoana Baraschi was born in Romania. She's been designing contemporary collections for the fun, flirty girl for her own line since 2002. She was heavily influenced by Betsey Johnson, when Baraschi became the creative director in 1999. Not only was she impressed by the iconic designer's successful business, but also her unwillingness to compromise her visions. Yoana Baraschi has been gaining momentum ever since, now with her own online store and presence in approximately 500 specialty boutiques world wide.
New York Fashion Week Spring 2011 - Costello Tagliapietra
Lovable designers Robert Tagliapietra and Jeffrey Costello can often be seen dressed similarly in plaid shirts and suspenders, a burly pair often not what most picture when seeing such feminine collections. The two met at Parsons and formed Costello Tagliapeitra and sent thier first runway collection down the catwalk in 2005. The CFDA member designers have been slowly gaining acclaim since and even snagged a collaboration with the Japanese based brand Uniqlo.
Colors: nude, gray, brown, blush
Materials: georgette, jersey
Loved Looks
Photo: WWD/John Aquino
Photo: WWD/John Aquino
Photo: WWD/John Aquino
Costello Tagliapietra's collection was inspired by women who want to dress up, but without too much effort. It was the answer to today's casual society: down with velour pants suits! Jeans and tees are okay, but there is a time and place for everything, they say. Most of this collection was beautifully executed with a refined dresses for a woman who wants to get noticed, but doesn't want to be gawked at. Hits include the brown off the shoulder dress with draping, asymmetric sheath dress and printed off the shoulder dress.
Unloved Looks
Photo: WWD/John Aquino
Not unlike other designers this season, Costello Tagliapietra tended to go a bit overboard on draping. I think that the majority of women (and I am a woman) do not want to dress in a sack-like garment. Though the garments weren't completely unlovable. I did find the brown structure shoulder top and the pea green skirt to be a gross color combination.
Music
Costello Taglipietra's creative musical muses while creating the collection were The Mishapes, Washed Out, Memory Tapes and Ariel Pink.
People and Scene
MAC & MILK Studios shows have been giving the tents a run for their Mercedes money. With ample space and a "u" shaped runway, the crowd was able to catch every look that came out. If you weren't invited, the show broadcast live on MilkMade, Milk's site that covers the shows that happened there this week. More and more designer's are turning away from celebrity based arena-rock style shows, and evidenced by the people here, this duo shared the same sentiment. Though, designers know that famous faces will pull in a bit of extra attention, so this show was not without Leigh Lezark and other quasi-celebs, most likely personal friends of the designers.
Watch the Spring 2011 Costello Tagliapietra Show at MilkMade.
New York Fashion Week Spring 2011 - Leifsdottir
Finland native Johanna Uurasjarvi presents her first runway showing of her Leifsdottir line. The wholesale brand debuted in 2008, but since then, she's only held presentations. A member of the URBN Inc family (Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Free People) her designs stay true to the company's journey to bring unique, artistic garments to the main stream.
Colors: nude, white, black, light pastel orange, safari green
Materials: Snakeskin, silk, silk organza, chiffon, leather, cotton twill, jersey,
Loved Looks
Since its a brand owned by Urban Outtfitters and sold in Anthropologie, girls on the street will be wearing these pieces separately with jeans, cargos, t-shirts and tanks. Though, the serpent skin skirts and shorts were standout as well as the staple black cotton dresses and little cropped black jackets. The leather pailette jacket had a great fit, and the styling with the circle sunglasses lent a bit more hipness.
Unloved Looks
Patent leather black trim tops were unnecessary and didn't fit. I could have lived without the Alexander Wang influenced sheer shirt and exposed bra looks.
Music
Mr Wilson DJ provided the soundtrack. Fun Fact: He also does the music for The Blonds shows.
People and Scene
Showed in the box of Lincoln Center. As we entered we were entranced with a pesky royal blue tine black-light, the backdrop of the runway consisted of two tanks made up of greenery as well as safari imagery on the wall screens. No celebs, but lots of bloggers, taking pictures of the attendees and not much of the show.
Reviewed by Jamar Graham for Fashion Funhouse Emporium. Jamar atttened New York's Parsons School of Design. He's worked for WGSN and currently writes his own blog called Treated Material. He is also launching his own clothing line to be announced soon.
