Carlos Miele Spring 09

The press is standing guard with their cameras ready to capture the pieces walking down the runway. The lights dim and the music starts playing, at first its just a simple beat playing and no models walk out so everyone starts clamoring about what's going on. Just then:

He came out of nowhere and all of a sudden we have a live performance during the runway show. This is what a fashion show should be; dramatic. The looks are elegant and lively, one piece that was sent down the runway resembled a huge rose and it was beautiful. The entire collection had a very distinct look to it, some pieces were simple and chic while others were complicated and elegant but there were ruffles in each piece in some way shape or form. The majority of the collection has this hidden beauty about it and I say that because it isn't until you see the piece in movement that you can truly appreciate it. 

Get into the looks below:

When this look came down the runway it brought tears to my eyes and luckily the photographer captured it perfectly.

SoHo

Model Watch: Sessilee Lopez

This runway beauty caught my eye at the Réyes show and has held my attention since. She has a walk to be remembered and she has a face that really depends on how she has her hair. I did some research and her days of walking in Fashion Week shows date back to the Fall of 05 for Zac Posen. Back in her earlier years (05/06) she had her hair shorter at one point she had a G.I. Jane cut but no matter what she has done to her hair she has always made it work. I personally prefer her with her hair the way it is now but she definitely looks edgier with her hair shorter. She has been quite busy for Fashion Week as she has walked in seven different shows since Friday including the designer King of New York; Marc Jacobs. 

Enjoy:

Marc Jacobs Spring 09

Malo Spring 09

Réyes Spring 09

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Fall 08

Zac Posen Fall 05

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Foresight: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Let this serve as a testimony that I saw it before it happened. This picture was taken around 2PM on september 9th in the lobby at Bryant Park fashion week. The topic isn't the beautiful young lady (Vanessa) that I took the picture with but rather an aspect of my outfit. I had no idea what I was going to wear and I almost didn't make it out because of the rain but at the last minute I decided to go and this is the outfit that I threw together. The belt that I synched my waist with is a leather Marc Jacobs belt. Also take notice to the rolled up sleeves and the slender effect caused by the belt.

Later on that same night Marc Jacobs sent this look down the runway for his Marc by Marc Jacobs line:

Does anyone have any questions about my credibility to write fashion articles?

Good. Notice the belts and the similar effect created by the belts. The belt that is actually synched around her waist is the thinner red belt, the larger off white belt is just there for decoration. I know it was a risk on my part and it was a stretch but isn't that what I'm always advising you (the reader) to do? Why would you listen to something that I tell you that you should try if I'm not willing to do it myself? The next time you come to a metaphysical cliff in life, just take a chance and jump.

SoHo

Looks From Inside/ Around The Tent:

L&F Personal

Myspace iCandy: Yenifel

L&F Personal

Shoe of the Night: Christian Louboutin

Caught these bad two steps on Nicole. I told you on Personal that she was sick so excuse her style. Did you know that the bottom of Louboutin's shoes weren't always red? It was during a runway show, while watching his shoes on the models as they walk he felt that something was missing. It is said that the idea for the red bottoms came from one of his assistants that was wearing red Chanel nail polish. Now a days when you purchase your Louboutin's from stores like Neiman Marcus what do you get with them? A bag and a box? Pish posh! When Louboutin opened his boutique in Paris he gave his patrons free coffee. The only boutique to date that has a similar practice is Yves Saint Laurent, where they offer you either water or champaign. More domestic boutiques should adopt that policy, you have a client list that is full of trust fund children, celebrities and CEO's so why not cater to them?

Just in case you didn't get the point yet:

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Marc Jacobs Spring 09

Marc Jacobs' shows are always shrouded by drama, whether it's because he's late or it's due to his front row celebrity guest there is always something special about his shows; which is probably why he opted not to hold the show in the tents at Bryant Park. In case you didn't already know Marc is the king of New York when your talking designers. He has a cult following and for good reason. Who else are the people going to turn to for an edgy twist on the American classics that they love? Marc Jacobs' never fails to send some looks down the runway that no one in the audience is ready for. Below you see some modern twist on the classic American woman being spiced up with the addition of colors. I definitely think that color can make or break a piece and in these looks below it appears that he has given the color scheme some thought because these looks work on so many different levels that its almost embarrassing to think about other designers that just cant seem to get the color scheme right. From the hats to the plaid shirts these looks are screaming early 20's but with the addition of accessories like: the clutch, the corset, the eye wear and the color he has really refreshed an American classic.

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The Man:

Andre Leon Talley. That name alone should be enough to stop anyone in their tracks and recreate the effects of an earthquake. For those of you who just kindly partake in fashion, this man decides what you put on every morning. Now you may say to yourself "what does SoHo B mean?" "how can he decide what I wear daily?" He decides what you pull from your closet because this is the man that determines what you need to have in your closet. Talley is and has been the editor-at-large for Vogue for some time now. Depicted in the picture above to the left of Talley is Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief for American Vogue ((coming soon) just know that she is everything.) Andre is a huge influence in the fashion industry, aside from predicting trends better than the weather men can predict the weather he also seeks out young talent. That is very important because he is in a very prominent position in the industry and the fact that he even bothers with young designers and musicians shows that he understands that the knowledge he possesses must be passed on. People are always saying they love fashion and they live for fashion but Talley lives fashion and lets just say he wasn't born yesterday. I ran into him as we were both on our way to see the Diesel show at Bryant Park. If I had any second thoughts about going to see that show, they were surely wiped away once I spoke with Andre and discovered that he too was going to see that show. You just know that your in the right show when Andre Leon Talley is there; he has been front row of the best fashion shows for over 25 years. Hopefully we'll catch up again before fashion week is over but for now get into the bag:

When you command such power of persuasion it is important that you send messages that you believe in. He wanted to make sure that I got the bag in the picture; thank you Talley for this message.

SoHo

Marc Jacobs Mayhem

L&F Personal

Bill O'Reilly: Barack Obama (part 2)

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Proenza Schouler Spring 09: Kanye West

Who's seen Kanye West lately? Looks like him and I have the same idea, sorry 'Ye but if your going for the Cornell West look I'm getting there first. I don't know if you guys pay attention to Coolness P but he's been growing his hair since February and he told me since last December that scruffy is going to be in and he wants me to grow my hair too. It didn't start growing my hair until June 08 and Kanye started about a month later. Wonder how many people will get into the scruffy look. Word to this wise: Take notes from how we do it, if your going to be scruffy the least you can do is dress yourself with some distinction so people don't think that your a derelict. Having some hair on your head really changes your look, try it and if you don't like it you can always cut your hair.

Here are some more people that aren't afraid of a little hair on their head:

Saul Williams

Taz Arnold

Dr. Cornell West

Questlove

I'm gracefully approaching a Saul Williams while P is already on his Taz Arnold. How far along are you?

SoHo

The Look: 3

Lets totally analyze this photo of David. He is the focal point of the picture and he demands your attention in this photo, he is also the only still person in the picture. I find his subtle introduction of color to this navy blue canvas quite interesting. Most men are afraid to use colors because they aren't quite sure how to use colors or if those colors will work for them. However these colors that he has chosen seem to work out well for him. Pay attention to the way in which he didn't really roll up his sleeve but he unbuttoned it and let it carefully flare out just to add a little flavor to the outfit and finally bring your attention to the tie action. He tucked the body of the tie so that only a portion of the tie shows. Ladies and gentlemen you are viewing a man that is clearly inspired by fashion abroad; I would say London. He took way too many chances with this look for this to be anything that remotely resembles an American look. The majority of American fashion is safe and in some ways conservative, which is why critics think that Marc Jacobs is such a rebel, his clothes speak in volumes way above the competition and that is exactly what this outfit is doing; speaking in volumes way above the competition.

Good show chap; I say good show.

SoHo

The Look: 2

Yes! This look is everything and at the same time nothing at all. If you pay close attention to it you'll see that this is fabric still in the raw form but he definitely made some alterations and made it work with that Louis bag. He definitely sold me this look and the vest is so on point that I'm a little upset that my gray vest isn't as alive. However if you pay close attention to his pant you can clearly see that Chanel was his inspiration. Yes Karl Lagerfeld influences the masses in mysterious ways but if you think back to the last time you've seen Chanel on a runway you'll start to remember this look. 

Allow me:

Runway looks are like quotes because they are statements that are made to be interpreted by everyone but everyone interprets things differently so I love when I see the different ways in which people interpret the runway looks and then recreate their interpretation of the look for their wardrobe. That is truly wonderful.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

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Bill O'Reilly: Barack Obama

I like this debate because Sen. Obama went on a show that he knew would grill him about his views and his plans for the nation. He didn't have to do it especially since all of the noise about Fox News Network being a  racist network and making blatant attacks on the Obama campaign. This is just one of a three part interview and honestly it is interesting, Obama does a hell of a good job debating with O'Reilly on the issues.

Stay tuned for the other two parts.

SoHo

The Look:1

I can do nothing but clap for this look; it has been well executed from head to toe. The slim fit True Religion jeans, you won't get yours to fit like that unless your really into fashion (hint: look at the cut and pay special attention to the inseam). The brown leather Gucci bag was a nice touch. Personally I don't do Gucci due to it's easy detection and recent over-popularity but this bag is very nice, it really is a subtle approach to Gucci. The splash of flavor from the Alexander McQueen pashmina scarf was a good idea and I'd advise him to do it a thousand times more. A blazer that fits well is always a good choice, try not to swim in your blazers and pant suits gentlemen; thank you.

"A look is only a thought until you execute it." J.B.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

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Diesel Spring 09

The press was sitting in their box patiently waiting to snap until their fingers turn red but I'm sure that even the veteran camera men had no idea how the show was going to turn out. It was such a huge turnout for the show that the seats were filled in no time, it was so bad that people started fighting over seats (how primitive). The commotion ceases, the entrance is closed, leaving a large number of possible viewers outside and a heart beat starts to come through the sound system. The plastic covering for the runway is pulled up and I'm on the edge of my seat, anxious to see what is going to happen next. A model stands in front of a huge display and the display counts down similar to the way films in the early 1900's would start.

Get into it:

This was one of the most dramatic beginnings to a fashion show that I've seen since Fashion Week began but there was a theme at play here that acted as a belt and held everything in place. From the second the first look walked out onto the runway I was thinking: New York in the late 1800's. A lot of "fashionistas" may not know this but New York had a lot of different styles running through its streets around 1863 when the immigrants from Ireland came to New York. Around those times the streets of New York were as extremely stylish, you could walk to the market and on your way you'd see everything from a huge top hat to some tailored pants that reveal the ankle; a look that most men are now stumbling upon. There is no doubt in my mind about the influences for this collection. The epaulette's featured in these looks were to die for, that small addition definitely put a modern twist on an old look.

Check out the looks:

Great show.

SoHo

The After Calvin Klein Party: Norwood

Click Here For More Pictures:

L&F Personal

How's It Hanging?

The latest craze to hit the SoHo Block's is what I like to call the "trinket". Its a creative way to display the brands that you love and it also adds so much flavor to your outfit. Virtually anything that can be attached to a belt clip is used but your more likely to find Bathing Ape, BBC or Ice Cream products hanging from (but not limited to) the waist of hipsters, cool kids and D.B.P's  (dirty backpacker's) alike. The most commonly used belt clip on the SoHo Block's is a BBC "Leather Snap Strap Keychain" which comes in three different colors but is currently sold out on the BBC/ Ice Cream website. However there are many other options, like the Marc Jacobs snap keychain which is available in 12 different colors. Or you can just go to the local hardware store and ask for a clip keychain; it's your preference. Now as for the actual trinkets that are being displayed, acquiring those may be a little tricky. Most of them come with Bathing Ape merchandise and you will not be able to purchase them separately however there are plenty of trinkets for sale at both Bape and BBC/ Ice Cream. Most of the trinkets have utilitarian purposes such as: cell phone screen cleaners, laptop screen cleaners, etc. While others are cool tags that were originally attached to clothing. 

Do I like this trend?

No, I love this trend. I think it's great that people are getting into this, it's unconventional and it's cool. It isn't causing any harm and most importantly no one is getting disrespected. I consider this an affordable way to make a plain outfit pop. If you have the right trinkets hanging from your waist, you could make a white tee shirt look sick.

SoHo

Tibi Spring 09

One word to describe the Tibi show is beautiful. Buyers are always looking for something that is going to make consumers go nuts and Tibi certainly provided that look for spring 09. There was a "baggy" theme that flowed all through the show not only in the pants but also in the dresses. These five looks that I have selected project that look and might I add that they looked spectacular coming down the runway, it was so suspenseful after the first look came out everyone was on the edge of their seat, eager to see what would trot out next. These looks were designed to allow total movement and they really accent the female body. Coupled with the loose garments that seemed to frolic on the women the entire show had a foreign influence that was portrayed in every single look. There is definitely a playful oriental feeling being given off from this runway however it wasn't being force-fed to the audience, it was rather subtle like an offering.

Get into the looks:

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Akika Ogawa Spring 09

This collection has a very slim line chic look to it. There is some play with pantsuits and masculine looks with a touch of femininity which is expressed gently with the fabrics used and the reappearance of flowers. This show was a beautiful display of clothing from beginning to end a lot of the credit for that is due to the fact that most of the collection is about movement. Most of the looks are fabrics that bring life to an ensemble with the way they live when you walk in them.

Take a look:

SoHo

Brooklyn Royalty Spring 09

These five looks that I have presented are the looks that I believe are the most flattering for this line. Overall it was a good show and more importantly it was an enjoyable show. The x-factor in this show was the accessories and in a way the make up. The accessories made this show work well. Some of the additions were over the top but it was in a playful way so it worked out well. The make up gave the line and the models sort of an edgy look. Every model was wearing light tones and had a silver line come across their face right below their eyebrows; it was innovative and it didn't look like face painting it actually looked fashionable. There was a lot of play with colors in this line and the introduction of leather. Leather was a staple in this collection and it didn't look too biker-ish, I believe that the creative director has achieved the look of the leather jacket in the sense that you can wear it with everyday clothes and not look like your getting on a chopper.

Enjoy the looks:

Bright Future

SoHo

Looks From Inside of The Tent:

Click Here: 

L&F Personal