About: gabriellenp

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Profile: i was introduced to the fashion industry ten years ago and haven't looked back ever since. style is a way of life and a frame of mind.

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CALLING ALL ASPIRING SHOE DESIGNERS!

Diamonds and shoes are a girl’s best friend! What can be sweeter than finding your ideal shoe? Answer: DESIGNING your perfect shoe.

Vince Camuto, one of the co-founders of Nine West, is holding a design contest that allows aspiring designers to submit a sketch of their dream shoe for a chance to get it produced and sold in the Vince Camuto Fall 2010 Collection. The sketches will be posted on the Vince Camuto website where visitors will vote on which design they fancy the most. The top 10 voted designs will then be judged by designer Vince Camuto, president, Louise Camuto and an editor from Lucky Magazine. The best shoe design will be created and offered on VinceCamuto.com. If that’s not enough exposure for you, the winning design will also be featured in the September issue of Lucky Magazine and the designer will win a trip to New York City to meet Vince Camuto in the flesh. Contests like these make me really wish I could be the most excellent sketch artist ever.

Get your creative juices flowing and search for your Muse because all entries must be submitted to shoedesigncontest@vincecamuto.com by April 15, 2010.

Put your best foot forward and may the best shoe win!

Delise Ana – The Next Chic Thing!

This article serves as a warning for all the designers out there!  Fresh in her twenties, Delise Ana, is showing the fashion world that she is one not to be ignored. “Each piece is carefully designed, created, and constructed by hand,” says Ana. Designing by hand has become a lost art in this age of technologically advanced sewing equipment. Just this fact alone shows the keen technique Ana uses and reflects in her one-of-a-kind pieces.  “My line is that of a risk-taking woman who knows what she wants. (She’s) A free-spirit with attitude meant to be taken seriously,” says Ana. I had the grand privilege of sitting in on her first shoot in the Big Apple, specifically Brooklyn.

11:30 a.m. – The drive from Jersey to Brooklyn was not as perilous as I thought it would be. However, it’s when I and my photographer friend, Sam, arrived that the feeling of nervousness set in. This feeling was wholly due to our attempts to figure out which exact location the shoot would take place.

11:45 a.m. – I meet the petite fashionista-designer in front of the entrance of the building for the shoot. We were lead to the basement of the building.

12:00 p.m. – I soak in my surroundings and immediately fall in love with the rustic grey and white brick walls. I meet the talented celebrity makeup artist, Kathy, who does the makeup for rapper-actress-model, Eve. I also meet the photographer, Zowi Stapleton, who will be shooting the Fall/Winter 2009 collection. Last but not least, I meet the model. The shoot was so relaxed that Ana and her sister were searching for models from the streets of Brooklyn that would fit the “look” for the shoot.

12:25 p.m. – Kathy begins makeup on the beautiful model, Zowi and Sam set up their equipment, and I begin to pick apart the fashion-forward brain of the laid back and talented Ana.

G: When did you start designing?

A: Well, I started designing, about five years ago. I launched my first line in…South Carolina. Things have been insane!

G: Are you from South Carolina?

A: I’m from South Carolina, but now I’m based out of L.A.

G: That’s so funny. I’m actually from Houston and I moved up here last year!

A: Me and my family are all from the south.

G: I’m a “southern belle.” Very much so!

A: Yes, we are!

G: What influences your designs? What inspires you?

A: I love music. I get in touch with my alter ego. I want to create an image for someone else. What I can’t wear, I want someone else to wear.

G: What is the inspiration of your collection?

A: My inspiration is basically nature. I used a lot of furs, things like, animal print details.

1:20 p.m. – The shoot begins with a black leather bondage avant-garde gown. I was in love with the pleating and rouching details. The model’s hair is in a chignon with pieces of feathers and gold twists strategically woven to achieve Mother Nature’s femme fatale.

1:45 p.m. – Sam and I leave the shoot, but of course not without taking a picture of the entire Delise Ana clan!

Ana’s designs hit select LA boutiques in January 2010. Keep up with her updates at http://www.modelmayhem.com/deliseana.

Edgy Meets Girly Flirt in the Nicole Miller Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

Look 1: Wear to the office with a pointed toe kitten heel for a more professional appeal.

Look 2: Be the “scene” at a black and white themed party.

Look 3: Perfect for dancing the night away at a roof-top party.

Look 4: Be 2nd to the bride in this show-stealer at an evening wedding.

HOT for the SECOND date. Notice, I say second, because you have to remind the fortunate bloke as to why he chose you in the first place.

ARISE Promise of Africa Collection: I’m Single, I Can Adore Four Guys

The last show to wrap up my Friday of bliss was the ARISE Promise of Africa Collection. Based off my itinerary sheet, I did not know what to expect and was slightly confused. While sipping on a martini in the lounge, I flipped through ARISE Magazine. I asked myself: “Why have I not seen this amazing publication?” Fast forward into the show; at the seats were the collection lineup sheets that stated that ARISE is “the first global style and culture magazine to celebrate African achievement in the realms of fashion, music, culture, business, and polity.” Now, back to the point where I was confused and waiting in line for entry into the show, I could not help but to overhear how Grace Jones graced the catwalk in last season’s show. Hearing that news only fed into my excitement!
 As I enter the Promenade for the show, I began to get that school girl crush grin on my face as usually happens when I first enter a show. There was not an empty seat in the tent, which made me feel even more like a rare gem. The tent was dimly lit with forest green lights with shadows in the shapes of tropical tree leaves. Thunder, birds, drums, and rainstorm sound effects accompanied sporadic flashes of merlot red spotlights. My confusion quickly turned into enlightenment when I realized that the show was comprised of four leading designers out of Africa. As a matter of fact, the four designers were winners of the ARISE Fashion Awards. I suddenly had another relationship epiphany while anxiously waiting in my seat. This collection is like being single and able to like whoever you want and whenever you want. Rather, you like four different guys and they all have distinct differences that you love. Therefore, to keep your mind at ease, you keep it at a friendship so that you can choose one that fits your feeling and mood for the day. Yea, it’s just that simple and terrific. Lights twinkle off. a split screen reveals the catwalk entrance and the momentous show begins.
Jewel by Lisa:
Lisa Folawiyo is the mastermind behind Jewel by Lisa. The inspiration for her spring/summer 2010 collection is “afro-chic in the city,” as described in the inspiration line up sheet. The excellent blend of tough girl leather and girly-girl patterned dresses kicked off the show just right.

Key Notes:

• Batik-inspired silk prints
• Sequins and tassle details
• HOT cut-out dress
• Surprising poppy lipstick
• Maxi dress with peasant hem
• Classic shift dresses
• A touch of red skinny belts
• Skinny pants <Definitely a staple to have year round!>

Tiffany Amber:
Thrill! Why? The inspiration of the Tiffany Amber Spring/Summer 2010 collection is based off Diana Ross in the 1974 Motown hit, Mahogany. How unique! Folake Folarin-Coker is the standout designer of Tiffany Amber. The collection was the “S.” Sophisticated. Metallic detail, abstract prints, pops of bold colors, flirty chiffon makes Folake’s designes a breeze to fall for.

Key Notes:

• Foxy batwing sleeves
• Oh-so-fun chantilly lace
• Tousled hair
• Tangy orange glossy lips
• Rompers and jumpsuits
• Tassles, jewels, and silk, oh my!
• Playful metallic details
• Fond of chiffon

Eric Raisina Haute Textures:
Eric Raisina’s inspiration for his Spring/Summer 2010 collection is his place of birth, the beautiful country of Madagascar. It is no wonder that the talented designer used an intoxicating blend of colors that reflect everything from deep ocean blue to sunrise gradient shades in which he was surrounded by. I was especially awestruck when Chanel Iman strutted down the runway in a crimson fringed halter top with silk shorts and a grommet studded leather belt.

Key Notes:

• Chanel Iman
• Neon heels paired with a periwinkle dress
• Party-ready fringe details
• Yummy tie-dye
• Layered shorts (Do I see I new trend?)
• Layered pants
• Randomly welcomed crochet

David Tlale:
According to the lineup sheet, David Tlale’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection was inspired by “Africa’s rich artistic wealth.” This fabulous and glam ready-to-wear collection was full of surprises such as organza, a mixture of fringes and pleats, and Tyson Beckford. Tlale’s fun use of textures and colors made this a mesmerizing show to watch.

Key Notes:

• Sequins (Get ready to shine this summer)
• More tassles
• High ponytails
• Black and white color motif
• Brilliant beads
• Structured shoulders
• Pleats

  In addition to now having another favorite magazine to add to my list, I now have a list of four hot designers I will wait in eager anticipation to see next season.

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Christian Siriano Spring/Summer 2010 Collection: Unrequited Love

I have adored the brilliance of Siriano since his appearance on Project Runway. The love just intensified as I watched Siriano’s Spring/Summer 2010 Collection…on the flat screen in the tents. Burn! I compare this show to unrequited love because I, the enamored fan of Siriano, was at the entrance to get my seat at the show and the doors were shut in my face. Really. “Show’s full!” the attendant yells. Suddenly, a stampede of invited guests swarms toward the door with invitations in hand while telling heart-wrenching stories to the attendants as to why they must be allowed entry into the show. Again, the attendant says in a thunderous voice, “Show IS full!” I felt a connection with my fellow Siriano show rejects. There we all were in front of the flat screen sharing a moment of jealousy of the attendees, yet exuding a contagious anticipation of the collection as if we were a groom awaiting a bride to walk down the aisle.

The watercolor pattern on the invitation certainly served as a presage of the motif that would be featured on the styles within the collection. Colors ranged from soft tan, to various hues of blue to a punch of delicate amber and passionate red reminiscent to a sunset. Models teetered down the runway in booties, pumps, and sandals that had heels so high that they made the Empire State Building look like a joke. Not to mention, some of the models had to also contend with white, oversized hats. I was highly impressed! Also notable, were Siriano’s choice in fabrics and cuts. Dresses had plenty of movement in silk and chiffon. Things got kicked up a notch when a breathtaking silky butterscotch and dazzling sequin bustline gown glided down the runway. I and my fellow Siriano followers were awestruck.

Photo Credit: Samuel C. Perry

Key Notes:

• Bubble hemlines
• Playful metallic details on trench coats, sandals, and dresses
• Flirty chiffon
• The classic pencil skirt with an extra feminine twist by use of silk
• Asymmetrical details
•  Cinched waists
• Khaki kissed by a pop of color
• Wide-leg pants
• Mixed patterns

 I look forward to being wowed next season!

Monarchy Collection by Eric Kim: We Have Been Married for Ten Years

It was love at first sight. I liken this show to a long lasting marriage because usually you marry the person you would have never expected to be with. As a matter of fact you could have hated or flat out not known this person existed until…BAM! He enters your world and things have never been better. This indeed was the case for me in regards to my introduction to the Spring-Summer 2010 Monarchy Collection. Eric Kim is the hip, L.A.-bred designer behind the Monarchy Collection.

Photo Credit: Samuel C. Perry

After being one of the rejects that didn’t make the cut to view the Charlotte Ronson show, I made my lonely way over to the open bar. I type this with a jealous electronic sigh because I was abandoned. If you didn’t know, approved photographers have access to every show. Hence, Sam, my buddy-photographer-protégé, was able to get into Charlotte Ronson. As I picked my pride and tote bag off the ground, a writer I had befriended while waiting in line for the Ronson show invited me to come with her to see the presentation of Monarchy. I had no invite or RSVP. I politely gave my name and publication to the PR rep and she allowed me standing room. While waiting in line I was able to people watch fashionistas and grown men prance around in six inch heels (I still can’t get my head around this one). Janice Dickinson and a parade of photographers followed her to her seat inside the tent. She looked great!

I was able to snag a seat in the fourth row next to my new writer-friend. I noticed the runway was a faux cobble stone road. The backdrop was a delicate yellow with French style buildings that had a painted Monarchy banner hanging from one side to the other. The lights blinked and my romance began.

Models walked to a hip remix of Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody.” With a school girl grin on my face, I marveled at Kim’s use of metallic gold accents, upgraded takes on classics, and a season transitional color palette consisting of toffee khaki, deep ocean blue, and cotton white.

Photo Credit: Samuel C. Perry

Key Notes:
• Wayfarer sunglasses
• Skinny belts
• Lightweight trench coats and blazers
• Classic button-down shirts with a touch of flair
• Hot guys in light weight blazers partnered with slim cut Bermuda shorts
• Fall-Winter 2009 trending of distressed and ripped jeans continue into the spring in white wash and indigo wash
• Linen scarves
• Pin-stripes

Photo Credit: Samuel C. Perry

I was left feeling charmed. I was able to meet Kim outside of the Bryant Park Hotel. I proceeded to tell him how wonderful his collection was. As Sam and I walked away, a gentleman in Kim’s entourage yelled: “Wait until you see next season!” I will be anxiously waiting to see just what he will impress me with for the fall 2010 collection.

Twinkle by Wenlan: The First Boyfriend

I equate the Twinkle Spring-Summer 2010 Collection to a first boyfriend that had an exciting beginning, but for one reason or another just didn’t work out. You had your good times, but he just didn’t hold your attention. This was my first show in the tents and my first impression of Twinkle. The best part of this relationship, ahem, collection, was the flirty use of geometric patterns on billowy silhouettes that highlighted the feminine physique. Wenlan played with patterns and fabrics that would make even the most tomboy girl feel like a femme fatale.

There was not an empty seat in the pastel blue-hued tent. We all keenly awaited the show to the sweet sounds of electronica and house music. Suddenly the lights dimmed and spotlight touched the runway and out came the first model sashaying to “Heads Will Roll” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Peer into what I saw:

• Whimsical use of patterns on patterns
• Chunky jewelry by way of a necklace or bracelet
• Batwing dresses, tunics, and blouses
• Black and white motifs
• Tropicana orange lips on a muted face
• High-waist shorts
• Jumpsuit trend continuation from fall-winter 2009 translate into light-weight fabrics for spring-summer 2010
• Patterns on solar white dresses
• Sheer printed hosiery
• Deep “V-backs” on dresses – I call it the “reverse v-neck.” Use it and make it a term!
• Tiered dresses
• Angled pockets on trousers
• Peep-toe booties
• Shift dresses
• HAUTE use of lingerie fabrics such as lace and silk

Photo Credit: Samuel C. Perry

Certainly these styles are fit from runway to real way. Perhaps next season will make my eyes “twinkle” with complete excitement.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: The Spring-Summer 2010 Experience

By way of introduction to my coverage of Fashion Week, I must inform you that this was the FIRST time I have ever covered the shows in the tents. Last year I attended the off-site shows. There is nothing like being in the tents. It’s the Superbowl of fashion! I felt like such a groupie as I eagerly waited in anticipation for each viewing. It was also very thrilling to be surrounded by fellow fashion enthusiasts that eat Anna Sui designs for breakfast, snack on burnished leather throughout the day, and have a food baby as a result of overindulgence on Christian Siriano gowns for dinner. We all battled the elements for the sake of fashion. It truly was a beautiful thing! The show was also a first for my buddy-photographer-buyer-protégé, Sam. We both walked booth to booth in the tent soaking in every bit we could enjoy from this experience. Just say “YES!” to free drinks, beauty products, McCafe, and ambience. We both met very unique individuals in all fields ranging from writers to boutique owners. I look forward to next season!

My EXCITEMENT for Fashion’s Night Out – September 10, 2009

The time is finally here! The time of the year I cherish oh so much. NY Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off this morning in Bryant Park. By all means follow my journey through smiles, tears (from joy of course), and my tummy butterflies due to breathless spring and summer collections. Their will be plenty of mayhem and style…the two components that make me feel like pop rocks in a strawberry soda. Even if you aren’t able to personally attend the shows, you can have your part in free swag and serious fashion by showing up at one of the 700 retailer and designer participants across NYC for Fashion’s Night Out. Most of the events take place from 6 P.M. until 11 P.M. The best part is you do not need an invite; you just need to be present at one of the many locations. Check out some of my faves below. To view the entire lineup and get locations, go to www.fashionsnightout.com

• Get your denim hemmed and a garment embroidered at Madewell. Oh, and did I mention there will be manicures too? Did I also mention that all three are FREE?
• Get choosey! Hit the Lana Marks boutique on Madison Avenue to create your very own handbag with Lana’s assistance.
• Treat yourself to a pedicab at the Aveda Experience Center on Fifth Avenue & 19th Street.
• What’s better than a model that is high-fashion and spins tunes? Nothing. Dance and banter at the Mackage pop-up store from 9 P.M. to 11 P.M. Irina Lazareanu, an internationally renowned model, will be the DJ.
• Be sure to meet up with my favorite designers, Sam Shipley & Jeff Halmos at Pas De Deux.

Ciao guys and dolls! Be on the look out for more Fashion Week events…

The Battalion Is Chic-ly Here to Stay

I had the unique privilege of speaking with Linda Wong, the designer behind the eco luxury brand, The Battalion. Linda along with her sister, Chrys Wong, creates lovely and fashion-forward collections that are both earth friendly and trendsetting. I absolutely adore the fact that their collections are inspired by past eras in time and beloved scenes or quotes from a favorite book or movie. I didn’t have to think too hard or long as to why The Battalion is worn by such fashionistas as Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ashley Olsen…and will soon be worn by yours truly. The Battalion website states that the goal for the brand “is to be the modern purveyor of green luxury.” This goal is surely one that has been met.

If only someone could have viewed my face prior to the interview with Linda; you would have thought I was a teenage girl about to speak to a crush for the first time over the phone. As I sat all smiles and wide-eyed, I reviewed the Fall/Winter 2009 collection on the site for the fourth time taking more notes on the common thread I noticed throughout the collection. Usually when a collection gives me more butterflies than hearing “I love you” for the first time from a boyfriend I have dated for a year, I know the designer is a keeper. The inspiration of the fall and winter collection was “The Age of Discovery.” Lynda states that the collection was inspired by “the new world, the Louis and Clark expedition, and the state of current…this is a time of change.” Among the materials and techniques used were “hand smocking, faux fur…and veggie friendly faux leather,” says Lynda. I chose three of the hottest pieces (this was really hard to do!) from the collection that every tastemaker should have in her fall wardrobe:

The Bondage Dress – This sexy silhouette is perfect for the night out on the town with the girls. This is easily a classic piece that can be worn year round. Pair with a bootie in the fall and a stiletto sandal in the spring.

The Bondage Dress II

The Slash Back Tee – Rips and tears are THE must-have for this coming season. This tee is perfect because it is a great layering piece for fall when paired with a tank and a sultry tee in the summer when paired with a bikini top underneath.

Veggie Leather Ankle Zip Leggings – This is certainly the staple to have. Every femme fatale should have a classic black legging, a cable knit legging, a legging with funky patterns, and a leather legging. These are great because they are veggie leather which means no animal was sacrificed in order for you to be ahead of the fashion curve. Pair these hotties with a tunic. I will be sporting a pair in the tents during Fashion Week for sure.

Simply because I love sneak peeks, I was able to get Linda to give me a brief overview of what we can expect to see in the spring and summer collection. The collection in inspired by dances and ballet. Linda aptly describes the collection as “romantic” and says it is the “post-performance ballerina after the adrenaline of being on stage.” I look forward to being mesmerized yet again.

I always love to get the definition of what fashion is from various individuals because you get such a colorful array of answers. Linda’s is by far among one of my favorite viewpoints. “It is a form of expression and gives people identity,” says Wong. “Fashion is supposed to be exciting.” The Battalion is certainly the personification of excitement.

Check out the collections at www.thebattalionclothing.com

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