Coquette

NYFW: Vivienne Tam Fall 2013

(Photos: Elle.com, Imaxtree, and Alessandro Lucioni)

It seemed only fitting that Vivienne Tam show her Fall collection on the day of Chinese New Year. The collection was Asian inspired with a rock edge. The collection colored in red, black and white features a fun print of silkscreened images of President Obama in sunglasses laughing.

In addition to the playfulness, Vivienne makes a philanthropic statement by incorporating the SaveLoveGive logo in her designs to promote the organization that encourages eliminating waste (printed bills, texts, etc) and proposes online management of wireless plans that with the savings gives microloans to women in need.

I have always enjoyed Vivienne's adaption of new technology. This season she brings a QR code dress to life as the dot matrix image as seen above in the dress worn by Vivenne herself.

You can view the full collection on Elle.com.

Here's to the year of the snake and long life!

~Leigh

NYFW: DL 1961 Fall 2013

(Photos: WWD.com)

Natalie and I both are huge DL 1961 fans. So, watching the Fall collection now as spring is just hitting the stores is just cruel, because we want everything to wear right now. I truly want every pair of pants, shirt and jacket shown. Leather. Peplum. Perfection! At the top of my wish list is the cobalt blue leather peplum top with matching leather pants and the black leather top with gray python metallic jeans.

Going all black gets a chic twist with the black asymmetrical top with leather trim paired with the black quilted leather jeans. I have to admit the gold peplum leather ensemble is pretty sick. GOLD LEATHER PEPLUM! 

I love how DL 1961 kicks-off their shows with a performance. Every fashion show should have dancing, am I right? Watch the dance opening, show and view the Fall collection on their website.

~Leigh

NYFW: Custo Barcelona Fall 2013

(Photos: Elle.com)

Custo Barcelona always puts on a fun show and you can be sure there will be lots of color and playful elements. His fall collection did not disappoint. The tapestry-like designs with it's array of colors and metallics really caught my eye. My favorite look was this gray wool top, gold skirt and tapestry coat combo. So chic!

The mix of fabrics and prints were put together in such ingenious ways. I love the zipper placements on the leather top (left) and dress (right).

The fall show also featured menswear which integrated well with the women's collection. It was just as colorful!

See the full collection on Elle.com

On my way out of the show, I saw fashion icon/photojournalist Bill Cunningham taking a shot of show attendee. What a fashion/NY moment!

~Leigh

NYFW: KaufmanFranco Fall 2013

(Photos: WWD)

KaufmanFranco is known for designs that mix sophistication and edge. The show was a fantastic Fall collection filled with leather, python, sequins and paillettes (they called them "fishscales" at the show). The dresses were gorgeous.

Below are a few more of my favorite looks:

The jade one shouldered silk crepe silver column dress is everything!

p.s. I sat behind Ashley Greene and Maggie Grace! Both are stunning.

 
Watch the show/view the full collection. 

~Leigh

NYFW: Nina Skarra Fall 2013

(Photos: WWD)

Pleats, pleats and more pleats! Nina Skarra's Fall 2013 presentation was full of feminine dresses with beautiful pleated detail that could easily go from the office to an evening out. I really liked the black fitted dress with pleated neck detail and the ivory plunging v neck dress with pleated detail. Perfect for a fancy event!



From her bio, I discovered that Nina focuses on the development of green, sustainable design. The concept of her sustainability is about the whole footprint of the product, from raw material to disposal. She uses silk, wool, bamboo, soya, eco leather, and organic cotton. All these materials are 100% biodegradable and 100% eco friendly. Beautiful clothes and good for the environment!

 
Watch the full presentation above.

~Leigh

NYFW: Vivienne Tam Spring 2013

My favorite show of fashion week is Vivienne Tam. Her clothes are absolutely beautiful and the show draws a great diverse crowd.

The Spring 2013 collection was inspired by the five elements of Chinese cosmology: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. From the organza sheath to the cutwork tee, the collection was filled with geometric shapes in warm hues of red, gray and green. Every piece was gorgeous. I want the entire collection.

The jewelry the models wore is a collaboration with TSL Jewellery and will be sold with the Spring collection.The pieces were stunning!

You can view the full collection here.

Here are more of my favorites from the collection:

 

(Photos: Alessandro Luciori/Elle.com)

The after party was held at Hakkasan and it should be said that it probably was the best party I've been to in New York. From the gorgeous Chinese influenced setting to the strawberry martinis to the dumplings and fabulous crowd. What an incredible night!

~Leigh

 

NYFW: HP Styles Anya

(Photo: Anya Ayoung-Chee)

By Leigh Ferreira

Project Runway season 9 winner Anya Ayoung-Chee presented her Spring/Summer 2013 collection Carnival of Colour at a lunch at Morimoto hosted by HP.

I loved Anya's colorful island style on Project Runway, so I was excited to see her collection. It was full of vibrant colors, flowy dresses, beach wear and beautiful prints, as you would expect.

You can see the full collection and pics of the event here.

My favorite pieces were this romper and blazer.


(Photo: Anya Ayoung-Chee)

I got the chance to meet Anya and talk to her about her design process and use of technology. She started as a graphic designer so feels at ease designing on the computer and said she really loves the flexibility of designing and modifying digitally. She also enjoys using Facebook and Twitter to promote her work and connect with her fans too.

As part of the event, we also did two DIY projects:

The first was create a Polyvore set with Anya's collection. This was really fun! What do you think of the Coquette set? Anya is going to choose a winner from the submissions.

The second project we were able to use the HP TouchSmart and design software to create our own patterns like they did on Project Runway. I luved this marriage of design and technology. Plus, it was so easy to use. We then printed our designs out to make customized mugs. You can see all the designs here along with pics of us designing.

Take a look at the one I designed for Coquette and if you like it, please cast a vote for us by liking it on facebook. The design with the most facebook likes wins!

~Leigh

NYFW: DL1961 Spring 2013

By Leigh Ferreira

DL1961 presented their first runway show at New York Fashion Week in a big way!

Set on a pier along the Hudson River, the show kicked off with performance dance IN THEIR JEANS, followed by models in acid washed, distressed, prints, textured, hand embroidered and leather accented jeans, and ended with and after party featuring Mia Moretti spinning along with electric violinist Caitlin Moe. DL1961 vodka lemonades were served with grilled cheese and tater tots from Gorilla Cheese truck. Yum! It truly was an amazing show and after party. You can catch the full video of the fashion show above.

DL1961 jeans really are the perfect fitting jean. I can't say enough about the fit and comfort. I live in mine. I'm happy that the colored jean trend is continuing in to next Spring, but really excited for the new prints, metallics and the hand embroidered jeans.

Here are a few of my favorites from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection:

(Photos: DL1961)

It was amazing to see the audience filled with smartphones or iPads taking pictures and videos. I was surprised to see everyone around me instagramming once they had the perfect shot. EVERYONE! I'm guessing that fashion folks must be Instagram's largest group of users. Luv the fashion + tech!

~Leigh

NYFW: Vivienne Tam Fall 2012

(Photos: Imaxtree.com/Matteo Volta, Elle.com)

Always favorite show of the season, Vivienne Tam did not disappoint. Her collection was filled with warm jewel toned (that purple!) skirts, pants and dresses. The rich silks and silk brocade, Chinese motifs (see the exquisite dragon above), patterns (zig zags and stripes) and furry collar everything were unexpected, delightful and fun. I loved the very tailored, layered look of jackets and skirts over pants. And Vivienne's modern take on the Chinese red dress (cheongsam) was beautiful. Fall can not come soon enough. One of everything please!

(Photos: Imaxtree.com/Matteo Volta, Elle.com)

View video of the show and the entire Vivienne Tam Fall 2012 Collection on VivienneTam.com.

~Leigh

NYFW: Tibi Fall 2012

(Photos: Imaxtree.com/Matteo Volta, Elle.com)

I'm a longtime fan of Tibi and their lovely printed dresses, so I was excited to attend their Fall 2012 show.

The looks began with the usual black, charcoal and navy wool sweaters, as well as stylish pants and skirts. Then boom out came window pane! Bird print and jewel toned metallic leather skirts/pants graced the runway. Gorgeous! I love the wine metallic skirt pictured top right. 

 

(Photos: Imaxtree.com/Matteo Volta, Elle.com)

This quote from founder/designer Amy Smilovic sums up the collection: "I always think a woman should dress in contradictions – youthful and sophisticated, masculine and feminine, bold and muted colors."

View photos of the entire Tibi Fall 2012 Collection on Elle.com.

 

~Leigh